Appearances are deceptive (665 words)

The young woman clad in Jeans and a T-shirt was standing restless at the back of the line at the Enquiries counter in the post office. About half a dozen people were ahead of her, and the clerk at the counter was working slowly and talking on her mobile frequently.. Just then, a well-dressed young man sauntered up to the counter, ignoring the line, and tried to catch the clerk's attention. The others in the queue, though visibly annoyed, remained silent.

“Mister, don’t you see the line?” the young woman shouted. “Please stand behind me.”

The young man turned, surprised. “I’m not here to do any business,” he explained. “I just wanted to inquire about an address in the area.”

She snapped back, “Do you think we’re here to chit-chat with the clerk? We all have inquiries to make. Get in line.”

“Sorry,” he replied calmly. “You could have told me softly. There’s no need to raise your voice. No one else seems to mind.”

Though he spoke politely, he moved to stand behind her. It was only then that she noticed how handsome he was—a tall man with chiselled features, the type who could easily play the hero in a movie. His expression, however, showed no sign of friendliness after her outburst. Regret washed over her; she wasn’t typically rude. The tension from some urgent tasks awaiting her at home must have triggered her temper.

Turning to him, she softened her tone. “I’m sorry. You mentioned needing an address. I live in this area and might be able to help. Which place are you looking for?”

His face relaxed slightly. “How kind of you! I’m new to town. I just arrived at the airport an hour ago. I have an appointment at a house on 3rd Cross, 21st Avenue. Do you know it?”

“Any landmark they mentioned?” she asked.

“Yes, they said there’s a KFC outlet at the corner of the main road.”

She smiled. “That’s just a stone’s throw from where I live. I can take you there.”

“No need to trouble yourself,” he replied, smiling back. “I’m supposed to go there only by 3 p.m., so I’ll grab some lunch at a restaurant first. Just tell me the route.”

“Go straight for about 200 yards, take a left at the signal, and turn right at the third street. That’s 3rd Cross. What’s the building number?”

“Sagar Apartments, number 22, I think,” he said.

“That’s the fourth building on the right,” she said, her voice suddenly shaky. Without another word, she abruptly left the line, hurrying off as if she had forgotten something.

At 3 p.m., Nirmal arrived at Sagar Apartments and was greeted by an elderly gentleman. Inside, there were several women and two other men. After exchanging pleasantries, a well dressed young woman entered with a tray of coffee, sweets and snacks. Her father introduced her, saying, “This is Nandita. She works with Oracle after completing her B.Tech.”

When Nirmal saw her, he was taken aback. Smiling, he asked, “Nandita, didn’t we meet at the post office a couple of hours ago?”

Startled, Nandita replied, “No, I didn’t go to the post office today.” Her father and the others present looked confused.

“How could that be?” Nirmal exclaimed. “You argued with me for cutting the line! How can you forget something like that so soon? It’s amusing.”

Just then, her father called out, “Sharmila, Sharmila!” Another young woman entered the room, and Nirmal's eyes widened in surprise as he saw her. She looked identical to Nandita. Sharmila couldn’t suppress a giggle.

Her father, puzzled, asked loudly, “Why are you giggling? Did you go to the post office this morning and have an argument with this young man?”

Sharmila, lowering her head, nodded.

Nirmal laughed. “Yes, this is the fiery one I met! The two of you look so much alike. I just hope Nandita is the gentler twin.” Nandita lowered her head with an imperceptible nod and a shy smile.