An unexpected visitor (666 words)

 

"Deepa’s parents had been busy since morning, preparing the house for a visit. The maid had spruced up the place, changing curtains and sofa covers, vacuuming the carpet, and wiping the photo frames. Her dad brought fresh flowers, while her mom bustled in the kitchen making sweets and snacks. They had also bought some Bengali sweets from a nearby stall. One of the prospective bridegroom’s parents had informed them they would arrive after 3 PM to see Deepa.

"Deepa took the day off work, starting her morning with a relaxing facial at the beauty parlour. After a refreshing shower, she carefully draped herself in a delicate, saffron silk sari, adorning herself with matching jewellery, her heart fluttering with anticipation.

"When it was nearing three, her dad sprayed lavender air freshener in the hall. The aroma of a sandalwood incense stick wafted from the puja room, mingling with the fragrance of jasmine in the air.

There was a short, hesitant buzz at the door. Her dad rushed to open it and found a young man in a blue-striped shirt and charcoal grey pants. He looked tall, handsome, and muscular. He smiled and asked, “Is this Deepa’s place?”

“Yes, yes, please come in and be seated. We were actually waiting for you. Has no one else come with you?” The hall was cool with the air conditioner humming.

“No, it is enough if I meet her. I should have come half an hour earlier but was held up in a meeting,” he said with a smile. Deepa, peeping through a small opening in a window from the adjacent room, noticed his well-aligned sparkling teeth. A cute-looking guy, she thought with some satisfaction.

“I hope you had no difficulty locating the house,” asked Deepa’s dad.

“Not at all. It took just 30 minutes to drive from my office. The ambiance here is good. A bright but cool home you have in sylvan surroundings,” he said.

“Yes, I bought it ten years back,” he replied as Deepa’s mom brought a plate full of snacks and sweets.

“Why all these? Where is Deepa?” the young man asked.

“It is customary. Please have some,” Deepa’s dad said, turning to his wife. “Where is Deepa? Ask her to come. You also come here.”

Deepa came demurely, accompanied by her mother. The young man stood up and folded his hands in greeting to both of them.

When they were seated, he said with a large smile, “Glad I could come today. In fact, I have wanted to see you ever since I heard about you. I could find time only today.”

After some pleasantries, Deepa’s dad stood up and said, “I will leave you alone so you can discuss matters of mutual interest.”

"Just then, Deepa’s dad heard a car pull up outside, the gate creaking open. He rushed to see an elderly couple in traditional attire stepping out, accompanied by a young man with a basket of fruits and flowers. Confusion and alarm crossed his face as he realized another young man was already inside, speaking with Deepa."

He rushed back in, where Deepa and the young man were warming up to each other, and asked, “Who are you, Sir? What brought you here? Why did you want to meet Deepa? I think there has been a mistake.”

“Yes, Sir, I was also wondering at the warm reception. I had a lead that Deepa was planning to take an insurance cover. I had come to meet Deepa regarding that. I am an officer in a multinational insurance company,” he said.

Meanwhile, the elderly couple entered the hall, accompanied by a short man with a pronounced paunch and a peculiar face.

"As Deepa hurriedly started leaving the hall, her face a mix of disappointment and bewilderment, the young man handed her his card with a charming smile. 'Please call me when you’re free, and we can discuss your needs,' he said, adding with a wink, 'Maybe over coffee?'".

"Surely," she said with a smile.