Time-Bound

Chapter 20

After the Johnsons left Dr. Leila's office smiling, Anthony immediately frowned at Victoria.

“What?” She asked.

“You have the guts to ask me that?” Anthony asked.

“Of course. Why would you look at me like that?” Victoria asked.

“I can look at you anyhow I want and you can't do anything about it.” Anthony said.

“Oh yes, I can.”  Victoria said. “I will...”

“Mummy! Your behavior since this trip has been unbearable.” Mercy said.

“What?!”

“You heard her right.” Anthony hissed.

“What have I done?” Victoria asked.

“Y-You were ru-de to San-jay and the doctor.” Brenda said.

“No, I was not!” Victoria yelled.

“Yes, you were!” Anthony, Brenda and Mercy yelled back.

“You can't possibly have turned my children against me. Have you?” Victoria looked at Anthony.

“You turned us against you from the very beginning.” Mercy said. “You were selfish and you still are.”

“I'm not. You people don't understand me.” Victoria said.

“Please don't make this about you and start playing victim too.” Anthony shook his head.

“I...” Victoria said.

“Mummy. San-jay is hel-ping us ev-en wh-en he has his wh-ole fa-mily to ca-ter for. He went late to work because of us. Please be appre-ciative.” Brenda said.

“You shouldn't try explaining things to her. She won't ever understand.” Mercy hissed.

“Don't talk to your mother like that.” Anthony said.

“Wow! That's rich. You instigated them against me and now you're trying to look innocent in front of...” Victoria hissed.

“Can you see that? You know what? The best thing that ever happened in my life was your divorce.  At least now we won't be able to see this woman again.” Mercy said.

“Mercy?!” Brenda yelled.

“What? I'm saying the truth. It's because of her that you're suffering now and who knows what would happen after you're gone.” Mercy sniffed as she fought back tears.

Brenda hugged her. “I...I won't ever let this family fall apart. Not till I die.”

“Shhh.” Victoria joined the hug. “I won't let you leave me ever.”

While they were arguing, Anthony was on a call and as soon as he was done, he watched them for a while and then spoke.

“Let's get going. Shall we?” Anthony said.

“Yes.” Brenda said.

“Where to?” Victoria asked.

“Does it matter? Let's just get out of here. We've made a big nuisance out of ourselves.” Mercy said.

They walked outside and Anthony tried hailing down a cab.

“Tuk, Tuk!” Tricycle! Anthony tried waving it down.

“Whatever tuk tuk means, I'm definitely not getting into that.” Victoria said.

“At least, let's try finding a means of transport.” Mercy said.

“Please no argu-ments.” Brenda said.

“No, not at all. I can't be that stupid to argue in the middle of the road.” Mercy said.

“Ruk! Ruk!!” Stop! Stop!!  Anthony tried hailing a cab.

The cab driver stopped by him.

“tum kahaan ja rahe ho?” Where are you going?  He asked.

“Restaurant.” Anthony said.

“Chalo.” Let's go. The driver smiled at him.

Anthony and his family hopped in the cab.

“Kon sa restaurant?” Which restaurant? The driver asked.

“I...Er...Dakshinayan.” Anthony smiled.

“Thaek he.” Okay. The driver smiled. “Aap kidhar se ho?” Where are you from?

“I...er...We don't understand Hindi.” Anthony said.

“But you were speaking it as though you were one of them.” Victoria said.

“That's what Sanjay taught me when I called him.” Anthony said.

“I...I speak little English.” The driver said with an Indian accent.

“Okay, so what does that mean?” Anthony asked.

“I ask where you from?” The driver said.

“Their english isn't...” Victoria started.

“Their english is so perfect. I like your accent.” Mercy said.

“Shukriya.” The driver shook his head. “I mean thank you.”

“We are from Nigeria.” Anthony smiled.

“Ahh! In Africa. I know the place. My cousin's husband's great grandmother's husband has been there.” The driver said.

“Wow! That's great.” Mercy smiled.

“Yes. I watch Nigeria movies too.” The driver said and Victoria's face lit up.

“You do?” She asked.

“Han- I mean, Yes.” The driver said.

“You know Victoria Johnson?” Victoria asked.

“I no remember.” The driver said and Victoria looked down.

“Looking for fans aren't you. Miss being surrounded by them?” Anthony hissed.

“I...”

“Ahh! Yes, I remember now. She is dark and pretty like you are.” The driver smiled.

“Thank you.” Victoria smiled.

“But she has bad character. Media has shown her being rude to people that work with her. I no like that kind of person. All want to be rude to everyone.” The driver said.

“Ahh! I see.” Victoria sighed as her family watched her.

“But her acting is fine and top class. She do well. You know her?” The driver asked.

“Yes. She is...” Victoria started to say.

Anthony cut her off. “She is a star on our tv screens so everyone knows her.”

“Ahh yes! Very true! She would be better in person if she change bad character.” The driver said.

“Yes. Thank you.” Anthony nodded.

The driver spoke about different things about india and celebrations like the Holi festival, Rakshabandhan, Janmashtami, Teesh and others.

He said a lot to them and only Victoria found it boring. In no time, they arrived at their destination.