Phoneys!

He was known as 'The Head Turner' for his exceptionally tall frame which was further complemented by his peachy complexion and sharp features. Owing to his job profile, his used to step in one hour prior to the culmination of my shift. Whenever he used to come to me to exchange greetings, I generally used to nod my head without as much as looking at him. It continued for a few days before he protested my indifference. Perhaps I hit his male ego somewhere.

He stood next to me until I looked up at him and asked, "Busy always, huh?"

"Hey! Take no offense. I am usually busy with day end reports which eat up a lot of my time. Is there anything I could help you with?" I defended myself.

"I was wondering if we could have a cup of coffee."

"Good idea, except that I would not have that kind of time on me. But thanks for asking." I politely dismissed.

He hovered around for a couple of days expecting more attention from me but only savoured disappointment. Once, when I was heading towards the exit, he caught me unawares.

"I know you'd never have enough time so I thought why not escort you to the cab and have coffee with you on the way." he said modestly extending a cup of coffee to me.

“You don’t give up, do you?” I replied with a straight-face.

I left that organization after a few days and conveniently forgot about him.

A few months later, I received an anonymous call. It was him. A little chat revealed that he had also quit shortly after and had moved into aviation. Owing to his looks, he was still being pestered by the female crew members, he shared. I found his conversation amusing because for the first time I came across a man who was harassed by women and who was complaining about it. Then he inquired about my relationship status and my marriage plans. I didn’t want to indulge in all that so I terminated the call.

A few days ago, he showed up at my work and called me from the coffee shop at the ground floor. Some people just never grow up, I murmured. I tried to avoid meeting him but he was adamant. Anyhow, I took the elevator to the ground floor.

He was waiting for me with a bouquet in hands. He still looked the same. Kashmiri-Mohammedans never age, perhaps.

“What brought you’re here?” I asked plainly.

“Hey! Don’t be so mean! I searched for you everywhere and finally got your number from xyz. I was so excited to see you...” He explained.

“I'm glad to see you too but don’t you think a place other than my work would have been better?” I was agitated.

“Sorry about that. I didn’t want to upset you.” He said apologetically, which didn’t show on his face, apparently.

“Hmmm! How have you been? All well back at home?” I inquired.

“Yeah! All well… I got these flowers for you.” He said extending the bouquet to me.

“Oops! I am sorry but… I can’t take them.”

“Why not?”
“You're forgetting... I am at work.” I paused for a moment and then continued, “Why are you chasing me? Its been so many years. Sometimes its good to grow up.”
“I thought it was evident. I like you so much and I want to marry you.”

“Excuse me! That came on rather fast. You trying to sow your wild oats here?” I was flabbergasted.

“Huh?” He said narrowing his brows.

“Never mind.” I shrugged.

“Tell me - will you marry me?”
“Its not possible.”
“Why not? Why are you so indifferent to me?” He was getting impatient.

“I don’t think I owe you any explanation. But don’t you know the answer yourself.”

“No, I don’t. I ask you again, will you marry me?”And he started to kneel down.

His reckless actions had always frightened me. And this was the weirdest thing ever happened to me. People around were starting to notice us.

“Enough! Behave yourself!” I almost screamed. “Listen! I don’t care how many girls you have knelt down before but I am not the kind of woman you could impress by your looks and by such flirtatious actions. I don’t mean to hurt you but I don’t see myself with you.” I spat it out.

“What does that mean? Give me a chance at least.”

“Even if I do, my parents wont. Inter-religion marriage is not something they will ever approve of.”

“I am not asking you to change your religion.”

“Doesn't matter. It happens anyway.”

“Just let me know one month in advance if you ever change your mind.”

“See...that’s precisely why I stayed away from you.” I left leaving the bouquet on the table.