How to Woo Your Bride

7| A Food Fast

Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.

Dale Carnegie

Chapter 7:

   Riya found herself having a good time despite the horrible start. Sure, she was still angry with him for making her wait, but at least, he was trying. From the few hours she spent with him, she could tell he was  the silent type. While she panicked, he managed to keep his cool, and he seemed tolerant of her.

  Which was a good start, she thought. If she were in his shoes, she would have dumped herself the moment she got a chance. 

   There were a couple of people standing beside her. It was raining heavily, and a few droplets splashed on her. It didn't make a difference since she was completely drenched anyway.

   Madhan said he would be in a minute, but five minutes had already passed. Now that she was alone, it gave her time to think. Especially about what she was doing. What was she doing? Here she was, kind of on a date, with a guy who she knew was going to be her husband, but her heart yearned for Aakash.

   She sniffled a few sobs, but in a minute, she regained her composure. He was going to get married too, she thought angrily. That's it? 

   Though she knew they both didn't have a future together anymore, she still didn't want to believe it was over. A tiny part of her believed that they still had a chance.

   Riya was too busy mulling over everything that she didn't notice a guy inching closer to her every minute. It was only when he brushed past her that she properly looked around to notice him.

   The man apologized but didn't seem like he meant it. Riya didn't say anything but she moved slightly away. The man stood where he was, but he was eyeing her like candy. Protecting herself with her hands, Riya looked across the street to see Madhan at Megamart.

   He's shopping? In this rain? And leaving me alone? How irresponsible, she thought, very frustratedly. And HE is supposed to be protecting me now.

   "Madhan," she shouted and blushed when everyone turned to look at her. Her voice was loud normally, and when she shouted, it was like music on blast. She sighed in relief as she saw Madhan look at her and hurry towards her.

   Riya walked to him and asked if they could leave now. Madhan unfolded the raincoat and put it over her. 

   Riya thanked him gratefully. So he is thoughtful after all.

   She walked ahead and told him to bring the scooter along.

   They walked for another five minutes, when Madhan asked Riya quietly, "Are you okay?" 

   Riya nodded and pulling the coat more closely to herself, she didn't offer to say anything more.

   Once they reached the mechanical shop, Riya stood under the roof, and Madhan did the talking. The mechanist did some inspection and told him that it would have taken an hour to fix it, but his assistant had gone for lunch and was held back due to the rain. 

   "It will take another three hours to fix it," Madhan said, walking over to where Riya was standing.

   "What do you propose to do?" she asked, taking in his appearance. He was more drenched than drenched and she felt bad that she made him walk through the rain. She didn't stop to think that he bought a raincoat only for her.

   "Thank you for the raincoat," Riya said. "I love the color."

   "No problem, " Madhan shrugged. A huge rumbling sound was heard, and Riya was alarmed. Only a second later, she understood, and started laughing.