Chapter Four

1 years ago

BrhannadaArmour

@BrhannadaArmour

Chapter Four

Raghav shivered, watching the light from his house as if it could warm him. Having worked throughout last night, he felt very sleepy, but remained standing.

“Raghav?” It was Varun’s voice … Varun’s warm hand on his shoulder. Raghav turned. Was he dreaming?

“Rama told me that she sent your father a photo of Mona hugging you. If you confessed my hug instead, and came out … I had to be here. Get in my car and warm up.”

“No.” Raghav resisted. “Until Ābā considers me purified, this is my penance.”

“For a co-worker’s innocent congratulatory hug?” Varun slipped off his jacket and covered Raghav’s shoulders. “Penance means torture?”

“Varun, you can’t imagine Ābā’s disappointment. He pledged my celibacy until I inaugurate the new temple.”

Varun tried not to laugh. “He takes credit for depriving you of women, never suspecting that you need a man?”

“Take your jacket and go home,” Raghav huffed.

“No, Raghav. Until you reject this pointless ordeal, I’ll suffer with you.”

“You don’t even believe …”

“Right. Tell your family why I’m staying. Or hug me to keep me warm.”

“That’s inviting more penance!”

“Exactly. I’m challenging you, Raghav Purohit. Martyr yourself, you fool, but not for a lie. At least do it for the truth!”

“Ābā would be ashamed to find out what you mean to me.”

“Tell him that chasing a nice boy saves me from meat, alcohol, smoking …”

“You don’t smoke!”

“Euphemism for my dad’s drug trafficking.”

Raghav followed Varun and got into his car.