Swarna
had just woken up after a heavy lunch. It was a dull Sunday afternoon and she had
no plan to go out. She picked the iPad from her side and lazily browsed the net.
She was wont to spend a few minutes on the matrimonial site, not with a view to
find her man, but to amuse herself reading the advertisements that usually exaggerated
the accomplishments of the grooms and spoke of their tall expectations from the brides.
She was nearing 35 but remained unmarried. A
senior executive in a foreign bank, she had three anthologies of poems to her credit.
She had dated a few individuals but none of them clicked. She found them boring.
She stopped dating, but had friends to socialize with. Nevertheless her tryst
with matrimonial ads continued.
She
sat up with interest when she saw this particular ad. It was unusual and candid
for a matrimonial site.
Tall, 38, never married,B.Tech., MS, senior
executive in IT, has a Jaipur leg on the right. Needs no help or crutch and can
drive. Does lot of social work. Need an understanding partner who is equally qualified,
to work or not is her choice. Would like someone interested in social work. She
must ponder over the disability and consequent disinterest in strenuous outings
before responding. Cell: xxxxxxx.
She
read the ad again and liked the straightforward listing of his plus and minus
traits and expectations from his partner. She liked his concern for the hapless
and involvement in social work though she had no such interest. The age suited her.
She became curious to know how he would be and that led to her dialing his number
“Good
afternoon. Did you place an advertisement?” she asked and paused for a moment before continuing”
I am Swarna.I have carefully gone through the ad and I think I meet your
requirements though I have done no social work. I like your frankness. When and
where can we meet?”
“Thank
you Swarna for calling. I am Swaroop.There is some similarity in name,” he
giggled and added “Can we meet this evening? Suggest me a convenient restaurant.
I will be there.”
She
was touched by his leaving the place of meeting to her convenience. They
decided upon Adyar Park at 6Pm that evening.
She
looked elegant and simple in her cotton chanderi brocade Patiala suit. He came
to the lounge sharp on time and had no difficulty walking straight to her.
Unconsciously she paid attention for a fraction of second to his gait and found
he was not limping. He was quite handsome, dusky and reminded her of Gregory
Peck.
He
took her hand, led her to the appointed table and drew the chair for her before
he sat opposite to her. His smile was infectious, when he said “I never
expected such an attractive lady. I am glad you agreed to meet me”
“The
pleasure is mine,"she replied coyly
“I
was apprehensive that you might ignore my ad due to the Jaipur leg,” he said
“That
was no reason to deter me. I was touched by your openness and concern for the
disadvantaged people. By the way, did you meet with any accident for you to
lose your leg?”she asked.
“Would
you like to see the prosthetic leg?”he asked.
“No,
no.It is ok for me. Not now any way” she replied.
“Ha
ha, not now, did you say? That means later. I am so happy. Nevertheless you
must see it” he said, as he pulled his trouser up to show a clean natural leg.
When
Swarna looked up in confusion and disbelief, he smiled and said “Excuse me for
the small test. I wanted to make sure my wife would be compassionate towards
handicapped people with whom I spend considerable time to lift their lives. I am
now happy I found one in you”
“Thanks” she shyly said with a small giggle even while rejoicing inwardly at her good fortune.
“What
would you like to eat?” he asked and the date continued thereafter.
I got a hint of the ending when you said 'he was not limping.' Good twist.
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
Nice Story with an interesting narrative.
ReplyDeleteVery nice post.
ReplyDeleteHere after a very long time. Nice story as usual with a message cleverly woven!
ReplyDeleteWhat a date!
ReplyDeleteNice man in Swarna's fate!
That's great :)
Hmm, a risky proposition, perhaps! I wonder if women may not be offended for the not so excitable test.
ReplyDeleteI liked the twist. Great story!
ReplyDeleteNice, interesting twist! Good story!
ReplyDeletegreat twist.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful story !
ReplyDeleteVery surreal!
ReplyDeletegood one.. nice twist..
ReplyDeleteThat's nice story.
ReplyDeleteThat's a nice story
ReplyDelete:)
Oh that was a test then !!! Glad she passed :)
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for your comment at my place. When a master like you says its a nice piece I am satisfied, elated and well on cloud 9 :D
ReplyDeleteOne of the best story I have read in a long long time! Great story and beautiful story telling.
ReplyDeleteHowever now it leaves me longing for a 'cotton chanderi brocade Patiala suit'. (I am sure this was not an expected reaction from your readers - or was it?)
:)