A Wrong Number to Mr. Right (1210 words)

 

Rhea was browsing through the matrimonial site during lunch hour. She was proud of her tall bearing, good looks, and her well-paid job. Being 27, she wished to settle down. She wanted someone, preferably an engineer from the IT industry in Bangalore itself. Her requirements were not too demanding. A healthy man under 32, tall to match her height, clean habits and willing to live with her separately without other family members, was enough. To be compatible with her, she wished that he must be interested in films of all genres, light music, travel, eating out and be a fun-loving person. These traits she felt were very reasonable, especially for a lifetime partner.

Most profiles she saw from Bangalore were disappointing-over-aged widowers/divorcees, men in small jobs, short in height or rooted in joint families. A few insisted on horoscope matching. After a long scrutiny, only one came somewhat remotely close to her specifications.

 "A 31-year-old B. Tech working in a leading IT company in Bangalore with a handsome salary is interested in an educated lady, not employed, adept in cooking South and North Indian cuisine for a gourmet and with interests in home-bound hobbies like Carnatic music, painting, embroidery, decorating the house, gardening, etc. She should be willing to raise a family soon after marriage without imposing any time limit. Should not grudge his relatives visiting the house or nag to be taken out for eating in restaurants or social gatherings. A good homemaker who can take care of her husband and is the main requirement. If interested, you can contact xxxxxxx for a dinner date"

Rhea did not like the emphasis on cooking, being home-bound, getting ready to bear babies and being a homemaker. Though she was quite sure that this would not work out with her being in a cushy job in an advertising company, she succumbed to the mischievous idea of enjoying a free dinner in the company of a guy, making him, in the process, build castles in the air of a wedding with a beautiful woman. She had nothing else to do for the evening and was in an adventurous mood. She dialled his number to hear his deep voice.

The manly voice was mesmerising as he gently said, “This is Naren, I could not catch your name. Did you say Shriya? What can I do for you?”

Rhea felt a thrill pass through her spine. “It is Rhea, not Shriya. I saw your profile on the matrimony site, and as desired by you, I am free to meet at the restaurant for dinner tonight”

“Did you say my profile in the matrimony site suggested a dinner date?” he asked

“You must know better, as you have inserted the ad” she said with some irritability.

“I am sorry I forgot. Maybe a momentary blackout after hearing a sweet, feminine voice,” he giggled and added,” How about meeting at 7 pm today at Grand? Is it close to your place or shall I pick you up from your place?”

“That is not necessary. I have my vehicle. I will be there at the lounge in blue jeans and a dark coat”

“Thanks, Rhea. I will be in a blue striped shirt. I look forward to meeting you. Bye till then”

It was 7 pm, and the lounge was crowded. Rhea was playing a game on her iPhone. When she looked up, hearing a mild cough, she was startled to find a very handsome guy in a blue striped shirt sitting opposite her and watching her intently with a smile on his face.

He stood up and, extending his hand, said, “I am Naren. I was waiting for you to finish your game”, he said with a mischievous grin

“Sorry, I didn’t notice you”

He took her hands in his and led her to the table reserved for them in a corner. drew the chair and made her sit comfortably. She was at once taken in by his easy charm and chivalry.

When the bearer appeared, he said, “Please order whatever food you like. I am open to any kind, Italian, Mexican, and Chinese, unless you prefer South Indian items. What are your favourites?”

“I think our food tastes are similar, though what you had written about being a gourmet and that I should be proficient in cooking South and North Indian stuff baffled me” she said

There was a confused look when he said, “Had I written like that?” he asked

“How strange you're asking me the question. You also wanted a woman who is ready to raise a family immediately and wished a homebound woman knitting sweaters and singing Thyagaraja Keerthanas.“.

When he started laughing, she added, “You also wanted your partner a sit at home type tending to the garden and decorating your home and entertaining your guests”

“My god! Did I say ready to start a family immediately, is it? Let me explain, and your confusion will disappear. I returned from Japan only last night. Maybe my mom had inserted the advertisement on the site. She is particular that I should get married soon. I have no idea of the content, and whatever is mentioned is her idea of a good daughter-in-law. Was there anything else that put you off?” he asked

“That I should stay at home and not nag you to take me out on travel, or for eating out or for parties” she smiled

“Oh my God. This is not the type I would ever wish. On the contrary, I want her to be well employed, be liberal in outlook, fun loving, outgoing, interested in outdoor sports like swimming, gym, jogging and fond of travel every six months to new places. Will you kindly ignore what was all stated on the site? What are you, by the way?”

She told him and said “If what you say is true, I am happy to have found one after my heart”. The butterflies started fluttering in her stomach when he held her hands and said “you are very beautiful.”

They lingered together for a long time and then decided to meet a week later to take things forward, as she had a campaign. They exchanged the cards and parted

As she lay in the bed recalling his handsome face and the striking contrast of his personality to what she had assumed, she suddenly clicked the link for the site and found the phone number different from that on the card. Naren was also not in IT but a VP in marketing.

Shocked, she rang up the number on the site. A gruff voice answered, “Raju here. Who is it? What do you want?”

After hearing her, he asked whether she was employed and when she affirmed, he curtly said,” I had made it clear in the ad that I do not want an employed woman but a homemaker. I have my old parents to look after.”

She realised then she had originally dialled Naren’s number by mistake, but was happy she discovered her Mr. Right.

Her mobile then rang.”Naren here. Rhea, can we meet again tomorrow itself  , whenever convenient? I hope you understand the tsunami you have caused in my heart.”

She laughed and said,” Surely, I am no better than you”