An Indian Girl Love Story

Chapter 7: Their first ever date!

       Indian Fridays, known for the prayers made to goddess Lakshmi are special to Indians. The Payasam (Kheer) she ate for breakfast and the pleasant scent emitted by incense sticks contribute to Sneha's good mood. She calls her dad again; video call this time.

Sneha: I'm learning to drive with him.

Dad: Honestly, answer me, Sneha, did you keep yourself away from driving classes for this reason?

Sneha: No, no. Nothing like that. I was never really interested in cars and luxury stuff. Right now, it is just an opportunity for another purpose. Dad, you say, how does it feel to fall in... you and mom? I am not able to decide.

Dad: Don't ask me such a big question. Ours is an arranged marriage, and we had no other option other than falling for each other. Now, you won't be a drama queen like your mother says. You are already into him, don't you realize that? You cried, sitting beside him. You freaked him out by being a crybaby—more than enough proof. And I bet he thinks it is a yes from you already. There is nothing you need to confirm. It is only me and mom waiting for you to say a yes.

Sneha: Really? Dad, but this change will grow the distance between us.

Dad: I will melt all of that.

Sneha: I am not a fool Dad. I am speaking very practically.

Dad: Look, someday, you must find a companion. I should never be a reason for you to deny that. And it 'is' him.

Sneha's mother suddenly enters nowhere and says, "Marriage?"

Rajeev (Sneha's Dad): Hey, wait. What's your hurry? She is already all crazy and confused!

Varu (Sneha's Mom): I am excited. The gold budget will be...

Sneha: Stop it, ma...

Rajeev: Varu, go. Go somewhere.

Sneha: Daddy, look at that lady.

Rajeev: Accept it soon. I am also waiting.

Two days spent off; it's a Sunday morning. Sneha is getting down the stairs with sleepy eyes and is shocked to see her Mom.

Varu: Your dad tried to stop me. I came off. Are you learning car driving with him since he a weak and still can't decide on Raj?

Sneha: Hello, it's only been three days. Don't be so manipulating. I am going to driving classes, not any decision-making classes.

Varu: This won't work, Sneha. It's a Sunday, and there's this beach nearby. You two go and spend time with each other.

Sneha: I am not going to any beach with him. Now let me read the newspaper.

Varu: Breakfast is Upma. Go out and have Puri with him.

Sneha: Aunty makes good Upma. I want no Puri.

Varu: For your kind information, I am making the Upma.

Sneha (Angrily): Mummy, why are you doing this to me? I hate your Upma.

Varu sits beside Sneha and says, "Sneha, you are correct to say good times won't help to judge people. Trust me; you should even have good memories for a strong bond. I am sending you a date. What's your problem?"

Sneha agrees. She must prepare for her first-ever date! As she reaches the stairs, she finds Raj getting down the stairs. He's wearing a white shirt and blue jeans and looks all handsome. Sneha within herself, "Stop Sneha, stop! Only boys are supposed to stare at girls. Girls shouldn't".

Raj: Good Morning, Sneha...

Sneha: Morning!

Sneha's wearing a white top on a long maroon skirt is searching for something in her baby pink sling bag. After a long time, she is wearing metallic Jhumkas and bracelets. A maroon dot between eyebrows (Indian Tradition, Bottu) with free hair completes the look. She looks as beautiful as possible.

Raj, who waited for her in the driver's seat, is now all lost looking at her. As Sneha walks towards the car, Raj realizes he must return from cloud nine. He starts the process of getting back his senses on driving.

Sneha: I'm hungry. First breakfast and then a long drive.

Raj (Still trying to get back to his senses): And no classes today!

Sneha: Yup! no classes today.

At a restaurant,

Raj: What will you eat?

Sneha: Of course, Puri.

While eating,

Raj: How's it?

Sneha: Not as good as my college Canteens Puri. You, too, should taste there once.

Raj: Yup, someday...

While Sneha is busy enjoying the Puri, Raj is happy for the comfort between them. All the anger and awkwardness between them has gone to some Antarctica trip!

It's a non-sunny cloudy day. They reached the beach and walked for a while. Sneha chooses a spot where they sit and relax for some more while.

Raj: Do you want me to play any song?

Sneha: Enjoy the beach roaring and the air trying to silence it. That cute bird's family and making the sand house. The cold wind and, OMG, those crabs won't come near us.

Raj: No, they won't. Don't worry.

Sneha: This is such a pleasant view! I want to lie down on the sand.

Both lie down on the sand and watch the clouds move. Sneha describes every formation and shape she can find on those moving clouds. These moments work as nourishment to their bond.

It's almost evening.

Sneha: Once, I heard you saying to Anna that girls turn fat after marriage, and that's why you do not seem interested in marriage and stuff. This attitude of yours made me reluctant towards you.

Raj looks at Sneha, and so does Sneha.

Sneha: And I am already the fat girl.

Raj: All of those stupid standards before falling for you.

I am, again, watching the clouds.

Sneha: Good; for me, one high expectation from my husband was not to love me for the so-called 'beauty.' And how difficult was it for you to deal with me this week?

Raj: It should not be difficult. It Will not be difficult and was not difficult.

Sneha: I will be happy! I can wag my tail a lot!

Raj and Sneha walk on the sand while the clouds are drizzling. Sneha, especially happier, is playing and jumping on the sand like a little girl. Every moment of this date, Raj is into her more and more.

Raj: Masala Puri on our way back home?

Sneha: Want to propose to me again?

Raj: Shall I?

Sneha: No need. I already know. I already know your love for me.

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