The Dinner & the Aftermath

It wasn't like this was an everyday gathering, the six of us sitting around a table. It almost feels like a terrible joke: A tired writer, a cuckold wife, an entitled son, a horn-dog dad, an unreadable lawyer, and a young boy-toy walk into a bar...

I almost chuckle to myself. I've never been good at jokes, but I've also never been short of words. But tonight, we're all silent. Even me. Everyone seems distracted by whatever is on their mind. The small talk before we sat has died and we look like a bunch of kids too hungry to care about socialising.

The past few nights weren't like this. They were fun, untethered. Joyful. The food was divine, as always. The drinks flowed until the poor crew had to basically tell us to bugger off to our rooms. But tonight, the air in here is pregnant, like there's an imminent birth is due any second kind of pregnant, and it has nothing to do with the storm churning further out at sea, still relentlessly rocking our boat.

The air fizzles around us tonight like static energy; all those unspoken words and curious glances. They know something is up, and I wish Bhawani would quit making it so damn obvious that she's in on whatever it is, and thus, uncomfortable.

Bhawani sits opposite me at the round table, avoiding everyone's gazes, slurping loudly on her—is it third?—apple martini. She likes the sour stuff. She always has, since we were kids. But three is a little too much for her ... 'Stop it,' I want to yell but can't.

Marvin attempts to break the ice in his usual, tasteless way. "So, Devi, how does it feel to have lived forty-three years on this blue ball? Enjoying the middle age yet?"

"I don't know, Marv. You tell me," I grumble. "You're further along in the ages than I am. How's the view from your soon-to-be single mountain? Any tips on how to chase tail or navigate a mid-life crisis?"

That's it, isn't it? I suddenly realise. I'm fucking having a mid-life crisis. This trip. These people, most of whom I loathe. My inherent need to start life afresh? Holy shit, I'm fucking having a mid-life crisis.

Luckily for Marvin—dear self-absorbed Marvin—doesn't know the annoying discussion he's inadvertently started in my mind. He takes a sip from his glass and chuckles, going red in the face. Loser. I can't believe I ever slept with that tosser ... not once but three times! Ugh, there isn't enough soap in this world to wash that shame off me.

I almost thank the lord when our first course arrives. Miles, 'Jack-of-all-trades' Miles, and the maid girl, Gauri—I notice the name on her badge for once—bring out the first of our seven-course degustation. A familiar tangy scent wafts from the dishes in deft hands coming towards us and I ignore the elephant in the room.

I sniff the air. Aloo-Tama, ala soup version, sans the lumpiness of our traditional dish. No stringy fresh bamboo to chew through, no black-eyed peas blinking at you from the swarm, no potato to bite down on, hungry for more. Just as I asked. Smooth. My mouth immediately salivates.

Gauri—lovely name!—catches me looking at her like a starving cat. She smiles, that sweet youthful face of hers and those plump lips reminding me of myself once. Gauri.

A faint memory of a newborn's cry rings in my ears. A strange flutter stabs my chest. I shake it off and grab my glass. That was a long time ago. A long time ago and I've put it behind me.

She places the soup before me and I clear my throat. Let's get this party truly started. "Uh-ahem."

The five heads just as mesmerised by what is essentially pulverised Aloo-Tama, a go to winter dish in Nepal, snap up in my direction. A nervous pool of heat settles in my chest. I raise my glass, trying to don Devi Dhungel's cloak around me one the last time.

"Thank you all, for giving up your time and spending the past few days with me, to celebrate my birthday. Another year, another year older, and I'm no closer to finding my happily ever after but—"

"Hear, hear!" Marvin raises his glass, loudly interrupting me. "Here's to Devi, this yacht, this fine yacht—that has my name on it—and this lovely group around us on a lovely night. Happy birthday, Devi! May you wrinkle slower and live longer." He clinks his glass with Don, sitting next to him, grinning like a fool. "And may you continue to take us out on these ridiculous trips, forever!"

Don't think I will do that, and I must tell Johann to change the damn name. Appalled, yet caught in the hoopla of it all, I raise my glass, politely take the incoming clinks, and drink to a chorus of "To Devi."

Then, it's like watching ravenous lions pounce on the food before them. The bread basket floats around, mouths too full, trying to get a conversation going—'this trip has been so fun, like who spends their birthdays on yachts other than rich people'—and I sit here almost forgotten. I don't mind. I'm starving too. I didn't exactly get to finish my lunch, did I?

I reach for my spoon and a hand grabs mine mid-air. Ryan. My poor pecker. I'd almost forgotten about him. He pulls my hand, spoon and all, to his lips and kisses the back of it, then, while others are busy stuffing their faces, he leans in and kisses me, a little too passionately before saying, "Happy birthday!"

"Thank you!" I try to hold on to my nerve. I'm still Devi Dhungel to these people so I have to save face. "It's getting cold by the minute." I dive into my soup before he can say or ask anything else. Stop looking at me that way and eat your soup.

The next thing I see from the corner of my eyes is a small royal blue velvet box sliding my way. Oh shit, it's the 'gaudy' ring Vinay mentioned to Bhav, isn't it?

"Devi," he begins.

Shit. Not now. Mate. Not now. What do I do? What do I do?

Next thing, I'm bloody pushing back my chair, practically jumping out of it at this stage, clutching my drink in hand, tapping my spoon to the side of my glass. "Everyone. Everyone. I have something to say." I don't. Not yet, but here I am, about to blather.

This was not the plan. I was planning to save this until dessert, and then escape quickly to my room to avoid the fallout. Instead, here I am, standing like a moron.

They all pause, a spoonful of soup in hand or a mouthful of bread. Curious gazes fixed on me. Talk about pregnant! Even Don, who rarely gives much away with his expression, is staring at me, his brows slightly quirked.

I lick my lips and finish of the dregs of my last The Mile Screw. Here goes. Shit. "I have an announcement," I say again.

Across from me, Bhawani sits up straight for once. Her eyes, alert. Her gaze steady on me, virtually asking me, 'Is it time? Is it that time?'

No, it's not, but it's all I can think of to keep Ryan from popping the question. My mind scrambles for words, trying to arrange and rearrange them in a format these morons can easily digest. Perhaps I'm taking too long.

Vinay tuts and mutters, "Get on with it or let us eat!" He picks his spoon back up, ready to devour the soup.

"I'm leaving Sydney," I blurt. No preamble. No setting the scene. Not the way I had waned anyway.

Faces stare at me in confusion.

My assistant, Unati asks, "For how long should I set up the out-of-office email?"

There won't be an out-of-office or an office. "No need." I shake my head and repeat, a little slower, a little louder. "I am leaving."

Ryan shakes his head, all gleeful smiles. "Leaving? But babe, where are we going? You never mentioned this before."

I have no plans to take you. "I'm sorry, Ryan. I can't do this anymore." Fuck. And this was definitely not how I wanted to let him go.

"Can't do what?" His tone takes on coldness.

Others shift on their chair, looking at the two of us like we are a play put on for their entertainment tonight.

"I can't do this—"

"She can't do you anymore, dude. Take the hint!" Vinay groans. "She's been trying to lay you off all day, dumbass."

I bite my tongue. I could smack that kid!

"You what?" Ryan stands, hurt splashed all over his handsome face. "You're breaking up with me? Right now? When I just proposed?"

"I didn't ask you to." I sigh.

"But we've been talking about a future together!" He throws his napkin on the table, and part of it lands in his soup. "How can you do this to me, of all the days, tonight?"

"You've been talking about our future." I point out, almost bored. "I never implied such a thing. You're good, kid, and I had fun—"

"Fun?" He nearly screams, going red in the face. "Fun? That's all I am to you? Fun? After using me more than a year for your pleasures—"

"Enough!" Heat rises to my cheek. I never intended to break the kid's heart in such a public fashion. I meant to do it later tonight when he'll insist like every other night to come to my bedroom. I've run out of excuses: headaches, dizziness, sleepiness. "I'm not marrying anyone. Ever. It's not you! It's me." Ugh, I can't believe I'm pulling that clichéd line! "I am a one-and-done person. I married Charlie. I'm done. And I'm leaving." I try to bring this conversation back to my true intention... One down, three to go.

Ryan scoffs next to me and storms out of the dining hall. His soup barely touched. Pour guy. I must have really hurt him tonight. I try not to let the ring box pull my attention. I hold my head up high and address the rest of the table. "I'm selling everything I have, except the unit Charlie gifted me, and a couple of others, for my retirement, and I'm putting all that money in a trust, to go to my beneficiary after I'm gone if there's any left. I'm done."

I look around at the gloomy faces again. "My career is dead in the waters and I'm living in the past. Now, I'm going to live how Charlie wanted me to. Free ..." This is it, this is the moment I've been waiting for, the moment I planned this entire trip around. "Free from all of you." I look at each of them before I say, "Except Bhav."

I look at my sister then. "The offer stands. Whenever you want to join me."

My sister nods, and that seems to do it, cause an eruption. Both Marvin and Vinay leap to their feet, pissed.

"What the fuck do you mean you're leaving?" Marvin growls.

"What do you mean you're selling everything? What the fuck?" Vinay nearly shouts.

"You mean, you mean I'm unemployed now?" Unati is close to tears. "But what about my manu—" she stops there, scanning the room, taking it all in. So much for happy fucking birthday to me!

And Don, dear unreadable Don, actually looks shocked. He did not see this coming, even if he saw the rest of it. He's the one who helped me plan it. The Will, the yacht, the staff, the trip! His look says it all. 'We need to talk.'

Nope, we won't. I'm letting you go too, mate. I'm letting everything go. My past life. Devi Dhungel, the writer. I'm done. I'm shedding that old skin.

"And where will you go?" he asks, measured. His face rearranged back to the mask he always wears. The controlled man. Though I know for a fact Don's life is as perfect as mine—not. I'm probably the only constant in his life. The retainer alone is eye-watering, and as much as I'd love to keep his small private practice alive, I no longer need him to handle my affairs. From this night forward, I'm a simple gal, living a simple life.

I'm glad for his question though. It seems to cause others to pause and wait for my answer. "I'd like to go to Nepal first. Get back in touch with the version of me I once was. Then, who knows? Wherever the wind and the mood take me, I suppose."

"What about your work here?" I hear the desperation in Unati's voice. She feels betrayed. "You were going to take me under your wing."

I never promised you a career, kid. "I'm a writer. All I need is a laptop and the occasional Wi-Fi for research and communicating with my agent or editor. I can do it from anywhere. And right now, I don't even have that anymore, not unless this book does well on launch."

"Why are you doing this?" Marvin asks, almost back to normal, though a storm brews behind his eyes. He's angry. It's there in the set of his jaw. It's there in the squint of his eyes. He's never liked surprised, even though the man flings enough of them in poor Bhawani's direction.

"Because, Marvin," I say his name pointedly. "I'm tired of living this way. I'm tired of you and your son pretending what is mine is yours. I'm tired of both of your attitudes! I'm tired of your faces, and the way you treat my sister, who's taken more shit from you than a boxer in a ring. And I'm done, being the breadwinner for you. I'm not your fucking wife—" I glare at Marv, then turn my gaze to the son—"And I definitely didn't give birth to your bratty ass."

"Excuse me!" Vinay is about to blow steam out of his ears. He throws back his chair, and glares down at his mother. "Can you believe this fucking bitch?" He turns to me then, like he will launch at my throat any moment now. "And who the fuck is this beneficiary she's talking about? It better be one of us. You or me ... she only has the two of us for family."

Before I can address the bastard, for once, my sister snaps at her son. "Watch your mouth!"

He flusters and loses his chain of thoughts.

I seize my moment, to hell with dinner. I'm gonna take it in my room. "Before any of you, assholes, come at me with demands about what you think you deserve, I'm going to say this. I don't owe you anything. I've fed you and clothed you and humoured your whims for years. Thrown money at you, trying to buy your love. No more. I don't need you. I don't need any of you in my life."

Gasps resound around the room.

"And the money is gone." I blurt before anyone gets started again. "If you're hanging around me hoping I'll throw a million-dollar bone your way one day, think again. This yacht, this trip ..." I look around at the opulence of what was once Charlie's pride and joy. But without him, it's just a boat. "This was my last treat to you. As I was saying earlier, thank you for coming and helping me say goodbye to my old life. It's time for a new me and a new life."

I tuck my chair in, trying to locate help. Thank goodness the maid is around. I flag her as others sit slouch like deflated balloons their chairs, staring vacantly at their soups.

She startles and rushes to me, caught up in the drama unfolding before her eyes.

"Could you have Toby send dinner to my room, please?" She nods. From the corner of my eyes, I spot Bhawani looking at me expectantly. "And hers too."

"And the rest?" Gauri questions.

I look around at the moping heads. "They'll take it here. I'm sure they have a lot to talk about and digest."

Vinay scoffs and throws his serviette on the table, muttering something under his breath.

"Please look after them well." I smile at the girl. "This may be the last time they get to enjoy such spoils, and we wouldn't want them to miss anything tonight."

"Yes, ma'am."

Bhawani joins me and we make a move to go.

That's when the door slams open, part by force and part by wind, and Ryan rushes back into the room, drenched. He drops to his knees before me and takes my hand into his. "Devi, I love you. Please, don't do this. Marry me! I love you so, so much. I promise I'll make you the happiest woman on Earth!"

Everyone's watching quietly, and stupid Unati is simpering like a child who has their favourite toy confiscated.

Vinay the prick, tuts, always with his two-cents, "Wake the fuck up stupid! She has no money. Apparently, she spent it all."

"What's he talking about?" Ryan gives me a wet-dog look.

Vinay sneers. "She wasted it all and now has the nerve to stand there and tell us how magnanimous she is, that she brought us here to enjoy luxury we can't afford one last time."

Ryan, flummoxed, looks from Vinay to me, still holding my hand in his. "What?"

"The audacity on you, boy." I turn. My patience with Vinay at an end now. "You want money? Be a fucking man and get a fucking job like everybody else, you waste of a space human!"

Bhawani, standing by my side, tugs at my arm, begging me to stop this.

I won't. As of five minutes ago, I stopped being in the business of pleasing others. "You're twenty eight, still living at home, on your aunt's dime, and you have the nerve to sit there and complain that I'm not giving you everything I worked my ass off for, to you, spoilt little gremlin?"

He scoffs again, shooting to his feet. "Is that what you call it, work? Marrying a rich guy?"

An icy wind blows in from the outside. Before I know what I'm doing, I feel my feet carry me the short distance to him and palm makes contact with his cheek. The resounding slap reaches me later. "How dare you!"

He massages his cheek; anger dancing in his eyes. I know he wants to return my slap. Come at me, asshole. There's more where that came from.

"Get your useless face out of my sight. You and I are done." I spin on my heels, grab Bhawani's hand and pull her out into the piercing rain. "We are done. We are done with assholes in our lives. All you ungrateful twats can take a hike, and never come back, for all I care!"

"Devi. Bhawani ..." Marvin's cries reach us outside, "babe!"

Bhawani turns. That little fool. No matter how much I tug at her, she won't budge. It's cold and slippery out here tonight, and I hold on to the railing with my other hand so we don't fall. "Bhav, let's go."

"I want to hear what he has to say, di."

Like I said, stupid fool. "Fine. Make it quick."

"Babe..." Marvin is at the doorway, partly out of the rain. Prick. Behind him, the others watch as if glued to the TV. "You're not going with her, are you? You're not truly going through with this crazy woman's plan to backpack around the world like a no-good hippie at forty-something? Babe, you're no twenty-year old on a gap year. Besides, I miss you, babe. Can't we fix this? Us?"

Don't you dare give in! I squeeze Bhawani's hand. We are so close to getting our freedom. Don't blow it, sis.

She pulls her hand out of mine and turns to her husband. Hope sour as puke in my mouth. She's about to give in, like she always does. I know it.

But the words out of her mouth are, "You lying, cheating, son-of-a-bitch."

Wow. When did Bhav start swearing? I watch them, riveted.

"We are family."

"Family?" Bhawani tilts her head. "We've never been a family, Marv. You and your dalliances made sure of that."

"They were mistakes, babe."

"Get out of my life, Marvin. I'm done with you too," she says and turns to me. "Let's go, Di. Let's live our life now."

"No!" Marvin launches at my sister, grabbing her roughly by her arm.

I see her winch. I recall similar pain when he'd grabbed my thigh earlier. Suddenly Bhawani's brave facade crumbles and I get a glimpse of something that terrifies me, something I'd suspected but never knew for certain. When it came to their private lives, my sister was always as impossible to crack a bank vault. But I always had my suspicion.

Fear. I see fear.

"Let go of me," she cries.

"You think just because your sister is filling your ears, or because you signed a stupid paper that you're free of me?" Marvin's pulled her up to him and is in fact growling, his other hand clinching around her throat. She struggles for air.

"Let her go!" I scream and claw at him. But on that swaying, wet deck, it's nearly impossible to win against his strength. "She told you, get the fuck out of her life, asshole!"

But no amount of me shouting at him makes him let go.

I rush inside the dining room, looking for something, anything. This is my baby sister. I promised to protect her any way I can when our parents died, and I'll be damned if I let asshole here intimidate her into staying with him. "Help me!" I scream. "He's killing her!"

In the chaos, there are screams and shouts. To my surprise, Vinay dashes off to save his mother. But his yells of dismay tells me he's failing too. Marv is a much larger man than he is. I turn to the room desperately, and grab what I can, a rubber mallet from the bar. Unati is screaming. Don blinks in terror, frozen. The maid rushes off saying something like, "I'll get the Captain," and Miles comes to my aid.

"Give that to me, Devi!" he says my name as if that's what he's called me. As he takes the mallet from my hand and rushes out onto the deck, I finally realise who he really is. I know him.

Within seconds, Marvin is on the floor, nursing the side of his head. Bhawani crumbles, clutching her throat. Vinay holds her in his arms, first glaring at his dad, and then throwing daggers at me. "This is your fault!"

Unati slinks beside me, whispering, "Is it over?"

Don hovers too. "We are all witnesses, Mrs Garcia. You can take this to the court during your divorce hearing. It'll give you an easy verdict."

Miles, the only one who seems to know what he's doing, turns Marvin onto his stomach and with his knees on the bastard's back, pulls his hands back in a tight grip, and ties them off with a large zip-tie like cops in movies.

And that was that. Soon as the Captain came, he arrested Marvin, put him in the hold, wherever that was, and I took Bhawani to my room, telling the others to please give her space and go eat their dinner. Toby worked very hard to make it and I didn't want it to go to waste.

If they ate it at all, I do not know. Bhawani and my dinner were brought to us by the maid sometime later. We barely touched it. Such a shame.

A/N: Well, that was an exciting and slightly painful chapter to write. There was so much happening, and so much I had to keep in mind. I hope it reads well.

What do you make of the whole debacle? And who do you think is the culprit that tried to kill our Devi? I'll take your guesses!