Raj stood in front of the floor length mirror in the hall, giving himself the mandatory final inspection. His short black hair slicked back effortlessly and his designer stubble had been pruned to perfection to accentuate his square jaw. Raj was dressed in an expensive black Armani suit, he would usually pair it with a brightly coloured shirt that would enhance his hazel eyes, but feeling slightly off kilter from the disagreement earlier in the day, he decided to stick to a black shirt.
He had planned to meet the guys for dinner and drinks at a trendy new bar in Soho. His best friend Varun had volunteered to be the designated driver and was due to pick him up at 8.15. Varun had a tendency to be early and Raj didn't want to keep him waiting so he decided to use his private entrance situated to the left of the old Victorian detached property as opposed to the main entrance that led people into his parents' area. He would usually let them know he was leaving... not tonight!
As soon as Raj stepped out and crossed the yellow stony drive he saw Varun's Audi A5 approach the gates. He strode towards the shiny silver car, opened the passenger side door and settled into the black leather seats.
Varun could be mistaken for Raj’s twin, with the same dark hair and hazel eyes. But their style was completely different, where Raj preferred suits, Varun lived in jeans and black polos. All together a more laid back character.
"What's wrong?" Asked Varun, with one raised eyebrow, a party trick he taught himself in his late teens to impress the ladies!
"Why would something be wrong?" Raj responded in a despondent tone.
"Well let's see, you're wearing a black shirt, dude you're usually dressed like a flipping highlighter, secondly you walked toward the gate from the side, which suggests you didn't use the main door and thirdly your mother called my mother and told her you’re marrying a bird from India!"
Raj chuckled "You're such a dick! I'm not marrying a girl from India, I'm meeting a girl from India!"
"Same difference!"
"Actually there's a massive difference! All jokes aside mate, I'm actually really shocked that my parents are suggesting such an archaic practice. I thought they trusted my judgement. You should have heard my mum this morning, she gave me a 45 minute lecture about how English women wouldn't fold my laundry... you've got to wonder what makes her think that that's what I'm looking for?"
"Look she comes from a different generation" said Varun in a serious tone "she wants what's best for you, and she believes this girl will make you happy... I say meet her, what have you got to lose?"
"Time, energy, money, self respect, I could go on?" Said Raj
“We both know you’re going to meet her, so you may as well save your breath and perk up mate. Saq and Abs are meeting us at the place. You can tell them all about it and then we can all plan your wedding!” Teased Varun.
“Thanks for the support” Said Raj sarcastically “you’re a true friend!”
“You’re welcome… I know!” Varun winked.
Raj turned the music up to ear piercing level, sat back in his seat and ignored his friend!
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