He really was trying.
“Look.” Malini pointed up to the ceiling of the balcony, where a surfboard was affixed.
“The other people forgot their surfboard,” Roshan said.
Malini beamed. “No. It’s mine.”
“You don’t surf,” he said.
“Not yet. I’m going to save up some money for lessons.” Malini beamed.
“Nimita can teach you,” Roshan said, without looking at her.
Nimita could not help her gasp of surprise as she turned to him.
Malini’s eyes lit up. “Seriously?”
“I taught him.” She thumbed behind her.
“You taught Roshan?”
“And it took him awhile.” Nimita grinned. She heard Roshan chuff behind her.
“She’s a great teacher,” Roshan said.
“Do you know how to swim?” asked Nimita, still confused about what was going on.
“Yes.” Malini was beaming.
The doorbell rang. Guests. Malini ran to answer the door.
“Thanks, for that,” Nimita said as they walked back inside to greet his parents.
“It’s true. You are a great teacher.” He shrugged. “If she insists on learning, she should be with the best.”
Nimita stared at him. “Wow. Helping her move and then not discouraging surf lessons? Where’s the real Roshan?”
“Ha ha,” he deadpanned.
“Ah! Hello!” Malini and Roshan’s father was jovial and lighthearted. Tall and thin, he had a full head of salt-and-pepper hair and Malini’s hazel eyes. He hugged his children in turn. Clearly he had come to terms with this move.
“This is my friend, Nimita,” Malini introduced her.
“Wait. You tutored Roshan in high school, na?” his mother said. Ketki Auntie was quite stylish in her sari, her hair in a high bun.
“You remembered.” Nimita grinned.
“Remembered? Beti, I need to thank you.” Auntie laughed and hugged her. “You pushed Roshan to excellence.”
She saw Roshan snap his head to his mother from the corner of her eye, a look of complete surprise on his face. Clearly, she had never said those words before.
“So you were the one who graduated first in the class, eh?” his father said. “I remember your valedictory address. Very smart.”
She shot a quick glance at Roshan. The moment was gone, and he was once again stoic. “Thank you.”
“And what are you doing now?” Uncle asked. “Doctor, lawyer, saving the world?”
“I am in between jobs right now,” she said.
