Page 13 of The Defiant Wife

Jay.

Or maybe Keshav.

No.

Definitely Jay.

I've spent the last hour trying to memorize names because apparently these children multiply every time I blink.

"Yes?"

The boy points dramatically toward the courtyard."Diya didi is calling you."

Wonderful.

I follow him outside.The moment I step into the sunlight, I immediately know something is wrong.

Diya is standing near a flowerbed.Watching me.Far too innocently.A dangerous expression.

I've known her for three days now and Ialready recognize that look.That look means trouble."What?" I ask.

She clasps her hands behind her back and smiles at me.I don't trust that smile.Not even slightly.

"What?"

"Language."

I stare. "What?"

"You sound aggressive."

"I am aggressive."

The smile widens.God help me. "Perfect."

I don't like where this is going.Not one bit.She gestures dramatically toward a large patch of soil near the back garden.Several clay pots sit nearby.

A few gardening tools are scattered around.Children stand around the area looking suspiciously excited."We're planting flowers."

I look at the soil. Then at her. Then back at the soil.

"No."

She blinks. "No?"

"No."

"Why?"

I resist the urge to rub my temples.

Because somehow I already know this conversation won't end in my favor.

"Because I don't know how."

"You dig a hole."

I stare.She stares back.Neither of us move.Finally she shrugs.