The Wife Coming

Preet turned around and waved to me one final time before she got into the cab. She was off to Delhi to attend a week long seminar. I was gonna miss her terribly.

Preet worked as a public relations officer for an NGO, her job required her to travel a lot. Ours was an arranged marriage, so to say. She was a distant relative of my maternal aunt from her in laws' side, we were introduced at a family wedding four years ago. Well, it was not love at first sight for me, still had to put up with a facade of smiles and pleasantries.

We were asked to spend some time together (as in an arranged date..) to get to know each other. As we both were nice kids who didn't want to hurt our respective families, we decided to meet at a coffee shop the next day.

Preet told me that she was planning to go to the US to do her master's in public relations and had no intention whatsoever to get married for the next two years. Oh boy! I was so happy to hear that. No marriage happening!!

I told her I was fine with her plans and wished her luck for her future, we both left. I received a text from her that night stating that she was sorry if I felt bad. I called her to assure that it was perfectly fine and there was no need for her to feel guilty.

We kept in touch the next two years while she was in the US. I found a friend whom I could talk to and loved listening to.

Preet came back to India after completing her master's, I was surprised as she could have easily got a lucrative job in the US had she stayed back.

We met two days after she arrived, she told me that she had decided to come back as she was in love and was planning to get married. I was taken aback, there was someone in her life whom I knew nothing about. At that moment, it struck me that I loved her and could not see her with anyone else. But it was too late, I thought.

I somehow composed myself and asked her who the lucky guy was. There was a long pause. Preet slid the napkin towards me, I opened it and it read," Raj, I don't know how but I have fallen in love with you, will you marry me?"

I pulled out the pen from my shirt pocket and wrote Yes with a smiley. That was epic.

I went back home and asked my mother if we can go back to meeting the same girl whom we met two years ago. My mom was reluctant but finally gave in. The rest as they say, s history. The last two years have been blissful.

Suddenly my phone rang. Preet had reached Delhi.

Preet, I love you!!