The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken Read Online Free PDF Page B

Behind him and his wife, Bubbles, came the young, charismatic chairman of the ICT, Nilesh Jani, and finally, the man of the match, Kamran Khan.
    Spotting the young Pakistani bowler, Rohan shouted out, 'Kam! Kam!' and crossed the banquet hall to greet him. 'Over here!'
    Puri and the Mattus watched, astonished, as the two exchanged hugs and backslaps, and then turned and headed towards them.
    The detective found himself first in line to be introduced. As the young bowler offered him his hand, Puri hesitated. He'd never met a Pakistani in the flesh before and suddenly found himself at a loss as to how to react. His instincts told him Khan was one of the enemy, but good manners dictated that he greet him as he would any other guest.
    Manners held sway and he reached out and received Khan's firm grip.
    'Honour to meet you, sir,' said the bowler politely in English, towering over the detective.
    'Welcome to India,' Puri heard himself reply.
    Rohan's father and grandfather were introduced, both greeting the Pakistani in a respectful yet reserved fashion. Rumpi and her mother both raised their hands, palms pressed together, and said a pensive 'Namaste.' Mini blushed and squealed, 'Hi!'
    Only Mummy failed to greet the bowler. She just stood there, staring, disbelief writ large across her face. Khan didn't seem to notice. He looked nervous himself, his eyes moving around the room, searching.
    'So how you two know each other?' Puri asked the young cricketers, breaking the awkward silence that followed his mother's uncharacteristic behaviour.
    'Kamran and I used to play against one another in the juniors,' offered Rohan. 'We've had some epic battles, the two of us.'
    'Absolutely,' said Khan.
    Everyone nodded. Mummy was still staring. Rohan said hurriedly, 'Kamran's from Rawalpindi. Isn't your family from there, Uncle? I mean originally.' The question was addressed to Puri.
    'Well . . . um, long time back, only,' he replied.
    'You were born there, sir?' asked Khan.
    'Um, well, not exactly. I'm Delhi born, actually . . .' He cleared his throat. 'My parents came in '47, only.'
    'I'd be delighted if you would come and visit Pakistan one day. It would be my honour to receive you as my guest,' said Khan.
    'That would be wonderful, no, Uncle?' responded Rohan. 'We could go together!'
    The detective fidgeted with his wedding ring. 'Let us see,' he said.
    'We say insh'allah,' said Khan.
    'Insh'allah - that means if Allah wills,' interpreted Rohan with unwavering enthusiasm. But this drew weak smiles from the rest of the family and he added quickly: 'Bet you could do with a drink, Kam, right? Must be thirsty.'
    'Absolutely,' replied the Pakistani, sounding relieved. 'And I should find my father. If you'll excuse me.'
    'Pleasure,' 'Nice to meet you,' and 'Best of luck,' murmured the Mattus as they watched the tall bowler follow Rohan through the throng of guests towards the bar.
    The family said nothing for a moment, lost in their own thoughts. And then Rumpi's mother broke the silence: 'Such a pleasant young man,' she said. 'And very handsome, also. Is he married?' She made it sound as if she might be interested.
    'Didn't I read in one of those magazines that he's very much attached to Noor Sultana?' asked Rumpi.
    'They were going to marry but it got called off,' said Rohan. 'His father didn't approve, she being a film star.'
    Mummy had gone and sat down on a chair away from the rest of the family. Puri went to check on her.
    'Everything is all right?' he asked.
    She didn't answer.
    'He tried again, placing a hand on her shoulder. 'Mummy-ji, something wrong?'
    She looked up at him with sad, troubled eyes and asked in a faint voice, 'What is that, Chubby?'
    'Look as if you've seen a ghost.'
    She blinked as if waking from a dream. 'Just my mind was doing wandering.'
    'Anything is wrong?'
    'No, no, fine actually. Just one glass of pani is required.'
    The family was sitting down to eat - Rumpi had brought a plate of salad and a token chicken breast