Page 28
Krish gave her a casual shrug. “It never really came up.”
Natasha looked from Krish to Trisha and smiled.
“So let me get this straight. Two people from Mumbai meet at a resort in the Maldives and somehow discover that their fathers belong to the same little town.”
“Looks like we just made the world a little smaller,” Trisha said with a chuckle.
Before either of them could continue, a resort staff member approached Natasha.
“Ma’am, your transfer boat has arrived.”
Natasha immediately stood. “Finally.”
She picked up her handbag and reached for her suitcase.
“It was really nice meeting you both.”
“Likewise,” Trisha replied warmly.
Natasha turned towards Krish, then paused. “And maybe one day you should go visit Dharamgad.”
Krish gave her a faint smile. “I’m not sure. I don’t think it’s really my kind of place.”
Natasha nodded, as though she understood why he said that, before following the staff towards the jetty.
Krish watched her disappear through the open entrance. For several seconds, he remained silent. Trisha noticed. She leaned back against the couch and studied him.
“You never told me Dad is from Dharamgad.”
“There was never much to tell.” Krish finally looked at her. “Dad was born there and spent the first few years of his life there. Then he left for his studies, started working, and eventually settled in Austria. By then, GLEN had become his entire life.”
Now Trisha seemed genuinely interested. “Does he still visit Dharamgad?”
“Once every three or four years, perhaps,” Krish replied. “Usually to meet his cousin.”
“His cousin?” Trisha looked surprised. “So you actually have family there?”
“Technically, yes. But I’ve never met most of them.” He paused, searching his memory. “I think his name is Dhanraj... Dhanraj Rajvanshi. He’s Dad’s cousin brother and still lives in Dharamgad with his family.”
“Wow. So you actually have an extended family there, Krish?” Trisha remarked, looking at him with renewed excitement. “Don’t you think you should visit them someday? Maybe take your dad along?”
“Not a chance.” Krish’s answer came too quickly. “I’ve never had any desire to go there.”
“What does that mean?” She frowned.
Krish sighed, settling back against the couch. “Because Dharamgad is stuck in another era in a lot of ways. The place is still deeply patriarchal. The old families hold on to their traditions as though they’re laws that can never be questioned.” His expression hardened slightly. “Men are expected to lead. Women are expected to adjust. And most people are born into a role that’s already been decided for them before they’re even old enough to understand what they want.”
Trisha watched him quietly.
“And I don’t agree with any of it,” he continued. “Not even remotely.” A faint smile returned to his face. “I believe people should be free to decide who they want to be, regardless of whether they’re a man or a woman. I don’t need a town, a family, or some centuries-old tradition telling me what a man should be or what a woman should be allowed to do.”
“Good.” Trisha slipped her arm through his. “And if Dharamgad really is as patriarchal as you’re making it sound, I wouldn’t survive there for a week either.”
Krish laughed in agreement. “You’d probably start a revolution by the second day.”
“Probably?” She raised an eyebrow. “Definitely.”
His laughter grew. Just then, the resort manager approached.
