Or that was her theory. And, yes, there were holes and flaws in it, but it was a work in progress.
‘That still doesn’t make it actual truth,’ Nanni pointed out with irrefutable logic. ‘Do you no longer wish to marry Frederick?’
‘I have no choice.’
‘Yes, you do. There is always a choice—however hard a one it is. If you do not love him, don’t marry him.’
‘I do love him, Nanni. But he doesn’t love me.’ Tears threatened and she blinked them back.
‘How do you know?’
‘Because he has made it pretty clear.’
‘By action or word?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Love is not all about declarations—it is about demonstration. I told your mother how much I loved her repeatedly, but when the time came for me to show that, to fight for her, I failed miserably.’
‘But you still loved her, Nanni, and she knew that. She never blamed you—she blamed her father.’
‘At least he had the courage of his convictions—he did what he did because he believed it to be right. I was a coward—I loved Leela, but not enough to fight for that love. It is one of the biggest regrets of my life, Suni—that I didn’t fight for her, for you. So all I would say is think about your Frederick, and if there is a chance that he loves you then fight for that chance.’
Sunita stared down at her somehow empty plate and wondered if she were brave enough—brave enough to risk rejection and humiliation. And even if she was...
‘I don’t fit, Nanni. Even if he loved me I can’t live up to Lady Kaitlin.’
‘You don’t need to live up to anyone—you just have to be yourself. Now, go,’ Nanni said. ‘Or you will be late for work.’
* * *
Frederick approached the site of the photo shoot, where the Gateway of India loomed in the twilight, its basalt stone lit up to create a magical backdrop, the turrets adding a fairy tale element for the photographer to take full advantage of.
The square was cordoned off for the shoot, and he joined the curious pedestrians who had stopped to watch. The people behind the cordon were packing up, so he slipped under the ropes, ignored the protest of a woman who approached
‘Sir, I’m sorry, but...’ There was a pause as she recognised him.
‘I’m here to see Sunita.’
‘Is she expecting you?’
‘No. I thought I’d surprise her.’
‘And you have.’
He spun round at the sound of Sunita’s voice; his heart pounded, his gut somersaulted. She wore a square-necked red dress, in some sort of stretchy material that moulded her figure and fell to her knees in a simple drop.
‘Is everything all right?’
‘Yes. I want to...to talk.’
She hesitated and then nodded.
‘OK. I’m done here. We can go by the wall over there and look out at the sea, if you like.’
‘Perfect.’
‘Are you sure everything is all right?’ Concern was evident in her tone now, as she looked at him.