Once Upon A Mr. Goody Two Shoes

Chapter 36

It was the day I was supposed to go with Taira for the arrange marriage meeting with Abhimanyu and his family. I chose to swing in a kurti and jeans, tied my hair in a bun and dashed out of the house. I still couldn't believe what Taira was agreeing to. Yes, I do acknowledge that one needs a partner in life, and its best that the partner is your best friend too, but it didn't simply end there. You needed something else in life too. Not everyone did, but I knew Taira did. Taira wanted, craved love. She needed to be the special one for someone.  Even after I had convinced her how supportive I was of her decision, I couldn't help but think that Taira needed more.

She deserved more. I sighed while fixing my hair in the mirror. Perhaps love wasn't for everyone.

Just as it wasn't for me. I pushed back every thought surrounding the statement and flew out of the house to Taira's place.

Taira waved at me from the building gates as I stepped out of the auto in front of her building, she was dressed in a chic red anarkali that suited her immensely.

"You look beautiful," I said as I reached her with a smile on my face. "Shall we go?"

"No, mama and mami haven't come yet. We have to wait for them," Taira said and looked at me pointedly. I ignored the look and nodded formally.

Taira rolled her eyes and grabbed me by my elbow. "Aash i..." she said warningly.

"Taira ..." I dragged her name out, playing along.

She sighed. "Please control yourself for me. I know its not you, but still."

"What do you mean, Taira? What do I do?" I batted my eyes at her, pulling off the most innocent face I could. When she continued to stare at me, I finally gave in.

"Don't worry, I won't say anything untoward," I sighed and linked her arm in mine. "I know this is important to you. I would try really hard to not let my opinions ruin it for you."

"Completely shut out your opinions for this afternoon," she quipped back.

"Hey! That's violation of my civil rights! I'm entitled to my opinions!" I said dramatically.

"Let me rephrase then," Taira said and held me by my shoulders. "Have opinions, but do not voice them for this afternoon. After that period has passed, all of your pearls of wisdom shall be heard."

I grinned at her. "Deal!"

By this time Taira's uncle and aunt had arrived too, and we started our journey in Taira's. Throughout the car ride Taira was worrying her fingers and shaking her legs. I slapped her hands and leg. "Stop shaking that leg for God's sake, its bad habit!" I said reproachfully. She flashed me a sheepish smile and murmured an apology. After a few moments, the legs started shaking again.

"Don't be nervous," I said to her looking at my phone screen.

"What?"

"The leg shaking. The worrying of the fingers. Everything shows your nervousness. Don't be nervous. Nothing is going to happen there that you can't face," I looked at her seriously. She started at me for a brief second before heaving a sigh and nodding.

There was no point in saying everything will be alright. It depends from person to person what their 'alright' is. But one thing is for sure, that you can face everything you think you can't. The leg shaking did not stop, but the worrying of the fingers did. I sighed and shook my head.

There was progress at least.

Abhimanyu, Taira's childhood friend and his family resided in the plush neighborhood of Gulmohar Park, a name that spoke for itself. It spoke of the wealth of the family, and the reputation too. These posh neighborhoods didn't only care about your deep pockets, no, they also reviewed your reputation in the market. Abhimanyu living in Gulmohar Park indicated that his family enjoyed a very good name in the industry.