Free Weapon of Vengeance by Mukul Deva Page B

through the night, back to Colombo. They had a flight to catch. To Delhi. Ruby did not want either of them to enter India illegally.
    *   *   *
    It was pushing midnight when the cab brought them back to Ashoka Hotel. Chance paid the driver and followed Jennifer in. Both had rooms on the seventh floor, in the zone that was being secured.
    The encounter with Mohite that morning had soured the start of their day. But then, realizing they needed to give Ravinder time to sort things out, they’d taken his advice and gone sightseeing.
    They’d had an exciting time traipsing through the Qutub Minar. Though access to the upper reaches of the world’s tallest brick tower was no longer allowed, they had fun browsing around it. Jennifer also tried to encircle the famous iron pillar with her arms when their guide told them anyone who managed to do that would have their wish fulfilled.
    Watching her trying, Chance wondered what she would have wished for. Then, out of the blue, the thought of Ruby dropped into his mind. He wondered where she was … how she was doing … what she would have wished for.
    What would I have wished for?
    It was an uncomfortable thought. He pushed it away, declining to try the pillar when Jennifer asked him to. He was not feeling gung ho as Jennifer laughingly led him out of Qutab Minar. Ruby’s shadow between them had lengthened.
    The ultramodern Lotus Temple was a change from the historic Qutab Minar, its exquisite construction and serene gardens holding them enthralled. Their guide then led them into the Jantar Mantar, a collection of architectural astronomical instruments built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. They were amazed at the sophistication of the eighteenth-century monument. Then they spent a couple of hours wandering through Jama Masjid, Delhi’s oldest and most famous mosque, built by Emperor Shah Jahan, who’d also built the Taj Mahal. They were exhausted by the time they arrived at the son et lumière, the sound and light show at Red Fort, but ended up feeling rejuvenated by the time the brilliantly choreographed show ended. The finale was an authentic Indian dinner at Karim’s, a restaurant near the Jama Masjid, in one of Delhi’s oldest markets; the ambience was as exotic as the food.
    As the day progressed, Jennifer’s attempts to get closer to him became obvious. She started with little touches on his hands or shoulders, progressing till she ended up taking his arm as they were strolling through the Red Fort. Though uneasy, Chance made no attempt to free his arm.
    The ancient fort with its sprawling, lush gardens had an irresistibly romantic aura. Chance had to feel it even if he hadn’t wanted to. But he did. It had been a while since he’d been with a beautiful woman. Still, he felt confused responding to Jennifer’s flirtations. Unsure where he stood with Ruby made him uncomfortable.
    â€œWould you like to come in for a nightcap?” Jennifer asked as they halted outside her room.
    The hint of desire in her eyes tugged at him. But conflicted, Chance hesitated. “Not tonight, Jennifer.” He saw her disappointment, realized he’d been too abrupt, and added, “I am very tired. It has been a long day. Maybe tomorrow.”
    â€œMaybe.” Jennifer gave him a light peck on his cheeks and went inside.
    Chance stood in the corridor, not sure why he had turned her down. After a moment, he raised his hand to knock and tell her he’d changed his mind, but then could not bring himself to do it.
    On the other side of the door, Jennifer heard him walk away.
    *   *   *
    Ravinder was feeling drained by the time they managed to extricate themselves from the clutch of relatives who throng every family wedding and related function.
    Jasmine too was feeling the pressure; these days, weddings were not high on her list of favorites, especially not with Simran using every occasion to have one