Chapter 19
Addy the explorer
JIMMY
“Are we using books to exercise?”Aditya's shoulders droop with the weight of the bag.
“Here, let me help you.”I place the black-and-grey backpack on the gym's reception counter.Aditya's eyes widen as he pulls out one ragged old book.His fingers move on the cover in reverence.
He reads a few pages and stares at me.“Jimmy, where did you find this?Damn!The book is a 1952 edition of Jim Corbett's famous treatise on man-eaters in Kumaon.You can't find old editions except in some college archives.”
I preen under the admiration shining out of Aditya's eyes.“Brian says this would be a great read to identify possible leads.A few more British-era books are in the bag.”I point to the desk.
“Where did he find them?”He rushes to pull all the books from the bag.
“Brian inherited a small library when he bought the cafe.He has preserved the books.”
“Does he keep new books also?”Aditya flips through some books in better condition.
“Nah, those are from Bhatia ji.The resort also has a small collection.”I join him in arranging the books into the bag.
“Thanks so much.How do I even—” He stops mid-step on his way to kissing me when he realises where we are.He fumbles his way into hugging me.We step out of the gym, and Aditya backtracks into me.His head bumps into my nose.
“Ouch!”My eyes water and squeeze shut at the pain.When I open my eyes again, I understand the problem.
“Oh, Jimmy.Does the whole of Almora know about this?”Aditya panics at the sight of the group gathered outside the gym.
“Umm, I did not tell anyone.”I rub my neck, nervous about the gang waiting for us.
Addy looks at all the people gathered and crosses his arms.
“Okay, I may have mentioned our plan to Sahil while having breakfast last Wednesday at Brian's place.”
Addy continues to drum his fingers on his arms, so I continue my confession, “...And when I met Kiron for the fittings for my new dresses on Thursday, your name came up.I am not sure if I mentioned the expedition.”I turn to the five people surrounding us for protection.
He shakes his head in dismay.
Brian and Kenny, dressed in khaki shorts and white cotton shirts, look like the British explorers of yore with their bamboo wide-brim hats.Sudhanshu and Kiron are wearing matching floral-print kurta shirts over white shorts.Sudhanshu fidgets with his blue ball cap.He warned us not to hound Aditya to take the group along.Sahil stands by the Jeep, which is packed with backpacks filled with supplies.
Kiron adjusts their neon blue sunglasses before walking up to Aditya.
