Beyond Appearances (926 words)

 

Swarna had just woken up after a heavy lunch. It was a dull Sunday afternoon with no plans to go out. She picked up the iPad from her side and aimlessly browsed the net. She was wont to spend a few minutes on the matrimonial site, not to find for her a 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 kindled her interest She found them boring. She stopped dating but had friends with whom to socialise. Nevertheless, her curiosity in 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 a lot of social work. Desires an equally qualified and understanding partner, to work or not is her choice. Would like someone interested in social work. She must consider the disability and consequent disinterest in strenuous outings before responding. Cell: xxxxxxx.

She went through the ad again and liked the straightforward listing of his plus and minus traits and expectations from his partner. She appreciated his honesty and his 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 dialling his number

“Good afternoon. Did you place an advertisement?” she asked and paused a moment before continuing” I am Swarna. I have carefully read the ad and I think I meet your requirements though I have done no social work. I like your frankness. When and where shall 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 a convenient restaurant. I will be there.”

She was touched by his leaving the place of meeting to her convenience. They decided upon Banyan Tree at 6 pm 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 moment to his gait and found he was not limping. He was quite handsome, and dusky and reminded her of a movie star

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. Your openness and concern for the disadvantaged people touched me. 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. Not now anyway” she replied feeling slightly embarrassed.

“Ha ha, not now, did you say? That means later. I am so happy. Nevertheless, you must see it” he said as he pulled up his trousers to show a healthy 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 and continued,” I have not revealed one matter when we spoke thinking that would not be of significant importance given your broad mind and compassion for physically disadvantaged people. I was affected by polio when I was a child and my right leg was twisted below knee. It was only when I was 15 that an artificial leg was implanted and I am now completely normal with no limp or general disability.”

Swaroop’s face darkened.” You should have told me at the outset and we could have avoided this meeting,”

“I thought given your intense concern and care for physically handicapped young women and your lie about Jaipur leg, I thought it was a minor matter that could be brought out in the personal meeting. You can see for yourself my leg now,” she replied.

“No, I am not interested. You cannot expect a rich man, who is concerned with utterly poor people and helps them to come out of poverty, to marry an impoverished woman. Care and kindness for a disadvantaged woman is one thing and marrying one such is different,’ he replied coldly.

“You must still see my leg,” Swarna said firmly as she lifted her suit to show a flawless smooth right leg.

Swaroop’s face changed from shock to embarrassment “Wow, what a pleasant surprise! I did not expect it. Why did you have to lie? I am sorry for my insensitive remark. Please, don’t reject me,’ he implored.

“You are a liar and insensitive man,” she said with cold contempt and added, “I would never want to see you again,” as she stomped to the cash counter to pay for her share of the bill.