Haunting Jasmine Read Online Free PDF Page B

My mouth waters, reminding me that I can still enjoy these simple pleasures.
    The subtle aromas carry me back to India, to the dust and noise of Kolkata, the crowds, the rustle of saris. I should return to the country of my birth, although I haven’t visited in nearly a decade. Perhaps I could find a better mate there—the loyal, elusive Bengali husband. But I doubt he exists anywhere except in my mother’s imagination.
    She piles food on the plates, while Dad swirls his whiskey and Gita shovels mouthfuls of rice and curry into her mouth. She is not a delicate eater.
    “So when are you going to tell me your news, Gita?” I ask. The water in my glass is lukewarm.
    There’s a sudden silence.
    “Dilip and I are getting married,” Gita says finally, with her mouth full.
    Dad clinks his glass against his plate. “Finally, after all this time.”
    “Dad! We’ve only been living together for a year.” Gita’s top lip trembles, the way it does when she is holding back anger.
    “A year!” Dad laughs. “Your mother and I had how many dates together?”
    “Three,” Ma says. “And two were chaperoned by our parents.”
    Gita stabs her fish with her fork. “Times have changed. People live together all the time.”
    Ma straightens her napkin next to her plate. Her eyes are bright. “We’re busy with all the plans. So much to be done.” She looks at me carefully, as if seeking permission to get excited about the wedding. “Gita and Dilip would like to be married here—”
    “On the island, at Island Church,” Gita cuts in. “We’re making up a guest list. I hope I don’t forget anyone. The reception will be out in the park, overlooking the water. We’re combining East and West. I might wear a sari, if I can find a good one. Jasmine, you must come sari shopping with Ma and me.”
    The mound of food on my plate has grown impossibly large. I’ve lost my appetite. “When did you decide all this?”
    Gita glances at Ma. “A few days ago. We waited to tell you. We know you’re going through a lot. Auntie doesn’t know yet, either. You are happy for me, right?”
    “Of course I’m happy for you.” But I’m not sure whether the tears in my eyes are out of happiness for her or misery for myself. “Congratulations, Gita. This is wonderful news.”
    Gita and Ma trade glances again.
    “Thanks,” Gita says.
    I dab at my mouth with my napkin. “When is this… wedding going to happen?”
    “April twentieth,” Gita says. “Auspicious date, according to Dilip’s family astrologer.”
    I can’t believe this. “He has an astrologer?”
    Ma frowns at me. “We may not believe in such things, but we honor tradition.”
    She means I didn’t honor tradition when I married Robert in a secular Western ceremony, and look what happened.
    I ignore Ma’s sour expression and turn toward Gita. “What are you going to do, after you’re married? Are you still going to run the boutique?”
    “Of course! In this economy, people are flocking to the used clothing racks.”
    Dad twirls his fork. “We’ll see how long that lasts. And Jasmine, how long will your visit last?”
    “Until Auntie comes back from India.”
    “Why don’t you stay longer?” he asks gently.
    “Auntie’s coming back. I have a presentation at work.”
    Mom turns to me. “I suppose it’s difficult to keep up with everything these days.”
    “I’m keeping up just fine.”
    She attacks her potatoes with her fork. “Have you started seeing anyone? A new boyfriend?”
    Gita drops her fork on her plate. “Ma, it’s way too soon for that.”
    “I’m not dating,” I say. “I’ll have my hands full at Auntie’s.” I think of Connor Hunt. No way am I going to mention my encounter with him. And anyway, a stranger hitting on you in the bookstore does not constitute dating.
    “Yes, your hands will be full,” Ma says. “Be careful in that rickety house.”
    “I can handle it.” I laugh, a bit nervously.
    “Auntie has always believed the