Happily Ever After

She looked more beautiful than ever today in her light blue sari. We have been neighbors for god knows how long and this is the first time I am fully boring my eyes on her. Well it’s partly my fault too since I was never in India for half of my life. Being a software engineer from US doesn’t give me enough confidence to sit in the middle of the living room with a group of people I have hardly seen before.



Suddenly Deepika’s mom broke the silence and said our Deepika is a graduate from Stella Mari’s, she took biotechnology.

Oh that’s nice uttered my mom from behind.

I was just sitting there sipping my coffee admiring Deepika and her restless actions. Her curly hair falling in front of her eyes and the cute dimples just added extra charm to her beauty.

How can I tell everyone that I wanted to talk to her alone?

I got up from my chair and went to the kitchen to keep my cup thinking she would come and take it from me. But NO, her aunt had to come in between to ruin my plan. So, I thought of a better plan this time, I walked outside to the garden and stood there pretending to look at the different types of plants and flowers, not that I know any. It just made me look more stupid so I decided to go sit in one of the chairs near me. I pulled another chair closer hoping she would come join me soon. I waited and waited, I was losing my patience as every minute passed. I was about to get up when my sister came running and said Deepika is upstairs in her room she wants to talk to you.



I was a bit nervous, I didn’t know why? No I wasn’t scared…just a little bit maybe.

She was in her room rearranging her clothes, I walked in. oops I forgot to knock…I went back a couple of steps and knocked…

Deepika-Hey come on in...sorry my room is a bit messy.

Me- oh that’s fine, not worse than mine.

Deepika-urghh have a seat

Me- yea thanks, you know Deepika I want to come back to India.
Before I could say anything further


Deepika- Please Do not mistake me to be one of those shyly smiling, drawing kolams with toe, avid arranged marriage proponent types. I have my own choice in making certain decisions and if I don’t like you I will just say it to your face.

Me-woah..cool down, I am not going to force you to like me.
I could sense the stress in her face go down a bit


Deepika- hmm I am sorry to talk like that, but I didn’t want my life to be like my mom’s. Only I know how painful it is to be without a dad.

Me- yea I totally understand. No compulsion. (gosh she is tuff)

Deepika- so where were you in “America”?

Me-i lived in Connecticut, but I have gone to other places for my official trip.
She didn’t show any sign of interest, I don’t think she cared.



Deepika-oh that’s nice, are you planning to come back?

Me-that’s what I was trying to tell you before, guess you were lost in your own thoughts.
But yes I am thinking about coming back. I am sick and tired of eating fast food. Maybe you can help me out by cooking for me (and I winked)


Deepika- haha, I can hardly hold the ladle straight.

Me-oh wow,,ugh that’s impressive…I don’t blame you, being a biotechnologist must be a demanding job.

Deepika- hmm

Me- (I don’t think she could find anything wrong with what I said, guess that annoyed her a bit)

And before I could respond, the gang returned and my mom surveyed us closely. She seemed satisfied with what she perceived.

Me-well Deepika it was nice talking to you, take your time and you do know my answer. Its not going to change for a while now.

Deepika-yea, I will call you sometime

A firm handshake and a gentle nod and I was gone.

My mind was changing dramatically with every passing minute. I was waiting for her call eagerly anticipating those long lasting several hours with her.
Finally the call came after 2 weeks. I was angry and thrilled at once.

Me-DEEPIKA I gushed into the receiver just like my dad.

Deepika- Sorry, I couldn’t call earlier..something came up

Me-Huh.(what a lame excuse)
Yea yea I am sure, so everyone in your family doing OK?

And so on and so forth our conversation went on, not that long, just short for couple of hours.

Me-So Deepika tell me what do you think about me?
(I really couldn’t wait any longer)

Deepika-I already said yes to your mom.

Me-Oh so your planning to marry her?

Deepika-Haha..oh shut up…"You know, Mr.America. This just will not do. Before we get married, we need to establish some ground rules of conduct that we will adhere to and……."

Me-I take it, so that’s a yes?

Deepika- You bet , Mister. It is a yes. But I will not have you think that I am just your mushy, little Indian girl who was swept off her feet by an NRI.

Me-haha, I am soo in love with you