Distance Between Us

Chapter 4

"Why did you call me so soon? We were not done talking," Rajesh asked Jagdeesh as they were leaving the house.

"Oh. someone seemed to like someone," Jagdeesh said teasingly.

Rajesh did not respond to that and just smiled. Something seemed to change in his life. He could just feel it.

"It was not me. Why would I want to do the sin of disturbing you love birds. your Peddamma messaged me to go and get you, otherwise she will do it herself. I know she will do as she said. So, I did the honors," Jagdeesh explained his part.

All four got in the car and started their return journey. Kamini started her usual comments about lower class small houses and their degraded food.

"Why did you talk to her that long Rajesh?" Asked Kamini.

"What are you talking about Peddamma?" Rajesh asked not understanding the problem. He just wanted to know about Sheela. Even a little. He got to know more about her than he imagined. He was happy with that. He smiled remembering their conversation. They both were nervous.

"If you talk to the girl for long. They will think you like her. They will have upper hand. We should never let them think that," Kamini replied.

"Don't worry. We will look for other girls. She is not that beautiful and I can see they cannot effort to give dowry," she continued.

"I like her Peddamma and we will not be discussing about dowry," Rajesh announced loudly and silence followed in the car till they reached his uncle's house.

Jagdeesh was proud of Rajesh. He rarely stood up for himself in front of his uncle and aunt. He must have really liked the girl. He seemed happy when he talked to Sheela. Jagdeesh also liked her for Rajesh. She seemed polite and nice girl.

They got out of the car and Dinesh and Kamini were going inside their house cursing Rajesh as they did not see this coming. They were ready for Rajesh's marriage hoping to get some money from dowry. Now that Rajesh finalised about that issue there was no hope.

"I will tell Surender to take you himself for other proposals. I am getting old and my knee pain has increased again. Dinesh also has leg pains. We cannot come with you," Kamini announced and Dinesh nodded his head agreeing with his wife.

"No need for that Peddamma. I like Sheela. There is no need for other proposals. I will inform about Sheela to Surender uncle myself," Rajesh told firmly to both of them.

"As you wish. When did you even listen to us anyway," saying that Kamini went inside her house followed by her husband.

Rajesh sighed heavily and got in the car. Jagdeesh sat silently and started the car. They reached their room and settled on the sofa. It was a small room with a kitchen, a bedroom and a small living area.

"Did you really like her or were you saying that to irritate you Peddamma?" Jagdeesh asked slowly.

"No Jagdeesh. I really like her," Rajesh replied softly.

"OK then that's good," Jagdeesh said. He did not know what Rajesh was thinking. He only went to one matching proposal and said OK to the first girl. Did he really like her he thought.

"Ask Jagdeesh. What do you what to know. You know I never hide anything from you," Rajesh said as he could see his friend was not convinced by his answer.

"How can you know you really like her? It was your first proposal. Maybe you should see few others before confirming anything," Jagdeesh said.

"I don't want to go through many proposals and decide which one to choose. It is not like buying clothes. If I did not like anything about her then I would have gone for another proposal," Rajesh explained.