Chapter 24 - Tuesday 1am

Varun: Hi

Jasmin: Who is this?

Varun: Well how many boys have you given your number to?

Jasmin: Varun?

Varun: Yes Jasmin…

Jasmin: Do you know what time it is? It’s 1am!!!

Varun: 7:30pm in London, so a perfectly reasonable time for me to text. So how are you?

Jasmin: I’m exhausted, because unlike you I’ve been at work all day.

Varun: Oh thats a good point…What do you do?

Jasmin: I’m a dentist. 

Varun: Oh wow, beauty and brains!

Jasmin: Why are you so surprised? Are there any other pressing questions that you have to ask at 1am?

Varun: Yes, how many siblings do you have?

Jasmin: Can’t this wait until tonight at the party?

Varun: Nope, I have to know now, so if you have a scary big brother, I can successfully avoid you, and keep my dashing good looks intact! I’m a lover not a fighter!

Jasmin: Lol, no big brothers, I have an older sister, she’s married and lives in the U.S.

Varun: Ok good! What about your dad, is he a big man?

Jasmin: Huge!

Varun: Are you trying to scare me away?

Jasmin: Yes! Will you go away and let me sleep now?

Varun: Ok, sorry :(

Jasmin: Hey Varun, I can’t sleep now…

Varun: HAHA I knew you couldn’t resist me. Ok so, apart from being smart and pretty, and potentially lethal to me, tell me about yourself.

Jasmin: Ok so my mum’s American Irish and my dad’s Punjabi. They met in college in the States and when they got married, my mum moved here. As a child I spent most of my summers in New York with my grandparents. I’ve been Aarti’s neighbour since birth and we have been best friends since before I can remember. What about you?

Varun: I’m one of four, I’m the youngest and I have three older sisters. Raj and I met at prep school and have been inseparable ever since.

Jasmin: What’s Raj like?

Varun: He’s a nice guy, always there for you. The guy you call when your car breaks down.

Jasmin: Lol, sexy!

Varun: Well I don’t see him like that, but girls like him.

Jasmin: So he’s had a lot of girlfriends…

Varun: Why do I get the feeling that I’m being pumped for information?

Jasmin: I was just wondering, is he a player?

Varun: He is most definitely not a player. He has literally no game whatsoever.

Jasmin: So who is Payal?

Varun: How do you know about Payal?

Jasmin: She’s on his facebook and Instagram.

Varun: So you’ve been internet stalking him? Nice. Now, should I be offended that you’re not concerned about whether I’m a player?

Jasmin: Are you a player?

Varun: Ok so back to Raj, he’s a good guy. Payal’s an old friend.

Jasmin: An old friend that he used to date?

Varun: That would be right, Nancy Drew.

Jasmin: I prefer Sherlock.

Varun: I don’t fancy Sherlock.

Jasmin: Lol, Varun you know I’m not interested in a relationship.

Varun: Neither am I. But how do you feel about friends who flirt? 

Jasmin: Good night, thanks for the info.

Varun: I feel so used! Good night beautiful ;)

Chapter 23 - Monday 11.55pm

Priti was livid “Why did you ambush me? Some warning would have been nice!” She was seated in the drawing room facing her parents.

“You wouldn’t have agreed, you never agree. You need to start thinking about marriage, we don’t want you to be left on the shelf.” Mrs Singh responded leaning forward. She picked up her tea, and then sat back in the love seat and turned to her husband who was sat beside her. “Isn’t that right? Every time we suggest a suitable boy, she throws a tantrum.”

“Listen to your mother, we don’t want you to go past your sell by date.” Her father said with a cheeky smile, humouring his wife.

“I’m not a piece of fruit! you don’t need to worry about me going off. I’m a human being.” Priti sat back in the armchair, deflated. “You should have told me they were coming. It must have looked soo rude. I walked in and was so overwhelmed that I was barking instructions at the poor guy. If you had warned me, I could have been dressed accordingly, I could have spent a minute talking to his mother. This whole thing hasn’t gone well at all.”

“Priti did you like him?” Mrs Singh asked hopefully. “We did mention him to you last week, and tell you that they would come and visit.”

“And I told you then that he was completely unsuitable. There is no way I’m moving to London! My business is here, you guys are here, my brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, uncle, aunts, friends are all here!”

“Then if he’s unsuitable, why are you so upset. It’s not the first time we have had a boy over without you knowing. but it is the first time you have been this upset by it.” Mrs Singh said almost dancing with glee.

Priti took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She was frustrated. They should have warned her, she looked a mess. What must he have thought? “I thought he was nice. He was smartly dressed and well mannered. But he doesn’t live here.”

“This is the first boy ever that you have said was nice. Don’t you think that maybe you can’t have it all. What’s wrong with living in London? You spend half your life there anyway.” Mr Singh didn’t tend to get involved with women chatter but this time he felt it was important he have a say “Your mother went to college with Mrs Gupta, they’ve known each other a very long time. Dr Gupta is highly respected. They are a good family.”

“The boy is a catch. You know the Chaudhury’s went and visited them the day they arrived, obviously trying to set Aarti up with him. but they came here to see us!” Mrs Singh said happily. “Don’t misunderstand me, Aarti is a very nice girl, and she’s studied medicine, so obviously she has that going for her, but she hasn’t got your bone structure or your polish. We paid a lot for that English boarding school, and now our hens are coming home to roast as they say.”

“Its “chickens are coming in to roost” and it’s the opposite of what you're trying to say. It means that there will be consequences to your actions. I hated boarding school. I hated the British weather. I hated being away from home.” Priti exhaled loudly. “How do you know Aarti’s family have already been to visit?”

“The maids have a WhatsApp group. Aarti’s met him as well. Apparently they hit it off.” Mrs Singh’s maids liked extra pocket money, and Mrs Singh liked to stay informed so their arrangement was a good one.

Priti sat back and got comfortable “How close are you with Mrs Gupta Ma?”

“She was my best friend in college, and she was the one to call and suggest that you and Raj meet. She said that they are only here a week and that nothing would make her happier than if I and her would change our relationship from friends to family.” Mrs Singh had initially been doubtful that Priti would agree and had told Mrs Gupta that her daughter was hard to please. But Mrs Gupta had been insistent. She’d explained that Raj would definitely be someone Priti would like and that if she refused, their friendship would not be affected.

Priti decided brutal honesty was best. “I told him I wouldn’t marry him.”

Mrs Singh was in shock “Why would you say that?”

“Because he lives abroad! And I have my business here and it’s going so well.” Priti argued.

“Priti your father is a gold merchant, you don’t need a business. This is a hobby! You’re lucky your father sends his clients to you. If you continue to sabotage your future I will ask him to stop!”  Mrs Singh paused and changed tactics. “Don’t worry, you can sort all of this out tomorrow, Mrs Chaudhury called me this afternoon and invited us to a dinner party at her home tomorrow. Very late notice. She must have realised leaving us off the list would be social suicide. Raj will be there then, you make sure to rectify your blunder.”

Chapter 22 - Monday 11.50pm

Priti reminded Raj of Payal - she too had been assertive, verging on aggressive. Their relationship had been tumultuous to say the least. They had met at the end of the first year of university and were inseparable for the next two years. But after they graduated, things changed. He had joined one of the top four accountancy firms and was either studying for his professional qualifications or travelling round the the country on audits. Meanwhile Payal had chosen to do a Masters. 

The separation had been hard on both of them. Raj noticed that Payal was spending a lot of time with one of the boys on her course, and when he’d expressed his unease, she had accused him of being insecure and controlling. He suggested they take a break from the relationship as the arguments were becoming too frequent. A week later he had heard through a mutual friend that his concerns had been justified and Payal was now an item with the guy in question.

A month later, Payal had returned with tearful apologies and had begged for Raj to take her back, and that was when the vicious cycle began. They would argue. They would break up. They would reconcile. After a long year, Raj had decided he wanted Payal in his life, but only as a friend, so he had broken up with her for the last time, and things had stabilised. He would always have feelings for her as she had been such a big part of his life, and he suspected she probably felt the same, but it was evident that they were better off as friends. 

He didn’t want to be with another woman that enjoyed conflict. He liked the quiet life. However to judge Priti prematurely was unfair, and strong did not automatically mean difficult.

“Dude I did a bad thing… a very bad thing” Raj flopped down on the sofa next to Varun and picked up a controller.

“What?!” Varun didn’t even bother looking up, he was concentrating intently on his game.

“I like one of the girls.” Raj whispered guiltily.

Varun put down the controller and laughed heartily. “Why are you feeling guilty?! You went with the sole purpose of figuring out whether you are more compatible with someone other than the first girl your parents introduced you to. That’s not a bad thing dude. You need to do your due diligence before committing the rest of your life.”

Raj exhaled loudly “This girl doesn’t want forever, she wants right now. She warned me and I still gave her my card.”

“Dude, again what’s wrong with you chatting to a girl who doesn’t want forever. You are only 26. I think you need to remember that you are not in a relationship with Miss India and there is a possibility that you are not ready to settle down. What was she like, the bird that caught your eye?”

“Her names Priti, she’s a party planner!” Raj rolled his eyes.

“So basically it was physical?”

“Yes, completely. She was gorgeous!” Raj laughed.

“Fitter than Miss India?” Varun was shocked Raj had never previously been one to form a relationship based on physical attraction alone. “Aarti’s good to look at man. She’s becoming a doctor too so she’s not completely superficial. I don’t see you with a party planner.”

“She was assertive as well, she literally ushered me into a library… Side note her dad’s house was incredible, he’s clearly loaded, but I digress. So she turns up an hour late, dressed head to toe in designer apparel, and then walks me into the library only to tell me she’s not interested in me! I was pretty disappointed but I kept it friendly and then she warms up to me and now we’re going to meet up for a drink.”

“Well I guess, there’s no harm in it. She’s a party planner so I’m sure she will know all the best places to go.” Varun said as he stood to stretch. “Dude we need to hit the gym, I’m getting fat, your grandad was killing me at badminton today. He said there's a few 24 hour ones about, let’s get Salim to take us. I can’t do any more of this heart-to-heart nonsense!”

Raj laughed as he grabbed his trainers and gym gear. “You volunteered, bro!” 

Beep Beep, Raj’s mobile signalled an incoming message. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, and angled it so the message appeared on screen without him having to unlock the phone.

Payal: Hey, how are you doing? So I just bumped into Saq and Abs…

“That was quick, clearly Priti is eager!” Varun said as he sat back down and exhaled.

“It’s not Priti, It’s Payal. She said she met Saq and Abs. What time is it in London?”

“Around 6.30pm, they’re probably in the same bar grabbing a drink. So what if she has bumped into Saq and Abs?” Varun asked.

“Dude I think they’ve told her I’m here. Otherwise why would she text?”

“Is this privileged information?” Varun asked pulling out his own phone. “Do you want me to ask them what they’ve said?”

Raj nodded his assent “I don’t want to unlock my phone or she will see that I’ve seen her message and then kick off that I haven’t replied.”

Varun: Hey, What did you dicks tell Payal?

Saq: Abs thought it would be funny to tell her Raj is getting married and he’s in India with his new Mrs.

Abs: Well that’s not really a lie though is it? Is Raj bricking it?

“Abs told her you’re here and that you’re getting married. He’s such a moron, but a really funny moron.” Varun laughed.

“Why do those idiots insist on complicating my life?” Raj asked, as he sat down on the couch and placed his gym bag at his feet “Ok, so what do I say to Payal?”

“Tell her its none of her business and that she lost all rights to you when she got together with the guy she cheated on you with.”  Varun had hated the way Payal had treated Raj. She was manipulative and self serving and Varun was not a fan.

Raj unlocked his phone, and tapped his response.

Raj: Hey, I’m well. How are you? Say hi to them from me.

Payal: Is there anything you need to tell me?

Raj: No

Payal: Cut the crap Raj. You’re in India I hear?

Raj: Friends don’t speak to friends in that manner Payal.

Payal: Are you getting married?

Raj: No.

Payal: Ok, lets do this the hard way. Are you in India?

Raj: Yes.

Payal: Is there a girl that you have gone to see?

Raj: Yes.

Payal: Do you like her?

Raj: Yes.

Payal: Are you marrying her?

Raj: No.

Payal: Why not?

Raj: Because I’ve only been here since Saturday and its not the 1800’s.

Payal: Well I’m happy for you.

Raj: Clearly!

“Hey Varun, get your gym stuff let’s go!” Raj abruptly stood up, stuffed his phone in his pocket, and grabbed his bag. Varun silently followed suit.

Chapter 21 - Monday 10pm

Varun: Where are you man? You’ve been gone for hours!

Raj: Still at Mr Singh’s house! This is taking forever.

Raj was fed up, they had started their journey at 4pm. Bandra traffic was terrible so they hadn’t made it to the The Chauhan’s until 5.30pm. They had been seated in a plush sitting room and Raj had been subjected to a virtual interrogation. Once he had suitably impressed Dr Chauhan, Sajjal his daughter had entered the room she was tall and elegant in a yellow saree carrying a tray laden with tea and samosas. Sajjal had seemed far more traditional than Aarti, she too was becoming a doctor and had seemed nice enough, but she wasn’t Aarti. Dr Chauhan had suggested Sajjal and Raj go into the dining room and have a chat, and despite having severe reservations Raj had agreed. The chat had been stilted and awkward, so Raj tried his best to keep it brief, and once they were safely back in the living room, Raj discreetly indicated to his father that it was time to wrap up and move on.

They arrived at the Shaa’s at 7.30pm, and the interrogation began again. Nisha had been short and curvy and was studying economics and commerce. She had of course brought in the food cart with tea and samosas, and the “private chat” had been insisted on once again. Raj must have had a steep learning curve as the conversation had been a lot less awkward but none the less, she wasn’t Aarti. So as soon as he could Raj made eye contact with his father and then looked longingly at the door, at which point it was suggested that they take their leave.

At 9pm they arrived at the Singh residence. Mr Singh was perhaps the nicest father of the three, he hadn’t interrogated Raj at all but instead kept them amused with anecdotes about the gold trade and the lengths people went to in pursuit of a discount. Their home was lavish and plush. Raj had yet to see Priti as, unlike the other households, the maids were serving the food. Raj had just finished his second helping of dessert, at Mrs Singh's insistence, and but this point he was beginning to wonder if they even had a daughter. Perhaps this was just a social dinner and he had misunderstood his grandmother. 

“So Raj” Mr Singh boomed across the table, “Sorry to keep you waiting, but my Priti is still out with her friends, she should be home any minute.”

“That's quite alright uncle. Perhaps we should take leave now, and I can meet her another time” Raj suggested hopefully.

“No no baita, her mother just spoke to her, she’s at the gate, she will be home in less than two minutes. So tell me what do you do?”

Raj responded on autopilot, he had been through this conversation far too many times today.

Priti walked in just as Raj was halfway through explaining his 5 year plan and long term goals. He completely lost his train of thought, and sat there staring at her. She was stunning. Tall, slim, dressed impeccably in a white cotton Dior sundress and bright white heels, with a pair of black Gucci sunglasses perched on top of her head.

“Hi, you must be Raj.” She said in a polished British accent. “I’m Priti, sorry to have kept you waiting.” She then turned to Raj’s parents, bowed her head and touched her palms together and greeted them in perfect Hindi, apologising for being late and expressing an interest in getting to know them. She turned back to Raj, and said “Do you want to come for a quick chat in the library?”

Raj followed Priti wordlessly. He was smitten. She was everything he was attracted to, assertive, beautiful, polished. He composed himself. Now was the time to impress.

They walked into a tall round library filled with books with a ladder that could swing from left to right. In the centre of the room was a huge chandelier and a set of sofa’s arranged in a square facing inward with a low square coffee table in the middle. Priti sat on a two seater and suggested Raj sit on the sofa to her right. 

“So.” She said “Where shall we begin?”

“Perhaps you could tell me a bit about yourself, as the only thing I know at the moment is that your name is Priti, and you clearly live up to your name!” Oh dear God. I can’t believe I just said that. 

“That was hands down the worst line I’ve ever heard!” she smiled “I’m 25, I work as a party planner, mainly corporate events, but I have organised some high profile private parties. I'm going to cut to the chase here Raj. I’m not looking to get married to anyone right now. When I am ready to take that step, it's highly unlikely that I'll be marrying anyone abroad”

“Hmmm that's a shame. I'd like to get to know you. Is there anything I can say to make you change your mind?” Raj felt torn, he really liked Aarti and felt as though they had clicked, but Priti was sexy. She was assertive, bordering aggressive, and the less interested she was in him, the more interesting she was becoming.

“Realistically I’m not sure there’s any point in us starting anything.” she said apologetically.

“Fair enough. I respect your honesty.” Raj stood up and offered her his hand. Priti took Raj’s hand and shook it, he held on for a second longer than necessary. “It was nice meeting you Priti, if you’re ever in London, give me a call and I’ll show you around. Shall we head back?”

“That’s a nice thing to say…” Priti looked back over her shoulder at Raj as she walked out of the library.

“Well I’m a nice guy.” Raj said stoically.

“Nice guys finish last.” Priti countered.

“I’m beginning to see that.” Raj chuckled.

“How about a drink?” Priti suggested sheepishly.

Raj stopped walking abruptly, put his hand in his pocket, pulled out his wallet, extracted his business card  and handed it to Priti. “How about you give me a call, and let me know when and where.”

“No promises Raj. Like I said, I’m not looking for forever.” Priti warned.

Chapter 20 - Monday 1pm

Raj and Varun Sat at the dining table with the rest of the family enjoying a lavish brunch, the table was overflowing with delicate pastries with fruit fillings, cinnamon rolls, a bread basket filled with miniature loaves and spreads and jams. The boys had enjoyed eggs made to order and endless cups of tea. 

Varun sat back in his chair and announced “I’m stuffed!” while patting his tummy.

“Me as well, Dadima you out did yourself, everything was delicious.” Raj complimented his grandmother. 

Raj’s grandmother smirked at his mother while responding “That was nothing Beta, you’re just not used to having someone give you breakfast. I know your mother only serves cereal!” 

Raj’s mother discreetly rolled her eyes but didn’t take the bait.

“So Dadaji, where are you taking me today?” Varun asked Raj’s grandfather.

“You and I are off to the sports club later this afternoon, we can play some badminton and go for a swim, while Raj goes and meets a few more girls.”

“More girls?” Raj asked confused.

“Yes Raj, there are a few other girls we thought you could meet, while we are here, no point putting all your eggs in one basket…” responded Raj’s mother.

“Yes Beta, we don’t want you to think Aarti is the only option, a boy with your attributes has the upper hand you know. Don’t be like your father and marry the first girl you see!” Raj’s grandmother pitched in.

“But Dad, won’t this affect your relationship with Dr Chaudhury? It’s disrespectful isn’t it?”

Raj asked his father, hoping to put alter the direction this conversation had taken.

“No son, this is the way things are done, you are a free agent. Until we ask for her hand in marriage, you can see as many or as few girls as you please.” Dr Gupta responded with a slight smile “Unless you object?”

“Well I do quite like Aarti.” Raj said uncomfortably.

“So you want to propose?” Dr Gupta responded without missing a beat.

“No!” Raj said shocked

“In that case it’s settled, we will first go to Dr Chauhan’s house and meet his daughter Sajal. Then Dr Shaa’s home and meet Nisha and then finally Mr Singh’s and meet Priti.”

Raj’s grandmother looked positively over the moon, she loved taking him to her friends homes and gushing about him, and she knew he had no way to get out of it. Even Raj’s mother looked happy!

“Can’t Varun come too” Raj couldn’t think of a worse day and desperately needed Varun to come and keep things light.

“No Beta, we don’t want to confuse the girls!” Said Raj’s mum.

Varun had been trying his best to hold his laughter in, but eventually admitted defeat. “Excuse me please” he said as he walked towards the bedrooms, coughing and chuckling simultaneously.

“Raj we are leaving at 4pm so be ready by then.” Raj’s mother instructed.

Raj stood and walked away from the dining table and through into the bedrooms, Varun was still giggling on the sofa.

“Dude I really don’t want to do this.” Raj told Varun.

“You should have said you’re not interested.” Varun said sobering up.

“I couldn’t, my grandmother was so excited. Oh no man, what will I tell Aarti?”

“Nothing! Why would you say anything?” Varun asked confused.

“I don’t want our relationship to start with a lie of omission.”

“Lie of omission? What the hell’s wrong with you?! Besides, you heard your dad, it’s normal to meet lots of girls. And your parents will be there so it’s not like you’re on a date with these other girls. You’re are just meeting your grandparents’ friends and their daughters.” 

“This will be too awkward.” Raj said dropping down onto the sofa.

“Yep!” laughed Varun “It’ll be horrendous!”