Crossing The i's And Dotting The t's

(III) A Slap Of Reality

I have to acknowledge the fact that I've never really fully appreciated the priviliges in my life.

Born in a country where a million people sleep hungry every day, yet another million are rich enough to afford facials worth rupees one lakh every week, I go to bed every night with the knowledge that my family comes somewhere in the middle.

But despite the stereotype about the so-called 'normal middle class families', my parents are very modern.

They never stop me from wearing anything (unless it is something completely ridiculous), they didn't force me into anything when I had to make the decision about my stream, and they support me when I do so many MUNs even when they know that it comes nowhere near my chosen career.

I remember when I was thirteen and our school had organised a first ever overnight trip to Ranthambore for us. All my friends were thinking of tactics to convince their parents to allow them to go. I, on the other hand, was sure that my parents would agree to it in a second.

And sure enough, when I handed my father the form, he simply asked me to fetch the checkbook.

But my parents, especially my father, were very particular about one aspect of their daughter's life, boys.

Now they didn't have any problem with me having friends who were boys (I mean just have two girlfriends). But they were absolutely intolerant against boys who can cross the platonic 'just friends' barrier.

Wow, that is a dangerous word__intolerance.

And since we are on this topic, let me say that Kian can definitely cross that barrier.

So naturally, when papa asked him that question, the entire colour drained from my face.

I was scared that he would indulge in the whole 'no boyfirends before you are settled in life' speech in front of my latest realistic crush; (in explanation of the use of the word 'realistic', a girl can't hope that Loki would ever pay attention to her so she has to categorise the list of guys she fancies)

So before he could assume the worst, I jumped into the conversation.

"Yes we ran into each other in the elevator this morning and exchanged some pleasantries." As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I wanted to facepalm.

'Elevator? Pleasantries? Can you be more formal? Seriously Ash what year is it 1750?'

My subconscious was having a field day with this, and sadly I agreed with her. Though the good thing was that papa had relaxed a little. But when I turned towards our guests, I immediately regretted it.

Kian looked amused and the other guy, who I was assuming was his brother, didn't even had the decency to wipe the stupid grin off his face.

"Yes uncle that was exactly what happened. In fact our meeting was so brief that she left before I could compliment her name, it's cute. Who named her?"

"I did," my father grinned. Thank God I had inherited my resistance against flattery from ma.

"Why are you both standing outside? Come on in." He ushered both of them in the drawing room. That was when I registered something and as usual blurted out without thinking.

"Where are the rest fifty percent members of your family?"

'Really Ash, either you are so formal that it's almost creepy or you are downright rude.' My subconscious sneered.

"I mean why your parents are not here?"

'This is going from bad to worse' she was shaking her head.