The Diary of The Blue Butterfly - Entry 31, page 5 - Page 2

Where the mind is still astute ...

He is still astute, well most times that is. Witness how with reference to her silence and lack of cry for help, he asks the lass if she was just strange or cunning. But, men will be men! Witness how he admits to his brother about the slip-up in his choice of a bride for him.

Witness how the younger of the Ranawat brothers has the presence of mind not to disclose the lass' real identity or even express an audible gasp of surprise at his elder brother's introduction of the lass.

Witness how the younger of the Ranawat sons has the presence of mind to observe the reactions of the lass and deduce that she was no fiance.

Witness how the self-appointed lady of the manor had the presence of mind of threatening the involvement of the panchayat and the BSD in order to smoke out the girl from the room and be better able to investigate.

So, lass, you better be careful. Astuteness runs in the family. It would appear that he has inherited it from both his parents. He was astute enough to retreat and give his aunt the thrill of a victory in this battle. Some would question his astuteness in this situation and others, but take it from me, it sometimes just gets clouded over.

If I could send a missive to the lass just now, I would tell her not to slip up so:

Dear P,

Merely wearing a blue kurta with really long sleeves does not make you The Blue Butterfly.

You got the tentativeness in getting astride a Royal Enfield right. But, what about before that?

Remember, you are a country lass. Why oh why did you exhibit your familiarity with adjusting the strap of the helmet?

You certainly don't look the types to vroom around on a scooter, much less a bike. You don't have a driving licence issued to you. Or else the smart folks at BSD would have nailed your identity and your residence based on that. Ladies in your village too don't go around riding bikes and scooters ... or else you could have excused yourself for an experienced pillion rider ... but then you would have to explain your green face while getting onto the bike.

Now, use your astuteness. If he asks you how you are so familiar with adjusting the straps on the helmet, all you have to do is to remember Meera. You used to use a helmet when you would ride Meera ... the same one from whom you also picked up the agility to climb cupboards. Ah, Meera!

Yours truly,

BB

PS: If you want to discomfit him, remember to ask him if he always carries a spare helmet for a pillion rider.