“You are permitted to get up and walk around.”

“Thank you, Mistress.” He got up and went through the moves of limbering up, as much as that was possible with hands tied behind his back. He wandered around as far as the chain permitted him. This brought him close to the window. He stopped, looked outside, a little startled at what he saw. The window had no glass panes and looked out over a lush green park, surrounded by palatial buildings. In the distance the setting sun reflected off the surface of a great lake. He turned to look at Haria.

“We're on an island. And yes... you might be able to swim across... but it would not help you much because you'll surely be found and brought back. The people around the lake are good servants. They would not help you. And any attempt to escape will result in the most severe punishment.”

He looked back out, down into the park. Women were strolling in it, talking to each other. Most were followed by men who seemed to scurry to and fro at the beck and call of the women. There was an occasional glint of gold around the men. He looked closer and saw that they were wearing fetters of the most insubstantial gold chains. They were nothing more than symbols of their servitude.

He clenched his teeth and continued to look outside, almost motionless. Haria looked at his quiet back, noticing a sudden sense of loneliness around He which surprised her. She got up and walked over to him. As she stepped next to him he turned his head a fraction, hiding his face. Haria frowned a little. What was going on?

“Look at me.” He didn't react. Haria spoke more commandingly. “Look at me!” He turned his head just enough for her to see a tear hang on his lashes. He blinked rapidly and it dropped. Haria was surprised again.

“What are you crying about?” He looked a moment down then back up and across the expanse of the lake in the distance. Finally he said, quietly: “My wife. My children. They are somewhere out there... waiting for me. They must be worried. I should be with them.” He said nothing more, but continued to look into the distance. After a moment he asked: “What direction is Mumbai?” Haria thought for a moment, then pointed to the left, across the lake. He turned his head to face in the indicated direction.

“You are dead to them.” Haria said it harshly. He turned his head sharply, eyes wide. She continued. “They believe you left them. Went away for another woman.” He shuddered a moment. Then he turned his head, faced Haria and said with absolute conviction. “My wife would never believe that about me. I've not always been the best of husbands... but I've always been faithful. My wife... is my other half. She knows it... I know it. Without her... “ He took a deep breath. “She will be worried. I should be with her.”

Haria was impressed. He wasn't begging... he wasn't whining. He just stated what should be. Underlying this was his determination to make this come true. He should be with them... he would be with them.

“Forget them. They were only a burden to you. Your wife made demands on your time, your children made demands on your money bag. They were never happy, always wanted more. I offer you freedom from all that. Just simple requests, easily fulfilled.”

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