MIRA

8. Vicky?

It was Mira's second week at work and things were getting busy by the day for her. Her group had been assigned the task of developing a brand new marketing campaign for the consumer care products range. So most of her days at work went by in either group meetings or consultation sessions with her senior staff members.

Even though everyone was very cooperative, the inevitable difference of opinion among her team members meant that it took forever to decide on one solid idea.

One day, Mira was having lunch with Jyoti as usual, Mira asked her,

''How was New York?'' Jyoti had visited her relatives in New York over the weekend.

''Great yaar...it's definitely more lively than Boston.'' Jyoti said beaming.

''Good to know you had fun.''

''Yea...it was fun apart from the fact that my relatives became all nosy when I went to see them.''

''Oh...is it?''

''Yea man...they kept on asking me when I was getting married and all....it really triggered me! I mean they see my family once in few years, and think that they have the right to butt in my personal life...'' Jyoti said in a frustrated manner.

'Sigh...Indian relatives, what else can you expect from them? What did you say then?''

''I played it safe and said I will get married hopefully soon, and added that they will get the invitations on time...haha''

''Woah...okayyy.''

''Besides, it's not a complete lie, I will get married after this training, the groom is already decided.''

Mira stared at Jyoti blankly for a second then smiled, ''Really? That's great! Who's the lucky man, if you don't mind me asking?''

''His name is Varun, in fact I'm meeting him at the end of this month, hopefully...''

''You're going to India?''

''Arrey no, he works in Chicago. Actually we were friends in college, then started dating recently and my parents found out.''

What? Oh dear, then?''

''At first there was a lot of drama, but when they understood that we both were serious about each other, they eventually agreed...''

''Ohhhh...now I get why you came to Boston, so you could visit your dear fiance...''

''Haha..yea but you have no idea what I had to do to convince my parents. After making a lot of promises, they agreed to let me come here. You know how our parents are about with meeting each other before marriage and all...''

''Yea yea, but good yaar, your life is basically set.''

''Hmm...you tell, you don't have any boyfriends?'' Jyoti asked Mira.

''Me? Oh no, I'm happy being single, anyway my parents have the responsibility of finding someone for me in few years time...so until then I'm focusing on my career and enjoying life.''

Hmm...You're the ambitious types na? In fact, I kinda guessed when I first met you and wasn't wrong, you work hard too...I've noticed.''

Mira just laughed. They were silent for a while before Jyoti asked,

''Mira, why don't you come with me to visit Chicago? I mean it will be great fun! You haven't been there before right?''

''Me?....no I haven't but Jyoti....''