186

The oven beeped and they broke apart.  Sayajirao took out the tray.

“I am making that spicy curry for her...” he declared and Ravi grinned.

“You know, beti? He is a fine cook..” Dhatri looked at Ravi wide eyed full of admiration. 

“Yeah... !...” he said proudly and asked her casually.

‘How about you?” Dhatri hesitated a bit but then thought of telling the truth...

“Actually I was in hostel for my engineering... Before that Rini Didi and Mamma used to do everything.... And after that......”  She said sheepishly and Ravi turned winking at his father...!

“Actually... mamma wanted me to learn .... but then I got married and ...  “ She gulped some air to gather courage...

“Then I thought, I may not get opportunity to indulge into .. my mama’s wonderful cooking..!” she said looking away shyly...

“So... ended up learning nothing....!” Ravi completed her long explanation with the zist that she didn’t know cooking...! 

Sayajirao grinned and said happily...

“No worries.... We are here...! We both love cooking...” he declared and Mrs. Russel chipped in...

“Yeahn.... they both are just too good...! That Spicy Indian meal....! And Ray bakes exquisite cakes...!” she said laying the plates on the table.  “Roti and Lamb curry...” Dhatri took in the aroma to her hearts content lifting the lid and kept it back feeling embarrassed.  She suddenly felt hungry.  

“Oh! Wait a minute.... She likes Kheer...!” Ravi said excitedly. 

“Chawal ki kheer....” Dhatri shamelessly specified and he grinned.

“Yeah... I know... chaval ki kheer with cashew nuts and saffron sprinkled...” he gave her more details and she nodded happily.

“So give me ten minutes... Dad please soak the chaval...!” Ravi dashed out with dragging his bag to freshen-up and prepare kheer for Dhatri.  Dhatri sat at the table waiting for that exquisite dinner.  

****  ****  ****  

“But why did you have to go out?” Ravi asked Dhatri. Sayajirao looked up.  They had a full dinner and were relaxing with the TV news on. 

“Yeah... That too for more than five hours....!” By now they all knew she didn’t go for shopping and had not carried anything with her.  Dhatri drew pattern on the carpet with her toes feeling embarrassed.  She just shook her head a bit stealing a glance at Sanyogita, who seemed to be forgotten by everyone else.  Her presence was not worth taking notice.  Sanyogita shifted little apprehensively.  But Dhatri had her own apprehensions... She didn’t want to tell anyone that she was scared....! 

“But where did you go?” Sayajirao asked her curiously.  She looked little hesitant ... and then said...

“Some children part 37 street... up the hill...” Ravi gaped in disbelief.  

“A what? How did you reach there?” he asked.  She looked up confused.

“What does he mean how? Of course on my feet...!” She looked pitying her husband.

“Its seven miles from this place, Dhatri...!” Ravi clarified.  She had ran up the hill and returned...! 

“Oh!.... You must be tired.... You should take rest...” Sayajirao said with concern.  She looked down.... 

“Thats impossible... She must have hid somewhere nearby...Cheap attention seeking tactics...” She thought disdainfully.  Dhatri fidgeted little nervously.  “Why are these people so shocked...?” She didn’t know.  That wasn’t a big deal for her....! Running for an hour and coming back...! 

“And you found your way back...!” Exclaimed Ravi and she nodded smiling a bit...!

“Yes... I don’t get disoriented normally...” she spoke matter-of-factly.  Sayajirao gaped.

“You know... 37 – R- Down – R – R – L – R – L – L – R – 7 – 4 – 23....  Haa... And I am back home...!” She said brightly.

“What is that?” Sayajirao asked sitting upright trying to crack the puzzle.

“Counting the landmarks.... like came out of the park..took right turn... down the hill.. then right again right... like that....!  I had counted while running up to the park....” she said simply and Sayajirao joined his hands...!

“You are just unbelievable....” He looked at Ravi for his reaction, but he seemed to have known her ways...!” He just grinned at his father...! And then remembering something asked loudly, so that everyone got alerted.

“Dad... did you request her to stay here till your return?” Sayajirao was startled by this weird question but Sanyogita got the hind.  For a fleeting second she comprehended and before Sayajirao spoke anything....

“You don’t owe him the answer Saya... Its between you and me.... I agreed to stay and that's it..!” she said firmly and Sayajirao was more confused.

“What are you asking....?” He didn’t know what his son was really asking.

“You talk to me, Sonny... And you don’t have to bother.... I have already booked my ticket... now that Saya has returned, my duty to look after this house is over, I believe....” she said with her head held high and Ravi got up aggressively to confront her.  She held up her hand and stopped him.

“Its between us.... Sonny...!” She waved at Saya and he gaped with dropped jaw.

“Us? What is between us?” Finally he could utter...!

“Oh! Saya... You don’t bother....!” She flashed an angry look at Ravi, wrapping her arm around Saya.  Sayajirao moved away...! 

“Whats between us?” He asked thoroughly confused.  In a hurry of damage control, she said...

“Its between us... that you are my first love and will always be...” she said chocking with emotions and Ravi gazed in disbelief.  Sayajirao looked at his son...! Sanyogita suddenly turned aggressive, noticing the slipping ground....!

“Fine... you don’t want me here. In my husband’s house.... That's understood....! But remember Sonny, you are staying here... in our house...!” she came on to him aggressively.  But before she could utter anything, Dhatri had got up shielding Ravi. Sayajirao couldn’t assimilate anything... The conversation was so vague....he just couldn’t stop any one of them...!  

“Whats going on?” he asked loudly, sensing the tension.  “Saya...” Sanyogita turned to him but he stopped her raising his hand.

“Please stop this....! Ravi... I hadn’t asked her to stay... She stayed on her own... And Its my weakness, that I couldn’t say NO!” Sayajirao confessed....! 

“You don’t have to be so scared of him, Saya...! And Sonny... I told you, I am going...!” Dhatri clutched Ravi’s wrist.  The happy evening was spoilt... ! Sayajirao came forward and taking Ravi’s hand in his, said...”I want to talk to you ,,,!” Ravi nodded gesturing at the library.  Dhatri turned to her room, tensed up...! 

***   ***  ***

“Have you lost it? What do you mean quitting...?” Disha yelled shaking Bhanu holding him by his shoulder.  He just looked at the blankly.

“Quitting? And what will you do, Bhanu? Who’s going to pay half the bills?” she was more worried about the loans and credit cards...! Bhanu pulled her hands down...!

“Don’t worry, Disha... I won’t run away... I will pay all my dues...!” he said bitterly and Disha sat with a thud.

“Bhanu... I didn’t mean to hurt you... !” she said softly glancing at his furious face.

“I am just worried about you...!” she held his hand gently.  

“Oh! Come on... Don’t show your fake concern..!” he spat back with hatred.

“Bhanu... Please... I didn’t mean it...” she was in tears...! It was a big blow to her, when he declared that he had quit his job.  The job market was volatile... the auto companies were closing down... he had some how managed to retain his job... it was a suicidal move to quit the job at this point of time, according to her...! They both have already incurred huge expenses on big house in elite society and expensive cars....! 

Disha hid her face in her palms sobbing. 

“Oh! Come on... Disha... !” he threw his hands in the air frustrated...!

“I quit the job, doesn’t mean I won’t earn...!” he said disdainfully, looking at the state of panicky.  

“What will you do, Bhanu?” she asked hopefully that her husband might have some plan.

“I am talking to a few people...!” he said vaguely not wanting to give her any details...

 “What?” she jumped up on her feet, shocked.  

“You don’t even have a new job in hand?” she asked with utter shock. 

“God!! What are we going to do?” She banged her head and turning to him asked hurt...

“You don’t even discuss your plans with me...!” He looked away.  There was no point discussing anything with her.  She wouldn’t understand that he too wanted to plunge into different waters... explore new horizons...take some risk and hope to be successful...! She wouldn’t understand his aspirations...! She would be happy only if he brought in a lot of money....!! 

“How are we going to survive, Bhanu? Look at our monthly expenses....!” she said hopelessly, calculating the burden on her....! They had already decided to divide the expenses equally... If he didn’t pay.....Her thoughts stopped in horror. 

“How are we ...” Bhanu stopped....!

“Disha... I will pay my share... Don’t worry...!” he said firmly...! He had saved some and was hoping to earn in a few months time...! 

“But Bhanu... Why didn’t you tell me before quitting?” she asked aghast...! She thought she had a chance to dissuade him from quitting....! This was disastrous...! 

“Ok.... I need some rest now...” Bhanu tried to escape but Disha was not to leave him so easily... The argument continued culminating in a bitter fight....! 

“You just don’t care about me...aren’t you...!” she sobbed harder.  He just sat there folding his arms on his chest, wanting to ask her when was the last time she cared for him...!

“Look, Disha... your worry is only about my share in the payments, right? I assure you, your requirements will be met...every month,... without fail...! Is this ok? Can I go and have some sleep?” he asked getting up, little sternly.  Disha just gaped with a ghost like face...

“And yes...I have deposited my share in our joint account for next six months...!” he said coldly.  She looked at him thoroughly hurt.

“You think, I am worried about only money?” she asked sadly.  He glared at him...

“That is what you were emphasizing all the time, Disha... You didn’t even ask about my plans...!” he snapped bitterly and Disha hung her head.  Bhanu felt bad for her tactlessness...! Sighing... he went to his study to spend the night on his recliner...! Disha collapsed on the sofa losing her strength...What was she going to do...?

****   ****

“Ravi...” she got up from the bed when he came inside.  He looked at her apprehension and then turned to the table, taking out his laptop.  She sat silently waiting for him...

“I need to finish the work...!” he said turning to her.  She merely nodded...

“And you are coming with me...!” he said.  He wouldn’t take any chances with her now.

For a moment she felt better, but then she thought she would be a hindrance, so said considerately...

“No... You go! Finish your work and come back...!”

“Bu...” he opened his mouth... but she said hastily...

“I promise, I will not go out... I will stay at home...” and looking at his grave face, said

“And stay safe... I promise...!” he sighed and turned.  He seemed to have bought her promise.  

“Now you work and I will....” she said feeling relieved...

“And? What will you count Dhatri? Hair on my head?” he said arching his eyebrow and she gave him a silly grin...

“not a bad idea... “ she hopped out of the bed, stood behind his chair... 

“Ok... Start... 1..2..3..4...”Her fingers ran through his hair, pressing his head to her heart....! 

185

“Bahoo...” Mrs. Russel had returned and was in search of Bahoo...! Sanyogita was on the sofa watching the drama.  Mrs. Russel walked through all the rooms....And then finally asked quivering...

“Did you see her?” Sanyogita glared at her and said...”She went out for shopping...”  she added ...

“What? Where..? Alone? ” Mrs. Russel squeaked in panic. “How do I know?” Shrugged Sanyogita and Mrs. Russel sat on the sofa all lost.  She had left Bahoo alone, only for an hour, and that too only to buy some ingredients from the Indian Store, for the special dinner... and now Dhatri was nowhere to be seen.  Hurriedly she picked up the car keys...

“She said she will be back in couple of hours...!” Sanyogita added to Mrs. Russel’s relief.  But...Somewhere the warning bell ringing in her head, she tried calling her cell phone... No one picked up.

“How did she go alone?” She thought gravely and then remembering, Disha had taken her out a couple of times for shopping, breathed relief.  Mrs. Russel decided to wait for couple of hours....!

.................. 

Dhatri, panting, thirsty, tired ... was walking aimlessly ... her counting habit at its peak.... saw a children play park and entered with a sigh.  That was a nice place to hide herself.  She sat on the bench clutching a stitch in her side....! The cool breeze of winter shivered her and she wrapped her thin jacket around her chest.  Someone passed by looking at her suspiciously... She looked away frightened.  
............. 

“God... Its almost three hours...” Mrs. Russel dialed Saya’s number...

“Yeah... I am on my way...” he said brightly and she sighed...!

“What should I do? Should I call Ray?” she didn’t know.  Sanyogita seemed to be enjoying the plight... She ordered a strong coffee for herself.  Mrs. Russel threw a disgust and went inside.  She was a housekeeper after all, couldn’t disobey...!

Dhatri sat on the bench in a secluded place bidding her time...! She jumped to her feet seeing the park deserted and the lights on.  

“God... What do we do now?” Sayajirao lost his strength when he heard about it.  Sanyogita was all worried about Dhatri.

“Saya... I think we should inform cops..” she said gravely.  It was almost four hours since Dhatri left and there was no chance of her returning unscathed....! Her eyes brightening, she clutched Saya’s shoulder.

“I should call Ravi...” he blurted and Mrs. Russel nodded...

“Oh! Saya... he must be busy in his work... Let us call the cops first...” She showed urgency and Mrs. Russel nodded to that also. 

“Do anything... but bring Bahoo back...” she only prayed.

“Why didn’t I go in search for her?” she cursed herself.  

“God...! Bahoo...” she dashed to the pooja Ghar remembering Saya lighting the lamp in despair. 

“Please ... bring her back...” She prayed...locking her fingers...!

The nightfall brought more panicky...! Saya decided to call Ravi first and then the cops...!

“She should have done that before...” Sanyogita accused Mrs. Russel.  Sayajirao looked at Mrs. Russel questioningly.  She couldn’t answer...! She wanted to yell... “Why did you tell me she went for shopping...?.” Mrs. Russel felt like slapping Sanyogita...! Then the ghostly thought crossed her mind...

“Did this lady do something to Bahoo?” she saw Sanyogita staring at her.  “I shouldn’t have believed her...” Mrs. Russel again went to self blame episode.  Collapsing on the sofa she hid her face in her hands...! 

“I... I just left her alone for a while.... “ she started meekly. 

“Oh .. shut up..!... When you knew... she is subhuman...Autistic...” Sanyogita went on whipping incessantly... No one stopped her....! 

“Saya... We made a big mistake...” Sanyogita tried to put the blame on everyone including herself... Mrs. Russel looked up. 

“She is not autistic...” she said getting up at once.  She couldn’t take anyone calling names to her Bhaoo.

Sayajirao dialed Ravi’s number with shaky hands....

*****  ****

L-23-4-7-L-R-R-L-R-L-L-Up+L.... she remembered.... and turning in 180 degrees headed back crossing the path backwards...in reverse order..! Took right... uphill...took again Right... Right turns searching for the known landmarks....! Her animal instinct knew exactly how to find the way back.... She only waited for the nightfall to save herself from the eyes of strangers, chilling her spine in the night winter...freezing her nerves... numbing her joints....!  She walked uphill... halted to catch her breath and moved faster downhill....!

..............

“God...! What am I going to do?” Sayajirao prayed.

“Ravi....” he started off when his son picked up the phone...!

“Call the cops Dad.... I am coming...! God...!” said Ravi collecting his things.

:But Ravi.. Your work...” Sayajirao was cut off ...

“To hell with the work Dad... Nothing is more important in my life..than....” His voice faltered. 

“I will be there in couple of hours...” he said switching off the lights of his room and gliding the stairs of the motel...! 

They all waited for the cops to arrive....

******  *****

“Cops...!” they both said jumping to their feet and Mrs. Russel quickly moved to the door to open...!

“Bahoo....!” she squeaked in excitement and hugged Dhatri tightly.  Saya dashed to the door and Sanyogita shifted nervously....!

“Come...Get in...” He held her hand and she glanced nervously at Sanyogita...!

“Where had you been, beta? We were so worried...” Sayajiral said making her sit on the sofa.  Mrs. Russel dashed inside to get the warm cloths looking worriedly at Dhatri’s shivering figure.  Dhastri sat there wordlessly. 

“Its, ok.  Beti... Ravi is on his way...” Sayajirao said and Dhatri jumped to her feet.

“Ravi?” she asked shocked.

“Yes, Beti... We were so worried... I called up Ravi...and...” He swallowed hard sheepishly.  Dahtri gaped apprehensively...

“And the cops...! You silly girl... where were you?”  Sanyogita was suddenly on offensive...! Dhatri recoiled in fright again...!

“Do you even know the implications of calling the cops? You will be turned in... You get that?” she pulled Dhatri by arm and Dhatri repented to have returned....!

“Thats ok.  I will handle it... Don’t worry... Beti... Go change into warm clothes...” Sayajirao said softly stroking Dhatri’s head.  She looked up for a fleeting second and Mrs. Russel held her other hand.

“Bahoo... Chaalaa...” she said grinning and Dhatri went away with her. 

Call Ray... that his moro...n... I mean his wife is back and he need not come...” Sanyogita had gauged Dhatri by now and was sure Dhatri fell pray for her tactics...!

“Ravi... “ But Saya was cut off...

“I am on my way, Dad.. I am checking in..” Ravi was at the airport.

“Ravi... Dhatri is home... safe...” Sayajirao said and Ravi breathed relief.

“I am coming, Dad...” he said determined.  He couldn’t wait to see his JL. 

“Ok..!” Sayajirao grinned happily.  Sanyogita stared at his happy face. 

“Yeah... told him, she is back...” he said looking at her for the first time since his return and they all heard the siren...!

Dhatri’s knees gave way.  Are they going to put me in jail?” she flinched in horror...! She sat on the bed with bated breath waiting to be called out anytime.

Sayajirao opened the door to apologize and complete the formalities...! Nothing much happened.  Mrs. Russel came into her room and took her out.  She said sorry... stuttering... the cop gave her a broad smile and left. 
Hushh....Haa,,,” she sighed keeping her hand on her chest. 

“Come.... “ Sayajirao guided her to the pantry and made her sit at the table...!  Mrs. Russel brought a mug of hot coffee... She inhaled the aroma and kept the mug without sipping... craving for a good cup of tea.....!

“Aray... Beta... Yes... I will make a tea for you in no time...” Sayajirao had understood her taste and she smiled shyly setting aside the coffee mug.  The three of them had virtually forgotten Sanyogita....! A hot tea with lemon grass drove away her cold.... She opened up a bit.

“Tell me Dhaa... What do you want for dinner...” Sayajirao was all set with a ladle and apron wrapped around his front.  She gave a shy smile shaking her head... actually wanting to give him a big list of her favorites....! Sayajirao got to work with Mrs. Russel assisting him.  Dhatri sat there wondering.. gaping at them... the finesse with which he was cooking....!

“Ravi...” Sayajirao hurriedly removed the apron to answer the bell.  Dhatri fidgeted nervously.

“What will he do? He sure is going to...”  her feet made some involuntary actions to run away.. She jumped to her feet to hide herself.

“Dhaa...” Ravi had dropped his bag at the kitchen door and dashed in.  Dhatri gaped in utter fright and Ravi hugged her tightly....!

“God! Dhaa.... you are safe...” he cuddled her wrapping her in his arms.  A happy smile spread over Dhaa’s face.  He was not upset with her.... He had hugged her....her arms circled his neck!  He  lifted her off the ground whispering..her name...!

“This is good! I should run away, if he gets upset ever again.... and then come back of course... to him... of course...” she thought closing her eyes, with a mischievous smile flashing her dimples.  Her gudda was back....in form...in his own self... loving his JL beyond anything limiting in this world...! 

184

“Breakfast?” she asked looking up at him. He just nodded and waved at Mrs. Russel.

“Yeah... right here..!” she put a bowl of cereals and coffee on the table.  She looked on.  He ate silently scanning the papers in his hand, ignoring her completely.  She felt restless.

“I got to go..!” he declared putting down the coffee mug.  A knot in her stomach caught her breath. 

“There is a pending deployment work.  I will be back in four days...” he said and got to his feet.  She too got up... He turned and his expressions changed.  Sanyogita was standing, folding her arms on her chest looking at the couple curiously.  He again turned his head and looked at Mrs. Russel questioningly....!

“Good morning my boy...!” Sanyogita came and gave him a light hug.  His muscles flexed and he took a step back.  Glancing at Dhatri he said...”Bye...” and moved out.

“Did I hear, a Goodbye?” Sanyogita glared at Dhatri maliciously.  Dhatri looked away and went out of the kitchen without a word. 

He packed his bags neatly and turned to find Dhatri at the door.  “Bye..” he said smiling faintly.  She came in nodding.  “B...Bye..!” she stammering showed her nervousness.  He hesitated a bit.

“Be careful...” he blurted not knowing how to warn her and tell her to stay away from Sanyogita.

“Dad will be back by evening...” she again nodded looking down staring at her toes.  He shouldered his bag and left the room.  Dhatri followed.  All the romantic scenes from the movies flashed... she felt a stab... Her gudda had moved out without even looking at her.  She felt lonely.

“aain.. Baahoo... “ Mrs. Russel came out with her bag and car keys.  Dhatri understood.  She looked at her expectantly.  Mrs. Russel opened the door and Sanyogita called her from behind...!

“I need the keys...!” she demanded and Mrs. Russel shrugged helplessly.

“I don’t have the keys...” she said and moved out.  Dhatri was all alone with that so called mother...of her gudda.  The big question was.... “what she would do the whole day?”

Dhatri looked around...! Sanyogita watched her movements carefully.  Time to play the next move.

*********   *********   ********

“What happened?” Afroz asked concerned looking at the grave faces of Nilima and Salil.  Their pillar of support, Rini was gone on another rescue operation.  Nilima hesitated a bit and looked at Salil.  He gave a nod.  Afroz was what they had now...!

“Humm...” Afroz sighed after listening to Nilima for a while.

“This happens...” she said gravely looking at Nilima longingly. 

“When my mother died...” she clutched Nilima’s hand for support. 

“I was very young, only six years old... I don’t remember much... but Fredie says... I was mute for several days ... I didn’t speak to anyone... didn’t cry at all... No emotions... no expression... no grief... no sorrow....” Nilima pulled Afroz closer feeling her anguish.  Afroz was still gazing unfocused...

“But Maki..  my grandma. brought me here .... and GP gave a gun in my hands....! I don’t know why... but that brought me back.... It became my passion.... shooting..!” she said looking lost.

“Bloody hell....!” she jumped to her feet yelling and Nilima startled...

“I want to join Army...Now..!!” Afroz declared raising her hand which almost touched the ceiling... Nilima gaped in disbelief at her tall heafty figure.  Salil came in....

“Whats going on? Why is she standing like a statue of liberty?” he asked grinning.  Afroz turned triggered...

“US of A... Big sister....” she turned excitedly.

“Wait ... we will call her...” she said pulling out her tablet pc.

“No.. “ Salil stopped her.

“Not now...she doesn’t know anything... we will call her later... Let her settle down first...” Afroz gaped and then sighing... said

“Yeah... may be you are right...But... but..” suddenly her face shadowed with emotions..

“I miss her... my big sister..!” she was on the verge of crying.

“No... Afroz...” Nilima held her hand to stop her emotional outburst.

“Come on... let us have some tea... !” Salil said brightly squinting at Nilima.  She smiled... like Dhaa, distraction was the best method to bring Afroz back.

“Yeah... ok.  I go get some snacks...” she said picking up her Enfield keys.  Nilima nodded smiling and sat back on sofa relaxed.  Afroz was equivalent to all her three daughters...!

*****  *****  *****  *****

“Drink?” Dhatri cringed looking up.  Sanyogita was holding two glasses.  The striking resemblance in Ravi’s eyes had only one difference.  Sanyogita’s blue eyes flashed malice.  Dhatri’s animal instinct made her recoil in fear.  She must run away from this predator...!

“N...No...!” Dhatri stammered in fear.  Sanyogita shrugged and sat beside her sipping her drink.  Nervousness crept in.  Dhatri crouched down in fear.  The predator could strike anytime.  Dhatri must be ready with her defenses.  It was like a kitten in front of a lion....trying to defend itself....! Sanyogita was watching her from the corner of her eye calculating, weighing her options.  This was the right time she could strike, and eliminate this filth... It could easily be looked like a freak accident.. Her hands twitched to strangulate Dhatri, gripping the glass tightly.  But she needed an alibi... she couldn’t strike when the two of them were alone... She needed someone else to vouch, it was an accident.

The other option was... fill her mind with prejudice and malice.  Was that an option? Sanyogita gazed loathing this moron, dumb, autistic looking girl...! What mind games she would understand? Sanyogita clenched her fist controlling her urge to hit Dhatri. 

“Hello ...” she said brightly when the phone was picked up from the other side.  Dhatri grabbed this opportunity and jumped to her feet to run away ...!

Her wrist was clamped and she had to stop.  “Stay here..” Sanyogita commanded through her eyes.  Dhatri recoiled....! Sanyogita disconnected and turned to Dhatri furiously.

“What did you do to my son...?” she asked ferociously.  Droplets of sweat sprang on Dhatri’s forehead.  She lost her speech.

“Run... run... run away from this place...!” her inner self pushed her forward... involuntarily she pushed Sanyogita away and dashed to open the main door.... Triumphant smirk made Sanyogita’s drink stronger....!! Dhatri was out on the deserted afternoon roads crossing the blocks, counting them, running uphill...!! Rubbing her palms gleefully, Sanyogita closed the door.  She had seen Dhatri’s vanishing figure on the horizon... far away...!

Dhatri, running relentlessly, knew nothing where she was heading...!