12/11/2023

Kate announces that Ruairi’s birthday party is fancy dress. She wants her and Jakob to make an entrance with their costumes. She’s put out when Jakob tries to get out of going, accusing him of not being a team player and then says she doesn’t want to spend the night with him. Later, Kate rings Jakob. Neither of them can sleep and Kate apologises for what she said earlier. Jakob agrees to go in fancy dress. He’s keen to make the point that he’s not “not a team player”, but Kate is too excited about dressing up to listen to anything else Jakob has to say.

Usha watches Alan get dressed up after he arrives belatedly at her brother Shiv’s house for Diwali celebrations. Alan’s had a busy Remembrance Sunday, even though Peggy and others are still boycotting St Stephen’s. Shiv welcomes Alan warmly, he’s heard from Usha that Alan’s in need of some TLC. Later, Shiv talks proudly about the fundraising and other activities they do for the community space at the Mandir, where the evening’s fireworks are being held. Alan’s impressed with how much goes on there. Usha joins them, before sitting with Alan. Alan realises he needed this time out. Inspired by what Shiv’s told him, he thinks they should open St Stephen’s up more and look at a Christmas fundraiser. As the evening progresses, Alan starts having ideas about what sort of groups and events the church could host. He can’t wait to begin fighting the challenges St Stephens faces with everything they’ve got.