The Punjabi Pappadum by Robert Newton Read Free Book Online Page A

certainly come to one almighty standstill.
    A figure in tight jeans and denim jacket moved out of the darkness of the Singhs’ back porch.
    â€œWell, well, well,” ribbed Indira. “If it isn’t the little choir boys, how sweet. Had a night out at the local library, have we? Let me guess … there’s a new set of encyclopedias just come in?”
    â€œI’m afraid that’s classified,” replied Veejay swiftly.
    The two cousins stepped from the shadows and into the moonlight. It was obvious it wasn’t the first time they’d locked horns.
    â€œThe cobra and the mongoose meet again,” announced Veejay, circling.
    â€œCobra?” interrupted Travis. “You’re nothing like a cobra.”
    â€œI’m the mongoose, you idiot.”
    â€œOh yeah, sorry.”
    Despite being a similar age, Indira looked much older than the boys. She stood tough, hands on hips, with her black hair messy across her face. Her denim jacket opened up revealing a white T-shirt with “DEADLY” written across its front in black.
    Indira attacked first. “Loser! You and your dad are both losers, you always have been. And look at your friends …”
    Veejay attacked back. “So, how did you enjoy Burger Barn tonight?”
    The question rocked her.
    â€œBurger Barn?”
    â€œLet’s just say we saw you there on our way home from the library.” Veejay grinned.
    Indira took a backward step, reassessing as she went, her confidence brilliantly shot to bits by the cagey mongoose. They’d reached a stand-off. Not so much the classic Mexican stand-off, it was more your Indian variety.
    Now Indira didn’t look so tough. She looked lost. Despite being terrified of snakes, Dexter couldn’t help thinking that even venomous reptiles are entitled to have someone in their corner cheering them on.
    â€œYou coming, Dexter?” asked Veejay, unlocking the bungalow door.
    â€œI’ll be there in a sec.”
    â€œSuit yourself.”
    Somewhere in his head, Dexter heard a familiar voice.
    â€œYou’re the man,” it said.
    Slowly he moved towards Indira.
    â€œListen Indira, I think we may have started badly. How about I have another crack at it.”
    â€œYou’re not my type.”
    â€œAnd Daryl is?”
    â€œYeah, he’s cool. He scored eighteen out of twenty on my Cosmo survey. You scored four. Anyway, I wouldn’t be seen dead with a choirboy.”
    For some reason, Dexter thought about Ron and Nancy.
    â€œWe could take it slow,” he said. “How about you let me peel off a few of your layers?”
    Indira took another step back then tightened her denim jacket around her.
    â€œWhat are you, some kind of pervert?”

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    P umped. It was the only way to describe Dexter’s mood as he stood in his garage in front of his two best friends.
    â€œWell?” he asked. “What do you reckon?”
    He waited for them to scoop up his brilliant idea and go nuts. Nothing doing.
    â€œWhat about the choir?” asked Travis.
    â€œI’m over it,” wailed Dexter. “Come on, fellas, we’re fourteen. It’s time to cut loose. It’d be brilliant.”
    For the moment, Dexter put Travis on hold.
    â€œVeejay, what about you?”
    â€œWhat exactly is a boy band?” asked Veejay.
    â€œA boy band is usually a group of four or five singers, all male of course. There’s dozens around at the moment. All we need to do is pick a few cool songs we like, then organise some backing music. Couldn’t be easier.”
    â€œI don’t know if my dad’s going to like it,” said Veejay, worried.
    The time had arrived for Dexter’s trump card.
    â€œOkay then,” he continued, “I’ve got