Page 136 of The Circle of Exile
“Momina Aslam.”
“What? Why? This late?”
“To wish me.”
“Is it safe?”
“Of course, myani zuv. Nothing like that happens inside houses with leaders involved. Most leaders of houses and LoPs are even friends.”
“I didn’t mean bloodshed. I meant… she is a lady here, in your house, at night.”
“You are also here.”
Her fleet of cars rounded his driveway and the burst of headlights softened. Atharva unlocked the door and stepped out onto the verandah. “Get a coat, Iram. It’s cold.”
She went in search of her coat and he stepped out as it is just as her car door was pulled open by her security. The woman always wore her dupatta over her head. Today, a shawl was wrapped over her head, a long coat covering her from top to bottom.
“Kaul sahab,” she stepped up to the verandah, a bunch of flowers thrust into her hands by her assistant. “I couldn't find you in Vidhan Sabha today. And sending these to your house seemed impersonal.”
“Thank you,” Atharva accepted her flowers, passing them onto Altaf. He would not only run security but also check if she was leaving any clues inside them. Atharva’s palms twitched. If she was here after a month, she was for a reason. And it was to tighten the trap. He wanted to know it so that he could think ahead.
“Assalamualaikum, Madam,” Momina craned her neck, her eyes trained behind him.
“Waalaikum assalam,” Iram greeted, her tone switched to that of the perfect hostess. “Please come inside, don’t stand there in the cold.”
“I hope I am not disturbing you. Now that I see your lights are dimmed, I didn’t even think I was coming to the house of young parents.”
“It’s no problem, please come in.”
Atharva stepped aside and let her pass, closing the door behind him as Iram seated her on one of the sofas, all his gifts cleared.
“What would you like? Tea, coffee? Cake?”
“Allah, I would kill for some coffee. But I avoid caffeine in the evenings. Is this the birthday cake?”
“Yes. I made a mango cake. Would you like some?”
“Of course. Thank you for taking the trouble.”
“No trouble at all.”
Iram turned on her heel and left. And Atharva sat down on the armchair farthest from the long sofa that she occupied. Iram was right. It didn’t sound good for a lady LoP to be inside a male CM’s house so late at night. It was good that the cameras in the hall were all working, and also fitted with mics.
“Congratulations on your Kupwara operation.”
Atharva nodded.
“You are doing fine work in spinning new narratives.”
His gaze sharpened.
“But I came here to tell you not to panic. I understand, it was personal, whatever it was. And I don’t intend to ever speak it out loud.”
Atharva remained silent.
“Let’s be honest, we both know your wife returned from PoK to India. And we both know that can’t be proven. Unfortunately, a plane come to pick up nappies and formula milk isn’t a confession.”
“I see you talked yourself into a fantasy and then talked yourself out of it.”
