Chapter 34
Later that night, Manisha gazed up at her bedroom ceiling, desperately wishing that the gods her mother always prayed to were listening.
She was relieved to have confessed what she had done to Deena.
But it also made the problem seem much more acute.
Before, she had been able to keep it contained, but now the truth was out in the open.
That said, out in the open didn’t yet extend to Sunil.
Uncannily, her phone buzzed with a message from him.
Did I mention I don’t do patience well when I’ve had a few drinks?
I don’t, either…, she replied.
Isha, there’s also something I need to tell you.
Manisha shot up in her bed as his reply came in. What could Sunil have to tell her? The thought triggered her fears around relationships all over again—Oliver’s betrayal had really done a number on her…
What is it? she hesitantly typed back, her mind racing.
Sunil replied quickly.
I’ve got a lot on my mind, Isha. And I’ll admit, maybe the wine’s talking a bit, but I’ve really missed your emails tonight.
I want us both to be able to share whatever it is.
Maybe we can promise to hear each other out and be supportive, no matter what comes out.
What do you think? Team Sunil and Ish? xo S
The tone of Sunil’s email was surprising.
She was certainly guilty of not being truthful with Sunil, but now she felt concern about what Sunil might have to reveal. What were his secrets? A hidden family, a short fuse, an extra toe…Manisha tried to stop her vodka soda?induced thoughts from spiralling.
Oh, no—this was it. Deena had been on to something, hadn’t she?
Manisha was about to find out that she was being catfished after all.
God, she knew better than to blindly place her trust in people, in strangers, in men, especially when it came to her heart.
Why did everyone insist on keeping things from her?
What was it about her that said, “Why yes, I would like you to hold back the truth, please”?
But as quickly as these cynical thoughts crossed Manisha’s mind, just as quickly, her awareness of their sanctimony followed. Wasn’t she also keeping something from Sunil? And her family? The harsh realization left a gnawing pit of guilt in her stomach.
Deena’s observation was accurate. She needed to consider the situation carefully. For once, she would handle this maturely. She wouldn’t respond impulsively—instead, she would put her phone away until she sobered up.