CODE CRACKER

Anna was in her dream job, but suddenly her whole future seemed uncertain

What sporting activity did Darcey Bussell love taking part in when she was a child? To find out, solve the puzzle… Fill in the grid. Each letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number from 1 to 26. When you’ve completed the grid, the shaded squares will spell out the one-word answer. We’ve given you five letters to start you off.

Look at me, Anna, see how I’m standing. Your position is wrong, you’re not in balance.’ Vinod’s patient voice interrupts my wandering thoughts and I stop to watch him as he demonstrates tree pose.

I try again, but this time I wobble and nearly fall over.

‘This isn’t like you,’ he says. ‘What’s happened to your usual focus and concentration?’

‘Sorry, Vinod.’ I regain my attention, move my right leg on to my left thigh just as Lizzie’s shout interrupts me.

‘You’ve started without me! Why didn’t you knock on my door? You knew I wanted to do yoga.’

‘Morning,’ I say simply.

‘I thought you might have wanted a rest after all the travelling we’ve done the last couple of days.’

Lizzie grunts, and makes a show of kicking off her flip-flops and getting settled on to a coir mat, which is already laid out. She does her trademark flick with her hair, before putting her hands in a meditation pose.

‘I’ll just centre myself,’ she announces. ‘You carry on.’

I can’t look at Lizzie. I’ve never lied to her before – after all, she is my boss. But I’d hoped she wouldn’t wake up early because I wanted this time to gather my thoughts. Last night, I overheard her talking to her husband, Bill, on the phone and, even now, their conversation won’t stop going round and round in my head.

‘Bill, stop worrying,’ she’d said in an impatient tone. ‘I said I would have an honest conversation with Anna and I will. We were supposed to be meeting the suppliers at the factory first thing in the morning, but there’s been a delay. The owner was called away, so Anna and I are going to spend the day at the hotel relaxing. Before I say anything, I want to see for myself how Anna deals with everything here. If you and I are going to take over from her, I want to be sure we can maintain the relationships she’s built up.’

*****

I bring my mind back to the present as Lizzie and I both follow Vinod into the next posture. I wipe sweat from my brow as it starts to trickle towards my eyes. The humidity of the Kerala rainy season means the heat is intense, even at this time of day. ‘What shall we do for the rest of the day, then?’ Lizzie shouts over. ‘How about going to the town, doing some shopping? You could be my tour guide for my first visit to India.’

‘Sorry, I’ve booked into the Ayurveda centre for some treatments this morning, so I’ll be gone for a few hours. You could take an auto-rickshaw, go on your own? It’s perfectly safe.’

‘Oh.’ Lizzie looks disappointed, but she doesn’t say anything else and I feel a pang of guilt.

‘I’m sorry,’ I say. ‘Force of habit, because I’m normally on my own. We can have breakfast together, then meet later on this afternoon?’

Lizzie nods in agreement, and I go back to my thoughts. Working for Lizzie and Bill for the last eight years has been my dream job. But it’s meant so much more than that – buying ethically-sourced wooden furniture and carvings means I’ve become really good friends with the kind-hearted people I’ve met here, and I feel protective when I think of Lizzie taking over from me.

Vinod finishes our yoga session with his customary bow. ‘Thank you, Anna, and erm…’

‘Lizzie,’ she announces, sticking out her hand. ‘Hope we might see some more of each other in the future.’

***** We go back to our individual rooms and I take a muchneeded shower. I love the fact the shower is outside in its own little garden. I giggle at the memory of when we arrived. I had only been in my room a few minutes when Lizzie came knocking on the door, asking me to come and see the atrocity in her room and demanding to know what was going on.

I followed her, wondering what on earth could be wrong. I’ve stayed here dozens of times and it’s always been lovely. She marched me through the bedroom and then through the door leading into her bathroom. ‘Well?’

‘What?’

‘It’s outside!’ She wailed. ‘Why is the bathroom outside?’

‘It’s the design of the hotel. It’s traditional. They’re all the same.’

‘Won’t we get bitten? Are you sure no one can see in?’

I point to the high walls. ‘Not unless you count the odd bird who might pop their head over,’ I say. ‘Just be careful they don’t peck you.’

She looked like she might cry, so I softened. ‘I’m joking. It’s really peaceful. I’m sure you’ll grow to love it.’

And that wasn’t the only thing that had surprised me since we had left home. Lizzie was really nervous throughout the flight.

She looked like she might cry

I hadn’t realised until this journey that travelling here was pushing her way out of her comfort zone.

*****

I finish getting ready and go to breakfast. Lizzie arrives later, looking like a princess. She’s wearing a floaty orange kaftan, which looks stunning with her dark hair and eyes.

‘What’s that?’ She looks with suspicion at the feast I’m eating, and the tea I’m drinking from a small glass.

‘Appam and vegetable stew. It’s delicious. Chef will make it fresh for you if you like? And this is masala chai. It’s spicy, milky tea. Want to try some?’

The look on her face says it all. ‘No, thank you. Do you think they’ll do Earl Grey?’

She peers at the breakfast buffet cautiously, as if it will bite her. ‘Is all of that curry?’

‘Well, it’s various southern Indian breakfast dishes.’

She sniffs, looking miserable. ‘When in Rome, and all that,’ I say, trying to look encouraging. ‘Why don’t you try some dishes, broaden your horizons?’ She goes off, returning with a plate of fruit. ‘I think it’s safer to stick with anything that can be peeled and I know I like already,’ she says.

We have a quiet breakfast after that. It doesn’t seem there’s much to say.

*****

Later in the morning, I arrive at the Ayurveda centre and I’m greeted by the background music of chanting and bells – normally the trigger that lulls me into deep relaxation.

Not so today. My treatment starts with a head and back massage, but no matter how much the therapist tries to lull me into tranquillity, I struggle to switch off. Instead of my breathing slowing down and my brain calming, memories of the last few months come flooding back. I think about occasions when Bill and Lizzie have gone quiet as I’ve walked into the office, and how I’ve felt there’s something they haven’t been telling me. I remember the amount of awkward silences and how strained they have both looked, but with everything else going on in my life, I haven’t had time to put much thought into it until now.

My next treatment follows and warm medicated oil is dropped on to my forehead in a rhythmic flow. Forty-five minutes later, I feel a little better, just not as rejuvenated as I normally do.

After a refreshing herbal drink, I go back to my room and change into my swimsuit to relax by the pool. But as I approach, I can ➺

Memories of the last few months come flooding back

see Lizzie sitting there, drinking fresh coconut water while reading her book.

I hesitate and think about joining her, but then change my mind and go to the beach instead. The air is sticky, and distant storm clouds feel threatening, matching my mood.

*****

‘Anna, is everything OK?’ I turn to see Vinod standing close by. ‘What’s wrong? You’re normally so happy when you come here, but this time you don’t seem yourself.’

Before I know it, I’m sharing everything that has been happening over the last few months in one big rush of emotion.

‘My sister isn’t well, so I need to look after my nephew and niece more to support her. And I want to help more, but obviously with my job, I travel a lot. And I used to be close enough to Lizzie and Bill to be honest with them, but there has been a strange atmosphere, and they’ve been distant. For the first time ever, Lizzie insisted she came with me on this trip, with no proper explanation, and I didn’t know why. I haven’t told them what’s been happening with my sister, because I’ve been trying to decide what to do, worried it might mean that I have to choose between my job and my family. But I overheard a conversation last night that makes me think they might be planning to replace me anyway.’

‘Do you know that for sure?’ Vinod says, reasonably. ‘Why don’t you be honest with Lizzie and tell her what you overheard? Then you can tell her about your situation, too.’

I’m silent for a moment. Then I nod. ‘Thank you for listening. I’ve loved our yoga sessions, Vinod, you’ve taught me a lot.’

He gives me a hug. ‘Make sure you come to practice tomorrow. If nothing else, we can work on your breathing, and keeping your mind focused.’

*****

I carry on walking down the beach alone, watching the fishing boats far out to sea, tasting the salt in the damp air and absorbing the place I have come to love so much. I get to visit so many places with this job, but this one has always been the most special to me. I smile, remembering how nervous I was the first time I came here, and reflect how the place has had a way of getting under my skin, helping me find solutions to all sorts of problems over the years.

By the time I’ve finished my walk,

I’ve made my decision. Now is a time of change, and it’s the right time for finding a new beginning.

When I return to my room, Lizzie is there, about to knock on my door.

‘There you are!’ she says. ‘I was getting worried. What time shall we go for dinner? I heard there was traditional local dancing on tonight. Maybe we could go down early and watch?’

I give my best smile. ‘Yes, let’s meet, and we can have a good chat.’

I change into my favourite dress. It’s all turquoise beads and sequins, and floats behind me, the rustling of the fabric giving me a soothing feeling. I’ve always felt a little bit intimidated by the way Lizzie is. She always looks glamorous, even in work, so knowing this conversation might be difficult, I want to feel my best.

I’m not wrong. She’s curled her hair, and she’s wearing full make-up that wouldn’t look out of place on a catwalk.

‘Shall we have a drink? How about a cocktail?’ she asks.

We make our choices and settle down at the table. The spicy aromas make me realise how hungry I am. The waiter approaches with the menu.

‘Miss Anna, Chef says he can make your favourite meal as a special, if you like?’

‘Oh, that will be wonderful,’ I say. ‘Thank you.’

Lizzie looks blankly at the abundance of local dishes on the menu until she says, ‘I think I’ll have the same as you.’

‘Are you sure? It’s paneer, a vegetarian dish. Have you tried it before?’

‘No, but I’m sure it will be fine, probably just as well in this heat not to eat meat.’

There’s an awkwardness between us as we both taste our drinks. The dancing is about to start and the music gets louder in the background, but it doesn’t cover the silence building between us. After a few minutes, Lizzie speaks.

‘Are you OK, Anna? Everything seemed fine on the flight, yet today you’ve been distant. Is something wrong?’

I take a deep breath. ‘I overheard you talking to Bill last night, and I needed time to think. I got the feeling you didn’t want me to do these trips any more. Well, I need you to know you don’t have to worry. I didn’t want to have to leave my job, but it looks like it might be the right time for both of us. My sister isn’t very well at the moment. She’ll be fine, but for at least the next few months, she’ll need my support, both for herself and her children, so travelling this much won’t be an option for me.’

Lizzie puts her head down, looking like she’s thinking. But then I notice her shoulders are moving, and she’s making a noise. I realise she’s crying – not little tears, but great big sobs.

‘Oh, Anna, I’m so sorry you’ve been going through that, and you didn’t feel you could tell me. You’ve probably noticed how

‘You’ve been distant. Is something wrong?’

strained things have been for the last few months. It’s nothing to do with you, it’s Bill and me. We had a sudden realisation we’ve spent so much time working these last few years, we’re virtual strangers. But even deciding how to fix our relationship and spend more time together has shown us how different we are. Bill wants us to have a gap year where we can travel, discover new places and get off the beaten track, but the thought of that terrifies me. You must have noticed I get scared looking at different food, let alone navigating the bathroom? I’m not like you. I’d love to have your spirit of adventure and your confidence.’

‘You think I’m confident? But I’ve always admired how you are. You’re so glamorous, no matter what the occasion, and you give the impression you can do anything.’

‘That’s why I always dress up. Ever heard of fake it till you make it?’

We both giggle, and the mood lightens a little.

‘I love Bill so much, and we both want to save our marriage. We thought that if I came with you, I could see for myself why you’re so successful, and it would help me feel better. You’re an expert at everything from making the right choices to knowing where to stay and dealing with suppliers. It might be our business, but you’re the one who holds the key to a lot of the successes.’

‘Why weren’t you honest with me about why you were coming?’

‘I needed to be sure for myself. Because if Bill and I were to have a gap year, it would make financial sense if we incorporated visiting suppliers in different countries, and we could do the buying at the same time. But we know how much you love doing that. So before we made any decisions, I wanted to see how you would feel about the proposal we had for you.’ ‘What proposal?’

‘You’re the only person we know who we could trust to look after the sales in the office, and who would be able to carry on building a good rapport with our customers and getting new ones. We both wanted to ask you if you would consider staying in the UK for a year or so, and we would do this?’

I take a sip of my drink. ‘Can I just check if I’ve got this straight? You want me to spend the next year or so in Britain, while you have a gap year? A kind of job swap?’

‘Well, yes, I suppose so. Anna, I’m so sorry. I wish we’d spoken to you sooner. I was worried Bill and I wouldn’t be able to have the same relationships with the people here that you have.

Just here in the hotel, it’s clear to see everyone thinks the world of you.’

‘But what about you, Lizzie? How do you feel about having a completely new life for a year?’

‘Being on my own today and looking at all this has given me a lot of time to think, and I want to give it a try. There’s something about this place that makes me feel anything is possible, and for the first time today I’ve felt a real sense of hope. But I’ve also been worried about discussing it with you, because I was terrified that by Bill and I trying to find happiness, it would make you miserable. Do you think it will work for you, and your sister? We would be happy for you to work around school hours, and work from home if that would help?’

‘I think it will work perfectly. And I promise, everyone here will love you. I’ll introduce you to them, make sure you have all the right contacts.’

‘Life will be very different for both of us. Completely different to what we’re used to.’

‘Yes, but who knows, this time of change might open both of our minds up to something new.’

‘Talking of new, I really need to be able to choose food from a menu. Could you ask Chef to make us some taster dishes tomorrow? Then I can start trying more local food. It will be one less thing for me to worry about.’

‘Of course I will. But if this is to work, there’s one promise we have to make now. We need to be open and honest, in everything we do.’

‘Open and honest!’ we chant as we clink our glasses together in perfect harmony.

THE END

‘Ever heard of fake it till you make it?’