He jumps back in shock as white smoke starts curling out of the engine. For a moment, I think the car’s going to blow up and I’m going to die a virgin, but he walks back to us and speaks through the rolled-down window.
“It’s a gasket failure. The engine’s overheating.”
“What does that mean?” I squeak. “Is it going to explode?”
Rudra’s lips twitch. “Um, no, but you both should get out of the car while I figure out what to do.”
It’s the way he saysIthat gets me, because Priti looks even more blank than I do, and that’s saying something.
We hop out of the car and stand to the side as Rudra looks up the nearest mechanic. As always, a few creeps in the parking lot stare at us, especially at Priti’s stomach and my legs, and Priti throws them a sharp glare.
“Fucking sons of bitches,” she mutters.
It’s a miracle how no matter where in the world we might be, there’s no shortage of unemployed randos who happen to be up at eight in the morning to ogle us as if they’ve never seen girls before.
Rudra gets on a call, pacing the gravel in front of the car, and I stand there uncomfortably, watching Priti and the men have a staring contest. Priti looks like she’s about to stomp up to them and give them a piece of her mind, but I prefer not to engage. Especially not this early in the day.
Rudra gets off the phone. “I called the mechanic. He’s on his way.” He notices the men staring and steps in front of the two of us protectively, his jaw locking. “Let’s head in and get some breakfast until then.”
“How long will it take him to get here?” Priti asks, arms crossed over her chest.
“Fifteen minutes. I told him the car’s overheated, but we’ll have to wait to find out.”
“Back up. The car will need repairs?”
“Itmightneed repairs. And a gasket failure leading to a coolant leak means it needs to be replaced, usually, so it should take a day. Less if we tell them it’s urgent.”
“Aday?” Priti and I shout at the same time. She looks just as horrified as I feel.
“That is going to put us behind schedule!” she cries.
“We won’t get there on time!” I exclaim.
“Aren’t the shaadi and reception the day after tomorrow?” Rudra says, surprisingly calm. “We’ll be a day late and you’ll miss some of the shaadi, but you’ll still get to see Amrit.”
That’s true. I bite my bottom lip. “Yeah, but we won’t get back in time for my flight home.”
The thought of having to back outaftermaking it to Pune isstressing me out, but Rudra sounds confident when he says, “We will, don’t worry.” He’s beginning to look antsy. I think the sight of those men leering at us put him off. “Can we head in?”
But Priti’s too agitated to notice. “The shaadi is the day after tomorrow, guys!” she says, looking about ready to throw a fit. “What if—what if, um... Amrit leaves right after the shaadi and doesn’t even attend the reception?”
I raise my brows. “Amrit is going to be there until the reception, Priti. He’s leaving the weekend after.”
“This is bad. This is really bad.”
“Priti,” Rudra says pointedly. “What is actually bothering you?”
“Yeah,I’msupposed to be the one panicking about not making it in time,” I say. It’s so strange Priti’s acting like this, and only weirder that Rudra has no clue what’s going on either.
“It’s just—” Priti looks flushed, at a loss for words. “I’m sorry ifIdon’t want this trip to be an absolute waste of my time. I have so much to get done back home and instead I’m here, stranded with you both.”
“Balls,” Rudra says. “I’ve known you since fifth grade. I know when you’re lying through your teeth.”
“We’re not exactly stranded,” I say. “And I think Rudra and I are great company.”
“Okay, jeez, stop ganging up on me,” Priti says, seeming to quickly realize we’re cornering her to get her to cave. “Let’s just go inside.Please.I’m hungry.” She huffs and marches toward the restaurant, escaping our questions and leaving Rudra and me exchanging glances. Again.
“You really don’t know what’s going on with her, do you?” I ask.
