Everything For Him - Part 20

Jayanth and I reached 'The Paradise' restaurant in Begumpet. It was already 02:30PM. We both sat in our seats and since I didn't have my breakfast in the morning, trains started rushing in my stomach, honking the hunger horns. As soon as I sat on the table I immediately took the menu card into my hands and surveyed the entire food items being served in the restaurant. I was in a state of befuddlement, pondering which one to order?

As I came across the item Kaju Masala all of a sudden Raghav flashed in my mind. It was his favorite dish. Every restaurant menu took me back to dinners with him. 

I swallowed hard and tears were once again ready to erupt. Don't be a crybaby in front of Jayanth, I scolded myself. I poured myself a glass of water, took a slow sip but the tears slipped out anyway. I lifted the glass higher to ensure Jayanth cannot get the clear picture of my face. I wiped the tears with the edge of my sari pallu. 

'Shall we begin with appetizers or straightaway proceed to the main course?' Jayanth asked, bringing me to the present with his eyes fixed to the menu card.

'Your wish Jayanth,' I replied.

'Well,' he looked up at me, 'I am already hungry and there is no need for any appetizer. Let's proceed with the main course. I would like to order my favorite Rumali Roti along with Paneer Chicken. You order whatever you like to have.'

'Same pinch!' I said headlong as soon as he finished. 'Paneer Chicken is my favorite curry. I also wanted to order the same.'

'Amazing Ananya!' He removed his blazer and placed it on the empty chair beside. 'I hope you are comfortable with Rumali roti as well?'

'Yes! I am comfortable with it.'

The waiter arrived at our table. Jayanth ordered the items as discussed and the waiter left after noting it down on his notepad.

'So Ananya! Yesterday I got an update from the President of our company Mr.Jonathan that he will be coming for a visit the following month. He is very happy with the progress that we are making,' Jayanth said.

'Is it? Then any plans for him. I mean taking him across the city for sight-seeing?'

'Those things are common. What is important is that he should have a good impression on our Indian culture. Mr. Jonathan has never been to our country before. I want all associates to be dressed in their own traditional outfits like you. If you don't mind can I tell you something?' he leaned forward, placing both his elbows on the table.

'Of course Jayanth!'

'You look so good in a Sari than in western or any other dresses. Please don't take it as an offense. I felt like saying. Whenever I like anything in someone, I just can't hide it for a long time. Please don't take any umbrage upon it.'

'No worries!' I blushed. 'Even I love wearing Sarees.'

'Ananya I really wonder how things have turned out this way. I first met you at the giant supermarket and I never thought that we will get to meet again like this. It is a rare one in a trillion possibility to run into a stranger for the second time. Looks like we both might be having a common purpose and anyways just a week ago you celebrated your fortieth birthday right?'

Why did you suddenly switch the topic to my birthday?

'Yes Jayanth!' I shook my head.

'Seriously, you don't look your age. I was surprised to learn that you are forty.' 

'Is it? Then how old do I look?' 

'You look somewhere around thirty to thirty-five,' he said, shooting an enigmatic smile at me. 'As a matter of fact, birthday is not about counting years, it's about celebrating the life you have.'

'Well said! But not everyone adheres to it.'

'And Ananya, do you have any interior designers in your circle?'

'Interior designers?' I asked in surprise. It was always my dream to establish an interior designer firm and I never got the opportunity to prove myself. 'Well Jayanth, I have a diploma in interior designing from JNTU Arts college.'

'Is it? That's really amazing. So I don't need to search outside. Will you be the interior designer for my new house being constructed in Madhapur?'

'Of course! The pleasure is mine. Where is this flat of yours?'

'Not exactly a flat but a duplex house.'

'Ya! I mean the house!' How foolish I am? He is a millionaire and why will he stay in a flat? 'First I need to have a glance at your house and then I can plan something good for you.'

'What about going after lunch?'

'I am fine with it.'

'Cool! And you seem to be talented in many fields.'

Both of us smiled at each other for a moment and the waiter arrived with our food - Rumali Roti and Paneer Chicken.

We chatted through our lunch. He asked me where I study and even I questioned where he studied despite knowing it. My mind subconsciously was exploring for a way to elongate the discussion as much as possible. He told me that he had his Bachelor's degree from IIT and an MBA from IIM. Afterwards he started his career at GoldWin advertising services as a Business Analyst and he succeeded in getting many big clients for the company. Owing to his impeccable performance last year the management promoted him to the Vice President and he was instrumental in acquiring ASM industries which was now acquired by GoldWin.

'Jayanth if you don't mind may I ask you one question?' I asked, fumbling.

'Why not please go ahead,' he said, biting into the chicken piece.

'Are you married?' My heart started racing faster. I don't understand why I am feeling like this.

'Hmm… Guess it.'

'I think you are not married,' I was trembling inside as I said.

'Why do you think that I am not married?'

'I mean in case if you are married your wife would have called you at least once by now. But right from the time I was with you, you didn't receive calls from anyone. So, I just based it on that.'

'You seem to be good at reasoning and you are right I am not married.'

An instant wave of relief coursed through my spine. For a handsome millionaire like him finding a woman is not a daunting thing. I feel his decision to remain single is a mere choice. But, what could be the reason? I was about to ask him but the waiter arrived at our table asking us if we want anything more. Jayanth informed him to get the bill. 

This sudden interruption might be a sign warning me to remain quiet. Better I will ask him later and he didn't mention anything about his parents?

'So Ananya, would you like to have an ice cream or any juice?' he asked.

'I ate more than enough Jayanth. There's no space left inside.'

'I too feel the same.'

We finished our meal and the bill arrived. The waiter handed it to Jayanth, but I snatched it from his hands. I had told Jayanth that I will pay the bill. I had a quick look. The bill came to eight hundred and seventy five rupees. I placed the cash in the bill folder and handed it to the waiter. 

'I should pay it Ananya! It is I who brought you out for lunch,' Jayanth said.

'You can pay it next time Jayanth. Think of this as a small treat from my side.' 

'So sweet of you! But remember next time it's my turn.'

'Done.'

'Now I will take you to my new home which is under construction. Have a thorough look and plan accordingly.'

I nodded my head. We both got down onto the parking floor in the basement and climbed into the car. As Jayanth was about to start his engine I saw that there's no blazer on him.

'Jayanth, just give me a minute. I will be back soon,' saying that I got down from my car and raced upstairs.

Jayanth's blazer was present on the chair where he sat and I quickly took it into my hands. I then got down into the parking lot and got into the car.

'Jayanth, you forgot your blazer,' I said, giving the blazer into his hands.

'Thank you so much Ananya! You really-really have a very good observation,' he slipped into the jacket. 'This happens with me everytime.'

'But next time be careful.'

'In case if I take you out every time maybe I don't need to be careful,' he chuckled. 'I am just kidding. Thank you once again.' 

We started from the restaurant and cruising through the traffic he stopped in front of a big house. I could see the construction is almost done on the outside. We got down from the car and walked into the building. I have never seen a duplex house in my life. The stairs to the top floor were running from inside of the building. The masonry workers are doing the plastering works.

'This is my house,' Jayanth said. 'Let's have a walk around the entire house.'

'Sure.'

Jayanth made a move and I was walking behind him. He took me from the hall to the kitchen, then the dining room adjacent to it, and a small room for performing prayers. There is only one bedroom on the floor. Climbing the stairs we reached up and there were two rooms with a small lobby like where he wanted to have a table tennis table and one room for the library.

One should really be lucky to stay in a home like this! Lucky is that girl who marries him... I thought after having scanned the entire house.

'Ananya, try to come out with the best designs. I need everything to be finished in a month.'

'Definitely Jayanth, just give me two days of time.'

'Sure, best of luck,' he said with a smile.

Thank you Lord! This is the first time I got an opportunity to design a house and I will not leave any stone unturned to showcase my designing skills.

To be continued...