Emily finishes her makeup and then dresses in her new sari-cum-gown, set in muted peacock tones of blues and greens, it is just fabulous. It features a V neckline crossed by a silk pallu draped over the left shoulder and down her back. Emily loves it because of its simplicity while retaining the appearance of a traditional sari. The metallic embellished belt, cinched at the waist accentuates her curves and mirrors the fabric of the top. The folds in the fitted skirt of the gown beautifully reflect the style of a traditional sari without the added layers of material involved. She puts on the 4 inch heels that match her top then standing to admire herself in the full length mirror decides not to carry the matching handbag.
Her stewardess answers a knock at the door just as Emily enters the lounge. Jaival compliments her like a gentleman, adding that she would look beautiful in anything she chose to wear. Emily suggests the alternative of a knotted shirt and a pair of very short shorts and laughs. Jaival says he would need a platoon of armed guards to keep her from the clamour of the crowds. They laugh and he offers his arm and escorts her to the guests' lounge where they are greeted by applause. Emily whispers in his ear that the bush telegraph is working overtime and he, having had several phone calls, agrees. They are joined by Sansa, Amy, Sushila and their dates, introductions are made, cocktails and the subsequent conversation enjoyed by all. Emily & Sansa exchange smiles and touch their vibe necklaces frequently, each yearning to be with the other. The first week is nearly over making their retirement from advance bookings on board feel closer and the thought fortifies them.
When the gong is sounded for dinner, they hold back by custom, as those seated at the Captain's table enter last. Again there is applause as they enter and Jaival whispers to Emily that the applause is for her. They are each welcomed by the Captain and then they take their seats as indicated by the name cards. The Captain has Emily to his right and Sansa to his left. Jaival is seated next to Emily. The company and conversation are delightful and the meal delicious. After dinner, sexually sated, they join the others at the bar for nightcaps.
In Jaival's cabin they discuss the events of the week and marvel at how easily their proposals were approved by one and all. He reels off a list of branch chairmen with whom he had maintained communication to keep them all up-to-date. Emily says that his list of names seemed to number 20 or even more and he replies that they have the support of 34 of the 36 branch chairmen. She asks if he includes Chandranath, the Chairman of the Raipur branch and he answers that it doesn't. Emily says that there are therefore 35 of the 36 branch chairmen that support their proposal. Jaival laughs and says she might turn out to be the most successful Madame ever. She laughs and says she is glad she didn't invest in the Maharajahs' Express project. He says that she might need to think about purchasing a plane to get around. She is stunned at the idea and says that he might be right about that!
They enjoy their last night together and Jaival confesses his pleasure at being one of the only 12 to have been privileged to experience having her for their girlfriend. He tells her that he has grown fond of her and hopes that when she has retired from 'active service' that he would love it if they could remain good friends. She says that she would love it too and he tells her that he can always rely on his support. They fall asleep for their last time together on Bangkok Girl and both enjoy a very good night.
While they take breakfast with Sansa, Sushila, Amy & Achara, he asks permission to tell them the good news. With a beaming smile she grants him the permission sought. He tells them that 35 of the 36 branch chairmen have pledged their support for Emily's proposal. It is still early days as each chairman has to convince his executive committee to support the proposal and then the committee have to persuade the club membership. The signs are promising and all need to be patient. Sansa asks if the ladies may be told the good news and both he and Emily say that they may. Jaival excuses himself to supervise his packing and asks if they may meet in the lounge at noon. She agrees and he takes his leave.
After he has gone the ladies make their way to the ladies' lounge in the brothel. Amy makes the announcement and gives Emily the credit adding that Jaival assisted her. The lounge becomes a cacophony of screams and whoops of joy. Amy repeats the warning that this is just a small step in what may turn out to be a protracted process and there is no guarantee of success. Nevertheless, it is obviously news of great importance to the ladies who actually queue to hug and kiss Emily who cries tears of joy as they do. Sansa is so proud of her life-partner that her heart feels that it may burst through her chest. They spend an hour in the brothel with their sisters before Emily has to return to the lounge to bid farewell to Jaival and greet his replacement Ranjeev.
Emily tells the ladies around her that she feels so much at home with them, her sisters, and how she would love to be able to spend more time with them. They ask if she would like to work alongside them and she confides that she would like that very much. She explains that she, and her life-partner Sansa are fully booked for cruise, but they have announced that they will not be taking any further bookings in the future so they can spend quality time together which currently they cannot. Sansa reminds her that they are required to greet the arriving guests but Emily can't escape until she has received another affectionate hug and kiss from each lady, in which she is very happy to engage.
As they leave the brothel, Amy & Achara beams a smile to her and Amy winks. In the lift Sansa remarks on her popularity and Emily assures her not to worry because she is the love of her life, they embrace for a tender loving kiss and emerge from the lift with big smiles. Arm in arm they enter the lounge and go to their vantage point table to watch the goings and comings on the gangway. When Jaival waves to her in the company of another gentleman, Emily & Sansa go to join Jaival, wishing him a safe journey home.