Knotty Affairs Read online

  ‘What’s the point of so much make-up? I mean, that’s not how I am going to see that face every morning for the rest of my life!’ thought Aakash to himself.

  Sitting at the corner table of the Radhakrishna Hotel at Andheri, Aakash glanced at this rather smart-looking girl who sat facing him. Radhika Kuwadia, a software engineer, working at a leading MNC, lived in Borivali. She planned to work after marriage and was preferably looking for someone who was open to settling abroad. And, as per her biodata, she had recently had a broken engagement. Her biodata actually specified that!

  Looking around, Aakash found many others like him. Usually, on Sunday evenings, the whole restaurant assumed the ambience of a Gujarati Mayfair where random Gujaratis would exchange pleasantries as if they had known each other for decades. Age-old acquaintances would be raked up, recalling even the remotest of connections between families. Two tables away, Aakash could see his parents chatting with Radhika’s family.

  He tried his level best to seem interested in what Radhika was saying, but somehow he could not visualize her as his life partner.

  As they got up to leave, Radhika hesitatingly asked, ‘This clinic, that you are practicing in, is it your own or a rented property?’

  ‘What’s my clinic’s ownership status got to do with my ability to make my life partner happy?’ Aakash shouted indignantly, as his friends Uttam, Milan, Ashish, and Apeksha burst out laughing.

  ‘This is totally insensible ya! Is she looking for a life partner or a sponsor?’ continued Aakash, much to the amusement of his friends who couldn’t control their giggles.

  ‘Apeksha, do you remember Rohit Shetty ka Big Switch on UTV? On that show, a slum dweller gets to spend a day in a luxurious house, whereas a rich snob spends a day in a slum! Is marriage some kind of a Big Switch for you girls? One decision and “click”. There’s the big ticket, and you are ready to switch,’ Aakash quizzed Apeksha.

  ‘That’s not fair, Aakash. Not all girls think that way.’ Apeksha protested. She had just finished passing around chocolates that she had prepared herself, and settled on the dental chair, happily oblivious to the inherent irony of distributing chocolates in a dental clinic.

  It was now a routine for these friends to gather, after a harrowing day of practice, at one of their friends’ clinics and enjoy some quality time together. Over a meal of pizzas or Chinese, they would talk about their professional experiences, day-to-day cases and challenging procedures, along with the happenings in their personal lives.

  That day, Aakash had invited them to his clinic at Diamond Gardens in Chembur. He had just joined the group after finishing with his appointments. As the topic veered towards the challenges faced by Aakash in finding the right partner for himself, everyone’s interest was piqued.

  Milan, who was ensconced in the beanbag that he had dragged from the reception area, commented, ‘Kya re, Aakash? You have been searching for your dream girl for a year now. The number of girls you have met must easily be about twenty by now. Can’t you find even a single one who suits your criteria?’

  Aakash sulked, ‘Dadiji, who has come to stay at our place from uncle’s, is losing it by there day. All she has is one question for me every time I get home: Penda kyare khavdave che? (When are you treating us with sweets on finding someone?) And then blabbers all crap like, “I will die without playing with my grand kids” and all. Now, if I start saying stuff like, “feel nahi aya” or “spark nahi thha”, then toh she is obviously gonna be infuriated.’

  ‘Aakash, you have to compromise on a few points. You can’t expect to get everything in one person,’ said Uttam. He had recently got engaged to a banking executive, Kavya, and had gone through the rigmarole of an arranged match. But Kavya was the third girl he had met. Fortunately, they had clicked and he was out of the match-finding circus.

  Aakash, who had heard this word ‘compromise’ for the umpteenth time, just folded his hands in mock surrender and decided to give up the discussion. Taking a bite of his Margarita Supreme Veg pizza slice, he looked away and said slowly, ‘Kashish’s dad was right. Our success graph is very irregular. We don’t know what we might earn the next month. No wonder girls question us about rent and property.’

  Aakash looked around helplessly. His attempts at finding a partner through an arranged match format over the past one year loomed in front of his eyes. Apart from the girls introduced by mutual acquaintances, he had registered himself on various community-based magazines, online matrimonial websites, and matrimonial forum meets. But to no avail.

  At the sudden mention of Kashish, everyone fell quiet. Uttam and Apeksha looked at each other before glancing at Aakash. They had been the spectators to an abrupt ending of this riveting love story. Apeksha prompted, ‘Aakash, don’t be disheartened, instead adopt the policy of wait and watch. Look, even in dentistry, this is one policy, which takes us to the correct path. Your time is yet to come, dude,’ she smiled at her own analogy and softly ruffled Aakash’s hair.

  ‘Since you mentioned Kashish, is it okay to ask what is the status between the two of you now? Are you still in touch with each other?’ asked Uttam.

  ‘Rarely,’ Aakash replied quickly yet with caution. ‘After she moved to the US to pursue a Public Health Fellowship, it was difficult to keep track of her.’ He felt hesitant to share anything more than this. Uttam and Apeksha understood and put the matter to rest. Much to his annoyance, Apeksha forced another chocolate into his mouth.

  Ashish decided to change the topic. He took out his mobile and dished out his folder of images. He showed an image to Apeksha and Milan and said, ‘See this rare case of bilateral bony cyst on the OPG. The patient reported to me last week with severely decayed teeth. The x-ray has surprised the oral surgeon as well. The surgery is scheduled on Saturday.’

  As the others passionately discussed the existence of many such rare cases in the field of dental science, Aakash struggled to keep up with the conversation, as his mind kept going back to the vignettes of memories of when, four years back, he had met Kashish for the last time. It had been two months after the showdown between their parents and their eventual separation, and both of them were still sad and crestfallen.

  Today, sitting in his cramped clinic and oblivious to the voices of his friends, Aakash could recall Kashish’s face in all its details. In the memory lanes of his heart, he could see her broad forehead, her long tresses, and her bright smile – a smile that tried to keep up the pretence of happiness, but which was betrayed by the sadness in her eyes. He thought he could smell Kashish’s perfume in the breeze that wafted in from an open window. He let out a wistful sigh. He realized he was smiling. Outside, the moon was beginning to set behind the skyline of the city; it would remain in the sky for a few more hours and, eventually, it too would fade.

  Both of them had promised each other that they would not shed a tear, and that at their last meeting, they would part from each other on a happy note. All their efforts to make things work had met with failure. They had tried their very best. Now, it was time to let go, to accept what their friends and close ones said, that, sometimes, when things are not meant to work out, they just don’t.

  Voices echoed in Aakash’s mind as he saw a fading image of two laughing individuals.

  ‘We both made the effort, worked really hard to make it happen, but the result was never in our hands…’

  ‘You know what? Marriage and love are two separate ball games altogether. I sincerely wished to convert my love into marriage, but it didn’t happen. That does not take away the love I have for you.’

  Echoes of laughter ring through the canteen as they revisit their first day together on the train….

  Ashwin Mehta ruffled his son’s hair as he joined him on the swing. As he sat, he gave a little push with his feet and the stationary swing began to move to and fro. He said softly, ‘Aakash, you discuss most of your professional experiences with us. The patients who come to you, their mentality, the way you perform your procedures, and even yo
ur mistakes. Whether it’s your professional or personal life, you have always maintained your cool. We don’t want you to get frustrated in the end. All this match-making business has turned out to be so taxing for you.’

  ‘Dad, with most girls I meet, I feel that they are not meant for me. And in the rare case when I feel the girl could be the one, she feels that I am not the one for her!’ he said, looking dejected.

  ‘Aakash, you have told me so many times that no one can select a life partner by just spending twenty-thirty minutes together. You are right, and I know it’s strange, but that’s one way of looking at it. The other way to look at it is this: do you have any option other than going with the flow? You are free to figure out whatever works best for you. Won’t you want to try that?’

  The direct question left Aakash open-mouthed.

  Soft instrumental music played in an otherwise chaotic and crowded jamboree. The eye-dazzling decoration on the stage attracted many eyeballs. Expensive lehengas and designer suits sashayed on the carpet. Ladies covered in heavy make-up, jewellery and outfits that beautifully blended ethnic and modern styles, roamed around the ground in groups, and happy families mingled with each other. This was one of those ultra-lavish receptions that characterize most Gujarati weddings around this time of the year.

  Aakash and Kinjal joined the queue for appetizers. Aakash looked around in amazement at the dazzling array of exotic dishes from all over the world before turning his gaze to the reception stage. On it was a constant flow of well-wishers, lining up for a photo session with the newly-wedded couple. Aakash had often wondered about this fad of spending a fortune on weddings. To him, it seemed like wasteful expenditure. Just as he and Kinjal had managed to grab a cup of Thai corn soup each, he felt a vibration in his pocket. His cell was buzzing, but before he could reach his pockets, the vibration stopped. In a moment, Kinjal’s phone rang. She took the call and spoke in a low tone. Her face showed an expression of surprise and a frown creased her forehead. She finally said, ‘Okay, I will hand over the phone to Aakash. Talk to him.’

  She extended her phone towards Aakash and said, ‘Here, Dad wants to talk to you. Says it’s urgent.’ Aakash placed the mobile to his ears. He frowned as he talked. ‘But Dad…we have just started…’ he tailed off. He again tried to speak, ‘But Dad, we have not even met…’ but he was again cut short abruptly. Throwing his hands helplessly in air, he said, ‘All right. We will be there in half an hour…’ and disconnected the call. He placed his plate in the used-plates’ bin and looked at Kinjal, ‘Dad wants us there as soon as possible.’

  As Aakash swerved his car to take a sharp U-turn, he snapped agitatedly, ‘What gets into Dad at times! He himself planned for us to split attendance at the two marriages this evening and now he wants us together at the other place.’ He eyed the traffic police as he cautiously halted the car at the signal, ‘I bet they’re so bored that they want our company!’

  Kinjal placed one hands on Aakash’s hand and affectionately squeezed it, ‘Chill, bhaiyya. In any case, we had to go there to pick them up since the car is with us. We are just going a bit earlier, that’s all.’

  ‘You’re right, Kinju. Well, the food better be good there…I’m starving,’ laughed Aakash, as he reminded Kinjal that they had been interrupted before they could eat. It took them forty-five minutes to reach the Sun-n-Sand Party Hall in Juhu. Handing over the car keys to the valet, they made their way inside another lavish wedding. There was no escape that night it seemed. With a little searching, they spotted their parents, animatedly chatting with another family. Ashwin, upon seeing Kinjal and Aakash, waved to them. ‘Aakash, meet Bharat Doshi and his wife, Chhaya,’ introduced Ashwin. ‘And this is their daughter, Aneri. She is a lawyer. They wanted to meet you.’

  Before Aakash could comprehend what had happened, Kinjal burst out laughing. Aakash shot her and Dad a look of intense irritation. He then glanced at the vast dinner laid out on the other side of the hall.

  He was hungry and food could be a good reason to stay on.

  At dinner, Kinjal and Kinnari glanced at Ashwin and Aakash. Both were engaged in a highly heated conversation at the far end of the dinner counters. The concern of the two ladies gave way to relief when they saw Ashwin stuffing a pani-puri in Aakash’s mouth, silencing him with a smile. It was a mystery for both mother and daughter how Ashwin always found a way to calm Aakash even in his most agitated of moods.

  After dinner, everyone queued up to wish the newlyweds, leaving Aakash in the company of Aneri. He had never expected to be introduced to a prospective life partner at a wedding. Was some mirthful god having fun at his expense, he wondered. After some seconds of uneasy silence, Aakash turned to face Aneri. She was looking the other way, giving Aakash an opportunity to study her beautiful features.

  Aneri was a pleasant-looking girl, but was stunning in a yellowcoloured anarkali. Her beauty lay in her simplicity, thought Aakash. Suddenly Aneri turned towards him and smiled. She seemed to share Aakash’s awkwardness. Aakash, glancing around at the general festivities, said, ‘Hi! I feel we are at a disadvantage here. With all the distractions around, this meeting serves no purpose. Could you consider stepping out for a bit?’ Aneri looked at him doubtfully, but considered the alternative. She looked at her parents who were waiting in a long queue, and were still a long way from reaching the stage. She quietly nodded before getting up.

  Aakash went up to his parents and spoke to them for about a minute before joining Aneri.

  Aakash stopped at a white Skoda parked in the alley and rested his elbows on it. Aneri, clearly amused, leaned against a black-coloured Corolla parked next to the Skoda.

  Aakash thought to himself, ‘A wedding venue seemed rather weird for meeting one’s prospective partner. But…a tete-a-tete in a parking lot! Is this really better? Wait till it sinks in!’

  As he looked around, however, he reassured himself that he could not have found a quieter place for a conversation. The idea of inviting Aneri for a stroll along Juhu beach or to a nearby coffee shop had occurred to him, but he did not want to seem over-enthusiastic.

  Standing there, Aakash could hear the distant strains of music played at wedding grounds, mingling with the rhythm of waves crashing on the beach. It was a lovely setting, yet both stood in silence, unsure of what to say and when. Finally, Aakash decided to play the gentleman card. ‘Thanks for considering this…’ he quipped, waving his arms around. Aneri looked around the parking lot and laughed. ‘No, I mean, it’s fine. Look around you. It feels as if I am gonna date a hundred cars and drive out in one!’ she giggled. ‘But isn’t that what we are here for! Right? Go through hundreds of matches to find one that is for you!’ she said, snapping her fingers.

  Aakash could not help but laugh at the sudden garrulousness of his companion, ‘Ha ha! That’s a good analogy. But do you really aspire to hit a century here? Wow!’

  ‘Just going through the learning curve, yet to make a stop,’ said Aneri continued. ‘Who knows I might be declared out before that!’

  ‘That’s the spirit!’ Aakash exclaimed as he pumped his fists in the air. Just then he noticed a valet approaching them and instantly tempered some of his excitement. The valet smiled and opened the door of a nearby car. Aakash took a sip from the bottled water and waited for the car to leave.

  He heard Aneri ask, ‘The beach is quite near, right?’ but he did not reply. Instead, he asked, ‘So…a lawyer, huh? My knowledge of lawyers is limited to watching them in movies, TV serials and books. Highly articulate and intelligent, in a constant state of alertness to every nuance of a situation, ready to have fiery arguments – that’s how I perceive them. It would be scary to think of you practicing all this at home!’ Aakash commented with an impish smile.

  ‘Ah! Mr Den-twist, do you look at everyone and wish to break their teeth to make them look better?’ Aneri winked. ‘Now, that’s what I call scary!’

  There was a moment of silence before both burst into nervous laughter.

  A
neri lifted her dupatta up as Aakash and she strolled on the sands of the iconic Juhu beach that night, talking about things of mutual interest, getting to know each other. The beach, as was expected, adjoined the wedding venue. Both had fallen silent over the past couple of minutes. They simply walked, admiring the dark waves approaching them and then crashing somewhere close by. The breeze kindled a spark of excitement in Aakash. He tucked his hands deep in his pockets and began walking in playful leaps. Occasionally, he looked at the dark sea and admired the play of shadows and lights on it.

  Suddenly, he heard Aneri, who was trailing behind him, say, ‘Hey, did you ever come to this beach as kids?’ Aakash looked at her with eager interest and allowed her to continue. ‘Did you, on nights as dark as this one, see sparkling flashes of light in the distance? And, on nearing them discovered that they were flashing light robots telling fortunes? We did.’

  Aakash let out a loud chuckle. Aneri giggled and suddenly imitated a robot’s pose and said in a faux-electronic husky voice, ‘Aaj aapka din bahut achha guzrega! Aaj aapko fayeda hoga!’

  Aakash found her tone funny and let out a guffaw. He was beginning to find her interesting and felt, even though only for a fleeting moment, quite smitten. After allowing that moment to pass, Aneri said, ‘As kids, we never wanted to know our future and, yet, we wanted the robots to do their trick. Today, even though we want to know our future, we don’t believe the robots.’