19 Dates

Chapter 4

Shalini & Neeraj returned back home, the weekend did not turn out to be exactly the way they had expected but there were those few exceptionally good moments for both. Shalini had to share all that had happened with Dev, because he was good at giving her advise. Surprisingly for a guy who had never been in a relationship, he did have a good understanding of what would work. On a action packed Monday morning, Shalini did find out sometime to give him a buzz & asked him to catch up over lunch.

Shalini was working as a corporate legal advisor for a media company in Lower Parel, so now we know from where she had got her debating skills. As decided they met over lunch & then Shalini shared everything with Dev.

Dev, "I really don't understand why a smart girl like you has to tolerate a douche bag like him. Are you so blinded in love now that you can't see the man lacks even basic reasoning. He has met me a hundred times now & I think I have always made my lifestyle obviously visible."

Shalini, "please Dev right now I really don't need you to make me count what lacks in him. Every time you do this, I tell you the same thing. I love him, so stop being a critic & help me."

Dev, "alright, alright, you win. Tell me now what was that question he wanted you to answer in the truth & dare game but before you tell me, let me tell you once again that the man is sick (giggling)."

Shalini, "do you want me to leave (with a smile)"

Dev, "sorry Ms. Khanna, I will behave, go on tell me."

Shalini, "he asked me, how will I feel to see you with another women."

Dev (paused for a moment to express his confusion), "what did you tell him?"

Shalini, "of course that I will be very happy but I did not tell this so casually I had got emotional."

Dev, "emotional for what?"

Shalini, "Dev you know right that I so want to see you in a relationship, it will be one of the best moments in my life, so of course I got emotional."

Dev, "oh! I so wish you were my mother. You sound like one, definitely not like her (referring to his mom) but like a mother to me (laughing)."

Shalini, "other then not being serious about all of this, you have so many useless things to blabber."

Dev, "OK I am serious now. If this is what he wants & if this is what you want. I am ready, let's do this."

Shalini, "do what?"

Dev, "go on a date, to find a lady and then see what that makes you feel & what he feels to see you feel after seeing me with someone."

Shalini (shocked & confused), "what?"

Dev, "I am serious, I will go on a date & find myself a girl."

Shalini, "Dev, are you fine today? Hope you are not drunk?"

Dev, "absolutely not."

Shalini, "what about the fear of being in a relationship because of what you think of your mom?"

Dev, "worth the risk of seeing you happy with that jerk."

Shalini, "oh please you really don't have to do anything for me."

Dev, "I have to for your sake & my sake. I will do this."

Shalini (big smile on her face), "I can't believe what I am hearing right now. So should I give a call to Tanuja?"

Dev, "no no no no, definitely not Tanuja. Let's see what TInder has to offer."

Shalini, "Tinder? F#$k Dev you talking like a pro (laughing). let's do this shit right now."

Dev matched Parvati.