Raj rolled out of bed and planted both feet on the carpeted floor, walked to the sink in the ensuite bathroom and switched on the cold water, picked up his blue electric toothbrush, whitening toothpaste and began brushing his teeth while examining himself in the bathroom mirror. He hadn't gotten back until 2am and then he and Varun had spent the next two hours watching a bad movie and by the time he got to bed it was close to 5am. He felt rough!
Varun had decided to stay the night and was asleep in Raj's study on his sofa bed.
Raj's two story annex apartment consisted of a bedroom, ensuite and a study, upstairs; a living room, bathroom and kitchen diner, downstairs. Raj rarely used the kitchen diner as he tended to have meals in the main house with his parents.
Raj had a two minute shower, got into a pair of jeans and a polo and went to check on Varun in the study. He found the sofa bed folded into the couch position and the sheets and blankets neatly folded and placed on top of the arm rest.
Raj wondered down the stairs and through the adjoining door that led to his parents part of the house. He could hear voices coming from the kitchen.
As he entered the kitchen he found Varun seated at the island with a full English placed on a massive plate in front of him, a big grin on his animated face and a steaming cup of tea in hand. His mum was at the stove whipping up more eggs and his father chatting enthusiastically in his usual spot at the island with the unopened paper in front of him and a half empty cup of tea in his right hand.
“Good Morning Family” Said Raj as he plopped himself down in between his father and Varun.
“You’re in a better mood than yesterday.” Responded his mother.
“That’s because I've solved all your problems, Aunty” Said Varun in his most respectful tone. He took a sip of his tea and continued “I’ve explained to young Raj here, that it is in his best interests to meet this young lady and then he can decide whether or not to make her his wife.”
Raj rolled his eyes, and wondered why he’d agreed to let Varun stay the night! He did this every time, he’d play the angel and make Raj look like the belligerent 7 year old.
“Oh Varun, that’s wonderful news, I knew you’d be able to convince him.” Mrs Gupta gushed “He always listens to you, and you know how stubborn he can be.” She went on absentmindedly.
“Mother, I’m in the room, and contrary to popular belief I’m not going because sweet little Varun here has convinced me. I’m going because I want this to be over. I will meet her, but I’m pretty much guaranteeing that I will not marry her. After this I do not want either of you to set me up again.”
“Don’t you speak to your parents like that, young man” Said Varun in his authoritarian tone. while winking discreetly at Raj “Apologise!”
“Um… sorry!” Said Raj while raising an eyebrow at his best friend.
“Don’t worry Dr Gupta, I will make sure Raj meets this young lady and gives it a good go.” Varun turned his attention to Dr Gupta, who was smirking at the two of them.
“I’m sure you will Varun and maybe we can organise a couple of meetings for you while you are out there… so you don’t get bored!” Dr Gupta smiled.
Raj burst out laughing. “Thats a good idea Dad, does this girl have a sister we can set Varun up with. Or maybe a fat cousin?”
“Hold your horses guys, I suddenly feel like a lamb to slaughter!” Said Varun grinning.
“You walked into that one mate! Mum, please may I have some breakfast as well, I’m starving!” Asked Raj.
His mother walked over to him with a plate of steaming food “Eat!” she ordered “When shall we book our tickets for?”
“You’re coming too?” Raj asked with his mouth full.
“We are.” Said his father “It makes sense. We will travel out there together, and you can come back after a week and we will stay on for another week and visit some family. In the event that you like the girl, we can formally ask for her hand in marriage, and plan an engagement. If on the other hand you dislike the girl, I can make an excuse on your behalf and salvage my relationship with my friend!”
“It would be that quick? One meeting and then decide if I want to marry her?” Raj asked incredulously.
“Perhaps not just a single meeting… but yes it would be pretty brisk. She is my friend’s daughter, you don’t get to try before you buy!”
“Ew dad!” Raj said while Varun choked on his eggs. “I didn’t say I wanted to do anything untoward with her… but I would like to get to know her before I agree to sign my life away!”
“Don’t worry Son we will organise a few dates.” Dr Gupta explained “The first instance you will meet when they come to visit us, and then if you like the look of her, you can ask her parent’s permission to either speak to her separately in another room or ask to take her out for coffee. What ever they are comfortable with.”
“Dad this sounds so awkward.”
“It’ll be fine Son, have an open mind.”
“When do you want to go?” Asked Raj defeatedly.
“Next Friday, we can catch the night flight.”
“I think that’ll be ok.” Said Raj looking at Varun “What about you, can you leave next Friday?”
“I have a dinner meeting Friday night” Said Varun.
“Are you seriously jumping ship right now?” Raj asked, glaring at his best friend.
Varun raised his hands in surrender and said “I’ll fly out Saturday morning, I’ll literally be 8 hours behind you!”
“Sounds like we have a plan!” Piped up Mrs Gupta jubilantly.
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