Page 270 - Musings 2020

Jayant: Well, we actually did pretty well, I would say. In fact, the chance encounter with
Chowdhury’s at the Kremlin proved to be our saving grace.

Anirudh: Yeah, they were very good people. I personally feel that our trip would have been
way worse without them. Their command of Russian was absolutely phenomenal.

Dad: Yeah. They even knew some Indian restaurants in Moscow.

Mom: Plus, they had other Indian friends at St. Petersburg and Kazan. That helped out a lot.

Anirudh: I still remember the red square and the stunningly beautiful Kremlin. With its
multi-coloured domes, St. Basil’s Cathedral was mesmerizing.

Jayant: Yeah. It’s one thing to watch all these structures on a black and white television and a
completely different experience to see them in front of you.

Dad: Remember that one time when I passed you over as an eight-year-old in some museum
at St. Petersburg to avoid your ticket? (Laughs) What was that museum?

Mom: Oh come on. How can you forget that? It was the Russian Museum!

Jayant: Oh yeah now I remember. Dad and his tricks. Wonder what would have happened if
we got caught. Such embarrassment.

Anirudh: Yeah the KGB would have our heads on their spikes!

(All laugh.)

Anirudh (with a more serious tone): Seriously though, we should actually avoid such things.
It doesn’t look good. And it hurts my conscience.

Jayant: Just relax. You do it your way when you go out with your family. And that would be
pretty soon, right?

Anirudh: I hope so! I want to get done with this project. I haven’t seen Radhika for quite a lot
of time.

Jayant: Don’t you see her now?

(A young, fair, beautiful brunette lady stood in the hallway, dressed in a plain yellow sari. Her
face was expressionless and dry.)

Anirudh: Radhika! Ages have passed since I last saw you. I swear by God; I have been
waiting for this moment right since I left for the project. Please tell me what all has happened
over the years.

(Radhika remains silent, with tears rolling down her cheeks, her eyes red with anger.)

Anirudh: I beg you Radhika, please talk to me. I can bear your anger but I cannot stand your
silence. Each second of your silence is ripping my soul apart. I still love you the same and I
always will.

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