“The arrangement is perfect - the decor, ambience, everything. Thank you so much, Naomi. Ravish will love this,” Anjini Nair, dusky, svelte and gorgeous, said, with as much emotion as she could profess, taking Naomi Dutta’s hands in her own. The occasion was the lavish birthday party of Anjini’s husband, Ravish, and was being thrown by the Duttas in their villa in Arcade Emporia, one of the many condominiums sited on the posh Golf Course Road in Gurgaon, India. The abode where Naomi Dutta, baker extraordinaire, homemaker divine, lived with her husband Abhijeet, a taciturn, middle-aged man and their teenage son Avik, was located at the very end of the vast apartment complex and bordered the gate that led one to the EWHS society.  Anjini Nair, the resident Queen Bee of Arcade Emporia, was looking regal, or so she thought because the other women (chief among them, Naomi) told her, in a silver-coloured toga which she had paired with black pearl accessories - a choker, string earrings and a big cocktail ring.

Naomi Dutta squeezed Anjini Nair’s hands warmly and preened. “Aww don’t be formal.  I am so glad. This was the least we could do in making this a special birthday for our dear Ravish. Glad you liked it. Where is Ravish bye-the-bye?” A question that was merely asked because Ravish was the reason of this ostentatious display and celebration. Without waiting to get a reply from Anjini about Ravish’s whereabouts, Naomi preened, a big successful smile plastered on her face, surveying her own house with much satisfaction, her keen eyes taking stock of what was going on around her.

Anjini Nair whipped her cell phone, the latest offering from the Apple stable, out from her LV bag, a limited-edition beauty from the last season, and dialled her husband. “Where on earth is that man? It is his birthday!” “He must have gotten busy, darling. Such a busy man he is,” chimed the tall lady with the striking appearance standing next to them. Rekha Soneji, known for her long silky, straight hair, her crowning glory, with its tinges of silver and grey and yet distinctive, took a sip of a drink that looked like beer, but had an amount of red in it, and scowled. Turning to Naomi, Rekha asked, her eyebrows raised and pointy, extending to the middle of her broad forehead, “Naomi darling, whatever is this?” Raising the glass above, and taking a closer look at it, she raised her eyebrows, Darling whatever it is, it does taste interesting!” Naomi shook herself from her reverie and turned to Rekha, “Good, good you are having this. It is called a cerveza preparada*, it is nothing but a cocktail made of beer. Tell me what you think of this.” Beaming her largest smile at Rekha, Naomi walked away from these two ladies to mingle with the other guests. Her walk, confident and triumphant, very much was a reflection of her state of mind. For this party, Ravish Nair’s birthday party, a lavish, tastefully done Mexican themed party, was a culmination of her success, her standing in Arcade Emporia - something which she had worked for ceaselessly and untiringly these past five years.

Before she could ruminate further, a petite lady wearing an elegant Mysore silk saree, standing at the closest table called out to her, “Naomiiii, come over here, na.” “Vidya, looking as elegant and pretty as ever, “ Naomi cooed as she walked up to her and gave her a warm hug. “This is so beautiful. The entire get-up, the arrangements. Simply marvellous. You do have a thing for party planning, gushed Vidya Chari. “Err I think I am standing out, but you know na, Mexican or African - I wear only sarees.” Naomi took in the compliments graciously and waved her hand as if always immaculately dressed in her kanjivarams and chanderis, stood out in a room full of women, mostly in their late 30s and 40s and dressed according to the theme of the party - A Mexican themed night.

Dressed in classic Mexican colours, the entire villa had accordingly been brightened up with shades of yellow gold, pumpkin orange, hues of blue, light and cobalt, maroon and green. The entire walkway leading up to the main door had been lined with strips of expensive fabric on stakes, mainly silk and brocade, lit with coloured string lights. Many colourful sombreros flanked the front door and there were tissue pom poms in bright red and green hanging from the trees next to the villa. Buntings in the traditional Mexican colours of red, white and green were all around the villa.

The vast living area, appointed in the classiest of furniture and furnishings had been enhanced with colourful wall decorations and trimmings.  A multicoloured backdrop made of circles and stripes, yellow, red, maroon, cobalt stood tall and proud. Coloured sombreros arranged in shapes of flowers were present all over. Aztec suns, piñatas, Aztec temples, ceramic pots, everything symbolising Mexican to the supposedly well-travelled and hence all-knowing Gurgaon residents, was kept in place. Buffet tables catering to appetisers, hors de oeuvres, salsa bars , with caterers ready to serve the guests, were sited at the corner of the room. Next to which a butler,  in reality a head chef by profession in one of the fancier hotels of the suburb, stood proudly, ready to serve the most expensive of wines, sangria and margaritas. 

Looking around, standing next to Vidya, Naomi purred happily,” This is nice, isn’t it. Carmelita has outdone herself.” Vidya gawped, “Oh wow, you engaged Carmelita’s Capers?” Naomi nodded. “Is she as good as they say she is?” Naomi smiled at this question, a triumphant look on her face, and said “you see the result, don’t you, Vidya? I think she is!” Overhearing this conversation was Sumona Roy, a not-so-close friend of Naomi’s; however an old confidante of Anjini’s - by virtue of which she had to be invited to this celebration. “Aha, so this was why Naomi was so insistent on the Mexican theme party! Now we know - all to show off her connection with the Carmelita chick.” The sarcastic barb found its target. The triumphant smile was wiped off Naomi’s face, even as Vidya looked horrified. Naomi recovered, just in time for Sumona’s next onslaught. Putting on a perfectly plastic, artificial smile back on her made-up face, she cooed softly, “Sumona, darling, of course you know the reason why we picked the Mexican theme for the party tonight. Our dear Ravish is so fond of all things Mexican…There, there, your glass is empty. Should I get you something else?”

Sumona, perhaps drunk, or perhaps just outraged, quipped,” Oh come on Naomi, not everyone buys this explanation of yours. Our Ravish indeed.” Sumona rolled her eyes; Vidya sensing that this conversation was going nowhere, loudly said, “Girls why aren’t we hitting the dance floor?” This loud pronouncement acted as a major diversion. The said Carmelita and her two assistants took the cue and the dance floor was opened. Even as the ongoing chatter continued, some of the guests, mainly friends of the Duttas and the Nairs lined on the dance floor. Naomi walked towards the other guests, playing the perfect hostess while Vidya smiled, a smile of relief. The crisis had been averted for the moment. She then turned towards Sumona and looked up at her face - in contrast to Vidya’s petite, small frame, Sumona was big built - tall and broad; and was nearly towering over Vidya as they stood next to each other. Seeing the scowl on Sumona’s attractive face, Vidya placed her hand on her back and asked, “Are you ok, dear?” “No, I am not. I don’t get it why you all are even nice to her. I cannot. Not seeing how she has wormed her way into our group and is trying to be Queen Bee. Mark my words, Vidya. This Naomi definitely has some agenda.” Vidya laughed, “Come on, Sumona. Stop being so suspicious and be fair to Naomi. And we aren’t some clique - we are a bunch of neighbours, friends at that, and we hang out together and have so much fun. She is a new neighbour and nice at that!”

Sumona rolled her eyes  at this rather spirited defence and scoffingly replied, “Bullshit. You are simply naive, girl. Open your eyes before it is too late.”

“Too late for what?” Vidya asked, an incredulous expression writ on her face, “You don’t like her and you are taking this too far, I fear.”

Before they could continue, Anjini walked up towards them, worried and looking very stressed. “I don’t get it. Ravish’s phone is not reachable. Wonder where he is.” Naomi who had been passing on some instructions to Carmelita, had seen Anjini walk up to Sumona and Vidya. Promptly she made her way back and inserted herself into the conversation. “Oh Anjini, don’t worry. He is probably stuck in some important meeting. We all know how busy he is. Besides, this whole party is a surprise, isn't it?” Anjini nodded. “Yaa. I didn’t really tell him about this party and yes things are rather hectic at work for him nowadays.” “There, cheer up and enjoy the party, dear, This is for you and Ravish.” Naomi added, pacifying Anjini and gradually coercing her into the dance floor. Seeing Anjini be led by Naomi onto the dance floor, Sumona shook her head. Her worst fears were coming true. Her own ambition of becoming as the next Queen Bee of Arcade Emporia or being second in line to the present one was finished. Kaput. All because of this usurper who made her way into their perfect lives some time back!