Episode 9

*** SAM I wake up very early in the morning and have my bath then proceeded to wear my clothes before taking my camera into the kitchen to make myself a bowl of cereal. I find Charu whisking only what the heaven knows. The mere sight of her infuriates me to the core. I mean it's bad enough that Adi's mother brought her here to rile me up and now I have to see her face everywhere I go. Damn! I quickly make my cereal and exit the kitchen to the dinner table. I sit down and eat quietly while occasionally checking the lenses of my camera. I hear footsteps coming down the stairs and for a second there I am frightened thinking it was Adi's mom but my fear is subdued when Adi kisses me on the cheeks. "Morning Sam" he greets and I release a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Morning Adi. Sleep well" "I think" he replies and pulls out a chair beside me to sit down. I touch his head with my palm to feel his temperature. "Feels normal" I mused "I'm fine Sam. I swear I am" he responds and just then Charu Walks in with a tray containing breakfast which I am certain is his. She places it in front of him with a big smile on her face. He lets out a frustrated growl "what is this Charu?" "Your breakfast" she replies gleefully "I'll have cereal for breakfast and if I ever want to eat anything, my fiancee or Payal will make it for me. You don't have to do this" "I know but your mom..." "...then take it to her please. Thank you and Sam please make me another bowl of cereal before you step out" he responds with an air of finality. I know Adi way to much to know that when he's taken a decision in a mood like this, no argument or discussion will change his mind so I quickly went to make him his breakfast. After eating, I clear the dishes before stepping out. I told Adi I was going for sight seeing but that's just a half baked lie. I'm actually trying to kill two birds with one stone. While I'm out, I'll try to keep my eyes open for someone trustworthy who can help me achieve my goals. So far, I have less than twenty five days to find a guru cause time is running out. I take a car. Adi's Idea. I don't blame him though. He's just trying to look out for me. First I arrive at the market. I explore to my satisfaction and make it to the river nearby. I take a few shots before leaving to explore other places. . ARCHISHA . I wake up and make breakfast for the entire family immediately after my bath. After serving them, I put on my slippers, wear my bangles and take a small bag. I then say a short prayer before stepping outside my room. "Going somewhere?" My mother asks stopping me on my tracks. "Yes I'm going to find a job" I mutter whilst arranging the dupatta on my neck. "Why waste your time looking for menial jobs?" My aunt speaks up "just look for a rich man and get married to him. You're weren't born lucky like Veera. I heard she already got a job because her father pulled some strings and very soon she'll get married to a wealthy man and where does that leave you? Picking scraps?" She concludes, stuffing her mouth with food. Ignoring her I turned to my mother and said "I'll be back before nightfall. Hopefully If I find something for myself" I bend down to touch her feet which symbolizes taking her blessings. "Bless you and may the almighty Grant all your desires" "Can we come with you?" Kuhu asks and I sigh "No. See you later" I reply before I step out of the house. I board a tuck-tuck and go straight to the market first. Upon arrival, I notice that everyone is busy. "Good day sir" I greet clasping my hands together. "Do you need someone to work here for you? I'm a very good..." "No miss. Try somewhere else" he waves me off and I nod my head in understanding. I went to another stall and it's the same thing. I did it for an hour but I still wasn't able to change anyone's mind so I gave up and decided to go home. On my way home, I stopped by at a temple to pray. After praying, I was about to leave when I spotted a lady who was taking pictures but my focus was on the boy who was trying to pick pocket from her bag. "Hey" I yell as loud as I can as I run down the temple stairs. I pick a stone from the ground and throw it at him but he dodges and runs away. "Are you okay miss?" I ask as soon as I get to her. "Huh?" "You're welcome." I sharply reply "I mean he was trying to steal from you. Your bag is open, can you understand me?" I say and points at her bag. She looks down immediately and gasps at the revelation. "Thank you so much" she replies zipping it up while I nod and turn to go. "Excuse me" she speaks up again and I stop in my tracks. "Yes" "I'm Sam" she introduced herself and I simply nod "Archisha" I say "Don't you remember me? We met yesterday after the festival. But you left before I even got a chance to talk to you" she explains and that's when it hits me. "Yes I remember you now. Sorry I left. I had other things to take care of" "It's okay. You don't need to apologise. What are you doing here?" She asks "I'm trying to find myself a job. It was nice meeting you again" I tell her sincerely and turns to go but she stops me again. "Can we talk? I have a favour to ask from you" "Sure" I respond. We walk to a corner and sit down. She explains everything that has happened to me and how she wants me to be her guru else she loses the love of her life to another woman. As much as I'd love to help her, I don't want to involve myself in another family's drama. "I'd really love to help you Sam but I don't think I'd want to involve myself in your issues" I tell her sincerely. "Please Archisha. You're my last hope. I really don't know who to ask and I have only one month so I don't have enough time to search for someone else" she pleads "I'm sorry but no" I say and turn to walk away. "I'll pay you five hundred and Two pounds which is approximately fifty thousand rupees per month" she says and I stop on my tracks. "What?" "What about a week? You said you're looking for a job so let me pay you to work for me. I'm sorry if I'm putting you in such pressure but I don't have a choice. I'm desperate" she adds "You can think about it if you want. Think about it tonight and call me in the morning if you change your mind" she tells me and puts a paper in my palm. "That's my number. I'll be expecting your call. Thank you very much" she concludes before walking away. What kind of test are you trying to put me through dear almighty. It's already tiring that I have to walk around town looking for where to work and now you throw this at me. I prayed for you to help me and not put me through series of tests. I turn towards the direction she took and I notice her getting into a car which immediately speeds off when she closes the door. I'll have to go home first and talk to mother and then I'll know what to do. . . Love With Benefits .