Everything For Him - Part 5

Considering my appointment with Dileep at 07:30 in the evening, Sandhya and I left the office early and reached home. 

My mind mercilessly belabored me with a lot of questions like why Dileep wanted to talk to me in private? Is he hiding anything that can't be disclosed before every one? It was an unsettling conundrum and the solution seemed inconclusive. Yet, one thing was certain, the fate of my life is up in the air and my dream of leading a good life is absolutely chimerical.  

I quickly took my bath and went to my closet. Slipping on my panties and pink bra, I picked up the salmon-pink nylon sari which had a dainty white print. I draped the sari around and Sandhya gave me her pearl pendant and matching earrings, it looked semi-dressy yet graceful. Later as I looked at myself in the mirror, I wondered if the American Dilip would like the way I looked. 

Sandhya on the other hand has done a creditable job with my face. The makeup was just perfect. This meeting with Dileep is also just like a date and I had to look my best. Then, with a sinking feeling, I questioned myself whether Dilip wanted to meet me to say he wasn't interested in me. Maybe that's how they let a person down in the United States quietly and privately. If that was the case, then I had to give him credit for showing such sensitivity and discretion.

By the time I came out of my room, I could listen to the conversations of Sandhya's parents from the hall.

Dilip arrived to pick me up at 7:20 p.m. He wore a pair of crisp tan pants, a plain white shirt, and a navy jacket. For us, Dilips's punctuality was a pleasant surprise. We were used to the casual Indian Standard Time, where 7:30 p.m. meant anything between 8:00 and 9:30 p.m. 

'Namaskaram. It's nice to see you again,' Sandhya's mother greeted Dilip.

'Me too,' he said, smiling, his hands folded in a namaste, and then turned his face towards me. 'Umm… Are we good to go, Ananya?'

'Yes, yes,' Sandhya replied on my behalf. Her wary eyes darted towards me.

I was dying to find out where he is trying to take me. But I didn't dare to ask.

'We will be back by ten o'clock,' Dilip promised to Sandhya and her mother.

'Try not to be too late,' Sandhya's mother said, waving us goodbye with a faux smile on her lips.

When we both were finally out on the footpath, Dilip stopped for a beat and faced me. 

'You look lovely, madam' he said.

Well, I know that I looked. But the word "lovely" pushed me into elation.

'Thanks.' I said to him and searched his face for signs of hidden amusement. There were none. He appeared serious and honest.

We started moving again. It was awkward walking beside a strange man like him. I could take in the smell of his soap or aftershave or deodorant or whatever it was that smelled like tulsi. 

I couldn't help recalling trotting beside the tall and swaggering Raghav. I used to feel like a dwarf next to him, always hurrying to keep pace with his long strides. With Dilip, who was a bit shorter, heavier, older, I could walk normally. He seemed at ease with himself and walked with deliberate slowness so that I could keep pace.

A kilometer has passed and I was wondering where we are going. Amidst the bustling crowds of pedestrians, it wasn't easy to walk side by side. At times he fell a step behind me, but then caught up again. On one occasion, he put a steadying hand beneath my elbow when my high heels stumbled over the uneven concrete blocks of the footpath.

'What's your favorite cuisine?' he asked after fifteen minutes of aimless strolling.' I'm trying to think of a suitable restaurant for us to dine in,' he said.

'I'm not fussy, Mr. Dilip. Whatever you pick will be okay.'

'Mister Dilip?' he turned towards me in an amused tone. 'Do I look that old?' 

'No, you don't…' I didn't mean to offend him but the truth is he actually looked older.'I am sorry!'

'I was only kidding. After having lived in the United States for over eighteen years, I tend to forget certain Indian customs.' His lips curved in a smile. 'But, please, call me Dilip.'

'Do you mind Chinese food? I haven't had Indian-style Chinese in years. All the Oriental restaurants in the US are Americanized. I've been craving some pungent, spicy Chinese for a long time.'

'I love Chinese,' I replied. 'In fact, there's a good Chinese place two kilometers from here. It's called Beijing Street.'

He looked down at my feet. I wonder what he is trying to see down there?

'You seem to be having athletic legs. I think you can easily walk for miles and miles without getting tired.'

It seemed to be a sweet order rather than a request. I think he doesn't understand the pain of walking on high heels. I was feeling shy to ask for a cab ride. 

'No problem, I can walk,' I said even though I was uncomfortable with the decision.

'Dilip, what is your year of birth?' I asked him on the way.

'1967.'

It means he is past fifty and he is elder to me by thirteen years. The highest difference so far in comparison to previous three.

'If you don't mind can I ask you a question?'

'Sure, please don't hesitate. Ask me whatever you want?'

'What is the reason for the divorce?'

'You have a right to know,' he said. 'She divorced me for a simple reason.'

'What was that reason?'

'I didn't purchase a gift for her on our marriage anniversary and she simply divorced me.'

'What? Just for a small gift.'

'Yes,' he said and turned his face away from me. 

There was something inquisitive in his eyes, something unpleasant. I couldn't see any genuine in his explanation. Just because he didn't purchase a gift did she divorce him? I think there is something fishy. 

To be frank, Every woman looks forward to those special occasions like marriage anniversary, birthdays, New Year, and whatnot. An occasion can only be memorable when she experiences something special on that day and no woman breaks the relationship for simple reasons like these unless one attributes it to flagrant transgressions. 

I wanted to ask him more about it, but later I dropped it. I listened like in a country like the US the divorces between couples are common.

'What about your daughter?'

'She stays with her mother.'

'So, you stay alone at your home?'

'Yes…' Afterwards he started explaining to me about his new home that is being renovated in the US.

Twenty minutes later, we reached the popular eatery. As usual, it was hustled and bustled with Hyderabad's more fashionable crowd. After a brief wait, we managed to get a small table in a cozy corner.

Dilip held the menu in both hands and studied it carefully. Seconds later he posed a disgusting look on his face as if he consumed vinegar accidentally. I could hear him whispering in a low tone- 'Everything is expensive.'

Wait, now I realized why he didn't hire the cab. Just because he wants to save the cab expenses he made me walk two kilometers. He doesn't care about other people's nerves and I am still sitting in front of him. 

'Ananya,' he placed the menu card in his hand. 'I am not feeling hungry. I will just order an orange juice. You order whatever you want.'

I took the menu into my hands and told him the most expensive dish 'Chilli Fish Zinin'. One should have seen the expression on his face when I had told him that dish. 

'Ananya, it doesn't taste good. Why don't you try something else?'

Something was alarming in my mind. I can confirm. He is parsimonious and tight-fisted. Now I understood the reason why his wife had given him a divorce and why his daughter didn't want to stay with him. I could see my future flickering in my mind quarreling with him.

Without telling him a word, I picked up my purse and began walking out of the restaurant. As I stepped out and went over on the footpath Dilip overtook me and stopped straight, obstructing my path.

'Why have you left all of a sudden? I thought you were going to the restroom.'

'I am sorry Dilip! I can't marry you. We can't make a good match.'

'Why? What's the problem?'

What should I say? Shall I say to him I didn't like his miserly attitude? No, it won't be good.

'You are too old Dileep! You are thirteen years elder to me!'

Dilip laughed. 'Is it the reason that you are avoiding me? You already knew it before.'

'Yes! If you want, shall I repeat it a hundred times?' I somewhat replied to him in a stern tone.

'No need madam. I will have a word with Sharath uncle later.'

'If that's the case then it's better to part our own ways. You go to your home, I will go to my home, Bye.' And I started moving on the footpath.

I hired an auto to my apartment and reached there in a span of five minutes. As I stepped into my flat, Sandhya's angry face welcomed me.

'What have you done?' Seems like Dilip had already contacted them.

'I have done what I felt was correct!'

'Sandhya be quiet!' Sharath uncle reprimanded Sandhya.

'Ananya, you are a mature girl. I know you have the ability to understand and reason what is good and what is not good for you. I respect your decision. Your life Your wish Ananya. I will pray to God daily to send you a perfect partner soon.'

To be continued...