“Yeah, Kiron is right.You should look up certifications for physiotherapy or physical training.”Kenny adds his two bits.
“Jimmy, so many courses are now online.Explore and find out what's best for you.We are all there to support you.I am sure Aditya will be a great guide to help you choose a course.”
Kenny’s words sow a seed in my mind.
“Yeah.But first, let's set the ball rolling on this job.”I gather my friends in a group hug.A fire lights in my heart for a better life.
***
ADITYA
“Jimmy, this is an excellentonline course.You only have to go to Delhi for exams.”Kenny waves with his hands.
“Who learns physical fitness by watching videos?”Jimmy shakes his head, protesting Kenny's argument.
“Says the man who has built his reputation as a trainer on video tutorials.”Sahil scoffs.
“Yeah, but I never claim I am certified.If I do a course, I want to learn the finer nuances from the pros, to stop people pointing fingers at me.”Jimmy glares at Sahil.
“What is your real problem?”Kenny is irritated.
“Guys, cool down.”I intervene, carrying the ginger tea to the group, who are ready to tear one another apart.They have been busy reviewing physical trainer certification courses on Kenny's laptop.“First, drink your masala chai and savour these freshpakodas.”
“Umm, delicious.”Sahil gobbles up a handful of the deep-fried, gram-flour-laced potato-and-vegetable crispies.“The perfect accompaniment to a haggling group of adults on a rainy day.”He licks his finger clean of the tamarind chutney.
“Wow.Kiron has competition now.These are terrific, and the chai, a perfect brew.”Kenny hums in delight.Steam from the cups rises in the thick, humid air filled with petrihor as the pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof and leaves plays a symphony outside.The monsoons in the mountains are relentless.
Jimmy is silent, sipping his tea and munching on thepakodas.I squeeze his knee below the table.He gives me a wry smile.
“Take your time.You don't need to decide now or even tomorrow.”
He sighs, dropping his shoulders, “I don't think I can take this course.”
“Why?You are intelligent and, with your experience working in a gym, a step ahead of others.You will ace this,” I reassure him.
Jimmy fidgets, running his finger over the edge of the steaming cup of tea.“How will I take out time with all this?”He waves his hands in circles.“How do I ask Bhatia ji for more time off?He is already accommodating me for this prep time.Once the book show gets on the road, I will be up to my neck.”
“Hmm, a niggle, but nothing we can't workaround.We only need to plan with the least disruption to your gym commitments.”I rub my hand on Jimmy's thigh in hopes of comforting him.
“And don't forget, Bhatia sir gets another leverage to advertise over other local gyms once you are certified.Plus, a few print and modelling assignments will only add to the gym's stature.”Sahil pats Jimmy's back.
But Jimmy is still tense.A thick tuft of wavy hair hides his furrowed forehead.Something Kenny too notices.
“What else is bothering you?”Kenny asks, as he helps me gather the teacups.I walk to the kitchen, rinse the cups, and place them in the sink, keeping one ear to the conversation in the living room.
“Did you guys not see the zeros in the course fee?Seventy thousand bucks.Add the costs for travel and stay.Where am I going to find the money?This book gig is not going to pay more unless the book sells.Modelling assignments are still a big question mark.”Jimmy rattles off more objections.
“I will fund your studies,” I blurt out.
The room goes silent.Jimmy straightens his back.Kenny leans over and whispers something in his ear, giggling at his own comment.Jimmy, though, is not amused.He pushes Kenny aside and storms out to the backyard.
“What the hell did you say to Jimmy?”I glare at Kenny.
“What is a sugar daddy?Does the phrase mean something bad in your gay world?”Sahil looks between Kenny and me.
“Umm, only a joke.”Kenny squirms.
I shake my head in dismay, but now is not the time to deal with Kenny.Besides, Jimmy is more important to me.So I walk out to find him.
