A Lot Can Happen Over Coffee

The most debatable topic between parents and their children is ” Marriage.” When are you getting married? Are you dating someone? Do you want to get married? Don’t marry against our wishes and many more things to say. As parents, they are most worried about their children’s marriage.

My parents were no exception. Especially, my mom. She used to worry a lot. Her daughter was 38, and still single. It was very heartbreaking for her. Beta shaadi karlo. Hey Bhagwan kya hoga iska? Hamari aankhen band hone se pehle shaadi karle. Hume nana-nani banna hai. I used to get flustered by these things. It was not that I didn’t want to get married, but I just didn’t come across my Mr.Perfect. Through matrimonial sites, I met guys, but those turned out to be jerks. So, I took a pledge that I will never get married.

However, after my mother’s continuous pestering, I finally gave up and decided to meet a guy. He was an acquaintance of my mother’s best friend, Pummy aunty’s cousin’s son, Kiran.

Finally, the day came when I was supposed to meet him. I just told my mother to WhatsApp his details and left the house. We were supposed to meet at Jimmy’s, a plush cafe at Juhu. Because of rustic charm and the beautiful view of the beach, it was one of the most happening places in town. Kiran had already made a reservation at the extreme right of the cafe. After reaching the office, I realized that I had not carried my smartphone. Somehow I managed to complete my work and hurriedly left the office.

I entered the cafe and walked towards the guy sitting at the extreme right. His looks were quite impressive. Tall, dark and handsome. I envied his strong physique and charcoal black hair. I sat in the chair, and said, “Karan, this is Kaaya. Are you aware of why we're meeting? A date set by my mother, and your aunt, so if things work out, we can get married. Let me be very frank, I am not interested in getting married." He just smiled. God! I fell for his dimpled smile. My heart almost skipped a beat. So the rest few hours went by discussing each other. I told him in brief about my profession. We had many common hobbies and interests. Slowly, I felt quite comfortable and relaxed with him. He turned out to be very courteous, and someone with a great sense of humor. He was more like a friend to me, rather than a stranger.

To check something, I fiddled out in the innermost pocket of my bag, ad hurray, fished out my smartphone. There were ten missed calls. Five from my mother, and five from an unknown number. As the mobile was on silent mode, I was not able to hear it. I eagerly dialed my mother’s number, but it turned out to be switched off. I dialed the unknown number, and there was a voice on the other end, apologizing to me for not keeping the appointment. I checked my WhatsApp and was baffled with what I saw. It was the real Kiran and his details. I clenched my teeth and banged my fist on the table, "how dare you fool me? You are not Kiran."

He said, “Kaaya, I apologize for my behavior but trust me, I didn’t have any bad intentions. So, let me introduce myself, I am Shivan and I work as a Creative Director for an advertising firm, Midas Touch. I was waiting for a friend of mine, and here walked this charming lady. The moment you started speaking, I realized that you have mistaken me for someone else. However, I kept quiet. I found you very interesting and was keen to know you. I immediately texted him not to come. You seemed to be quite straightforward and I loved it." With this, he gave me a naughty wink and his alluring smile. My heart almost fluttered and I burst into laughter. Just a few minutes back, I loathed him for deceiving me, and now I was giggling.

I wondered, how I could commit such a mistake. I am not a fool. Looking carefully, I realized that I had walked towards the extreme left corner, and not the extreme right, which was reserved by Kiran. Suddenly he said, “Kaayaa let’s date, I would like you to be my soulmate.” And, before I could reply, he squeezed my hands, and pulled me towards himself and gave me a peck. My cheeks turned red, and I said.”Yes.” That was the very first day of our journey towards our new life. After dating for a few months, we got married. So, this is how I met the love of my life, our encounter which was already pre-planned.