Salim pulled up outside the coffee shop, the big purple and red sign along with the indoor and outdoor seating area made the coffee shop look hip, young and inviting.
“Where shall I meet you Salim?” Raj asked the driver as he exited the car. Salim closed the car door behind him.
“Here’s my card sir,” Salim handed Raj a business card, “Call or text when you are finished and I’ll be waiting here in this space.”
“Ok, thank you Salim” Raj said briskly. He walked straight into the coffee shop and sat at an indoor table. The warm air outside was stifling and despite the amazing views of the ocean Raj couldn't face the unbearable heat.
Raj folded the sleeves of his white linen shirt up to his elbow and unbuttoned the collar, while perusing the menu. The place seemed to be popular with students. Raj read and reread the menu, but the stress of waiting for Aarti was beginning to get to him and he still had no idea what to order!
Raj looked at his watch 2.53pm, time was literally at a stand still… Realistically she would be late, past experience told him all girls were late. He exhaled loudly only to hear a lady clearing her throat, he looked up fully expecting to see the waitress, but there stood Aarti in a peach jumpsuit and cream wedges. “You’re early!” he stood and pulled out her chair.
“Thanks, I can wait outside until 3 if you’d prefer” she quipped with a smile on her face as she gracefully took her seat.
What should I say now, thought Raj, his mind drawing a blank. He said the first thing that came to his mind “You look nice…” he walked around to his side of the table and sat down.
“Thank you.” she smiled.
Raj couldn't believe how nervous he was. This was not his first date. He’d been dating since 16. “So… at the risk of sounding cheesy… do you come here often?” he asked while smirking.
Aarti chuckled “No, I’ve never been here before!”
Raj laughed, tension broken “So, why did you bring me here?”
“I didn't suggest this place, it was Jasmin, I was just the innocent bystander who got railroaded into this da… thing”
“Date? is that what you were going to say?” he teased.
“No, thing, I said thing.” she blushed.
“Thats eloquent… do you refer to all meetings with the opposite sex, as a thing?” Raj was now beginning to enjoy himself. Although the guys teased him about his lack of game, he knew better. He had always been the one with either a steady girlfriend or multiple girls chasing him.
“You are right this isn't a thing, it is a getting-to-know-you meeting, and it’s an opportunity that cant be wasted… I have questions, many many questions.” She leaned over her black satchel bag and extracted a notebook.
“Oh!” Raj was taken aback, “You brought a notebook?”
“Yes, I didn't want to miss anything out.” she said sweetly.
“Ok, in that case, I’m going to need a coffee, what shall I order you? Perhaps something to eat?” Raj waved a waitress over. “Hello, we’re ready to order. Aarti what will you have?”
Aarti was impressed with his take charge attitude. “I’d like a latte please.”
“And to eat?” he smiled encouragingly.
“Just a latte thanks.” she said softly.
“Ok, I will have a cappuccino and we can share a couple of sandwiches and cakes, bring your bestsellers please.” he smiled at the waitress as she scribbled on her notepad and walked away. “Ok, let’s start with your questions, hopefully by the time the food comes we will know each other a lot better!”
Aarti looked down at her notebook, her hands were clammy and turning the page took a shockingly long time.
“Um, question number one” she paused and took a deep breath “how many girlfriends have you had?” she asked quickly.
Raj’s heart began to race, it was a ballsy move, he respected her for asking, but decided he was going to make her work for the answers “Gosh, you jumped straight into the deep end didn't you? Serious girlfriends, I’ve had 3, and you?”
“I haven't had any girlfriends.” she smiled sweetly.
“Aarti, I’m happy to answer any questions you have as long as you’re happy to provide the same amount of clarity.” he said firmly. “It’s a shame you haven't had any girlfriends.” he smiled to lighten the mood “but are there any boyfriends, that I should know about?”
“Um, there’s been 2” she responded hesitantly… Indian men are known to be very territorial and the idea that their future wife may have had someone or in her case a couple of someones in their life was severely off putting. But at the same time Aarti didn't want to begin a relationship with a lie. “Is this going to be a deal breaker, because if it is there really isn't any point in going on.” Aarti began to collect her things and pack them in her bag.
“Are you always this dramatic?” Raj chuckled. “Why are you leaving, what kind of chauvinistic men do you surround yourself with? I’m obviously not thrilled that you have had relationships, but I’m not stupid, you’re a very pretty girl, men are probably tripping over themselves trying to ask you out!”
Aarti blushed, she felt flattered that he thought she was pretty, but mostly silly for overreacting! “I’m sorry, I’m not usually like this. You make me nervous.” she confessed.
“I’m glad.” Raj smiled “Ok next question?”
“Do you have any baby mamas, I need to know about?”
Raj laughed out loud “No. Also who came up with that question, you or your friend?”
“Jas!”
“I thought so, it’s very American. I’m not going to ask if you have any illegitimate children.”
Aarti felt instantly guilty, her question had been brash and crude “I’m sorry, that was rude, I just don't want any nasty surprises.”
“Well how about we just have a conversation and let things come to light organically, rather than you interviewing me?”
“But what if I miss something, we get married and you turn out to be a misogynistic wife beater?”
“Realistically if I am that guy, I’m unlikely to be honest in this conversation, don't you think?!” Raj raised an eyebrow to punctuate his question.
Aarti laughed “you’re right, lets start again. Hi Raj, how are you? How is the family?”
“I’m well, as is the family. So does your mum hate me?”
“No” Aarti looked puzzled “I don’t think so, why do you ask?”
“She seemed less than impressed when she met me.” He explained
“She’s not keen on this whole arranged marriage thing, she wants me to complete my education, before I consider marriage.”
“Ah, I see. What about you, do you want to complete your education before you contemplate commitment?”
Aarti laughed “Are you afraid to say marriage?”
Raj shrugged “Um… no, I just don’t throw the M word around!”
“The M word!!! It’s not a death sentence!” she countered
“No, its a life sentence!” He said without thinking. He instantly regretted the off the cuff statement. He looked away and gave himself a mental shake, he needed to get it together and charm this girl, not look like a time wasting commitment phobe. He looked back at her and was shocked to see that she was laughing out loud. “Aarti, I have a feeling you and I are going to get along splendidly!”
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