Ten Minutes to Nine

Chapter 1: One-Eighth Mind Scold

Dusk settles over the ⟨home⟩. Aanya sits by the window, her chin on her knees, watching the street below.

⟨Character 1⟩: The shutter’s coming down, ⟨Character 4⟩. Old Man Shetty’s shop is closing. But I only lent them that one sheet. My rocket drawing. Rohan said it was just paper, but it was mine.

⟨Character 2⟩: You’re still moping about that drawing? I told you, we’ll get it back. We just have to be smart. The sweet shop stays open late. We go in at nine minutes to nine, pretend we’re buying something, and grab it.

⟨Character 3⟩: Who’s grabbing what? Rohan, did you take my glasses again? I had them right here. Oh, listen, the kettle’s singing. I’ll make us some tea and sing that old song, the one about the moon.

⟨Character 4⟩: Woof.

⟨Character 1⟩: ⟨Character 4⟩, shh. You’ll wake the whole building. Paati, you’re not making tea. We’re going to the sweet shop. I need my drawing back. It’s mine. I’m the one who lent it, and I’m the one who has to ask for it.

⟨Character 2⟩: That’s my girl! But we have to be careful. If we cheat straight, there’s no one saving us. We go in, we’re nice, we buy a little something, and we spot the drawing. If it’s behind the counter, I’ll create a distraction.

A leaf drops onto the window ledge, and Aanya picks it up, pressing it into her palm. She leaves her one useful napkin on the table, just in case.

⟨Character 3⟩: Distraction? Like in my classroom? I once had a boy who could whistle like a bird. The whole class turned around. He was a clever one. But where did I put my purse? I need my purse for sweets.

⟨Character 1⟩: Paati, your purse is on your arm. You’re already holding it. See? Now come on, we have to go. The shop closes at nine. ⟨Character 4⟩, you stay here. You’re too noisy.

⟨Character 4⟩: Whine.

⟨Character 2⟩: ⟨Character 4⟩’s right, he should come. He can sniff out the drawing. Plus, he’s a good excuse if we get caught. ‘Sorry, sir, our dog ran in.’ Classic. But keep him quiet, Aanya. One bark and we’re done.

⟨Character 1⟩: He’s not an excuse, he’s ⟨Character 4⟩. And he barks when he’s scared. Maybe we shouldn’t take him. But if we leave him, he’ll howl at the doorbell. Fine, he comes. But we do this my way. I ask for the drawing, not you.

Chapter 2: Chapter 2

The three of them reach the sweet shop with ten minutes to spare. The shutter hangs half down, and the smell of jaggery and cardamom drifts out into the street.

⟨Character 1⟩: Paati, remember, you do the talking. You’re the grown-up. Ask for the rosilai and muttai. Talk about your school days, anything. Just keep him busy at the counter while Rohan looks for my drawing.

⟨Character 3⟩: School days, yes. I used to sing “Naan thaaye” to the little ones. They loved that song. The shopkeeper, is he a kind man? His face looks familiar. Oh, I hope he has the muttai in the rusted tin. The one with the crying lid.

⟨Character 2⟩: Crying lid? Paati, don’t bring up old tin boxes. Just keep him talking. I’ll slip behind the jars. Aanya, you watch the door. If someone comes, cough twice. And keep ⟨Character 4⟩ close, he’s already sniffing like he’s found gold.

⟨Character 4⟩: Woof.

⟨Character 1⟩: No, ⟨Character 4⟩ stays with me. He’s not going near those jars. And Rohan, I said I ask for the drawing. Not you. I’m the one who lent it. If we’re doing this, I’m not hiding behind you.

⟨Character 2⟩: Fine, fine. I’ll just… create a small distraction if you need it. Like dropping a tin. Trust me. But hurry, the clock’s ticking.

⟨Character 3⟩: Such a stubborn girl. Just like her brother. Now let me see. Half hour more, the sign says. Good. I’ll ask for the rosilai. Wait, did I bring my purse?

⟨Character 1⟩: It’s on your arm, Paati. Again. Now go in. And please, don’t sing too loud.