A test of values(916 words)

It was a well-known restaurant in Bengaluru. bustling with patrons, the air filled with chatter and the clinking of cutlery. A group of half a dozen boisterous girls entered the restaurant and were assigned a corner table at the far end. The girls were seen giggling for no reason and often broke into a riot of laughter interspersed with loud shrieks and hearty banter. It seemed the presence of others hardly mattered to them. They had all assembled to meet their college mate Amrita who had come from New Delhi on a short vacation.

“Look at the handsome bearer by the table to the left. If he were to join films, he could give those ageing heroes still playing young roles a run for their money," teased one of the girls.

All eyes turned towards the young man in dark pants and a full-sleeved white shirt taking orders from the adjacent table. His face was turned away but one could not miss his muscular, well-proportioned body, the long curly hair and a panther-like gait as he walked towards the kitchen. As the girls continued to admire him, Amrita's heart skipped a beat., could it be her boyfriend Rajan, her heartthrob? The gait and hairstyle were unmistakable. It cannot be, as Rajan was a class topper destined to succeed in life. No, no this must be his clone or a lookalike, perhaps-. Both were initially corresponding but lost touch with him after some time

She lost her mood for partying. Citing a severe headache, she wanted to be excused and told them that they could meet on another day. Luckily, he had not seen her and if he were really Rajan, what an embarrassment it would have been for her amidst her friends. She sincerely hoped that he was someone else and not Rajan.

The very next day impelled by curiosity, she went alone to the same restaurant just to make sure it was not Rajan. He had a large mole on his temple and that should clinch matters. When she went to sit near the same table, she saw him from a distance. She stood and looked at him to draw his attention. As expected, he noticed her and rushed to her side

“Isn’t it Amrita? What a pleasant surprise to meet you after such a long time! How are you, Amrita?” he asked animatedly

She looked at him with the order book and a pen in his hand and said with some irritation in her tone “Yes, I am Amrita indeed, Rajan. But for your mole, I would have surmised it is your double doing duty as a lowly waiter in a hotel”

Rajan’s smile faded. “Why speak disparagingly of a waiter, is it that you consider a waiter’s job demeaning? All jobs are honourable, Amrita” he said.

“I don’t know but I am sure I would not be a friend with a waiter. He doesn’t belong to my circle. I am very much disappointed. I came here to make sure that the waiter whom I saw here yesterday is not you. Sadly, it is not so. All my hopes of having a long-term relationship with you are shattered. Why did you have to take this poor job- so beneath you especially when you were a topper with high potential? I think you did a management course too? I am sorry Rajan; I have to bid you a goodbye” she spoke.

It was then one bearer came to Rajan’s side and said in a deferential tone “Sir, some visitors have come and are waiting in your office”

Rajan turned to Amrita and said “. Please come with me. I will send them away in a few minutes.”

Amrita was surprised. Why would they address a waiter as Sir and request him to meet the visitors in his office? Does he have an office of his own? Then what is he? With such doubts assailing her mind, she went along with him.

They entered a large air conditioned richly carpeted room with a large mahogany table, matching chairs, and a well upholstered sofa set. He sat in the chair and disposed of the visitors in a few minutes.
Looking at the bemused Amrita, he asked “Are you surprised? I own this restaurant. We have a chain of such places in the city. To interact with my patrons and also see how the waiters are dealing with them, I mingle with them once in a while. To me work is worship and nothing is below my dignity. Did you not notice that I was not in uniform, unlike others?”

With much embarrassment, Amrita began pleading “Oh Rajan, I am extremely sorry for my hasty assumptions. Please forgive me. I came to the city only to meet you and carry forward our friendship to the next level. Luckily, I could meet you. All is well that ends well. Here is my address. My parents would like to meet you. I can come and take you when convenient for you”

Interrupting her, Rajan said, “Lucky that I could meet you here in the restaurant for it showed your values in true colour. I am greatly disappointed with you. You are not the kind of person whom I would like to have as my partner in life. Let us be just friends. Thanks for dropping in.“

As she stood frozen with her mind reeling at the unexpected denouement, he extended his hands for a final handshake and a goodbye.