Bhangra Babes (18 page)

“It's not like he's evil or anything,” Geena agreed. “Just a bit dull and self-centered.”

“What a waste,” Jazz sighed. “I wonder which one of us he
did
like best, though.”

“I hereby declare that ridiculous bet null and void as of this very minute,” I announced.

“We could still ask him,” Jazz began.

“No!” Geena and I told her firmly.

Auntie-ji hurried past us, rearranging flowers with one hand, straightening a tablecloth with the other and scolding a waiter at the same time. She screeched to a halt when she spotted us.

“Amber, where's your friend?” she asked with a frown. “He's very late.”

“He's not coming,” I said, trying to smother an enormous grin. “Sorry.”

Auntie-ji looked shocked. “You mean, he's let us down at the last minute?” she exclaimed. “That's terrible!”

“I know,” I agreed, still trying not to smile. “But we could ask the Bhangra Boyz if they'd like to play a longer set.”

Auntie-ji nodded. “That's a very good idea, Amber,” she said, sounding relieved. “And I'm sure some of our guests will be able to rustle up a few CDs so we can have some background music.”

And she bustled off, delighted to have yet another crisis to deal with.

Now, at last, I could relax and enjoy the wedding. There were cheers and applause as Auntie and Mr. Arora came in, and then it was down to the serious business of eating. Huge pots of chicken, vegetable and paneer curries were placed on the tables along with towers of chapatis and enormous bowls of rice. And a quick whip-round of all the guests produced a pile of CDs from their cars and a portable CD player.

“There's Mrs. Macey” I pointed my fork at the door. Our neighbor had arrived from Southampton with her family—her daughter and son-in-law and two sweet little grandchildren.

Kim nudged me. “I've been meaning to ask you,” she whispered. “Who's
that?”

We followed her gaze to a table across the room, where Baby was sitting with her family.

“Oh, you've never had the pleasure of meeting our cousin Baby, have you?” I said.

“Baby?”
Kim looked disapproving. “She must be at least nineteen.”

“Fifteen, actually,” Geena replied. “And if she's not careful she's going to burst out of that white suit she's wearing.”

Baby's wedding outfit consisted of a skin-tight pair of white trousers, skyscraper gold heels and a white halter top decorated with gold sequins. The clothes looked as if they were sprayed on and would have to be surgically removed.

I pointed beyond Baby's table as someone else

caught my eye. “Who's that woman over there with all the kids?” I asked. “Do we know her?”

“Hello,” said a familiar voice in my ear.

It was Kiran—looking pretty and feminine for once, in a light green suit, with a white flower in her hair.

We stared at her in disbelief.

“Wh-What are
you
doing here?” I stammered.

Kiran raised an eyebrow at us. “That's nice,” she said with a grin. “I
was
invited.”

“By whom?” asked Geena, looking nervous.

The same thought had occurred to me. Maybe Rocky had asked her along to help with his equipment! I gulped, scanning the room with dread. But there was still no sign of him.

“Mr. Arora's auntie asked us,” Kiran explained. “My mum and the others are over there.”

She pointed at the woman I'd just noticed. Now I could see that it was Kiran's mum. But she looked so different—dressed up and made up—that I hadn't recognized her.

“This is getting more and more confusing,” Jazz grumbled. “How do you know Auntie-ji?”

“Oh, she's been
great”
replied Kiran. “We met her at the community center in Shepherd Road. She's really sorted us out. She organized people to do our decorating, and she's helped Mum with the kids. And she babysits so that Mum can get out and make friends. She's made a big difference.”

“Why didn't you mention this before?” I asked.

Kiran shrugged. “I didn't find out she was Mr. Arora's auntie until yesterday,” she explained. “I had a feeling I'd seen her before, but I couldn't remember where. Anyway, she's been amazing.”

“So
that's
why you've been looking happier over the last few weeks,” I said, feeling mightily relieved that maybe, just maybe, Kiran wasn't in love with Rocky after all.

Kiran nodded. “Auntie-ji told me yesterday that it was your idea for her to volunteer at the community center,” she said. “I owe you one, Amber. I can't tell you how much she's done for us.”

“We thought you were happier because you were in love with Rocky,” Jazz blurted out in her usual thoughtful manner.

Kiran's eyes opened wide. Then she began to roar with laughter.

“Obviously not,” I said, feeling even more relieved.

“Are you
kidding?”
Kiran chuckled. “I mean, he's nice enough and I get on well with him, especially when we're talking about music. But he can be a bit immature. And boy, doesn't he think he's great! He's OK as a mate, but that's as far as it goes.”

“Have you heard him do his bhangra rap?” asked Jazz.

Kiran shuddered. “I went round to his house yesterday,” she said. “It nearly killed me. I did actually try to persuade him not to come today.”

“So you're the reason he didn't turn up!” I threw Kiran a grateful look. “Thanks ever so much.”

But Kiran was shaking her head. “He wouldn't listen to me,” she said. “He was determined to come, one way or another.”

“So why isn't he here?” asked Kim.

“Oh, never mind.” I pushed a chair toward Kiran. “Sit down with us and have something to eat.”

Rocky's no-show was a mystery, but it wasn't something I was going to worry my head over. No doubt I'd find out the reason behind it at school on Monday.

But actually, I didn't have to wait that long. I'd left the hall, where the Bhangra Boyz had just started playing, and was on my way down the corridor to the ladies'. The outside doors were open, and as I passed them, a panting and disheveled figure rushed in.

“Rocky!” I gasped in horror. “What the hell are you doing here? I mean, where have you been?”

Rocky slapped his forehead, looking totally flustered. “You're not going to believe this!” he groaned. “Dad and I loaded all my gear into the van. Somehow it got locked and we couldn't find the keys, and then Dad didn't know where the spares were.” He stared at me, wild-eyed. “So the van is still sitting on our drive and I haven't got any equipment, but maybe the band will let me do a few songs? They could play for me.”

“Well, I don't know about that,” I said quickly. “I'll have to go and check. Wait here.”

“Thanks, Amber.” Looking a little more cheerful, Rocky slid his arm round my shoulder and gave me a squeeze. “Listen, I know about that bet you, Geena and Jazz made…”

“Oh, really?” I muttered, embarrassed.

“And I want you to know that, of the three of you, I like
you
best,” Rocky whispered in my ear.

And now I'd gone and declared the bet null and void. Drat. But apart from losing a couple of slaves for a day, I wasn't at all thrilled, to be honest.

“You know, maybe we could get together for a slow dance at the end of my set,” Rocky went on, looking more and more pleased with himself.

“You'll have to get past my dad first,” I replied, easing myself free. “Wait here.”

I went back into the hall, my brain operating on red alert. I headed straight for Baby.

“Baby,” I said quietly, “I need your help.”

Baby yawned and put down the chapati she was nibbling. “What's in it for me?”

“My silver DKNY sunglasses,” I replied. “The ones you've had your eye on for the last six months.”

Baby's mask of sophistication fell away instantly. “Are you serious?” she gasped.

I nodded. “There's a boy outside,” I went on. “I want him kept away from the stage by whatever means are necessary. I'll leave that up to you.”

Baby glared at me. “He's fat and spotty with sweaty hands, I suppose?” she sneered.

“See for yourself,” I invited.

We went over to the door, and Baby peered out into the corridor.

“The guy in the leather jacket?” she asked in tones of utter disbelief. “What's the catch?”

“No catch,” I said. “Just keep him away from the stage for the rest of the reception. That's all I ask.”

“But—he's gorgeous!” Baby spluttered.

I shrugged. “Well, if you don't think you're up to it…,” I began, turning away.

Baby grabbed my arm. “Are you joking?” she whispered crossly. “Introduce me—now!”

We went over to Rocky. He might have liked me best about two minutes ago, but he didn't spare me a single glance now. His eyes were fixed on Baby's undulating curves.

“The band isn't sure if there'll be time for you to play,” I said.

“But—” Rocky began.

“Don't worry.” Baby took his arm, looking up at him from beneath her false eyelashes. “I'll look after you.”

“This is my cousin, Baby,” I said.

Rocky and Baby stared into each other's eyes. They were both spoilt and immature and had a high opinion of themselves. I guess they'd both found their soul mate.

“Come and have something to eat,” Baby invited, and dragged him off into the hall.

I sighed hugely with relief. We were safe. I had no doubt at all that Baby would fulfill her side of the bargain.

I slipped outside into the cool air to take a few deep breaths. To my utter amazement, I came face to face with George Botley, who was loitering on the step. He

stared at me in horror and tried to edge his way out of sight behind a large bush.

“George, what are you
doing
here?” I cried, grabbing his sleeve. He looked as if he'd been running. He was pink and panting.

“Nothing,” George mumbled.

“Nothing,” I repeated with pointed sarcasm. “You turn up at my aunt's wedding and lurk around outside and that's nothing? Let's have it.”

George stared down at his trainers. “I was trying to stop Rocky from coming here.”

“What?” I stared at him.

“I heard you talking about trying to stop him from singing at the reception.” George took a bunch of keys out of his pocket and held them up. “So I—er— happened to be passing the Gills' house this morning while they were loading the van—”

“George!” I gasped. “You locked the van and took the keys?”

George nodded. “But Rocky came anyway. I followed him here, but I couldn't think how to stop him coming in.”

I stared severely at him. “George, that was a very foolish thing to do,” I scolded. “What if you'd been caught? I can't believe you've been so stupid.”

George hung his head. While he wasn't looking at me, I allowed myself one big grin.

“Well, now that you're here, you'd better come in and have something to eat,” I said briskly.

“But I'm not invited—” George began.

“You are now.” This time I couldn't help smiling at him. “George, I'd be honored if you'd attend my aunt's wedding.”

George brightened up quite considerably. We went inside together to find Geena, Jazz and Kim dancing around in a panic just outside the hall.

“Rocky's turned up,” Jazz wailed. “What are we going to do?”

“At the moment Baby's distracting him,” added Geena. “But we're not sure how long that will last.”

“Hello, George,” Kim said. “What are
you
doing here?”

“Relax,” I said easily. “Everything's sorted.”

Quickly I explained recent events. I'm sorry to say, however, that Jazz, Geena and Kim chose not to focus on my brilliance in preventing Rocky from taking to the stage. Instead they homed in on George's motives for taking the keys.

“You must like Amber a lot, George,” Jazz said, smirking. “I mean, you might have been
arrested.”

“He must think Amber's worth it,” Kim chimed in, enjoying my embarrassment.

“It's so romantic,” Geena added.

“Oh, be quiet,” I muttered as I led George over to our table. Kiran had returned to sit with her mum and Auntie-ji, and Rocky and Baby were absorbed in each other in a quiet corner.

“Well, of course I like Amber,” George said coolly, sitting down. “And she knows I do.” He flashed me a smile, and I have to admit my knees did wobble slightly.

“Is this your musical friend, Amber?” Dad appeared from nowhere, clutching a plate of paneer curry. He has this ability to materialize out of nowhere whenever there are boys around.

“No, he's otherwise engaged with Baby,” I replied. “This is George, Dad. He's in my class at school.”

George stood up and held out his hand, which impressed me no end.

“I hope your intentions are honorable, George,” Dad said sternly. “I have a very strict vetting procedure for my daughters' would-be husbands.”

George looked stunned.

“Dad!” I groaned.

Dad burst out laughing. “I'm kidding,” he chuckled. “Well, not about the vetting procedure. But you're a bit young yet. Maybe in a few years' time.”

“OK,” George agreed.

“George!” I whispered crossly.

Dad wandered away, still laughing.

“Does this mean you and George are engaged?” Geena inquired, while Jazz and Kim giggled.

“No,” I said.

“Yes,” said George with a grin.

“You're getting a bit above yourself now, George,” I retorted, handing him a plate.

I checked on Rocky and Baby, who were ignoring everyone around them. Rocky's leather jacket was draped over a chair nearby.

“Give me those keys, Georgie,” I whispered. “I'm

going to slip them into Rocky's pocket while he's not looking.”

I strolled innocently across the floor, dodging between the dancers, and dropped the keys into the jacket pocket as I walked past. Rocky and Baby were so busy staring into each other's eyes that they didn't notice me.

I made my way back across the dance floor to our table.

“Well, I don't know how you managed it, Amber,” Geena remarked, “but everything seems to have turned out for the best, for once.”

I shrugged. “I told you to have faith in my ideas.”

George stopped eating chicken curry and cleared his throat rather pointedly.

“All right,” I grumbled. “Thank you, George. You were a big help.”