Pratap sipped on his coffee and placed it down noiselessly on the table. The cafe was unusually crowded maybe because nobody cared to think this was a waste of a Saturday morning sitting here, well, nobody except him, thanks to his mother. He looked up at the girl sitting in front of him, smiling rather confidently. She looked rather comfortable for a first meeting; he was just in a hurry to be done with it. That’s what this was right? A meeting. He had read her profile. Mostly because Jaivanta insisted. He was sure she researched him as a prospective as well.
“She likes to travel.” Jaivanta smiled “And she likes Mexican dishes. Her favourite kind of music is Jazz. I am sure you will find a lot in common.” She brushed her hand over his neatly ironed shirt collars. “Be nice.”
“What does her father do?” He asked, raising his eyebrows.
“Well... they are a big name in the clothing industry and...”
“There! So much in common.” He said, picking up his keys and wallet. “I will get this done and dusted as soon as I can.”
“Pratap?” His mother looked displeased. “You promised you will put in some effort.”
“I will.” He shrugged “I promise.” He checked his wristwatch “Let me go now. I have a meeting to attend at noon.”
"But it's Saturday." Jaivanta frowned.
"I am working." He had rushed off to the cafe.
“So tea or coffee?” He looked up at the girl’s question and narrowed his brows. “How does it matter?” He asked.
“Pardon?” She looked a little taken aback.
“I am sorry for being rude but... umm...” He tried in vain to recollect her name. “Sanchi.” She reminded him.
“Yeah sorry...” he looked awkward “Don’t you think we should ask relevant questions? How does it matter if I like tea or coffee? I can order or make mine.”
“Oh okay... relevant...like what?” She asked clueless, the smile disappearing from her face. He looked intimidating and serious.
“Do you... volunteer for some cause?” He asked. Pratap didn’t know how the question occurred but he decided to go with the flow.
“Uh... I am a trustee in one of my father’s... Volunteer no... Do you?” She asked. Suddenly his glance fell on her neatly pedicured nails wrapped around her cup and he remembered Ajabdeh. He suddenly recollected how her nails were cut short, not painted like these and she didn’t care if they got dirty from the animals at the centre.
“I did last weekend. At an animal rescue centre.” He smiled proudly “You should try it sometime.”
“I see... “She seemed reluctant at his offer “I am scared of animals actually.” “All animals?” He asked, surprised.
“Not my pets.” She said defensively “They are clean and vaccinated. You know what I mean.” He agreed.
“Yeah, I know what you mean. Do you work at your father’s?” he asked.
“I... go to the office yes... rather reluctantly twice a week. Honestly, I prefer staying home.” She said, “My mother has these kitties and yoga parties and I love to host them with her."
“I see. If you had to choose one person in the world who would it be?”He asked. “Beside myself?” She thought for a bit “Ummm.... that’s tough....”
“Who are you closest to?” Pratap helped.
“I...err... have so many friends... it’s hard to choose.” He nodded at her. Did he look disappointed? She couldn’t tell.
“You can ask me what you want to.” He said glancing at his watch “I have to go in fifteen minutes.”
“Ohh...” She stared for a moment “I heard something about you...” “Go on...” He smiled.
“Did you help a bride escape?” She asked rather amusedly.
“She is my cousin. Ajabdeh helped her escape.”
“I am sorry, who?”
“Ajabdeh she is....umm... she is...”
“The wedding planner? Oh yes.” Sanchi nodded. “You didn’t?”
“The wedding planner.” He nodded “I helped her. She is the one who took me to the animal rescue...” He stopped at her stare.
“Is she a ... good friend?” Sanchi asked, leaning in closer as though to study his face. “I don’t think so.” He shook his head. “Why?”
“You smiled at her name. You didn’t smile this entire time.” Her words made Pratap look up at her face.
“Listen I...” he looked at his watch again, Sanchi nodded. “Go on.” “So... what do we tell the parents?” he asked.
“It’s a no from my side, and I think it was a no from you even before you came here.” Sanchi smiled. Pratap shook his head awkwardly.
“Look am sorry I...”
“No, it’s okay, thanks for meeting me.” Sanchi got up and collected her purse. “It was nice meeting you.”
“You too.” Pratap extended his hand as she shook it. He watched her walk away with relief and left a text to Shakti before heading off to work.
“No.” Shakti read aloud as his parents exchanged glances. “That’s it?” He looked disappointed “Just a no?”
“You are sounding like gossip-hungry tabloids.” Jaivanta snapped at her younger one.
Shakti quietly slipped out of the room as Udai gave his wife a consoling pat before leaving.
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