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!”
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