40

On his way to the main dining hall, Shravan met his grandfather.

"Dadu," Shravan greeted his grandfather.

"Shravan, my boy. How are you?" Tej Maheswari asked.

"Good. How are you, Dadu? Are you taking your medications on time?" Shravan asked.

"Yes, yes," Tej Maheswari said, waving his hands off dismissively.

"Don't exert yourself, Dadu," Shravan said.

"I know, I know. Where is the girl? I asked you both to meet me," Tej asked.

"She must already be there. I had asked her to meet us there at five. It's five now," Shravan said, looking at his wristwatch.

"Is she any good, boy?" Tej asked.

"Yes, Dadu," Shravan said, and he entered the dining hall with his grandfather.

He had left instructions with her that she should meet them for tea, but when they made it to the dining room, the table was laid with tea and snacks, but the room was empty apart from two flustered footmen, one of whom was sneaking looks out of the window as Shravan strode into the room.

"Where is she?" Shravan addressed the