Time flies and leaves behind enchanting memories to cherish forever. It was December 2006. Christmas was spreading its warmth in the air. All directions were teeming with dazzlingly-shiny eyes and joyous laughter. It was time to indulge and to celebrate.
Around this time, Lily called. I'd received another proposal. She wanted me to look at the details before she accepts the proposal. He was a graduate from a premier business school in India and was working with a leading automobile company. He was staying away from his parents in the same city as mine. He was looking for an educated, understanding woman. Sounds good enough to give a chance.
In a couple of days, I received his call. He’d got manly yet flirtatious voice, he sounded freewheeling and professed to be a die-hard romantic. Not a problem unless he salivates at every other woman. The introductory call dint appeal to my instincts. I was apprehensive about proceeding further. Lily says, ‘you never know until you try’. Makes sense. I gotta meet him.
Two-days before the New Year’s Eve, I met him. Damn! He was charming. To be honest, he was more than charming… he was sexy. My heart did skip a beat. I smiled inwardly and told myself to ignore the packaging and concentrate on the ‘real he’. We talked about his college days, his aspirations, motivations, expectations etc. It included discussions on current topics just to understand his take on general and social issues (just to have an idea on his personal ethics and values). I gathered that he was knowledgeable, fun-loving and dint care about the world at all.
He claimed to be a face-reader. In his words, ‘Dudette is a different woman than what she reveals to the world. She tries to restrain herself whereas she wants to enjoy life thoroughly. She needs someone who is as fun-loving as she is.’
"Oh baby! I never knew I was so transparent.", thought yours truly.
So what is the point was he trying to make?
He: What are your plans for the New Year?
Me (modestly): None so far.
He: You like going out, don’t you?
Me: I love to but you gotta have good company. Besides New Years is generally very crowded so its not very safe I believe.
He: Hmmm!!! Do you mind alcohol?
Me (modestly again): Never tried out, so can’t say. But I think I do mind.
He: Wanna try?
Me (with raised eye-brows): Huh?
He: How about if I pick you up on the New Year’s Eve.
Then he paused.
Me: Uh huh!!! Go on… I’m all ears.
He: I will like to take you out go for dinner then we can either head for dance or go for a long-drive.
Me: O.K.A.Y.
He: Why don’t you try out some wine, champagne or vodka then? I will drop you home by 2am. You will be safe, don’t worry. Howzzat??
Me: Absolutely Phenomenal!!! I’m floored. How about if I bring my brother along?
He: Nahin, phir mazaa nahi aayega. (I won’t be able to have fun then.)
Me (totally flabbergasted and paralyzed): Mazaa!!! How come I could never decipher the meaning of ‘fun-loving’ earlier? You jerk.
Did I miss on a truly fun-loving guy because I could not unshackle myself from conservatism???
