The Cricketer's Jockey (#MyStoryIndia) (#MissionDesi)

Chapter 4.

Unedited chapter. Written from mobile so don't know how it looks while reading. Might add some paragraphs.

With a sunset view to die for, Dome is a lil heaven atop Intercontinental, across Marine Drive. Whether its the rooftop Swimming Pool or the Restaurant, the views are equally "Breathtaking and Spectacular". Entwined with the plush Bar, the candle-lit dinner is a marvel equally for romanticizing couples or get-togethers. It was one of the finest day in Mumbai - cool, buzzing with Sunday happiness and not so much humid like average days. The wind was blowing slowly as we entered. Our seats were near railing that would allow us to take in the beautiful view of the Arabian Ocean. The place was dimly lit, simply to complement the candle light, with soft music filling up the background noises and preventing the marine drive vehicular rhapsody jostling your ears.

 

“What would you like?” He asked nonchalantly, his eyes fixed on mobile screen.

A small silence had fallen after the introductions. He got call and talked the whole way. People looked at him as they recognized him and then when their eyes travelled to me, they gave me this judgy look. And now I was sitting with the guy who was least interested in socializing even on his date. Wait! Did I say date? Uhu! Cancel it. Cancel it. So, seeing he wouldn’t talk to me, I opened the menu and smiled to the waiter.

 

“Fresh Lime Water, The Potato Three Ways Platter and Achari Paneer Tikka”

 

“Anything else, Mám?” The waiter asked.

 

Suddenly, something clicked in my mind. Having nothing else to do besides gazing at the view and thinking. I was still replaying dad’s speech to me and it had dawned to me that I was a little bit boring when it came to try new things.

 

“Well, can I ask you something? Though I won’t be ordering anything.” I tucked my hair and looked all sweetly.

 

“Yes?” He gave me a friendly smile.

 

“What should a person have for her first drink?”

He was taken aback and stared me nervously. His eyes drifted from my side to the other dinner-partner.

 

“I think, Beer would do.”

 

I nodded.

 

“It won’t make me drunk?”

 

“Umm. I don’t know. It didn’t make me but one of my friends couldn’t stop laughing after drinking and one couldn’t stop crying. Kya kare pine k baad sun senti ho jaate hai, control to rehta hi nahi?”

 

“How old were you when you first tried it?” I was curious.

 

“Don’t ask. Don’t want to end up in jail.” He blushed.

 

“Ohh.” I cooed, “What’s your name?”

 

“Sameer.”

“Hello? Can you take my order as well?” Our conversation was broken by him.

 

Sameer turned to him, his eyes all apologetic.

 

“Sorry, Sir. What will you have?”

 

“Johnie Walker Blue lable, Chicken Sacks and Mushroom & Goat cheese. Thank you.” He put down the menu.

 

“Thank you, Sir. Your food will be served in a minute.‘’ Before leaving, Sameer bowed at me a little that made me smile.

 

As soon as he left, Aniruddha leaned forward and hissed.

 

“Getting education on drinks from a waiter! Really!”

 

“So what? At least, he was friendly and talking with me.” I crossed my arms, "Unlike some people who send flowers, ask for dinner and then burries their eyes in Navyugin Vartalap Yantra."

His black eyes stared into my brown one. His expressions changed from amusement to confusion.

 

“I was just checking my e-mail.” He explained in a stern voice, "And flowers and me? Oh come on!"

Wow. This guys guts! He sent me all that, made me come here and now was completely denying it.

"That's rude!" I said.

"What?" He demanded with bored voice and before I could say anything, added "Look. I don't know who sent you flowers but I am here because my friend Lakhi told me that you are some NGO worker and want some help. I didn't knew, you would say such a lie to meet ME!"

An extra weight on ME. Like I wouldn't recognize his big ego without the weighted syllable.  My fist was already clenched and I had a feeling to hit him under the table.

"Oh please! You are not that famous as you give yourself credit for." I breathed in sharply,  "Let me get this straight. Today is the first time, I have heard your name. I don't like cricket and knowing stupid names of the players like YOU would be last choice of mine from now on. Your ball hit me yesterday. A bouquet arrives with the stupidest note ever and here I am, spending my quality good time with THE MOST BORING COMPANY EVER."

I must had lost my temper and had spoken loudly because I saw people staring at us, some shaking their heads in disdain. They probably thought where my manner was. Well, I had enough of drama in last 48 hours and this was my last call.

This whole time when I was speaking, he was looking at me with anger in his eyes. His posture had become tense, jaw clenched and eyes bored right into mine.

"No one speaks to me like that." His heavy voice grunted.

"They should often. Will make you to live in reality."

"Do you know who I am?" Now someone was talking dangerous.

"Don't use the most used lines. In India, everyone who has some powerful cha-cha, mama, use this kind of bullshit. Kittens showing lion's teeth. I don't care who you are Aniruddha Jayakar and don't bother to knowledge me. I thought you invited me here for hitting me yesterday, but I was wrong. Anyway, not nice to meet you. Here is my share of bill."

With that I stood up, reached for my purse and took out the money. With the money, the note came out which I tossed in Aniruddha's direction. He catched it but didn't open it.

As I was leaving Sameer met me in halfway and before he could say anything, I grabbed a glass from his tray and drank it down in one sip.

"Thanks. Feel better. See ya." I waved at him as I walked out of the Dome. The dinner never took place and the whole event turned out disastrous.

Mumbai was buzzing with Sunday happiness but my day was officially over. At 8.45 PM, when people were going out to enjoy the night; I was heading to home, where an eager set of parents was waiting for me. Well the gripes turned out sour, what could I do about that!

As I fiddled with my purse in a parking lot to search for my keys, I felt my legs going little numb and my head swimming in the sea of dizziness. My body felt light to me. And before I could conclude anything, strong arms wrapped around me. I saw a face I had been cursing for last 15 minutes.

Aniruddha Jayakar.