My Dad's Best Friend

Chapter 4: Getting to know her

We all got settled down on the couch. She was sitting opposite me and my dad and my siblings sat adjacent to us. I can see her uncomfortable with her eyes shifting constantly from one place to the other, sitting huddled and fingers tapping on her knees.

My brother spoke again, "Dad tells a lot about you (which is not, as he mentioned her only a day before). We are all really thankful to you for everything you have done for him (which is what exactly?)." He looked at me for which I responded with a frown.

"He talks to me about you guys all the time. Of course, he didn't mention any of your names in the beginning and we started off as online friends, so we had boundaries," she said and looked at me stressing the word 'boundaries'.

"So is it a coincidence that you moved right across our apartment? I'm not sure if that includes in the list of your boundaries." I tried to sound as polite as I could, but didn't.

"Yeah I was hoping that would come up. We were catching up on everything and I mentioned our little meeting to Prakash. I was thanking him for getting me into that apartment as you are my neighbor. I mean, I am a huge fan of yours. I was about to tell you that when you shut the door close. I apologize if I made you uncomfortable with my staring, but you caught me off guard."

I gave my dad an incredulous look. He was about to explain when Nikitasha spoke again, "So it is not a coincidence and Prakash's got his reasons for not letting me know about this. But if this is in any way uncomfortable for you, I can move out."

"No, you needn't do that. In fact, now we'll get to know you even better," Heer said.

I was a little surprised by my sister being polite to her and I immediately realized my minx of a brother had a chat with her too after the dinner episode. That is the only explanation and I just pity my sister for falling for that.

Heer got up and asked Nikitasha if she'd like some tea. She simply nodded, when dad broke in and asked Heer to get coffee without sugar. I think that was the first time in the evening my dad felt uncomfortable after he said that. He immediately clarified, "Nick's a coffee person and I happen to know that. She's just shying away because she isn't used to you guys. She'll come around." He then looked at NICK(Nikitasha) who looked utterly clueless and told her, "This is your home too. Remember what we discussed?" She again gave her classic nod. I wonder what they have discussed.

We were all quiet until the coffee came. My brother wanted to speak something but he was quiet as I glared at him. I can actually write a book on the level of awkwardness we all carried. But I had to focus on my plan. So when the coffee came, I spoke.

"So Nikitasha, tell us about yourself. I mean our dad did tell us about you being his best friend and you're a business woman. But that's all we know about you."

She adjusted herself in her seat as if she were giving an audition with her monologue prepared and started, "Well, I am from Andhra Pradesh basically but my family settled in Bangalore when I was a kid. My mother is a realtor and my father passed away when I was really young. I have a brother who is 12years older than me. I have always wanted to do business, but my family wanted me to become an engineer. So I became one and then started my own business with Ray, my other best friend 3years ago and built websites, applications for different companies. We're now expanding to more branches. Since I've been working without any break both of my best friends suggested in different scenarios, I take a break while Ray takes care of the business for a while and I get to spend some quality time with Prakash. Both of them have the best interest in my wellbeing so I took their advice, provided I get to check up on work once a month, attend a meeting or two if necessary. That's about me."

Everyone in the room, except me were looking at her with appreciation. Not that I think any less of her, but why this? I want to like this person but she's made it difficult for me.

"So how did you two become friends?" my brother shot the million$ question with a sweet smile. They both looked at each other and dad indicated NICK to speak (I wish her actual name was little, I wasn't comfortable calling her with the NICKname, NICK my dad gave her).

"Raj, I want to speak for myself here. You are totally aware of your father's state of mind then. He was not in a good place and he did not know whom to talk to. I was a mess myself when I met your father. I knew what I wanted to do but too scared to do it. I was doing well in gathering information and resources and was working really hard. My family wasn't supportive in the beginning, I had no emotional support. The resources kept flowing at one point and I couldn't even make a move. One day I opened the Facebook application scrolling and texting randomly and I received a message from your dad. He happened to like something I posted about my future business weeks ago, and wished me luck for that. One thing led to another, BAM! Three years later, we became so thick I'm sharing this story with his kids over coffee." Her last line was spontaneous and made me almost laugh.

"Hey! There you are. You're coming around already. That's good. You guys should know that she is really funny and she will crack you up so casually you wouldn't even realize what you were worrying about in the first place," my dad sounded really excited.

"But on a serious note, Prakash did help me work out a lot of things going on with me. Whatever I am today, more than half of it's credit goes to this guy and I mean it."

"Oh! Stop. You did great all by yourself. You were a little insecure and now you're fine and here, and that makes me the happiest of all."

Another hour went by with laughs and nostalgia of those two and finally Nikitasha stood up to leave.

"Okay guys, I will see you around. Prakash you take care, and I've got a surprise for you. Be ready by 9, tomorrow. I'll pick you up."

"Oh well, what is it?"

"If I tell you that, it won't be a surprise now, would it?"

"Well if you don't tell me, I'll be turning and tossing round the bed and will not be able to sleep."

"Not my problem. You've got to wait."

"Fine, but it better be good," he made a face.

"It will be great and you will love it. I promise."

They both smiled at each other, which made me feel uncomfortable. But seeing dad happy with someone else like that and not us made me feel bad, which I never felt before. But I was happy for him. I might not like her yet but I can reason with her.

After Nikitasha left, my dad looked at us with excitement in his eyes seeking our opinion. "So, what do you think?" he asked.

Raj and Heer screamed in unison, "WE LIKE HER."