"Ma, I'll come home a little late. We were held up at work and are staying back for the later capoeira batch!" Sanyukta informed Anju who asked her to head straight homeward after the class wound up. Anju was getting dinner ready when the doorbell rang and she was surprised, they hardly got visitors and Sanyukta had just told her that she was returning late. She wondered who it could be. She rinsed her hands, drying them quickly before rushing out to answer the door. She was really taken aback to see the person standing on her doorstep.

"Hi Anju, mind if I come in?" Harsh Shekhawat asked with a slight smile. Anju's eyes flashed a look of uncertainty before her sense of propriety kicked in. "Of course, please come in!" She stepped aside to admit the visitor, leading him into the drawing room. Get a hold of yourself Anju, she reminded herself, trying to calm her nerves and went to get him a glass of water while he made himself comfortable. "How are you feeling now Anju?" Harsh asked. "Absolutely fine, the doctor said there was no need to worry any more!" She avoided telling him more, specifically leaving out the rider about the potential risks in the future.

"You know what Anju, you could never lie then and you still cannot! I know you are keeping things from me, I was expecting this." Harsh said with a poker face, trying to conceal the concern that he felt for the woman who had been everything for him once. "No, Harsh! I am actually feeling fine, nothing to worry about! Besides, Sanyukta has really transformed into a mature and responsible daughter, and I have you to thank for it!" Anju tried to switch the subject of discussion, she was not comfortable being cross-questioned by him about her health. Things were different two decades ago, and Harsh was behaving the same now, even when their circumstances were different.

"I did nothing Anju, it was Randhir who had taken her complete responsibility, and I am happy that he has seen it through so far. And you are right, Sanyukta has made a lot of progress in the past few weeks, she is quite a lady now! I met her at work today." Harsh gave her a warm smile and Anju felt a surge of pride, Harsh had always been genuine with his compliments. "What can I get you to drink Harsh?" She asked him courteously. "A large whisky on the rocks!" Harsh replied with mischief in his eyes and once more Anju did not know how to react. "I meant, tea or coffee!" She asked him. "You still make that filter coffee with cardamon?" He asked, with a faraway expression. "Of course, just give me a couple of minutes!" She turned to go into the kitchen.

"I am hungry too Anju, I know you serve Sanyukta a hot snack when she gets home!" Harsh said in anticipation. "I can make you a dosa if you like!" She offered and he accepted instantly, following her into the kitchen. "If you are wondering why I am being so intrusive then let me warn you, I am not as well-mannered as I look, but you know that already!" He had a glint in his eyes once more and she turned her back to him, focusing on spreading the smooth batter evenly around on the heated frying pan, rather than being a part of his overtness. His phone rang as soon as he sat down at the kitchen table, it was Renuka, asking him when he was getting home. "I'm tied up right now, but should be back in an hour's time!" He assured his wife before she disconnected.

"I know what you want to ask me Anju, of course she does not know I am here, she will raise hell if she finds out!" He said recklessly. Anju opened her mouth to counter him but changed her mind. Instead she placed the coffee and the plate of dosa and tomato chutney before him without saying a word. "Some things don't seem to change with time, this food is addictive!" Harsh remarked as he dug into the dosa. "I'll have a couple more dosas!" He asserted. "You just told your wife you'll be back in time for dinner!" Anju reminded him. "Spare me, I know there will be pumpkin soup and salad waiting for me when I get back. Let me enjoy this indulgence." He continued to devour the dosas as she served him more. 

Anju continued to work silently, uncertain about what was happening. She knew Renuka took meticulous care of Harsh's diet, the Shekhawats ate healthy and worked out regularly. Only Renuka could ensure such discipline at home, Anju thought to herself. She felt guilty about serving him the ghee roast dosa that he was savouring so eagerly. "Sit down, Anju. I need to explain the reason for my visit." He told her and she sat down across from him. Harsh went on to explain that he wanted her to be a part of the new educational initiatice the school board was undertaking. She was a teacher par excellence with an exceptional track record, she would be the apt person to head the team that he was proposing. He went on to explain the intricate details, emphasising on the benefits of the program. 

"I don't know Harsh, I've always been an educator, I have very little administrative experience. How can I accept such a massive responsibility?" She sounded doubtful. "If you accept we will put you through a professional training course for a year before you assume formal charge. Of course for the sake of transparency you will have to qualify by appearing for an entrance exam after which there will be an interview with the board members. I know you are more than capable of clearing both rounds on merit!" He added. "Why are you making me this offer Harsh? You know how Renuka will react if she finds out!" She saw no point in mincing words.

"I am a businessman Anju, I don't make errors of judgement. Stop linking Renuka with everything I do professionally. The decision is mine to make. You have undermined your potential long enough, now somebody needs to plan for a better financial future for you and your daughter, and trust me, you cannot beat my business acumen even if you try! Here, I am leaving the application blank for you, I expect to see it submitted by the end of this week. Discuss it with Sanyukta if you wish to have a second opinion, the terms and conditions are fully explained in the document attached. I'll take your leave now, Anju. Think things over and make the right decision. And thank you for your hospitality!" She rose after him as he walked toward the door. 

Anju was so preoccupied she hardly realised when Randhir's SUV pulled into her courtyard and Sanyukta got off. As the girl thanked Randhir and bid him farewell she was amazed to see Harsh leaving her home and waving her goodbye before getting into the car. The two women stood at the door watching the car drive off and Sanyukta turned to Anju with a quizzical look on her face. Anju briefed her about Harsh's offer, showing her the application blank as they got into the house. Sanyukta was a bit confused as neither Randhir nor Harsh had mentioned anything about the latter paying her mother a visit. She realised that she had been kept back in the office on purpose, so that Harsh may speak to Anju alone.

On the other side, on their drive back home Randhir asked Harsh about Anju's reaction to the offer. "She was so foxed to see me she did not know how to react! But I am sure Sanyukta will talk sense into her. That woman has been too idealistic and naive for her own good, I need to help her secure her future, with or without her explicit co-operation. In any case Randhir,  I think I am offering her too little too late!" Randhir decided not to probe further, his father was wracked with guilt and worry after he found out about Anju's health. He had probably spent the rest of his holiday planning out this scheme to help find her a job position with better prospects. The way he had worked it, it would not be easy for anyone to prove a link between the scheme and Harsh Singh Shekhawat. Only Harsh, Randhir, Anju and Sanyukta were privy to this information.