Time-Bound

Chapter 17

Mumbai International airport,

Mumbai, India.

8:42 p.m.

The Johnsons arrived at the airport obviously tired. They walked through the arrivals gate and picked up their luggage at the baggage claim.

“Oy, Oy, Oy. The Johnsons have finally reached India.” A man walked towards them.

“Hello Sanjay. How are you?” Anthony hugged him.

“Welcome to India.” Sanjay said with an Indian accent.

“Thank you.”Anthony sighed. “Meet my family.”

“Ahh! Nice to meet you Madam and kids. Sanjay mera nam hai.” My name is Sanjay.

“Nice to meet you too.” Victoria and Mercy chorused.

“What was that Indian word you just said?”  Mercy asked.

“Oh my bad! You see, I'm used to my culture that I no say a sentence without speaking Hindi.” Sanjay said. “My name is Sanjay.”

“Sanjay, these are Brenda and Mercy, My children. And that's Victoria, their mother.”

“I see. Namaste Madam.” Sanjay joined his hands together and bowed his head slightly.

“Yes. Hello.” Victoria did the same but hers was different. It was as if she was mocking him.

“I take you to my car.” Sanjay said with his Indian accent.

He led them to his car and help put their luggage in the boot.

“So what do you do in India?” Victoria asked.

“I work at the Bank of India.” Sanjay said.

“That's fair. At least, you have a car.” Victoria said.

“What do you mean?”  Sanjay asked.

“No, no. Don't mind her.” Anthony said and glared at Victoria.

“So where are we going to?” Mercy asked.

“Taj Mahal Palace.” Sanjay replied.

“A palace? There's a king?” Mercy's eyes widened.

“It is an hotel.”

“And your house?” Victoria asked.

“You know how we Indians live.” Sanjay looked at Anthony who was seated in the passenger's seat.

“How do you live?” Victoria asked.

“Ah-Ahn Mummy! Is it only Nollywood you watch?” Mercy asked. “You don't see Indians in movies, they all live together.”

“Like we do?” Victoria asked.

Brenda slammed her hands on her forehead. “Ex-Extended family.”

“I see. House is full huh?” Victoria asked.

Sanjay nodded.

“Have you seen the movie Housefull?” Mercy asked.

“Ahh yes! Akshay Kumar right?” Sanjay asked.

“Yes.”

“I see you're a fan of Bollywood.”

“Yes.” Mercy nodded.

In few minutes, they arrived at the hotel and checked in.

“Namaste.” Greetings. The hotel receptionist said.

“Namaste.” Sanjay said and patted Anthony. “Mera dost.” My friend.

They both start speaking in Hindi language and the receptionist smiled at them.

“Your name?” The receptionist asked.

“Anthony Johnson.”

“Okay.” The Receptionist checked them in. “Wish you a good stay.”

Sanjay followed them to their rooms and assisted them in whatever way he could before he finally bade them Goodnight.

“So how did you know Sa-What's his name again?” Victoria asked once they were alone in their room.

“Sanjay.”

“Oh yes! How did you know him?”

“We met when I came to India a long time ago. I'm a pilot remember?” Anthony said.

“Oh yes, that's true.”

“Victoria,” Anthony sighed.

“Hmm?”

“I know you're a celebrity and all that but please can you just comport yourself throughout our stay in India.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I heard what you said to Sanjay. You were trying to belittle him like you did with Ben.”

“No, no, no. I only wanted to know....”

“'At least you have a car' Really?” Anthony hissed. “Sometimes, I wish you didn't come on this trip with us.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes, really. You've just been nothing but a nuisance. I don't want anything to do with such people.”

“You don't have anything to do with me anyway.” Victoria hissed.

“You had better keep that attitude in check. You're not on set or anything.”

“It has nothing to do with my movies.”

“Whatever.  Just put yourself in check.” Anthony said.

“I am in...”

Anthony raised his hand in disapproval. “No. I don't want to hear it.”

He settled to sleep on the couch.