8.1 Caprice Dinner

Shina climbed up to the terrace that afternoon to the sound of soft, rich music pulsing from powerful Bose speakers. By the edge of the swimming pool, a row of potted plants filled with vivid red roses stood in sharp contrast against the brilliant blue water. With the sun dipping low over the western sky and catching her eyes, she surveyed the setup; two tables draped in white stood ready—one in the pathway and one in the galley—already being stacked with dishes and plates. The caterer had brought up massive pots of cooked food using one of the two lifts and the air was freshly perfumed to mask the heavy aromas. Eleven girls were busy working the floor, dressed in casual clothes. It was on this day that Zanat stepped onto the terrace for the very first time.

Sunshade sails had been placed over the pergola to protect the buffet lying in the footpath. Purple bulbs crisscrossed under the rafters and warm LED strip lights spiralled up the path. Operating with careful contingency in mind, the coffee corner was set up to accommodate the security details and duty staff, giving them a discreet place to eat. The buffet was a lavish display; chicken, beef and mutton accompanied by steaming rice, a selection of vegetarian dishes and parathas sat ready for the foreign staff. There was a mountain of fish dishes cooked exactly to local tastes, alongside fruit platters that the Maldivian guests wouldn’t even touch. Nearby, wine bottles nestled deep in ice buckets—clearly not just for display, as the crowd was far more interested in the fish and the spirits. The heavy aromatic spices drifting from the warm dishes and enormous bowls of rice hit the senses, triggering an immediate, undeniable appetite.

As the sun descended into the water, a seaplane flew low over the coast—not very unusual, though likely a test run or an aerial photography flight. Fortuitously, the sky remained clear with a mild breeze as a full moon spontaneously climbed in the east. A deep silence settled over the terrace the moment the evening prayer call came to an end. The staffers had all gone to refresh and change for the occasion. Shortly after, they began to reappear. Zanat wore her red blazer while Labina was dressed in a red pantsuit. Every member of the staff wore matching red blazers—and the three parlour girls were outfitted in them as well.

Shina returned to the seventh floor and it was so quiet. Michelle sat in Shina’s executive chair, just as she had been told to do.

“Did anyone call?” asked the HRM.

“No,” returned the girl.

She entered the secret closet, picked up a towel and ran out to the bathroom next door for a quick wash. A few minutes later, she sat on one of the visitor’s chairs in front of the mirror and the girl combed down her voluminous hair. Michelle, in casual clothes, wore olive trousers and a plum top. Shina got dressed in a maroon blazer and pantsuit.

The Country Head and CEO of SBI, Mr Raj Kumar Shetty, took a walk down Marine Drive from his office to Mauris Bank. Standing six foot three, he was a huge man with a prominent belly and a cigarette almost always in his hand. Shina stepped out of the lift, watching as Labina greeted him. Ajay moved forward to shake his hand and Veeran followed. Shina offered her hand and showed him to the lift.

It was around seven-thirty when they reached the terrace. Offered a drink, Raj opted for a Jack Daniel’s on the rocks. Shina guided him towards the pool, seating him near the water while his chosen table stood empty in the far corner. After the formal greetings, Shina wasted no time pulling him into the spotlight. Raj had been the CEO during her tenure at SBI—an outdoor enthusiast who loved weekly fishing trips, drinking and sports, entirely spoiled by his position.

Leaning close, she slurred into his ear, “You can bang a cock tonight.”

“Who?” Raj replied, a row of white teeth flashing against his dusky face, “Who is it?”

“Over there,” she directed with a subtle nod.

“I’m intrigued,” Raj chortled, a dark glint in his eyes, “You are spoiling me, Shia! Show me this boy!”

“Girl,” corrected Shina with a knowing smile.

Guiding the hostess over, Shina made the formal introduction, “This is Mr Raj from SBI. Raj, here is Beauty.”

Raj grinned, waving her to a seat, “Good evening! Fetch yourself a drink and join me.”

Shina headed back down to the ground floor to manage the crowd gathering in the lobby. SBI Manager Rajnish Bhatt was currently talking with Ajay and Veeran, flanked by a man dressed in sharp white with a trimmed moustache and a broad forehead, who introduced himself as Bento. Labina recognised Bento immediately and escorted him to the lift. Two more high-profile guests—Morning Star and Night Visitor—breached the entrance and Mushka swiftly escorted them to the terrace.

The Deputy General Manager of SBI, Mister Kiran Malhotra, arrived next in a tailored blue suit, choosing to stay in the lobby to help receive the remaining guests.

Soon after, Dawn Raid’s official car pulled up. Dressed in a black coat and flanked by a bodyguard, he exchanged brief formal pleasantries with the managers. Dawn Raid knew Shina well and she stepped in to handle his details.

“We have arranged seating at the fifth-floor for your security staff and chauffeur,” she noted.

“How very thoughtful of you,” the state minister replied, his hidden Republican Party allegiance carrying quite a weight in the room.

Meanwhile, the bank managers sat down at their tables alongside Mushka and Murti, who were dressed in maroon outfits with smart cards on teal lanyards hanging around their necks. It was a special banquet where only executives were invited and nobody truly understood its significance.

Down in the lobby, Labina surveyed Fullback, another political activist, arriving on a Kawasaki bike. He parked it nearby and strode through the entrance, giving word that the VIPs would show up at any moment.