Darker Cinderella’s Kande Pohe [marriage proposal]

 

It was late evening, the street lights were on, an evening at an IT company in Hinjewadi but little bit different. Friday evening so many people were in a hurry to go home. Young people, especially unmarried ones, were planning to watch movies with their friends. Recently married were planning to go out with his newly married wife or husband.

 

Shilpa was busy in her work, She had to deliver the software as per weekly schedule. She was verifying all deliverables again and again to make sure everything is right in order.

 

Arun works as a technical specialist in her team. He was about to leave for home. As usual, he peeked into Shilpa's cubicle. He paused to talk to her for a while, but she seemed to be too busy at work so he moved on. Shilpa realized this and without raising her head, she asked him, "Did you want to say something?" Arun paused and said, "Nothing special. I just wanted to say bye, but it looks like you are busy."

 

Looking at Arun and keeping her keyboard away, Shilpa said, "I'm not so busy and I still have time until Parag makes his work note."

 

Arun smiled a little and looked at her and said "You are working so much, rare to find a hard working girl like you."

 

Shilpa smiled and said "Why are you praising me so much today?"

 

Arun quickly said "I am not praising just telling the truth".

 

Shilpa said, "I like to work. For me work is more fun than having beer."

 

Arun: "Yeh lady, do you think I'm drunkard? I have it just a couple times a week. ”

 

Shilpa laughs out loud "No, I told you as an example"

 

Arun said in a slightly ruffled voice, "Another example could be better."

 

Shilpa smiled even more. "So, what about drugs as an example?"

 

Arun "Well, woman, what you say is right, you are the boss." both of them laugh at this.

 

Shilpa “Would you like to have coffee? Will be refreshing. ”

 

Arun "Okay, I'll go home from there."

 

The two sit down after ordering coffee, the cafeteria is less crowded. Both sit quietly waiting for coffee.

 

Arun starts talking "What are your plans for the weekend?"

 

Shilpa paused for a moment.

 

Arun "I'm going to watch a movie with my wife. If you don't mind, can I say something?"

 

Shilpa "go on, Why are you so formal?"

 

Arun gets a little serious and says "Your parents are hunting for a suitable spouse but ..."

 

Shilpa "But what, you mean why don’t I accept those?"

 

Arun "Yes, if you are not feeling comfortable to speak about it then leave it."

 

Shilpa says, "There are a couple of things. In which I do not want to compromise and in addition my darker skin colour. "

 

Arun "Yes, but you must be sharing your photos before”

 

Shilpa "Yup, some of those get attracted to my salary, my high paying job."

 

Arun “Some people may see positive things about you, not just skin colour? Also otherwise you are good looking. ”

 

Shilpa “What you mean by “otherwise good looking” ?

 

Arun "means your facial features are sharp, your eyes are beautiful, If we could have met before my marriage, you would have become my wife."

 

Shilpa "Yes, but I may not choose you to be the one."

 

On this both of them start laughing.

 

Shilpa "And, why are you flirting?"

 

Arun said "I expressed what I felt about you and little flirting is good for health."

 

Shilpa "I am going to tell Swati about your healthy routing."

 

Arun says "My wife knows about it, something I advised her to do the same."

 

Shilpa "God bless you !!!"

 

For a while both of them sit quietly and sips their coffee.

 

Shilpa “Those who like me don't like living near my parents' house. I don't care if his parents are at home. Why don't people understand my small expectations? "

 

Arun "Someone will understand, I'm late now, I'm leaving. All the best for your meeting, “Kande pohe””

 

Shilpa "Bye"

 

Shilpa's parents, Ramesh and Jyoti Shinde's one-bedroom house in Kothrud, was not large but neat and tidy. Even though it is Saturday, the house is in turmoil for the proposal meeting. Shilpa's mother was worried, she was moving from here to there. Both of her parents were very tense. They are trying their best to get this marriage proposal to be fruitful.

 

Shilpa's mother said to her Father, "go and get Gulab Jamun [sweet]. If you don't, the guest will arrive and would be very uncomfortable to go out.

 

Shilpa's father "I am leaving.."

And Shilpa's father Ramesh leaves the house.

 

Shilpa "Why don’t we offer sweets available in house, why are you spending on this?"

 

Shilpa's mother said, "We have to follow costumes. Marriages were fixed by god in heaven. I don’t like if someone disgrace us for not doing these things according to traditions”

 

Shilpa "That's enough, It is always, What will people think? This is so painful for me."

 

Just then Shilpa's sister Kavita arrives and mother starts crying.

 

Shilpa's mother says, "Look Kavita, Shilpa doesn't care about anything. We are not going to last long for her. ”

 

Kavita "Mom, you should stop crying first"

 

Shilpa's mother said, "I have a lot of work to do in the kitchen."

 

Poem "What Shilpa, you are not yet ready, why are you just arguing with Mom?"

 

Shilpa "See mom's melodrama and emotional blackmailing."

 

Kavita "We don't have time to talk about these things now. You go and hurry up, those people will come soon."

 

Shilpa goes to the bedroom to get dressed herself and the doorbell rings. Kavita opens the door and sees some strangers in front of her and her father is along with them.

 

Shilpa's father "Come in, sit down"

 

The boy and his parents sit on the sofa, Shilpa's father sits on a chair in the living room. Shilpa's father speaks pointing to the Kavita standing in front of him. "She is my eldest daughter Kavita, she got married five years ago and she is a CA. She works in a big accounting firm.

 

Kavita "Hello, I'll bring something to eat." So she goes to the kitchen

 

The boy's father said, "good, both of your daughters look well-educated."

 

Shilpa's father said, "Yes, they are very smart. They were always topper in their classes. ”

The boy's father is "nice"

 

Shilpa's father looks at the boy and says, "Which company do you work for? I saw your profile, but now I only remember that you have done engineering."

 

Boy "I work as a manager at John Deere's."

 

The boy's father said, "He often goes to the United States for work."

 

Shilpa's father said, "Well, Shilpa once went to America for work."

 

The boy's father said, "Well, if they get married then they can both move to the United States."

 

Shilpa's father said, "Our Shilpa has no such thoughts. She wants to stay here."

 

The boy's father said, "Yes?" Our son doesn't like to live in the United States either. ”

 

Shilpa's father said, "It is better for them to agree on this matter, otherwise nowadays everyone wants to go abroad and settle down."

 

The chats continue and the Kavita brings tea and Kande pohe [Marathi snacks] for everyone. She hands over dishes and sits on a chair nearby. She is followed by Shilpa and she greets everyone and sits next to Kavita.

 

Shilpa's father said, "If you have any questions, ask Shilpa."

 

The boy's father said, "Nothing special, where do you work?"

 

Shilpa "I works for Infosys in Hinjewadi"

 

The boy's father said, "If the two of them want to ask something, they can talk in private if you don't mind. It will be difficult for them in front of us here."

 

Shilpa's father said, "I think so too. They can speak freely."

 

Everyone sits quietly for a while.

 

Shilpa's father said, "Shilpa, show your house to Sandeeprao and chat freely."

 

Shilpa and Sandeep go to the inner room and stand in the adjoining balcony. After a while, Sandeep says, "The biggest question is for me what and how to speak in this situation."

 

Shilpa "Yea but not so tough, I am treating it like an interview, question and answers"

 

Sandeep "I don't have much experience, you work in an IT company so you may have more experience?"

 

Shilpa "What do you mean?"

 

Sandeep "People in IT companies often look to change jobs and so you may have been to many interviews."

 

Shilpa smiles "Yes, not everyone wants to change their job. I have been in the same job for the last 10 years."

 

Sandeep "oh.. Good, me too working in the same company .”

 

Shilpa "What are your expectations?"

 

Sandeep “expectations…. If you want to focus on carrier, no issue,... need to adapt little bit for family"

 

Shilpa "Yes,most guys expect more attention to family than job,then, How can someone prioritize career?"

 

Sandeep “That is a good question.?” our professors used to say when they don’t have answers. “I will come back to you once the lecture is over” was a typical reply and you will never get an answer. ”

 

Shilpa "Don’t you want to answer this?"

 

Sandeep "If I was a professor, I probably wouldn't have answered it"

 

Shilpa "Smart professors can give answers to smart questions."

 

Sandeep "Do you think I would be a smart professor?" So Sandeep laughs and Shilpa joins in the laughter

 

Sandeep "Career priority is important and I will tell my family that she will not be able to pay much attention at home and you should not expect anything. They already have an idea about my opinion about career. ”

 

Shilpa “Why are you so stubborn about career? A girl may want to have fun at home, with children after a few years, or you may feel the same way in the future "

 

Sandeep "Yes, I really want to have fun at home after some years, right now I want to give time to my career. The energy and satisfaction I get from work is important to me.”

 

 

Shilpa "What if one doesn't want to do domestic chores?"

 

Sandeep "It's all right. I will take care of home and not force her to do anything because I can understand this about someone’s passion. ”

 

Shilpa “Why are you getting married? Without it, your career could be better. ”

 

Sandeep "Why does someone want to marry? only for the sake of the household and children? We need companions too.

 

Shilpa "Can I tell you my expectations?"

 

Sandeep "Sure, yes, I've been talking about myself for long."

 

 

Shilpa "Career is important for me. I also think family is important. My main expectation is to be able to live close to my parents. ”

 

Sandeep "Our house is very close to you and I don't want to live anywhere except Pune, yes, but I want to go abroad and work for five to ten years."

 

Shilpa "We have been chatting for a long time, do you want to go out?"

 

Sandeep "Yes, let's go. It's nice to talk to you."

 

Shilpa "Me too."

 

 

Both of them went to the living room where the rest of the family was sitting. After drinking tea and snacks and chit chat, the boy's father gets up and says, "Shinde, now we are leaving. We will let you know about the decision. Now the children's decisions are important. It was not like that in our time."

Shilpa's father said, "Yes, we will tell you whatever it is."

 

After the Bhosale family leaves, Shilpa sits next to Kavita on the sofa.

 

Poem "Hows Sandeep"

 

Shilpa "was good, it was clear in his head what to do but"

 

Shilpa's mother says to herself, "Still But..?"

 

Shilpa "Does my thoughts matter?"

 

Kavita "Mother, don't speak in between us, let me speak."

 

Kavita thinks for a while and looks at Shilpa and says "But what?"

 

Shilpa "He wants to live and work abroad for 5 to 10 years."

 

Kavita "So what's the problem with that?"

 

Shilpa "I want to be close to my parents."

 

Kavita "What difference will 5 to 10 years make?"

 

Shilpa: "Someone must be with them at this age"

 

Kavita "I'm here, why do you care so much?"

 

Shilpa "Jiju’s job constantly needs relocations, transferring from place to place . you can't live near them."

 

Kavita "We'll arrange something, you don't have to worry."

 

Shilpa's mother "We can’t be with you for your lifetime. Your mama lives near here, we'll definitely manage for a few years."

 

Shilpa's father said, "dear, don't worry about us. We are still in good condition."

 

Shilpa "You don't understand, he is saying 5 to 10 years now, he will decide to spend the rest of his life abroad tomorrow, so what?"

 

Kavita "Think for a few days and decide. If the boy is sensible, he will think of everything."

 

Shilpa "Sure, will think, right now feeling a lot of burden."

 

The next day, Shilpa went to the office on Monday, she got a headache. After reaching office, she was sitting with her hands on her head in her cubicle. After a while Arun came and saw that she was holding her head. He said looking at her avatar. "Does it bother you that your team members are late?"

 

Shilpa "Why don’t you quite for a while?"

 

Arun "Nowadays, When you are trying to be kind, in return you will get a slap on your face. "

 

Shilpa "I am feeling very low, please it is not time for a joke."

 

Arun “Sorry, do you want to go to the canteen? It would be nice to have some tea. and I am very hungry.

Shilpa "Are you polyphagic?" You want to eat all the time ”

 

Arun Not polyphagic but I am Bakasur[demon who eats a lot]. Hee hee hee "

 

Shilpa says with a smile, "Yes, you are really Bakasur."

 

In the morning the company canteen is a bit chaotic with a lot of people having breakfast. Shilpa and Arun sit at a table in the corner with tea and breakfast.

 

Arun "Tell me, madam, how do you feel now?

 

Shilpa "Yesterday, As I told you before, I had a meeting for a marriage proposal, the boy was good, He is clear in his head."

 

Arun "Then, where is the problem?"

 

Shilpa "He wants to go and work abroad for a few years, but I can't stay long from my mother and father."

 

Arun "Oh,all these questions would be if he accepts the proposal."

 

Shilpa "He is more likely to say yes."

 

Arun "How do you know he will say “yes”?"

 

Shilpa "Girls know"

 

Arun "Sixth sense, oh great, then you can call and explain your problem?"

 

Shilpa "OK"

 

Arun "Just call now and make it clear. If you say yes, it is fine and if you say “no” that fine, will search another one"

 

Shilpa "Ok, Calling him."

 

Arun "I'll finish the idli by the time your conversation on phone will finish and I am also going to get something more. Do you want anything ?"

 

Shilpa "Okay, bring me a Vadapav"

 

There is a balcony in front of the canteen Shilpa went there.

 

Shilpa "Hello, Shilpa Shinde here, Can I speak with Sandeep?"

 

Sandeep "Yes,How are you doing? "

 

Shilpa “Good, Do you have some time now? It was something important to talk about. "

 

Sandeep "Yes, I have time, we can speak"

 

Shilpa "For me to decide, this is an important question."

 

Sandeep "go ahead"

 

Shilpa "Yesterday you told me that you want to go abroad for a few years."

 

Sandeep "Yes"

 

Shilpa "I can't live far away from my mother and father as they are old."

 

Sandeep "I know what you're talking about, but I'm sorry, I have to stay abroad for five to ten years for my career."

 

Shilpa "Thanks, you have clearly expressed your opinion, our paths going in different directions, good luck to you for your future."

 

Sandeep "Good luck to you too."

 

Shilpa turns off her mobile phone and walks slowly where Sandeep is sitting.

 

Arun "What happened?"

 

Shilpa "His decision to go abroad is firm and important for him."

 

Shilpa sits very quietly.

 

Arun “Why don't you go away from all this for a few days? Sometimes change is better. ”

 

Shilpa "Where should I go?"

 

Arun "Yesterday, Vivek was saying that an onsite team needs a team lead for six to seven months and you are perfect for it, Vivek wants to send you, listen to me, you must go."

 

Shilpa "Oh but"

 

Arun "Nothing happens in six to seven months and Kavita is here to take care of your parents."

 

Shilpa wants a change and thus is ready to go to the United States Dallas. She was staying near to her office in a service apartment. She was busy with her work in the office, wandering around every weekend with the Indian co-worker. No one asked her about her marriage plans. As it was spring in the United States it was cold, but everywhere, there was green grass and flowers blossoms.

 

There was a party for successful completion of a project on which Shilpa was working. The party was in the evening. Shilpa had bought some special clothes for the party. After leaving the office, she got ready and all her coworkers went to a restaurant.

 

It was evening time, in one corner sat Shilpa, Sameer, Shilpa's co-worker in India, Mark (client manager) and some others. After everyone ordered a meal, Mark began to say, "Congratulations to everyone for on time and the perfect job."

 

Shilpa "Your planning worked very well, so it was possible."

 

Mark “Your efforts are also very important, we will celebrate the completion of the project in India too, I am visiting soon, we would go somewhere like we had been outing all day. ”

 

Sameer ​​"I remembered one party in India, We had a discussion about our Indian arranged marriage at that time."

 

Mark "Yes, what do you call him in your language?"

 

Shilpa "Lanagan julawane"

 

Mark "Isn't that what you said when you met for a marriage proposal discussion?"

 

Shilpa "Yea, we call it as Kande pohe(match making)"

 

Mark "Oh yes, Kande pohe, must be a fun experience."

 

Sameer "Shilpa knows better, She has a lot of experience."

 

There were tears in Shilpa's eyes and she said, "Sameer, you are stretching it too."

 

Sameer "Sorry..."

 

Mark realized that the matter was getting serious, so he said on the plus side of arrange marriage, "Hey, you have this way, it is good. Look, I had a breakup two years ago. I had been in a relationship for five years. Now I don't want to go to pubs and to look for the right girl. After a couple of beers you like someone but the next morning you realise what you did. ”

 

Sameer ​​"Oh, your family or friends may be suggesting a girl to date."

 

Mark "Yeah, but it is not so obvious like you and we hesitate”

 

Shilpa pauses and says, "It sounds weird, but it would be nice to understand each other's opinions."

 

For a while everyone is engrossed in the meal. Sameer went out to get a car.
Mark compliments Shilpa, "You look great in this dress." Shilpa smiles a little and says "Thanks".

 

Mark pauses and says, “If you have time tomorrow, why don't you go out? I know that it does not fit into your culture, There is no pressure if you want to. "

 

Shilpa looks around and says "Can I call you tomorrow to confirm?"

 

Mark "Sure, you can."

 

Everyone leaves, Shilpa's filled with a lot of emotions and thoughts. She thought to call Arun for an opinion. May not be Arun as he can share this with everyone. She remembers her special friend Snehal. Snehal was the bravest girl among her school girlfriends. She married a Christian boy without her parent’s consent.

 

Shilpa calls her and says "Hello Snehal, Shilpa here"

 

Snehal "How are you and Wow you are in America, I saw your photos on Facebook"

 

Shilpa I am enjoying my US tour. How are you doing? ”

 

Snehal "Nothing special, after a long time we are speaking with each other."

 

Shilpa "Yup, thought of calling you….." with hesitation in her voice

 

Snehal "humm go on.., don’t hesitation"

 

Shilpa "I wanted your advice."

 

Snehal “About?”

 

Shilpa "Please won't tell anyone"

 

Snehal "No, I swear"

 

Shilpa "An American man asked me for a date, shall I go?

 

Snehal “Go on, cool, but how’s he? Are you familiar with him or from Tinder etc. ”

 

Shilpa "familiar, works in my office here, I have known him for the last few years, but I'm scared, I don't want to do anything like that."

 

Snehal "Look, if you know him and you believe in him, then go, no matter who the man is, it is up to the woman."

 

 

Shilpa "Thanks, he looks like a gentleman and he has an idea of ​​our Indian culture."

 

 

Snehal "Don't be afraid, go on... Bindas, Wow.. maybe you will get a blonde... “Gora” American life partner."

 

Shilpa "Come on, I just want to spend some time with him."

 

Snehal "Ok, go on"

 

Shilpa "Come on, I'll hang up now. It's been mid night here."

 

Snehal “Ok dear, sleep now, you have to do a lot of things tomorrow."

 

Shilpa "I don't think your naughtiness has diminished after marriage."

 

Snehal "On the contrary, it grows, I also want to have an affair with a American blond"

 

Shilpa "Come on, what about your Joseph?"

 

Snehal "Don’t worry about him, bye, sleep now"

 

Shilpa "Bye"

 

Shilpa wasn't able to sleep till late at night, She was hesitant to go with Mark but finally she decided to go. When she woke up in the morning, she called him and told him that she had time from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the evening and after that she was going to meet a college friend at eight o'clock. She lied about meeting with another friend to avoid being late with Mark.

 

Shilpa and Mark watched the English movie "Snatched" and then went for dinner. Shipa and Mark selected Thai restaurant for dinner.

 

Shilpa "I hope you will not like that villain who drugged the Heroin on date. And then cheated on her?"

 

Mark "Yes, maybe, I got drugs too."

 

Shilpa "So what, I am not like that girl who got easily fooled"

 

The waiter comes to write the order.

 

Mark begins to order "Catena Malbec Wine and Chili Basil Rice for me, Shilpa what do you like to order."

 

Shilpa "I'll have red curry rice"

 

Mark "You must try bitter lemonade, specialist of this restaurant"

 

Shilpa "Why bitter lemonade? Why can't I have beer or wine?"

 

Mark "I thought you may not like to have one. Usually Indian girls don’t take alcoholic beverages"

 

Shilpa "Well, I don't want any drink"

 

Mark "Are you upset? I assumed you."

 

Shilpa "No, nothing like that"

 

They both start eating. For a while no one talks. Mark begins to speak.

 

Mark “You Asian girls are family oriented, you maintain relationships. So today, many American Caucasian (white) like to choose Asian girls as life partners. ”

 

Shilpa "Why do most men expect women to be family oriented?"

 

Mark "I don't understand what you mean?"

 

Shilpa "It's just that you men expect only women to take care of children, family, house and so on and so forth"

 

Mark "Not all men expect this, much less in Western culture"

 

A waiter appears near Mark, and Mark asks Shilpa, "Do you want some beer?" Shilpa “Heineken beer”, Mark orders wine once again.

 

Shilpa "Yes, Mens sometimes don't expect and don't do anything. And thus all the burden to keep family in place has to be carried by womens."

 

Mark "Some are, but some are very caring."

 

Shilpa "Yes, I agree. In our India, 90% of all household responsibilities are left to women."

 

Mark "What do Indian husbands expect from wife?"

 

Shilpa "First of all, she must be fair"

 

Mark "Somehow, almost all Indians are black or wheat brown or a little fair." Then why do they want a white girl? ”

 

Shilpa "Fair skin color is a symbol of beauty in India. White people ruled for 150 years and thus increased the appreciation of fairness."

 

Mark "What else do Indian husbands expect?"

 

The waiter comes with the beer and wine he has ordered, and he serves wine to Shilpa and beer to Mark.

 

Shilpa "Look, here too, the preferences for man and woman were imposed. Wine woman and the beer for the man."

 

Mark “Many waiters ask before serving but..”

 

Shilpa “That's ok, you were asking about expectations. Now the majority wants Women should have jobs and take care of the house, family and extended family too. ”

 

Mark "There are a lot of expectations, here women should be self-reliant. In case of divorce, womens can sustain themselves."

 

Shilpa “Wetsern men's help with the housework. That's not the case in India, usually larger families, Husband's parents also part of the family. In India, a boy takes care of his parents. My parents have two daughters, me and my older sister. The old age home is generally not well maintained and available, so my sister and I have to take complete responsibility . My elder sister is not able to pay more attention. My only expectation from my husband is that he should understand my situation.”

 

 

Mark “You have your own life too."

 

Shilpa's eyes got wet and she replied, "We have been taught from birth to think of the family more than our own freedom."

 

For some time no one was speaking and finished with their dinner.

 

Mark "Do you want to leave?"

 

Shilpa and Mark started walking slowly. Neither of them was talking.

Mark "Can I drop you off at your apartment?"

 

Shilpa "I can go, by the way, why didn't you call me for coffee in your apartment?"

 

Mark says, "I don't want to drink coffee, do you?"

 

Shilpa “It's like drinking coffee with some company"

 

Mark “The cold air and the beer made you a little tipsy...”

 

Shilpa “I am fine. I heard that many people drink coffee, one night stand and forget everything the next day. ”

 

Mark "How can I forget you? We work together."

 

Shilpa "So you don’t want to ask me for coffee?"

 

Mark "Your apartment is here. You can go now. We'll talk about this later, bye."

 

The two meet in the office on Monday.

 

Shilpa "I was a little weird, didn't I?"

 

Mark "No, nothing weird."

 

Shilpa and Mark travel and spend a lot of time together over weekends. He shows her different places, museums etc. She had a great time and her onsite tenure about to end.

 

Shilpa has to leave for India next week, both of them were in love with each other. Mark knows that Shilpa can't leave her parents outside India so he doesn't tell her what is on his mind and Shilpa knows that she can't take this relationship forward so she doesn't say anything. This will probably be her last date with Mark so Shilpa wears her favorite red gown. The two meet in a restaurant.

 

Shilpa "Initially when we met, I had very firm opinions."

 

Mark "I thought you were working for the women's liberation movement."

 

Shilpa " I thought you were a man in his forties waiting to find a partner desperately to start a family."

 

Mark “I wasn't so anxious. And you were talking about a one night stand, Do you think western mens always look for sex? ”

 

Shilpa "It's not like that, but I heard it happened a lot."

 

Mark said, "I'm not desperate and very young to do that."

 

Shilpa "Men always wants love and sex first, then marriage, family and so on."

 

Mark “Yes, this is partly true, but after some age and maturity, the order of precedence changes. You girls want the same thing with a little differences. ”

 

Shilpa "Yes, girls are almost like that, but in my opinion, the most important wish is that she should be the most special person in the life of the partner and he should love unconditionally."

 

Mark "It sounds like a fairy tale, but in real life fairy tales don't come true."

 

Shilpa "Yes, it is not true, but somewhere in my mind, there is a Cinderella. She is a little different from the original Cinderella. She is darker in skin color, not blond .

Mark looks into her eyes a different gleam appears in her eyes.

 

Mark "You'll definitely find someone like that, right now in front of my eyes is the princess in my fairy tale, but….oh forget it"

 

Shilpa "But why and what."

 

Mark "Shilpa, I love you, I love you, but our life..."

Tears rolled up in Shilpa's eyes.

 

After dinner in the restaurant, Mark asks her, "Can I drop you to your apartment." Shilpa just says yes and Mark turns the car on.

 

Mark "Are you angry for what I said? Sorry about that."

 

Shilpa "No, not at all."

 

Mark said, "I spoke what I felt. I knew we wouldn't be able to carry this any more. This evening was great. Whenever I came to visit India, I wanted to see Ajanta Ellora. How’s those caves? ”

 

Shilpa “I went there when I was in school. I don't remember much. ”

 

Mark "I've heard there are so many beautiful sculptures and murals."

 

Shilpa “Yes, I remember the riot we did. We hide friends' shoes. The rocks near Ellora caves were very hot because of the sun. So their legs were badly bruised and the poor friends..

 

Mark "It was fun…?"

 

Shilpa “Yes, but not in good taste”

 

As they approach the apartment, Mark gets out of the car and yawns.

 

Shilpa "Are you sleepy?"

 

Mark said, "Oh, Yesterday sleepless night for me so."

 

Shilpa “Want to drink coffee? I will make it for you. ”

 

Mark said, "No, here's a McDonald's that runs 24 hours a day."

 

Shilpa says, "You're not going to die with my coffee. Let's go upstairs." The two reach the apartment, Shilpa makes coffee. Mark speaks while drinking coffee. "When will you come back to the US?"

 

Shilpa "If I get any other small assignment, else never."

 

Mark "Next time if you visit, I'll show you the Grand Canyon."

 

After Mark finished with his coffee, he was about to leave and he said , "You look great today. You'll find the fairy-tale prince one day.

 

Shilpa comes to the door and kisses his cheek and says "Thanks, I felt like a princess in your company today."

 

Mark walks still holding the door while going out. He looks back once more.

 

Shilpa "Do you want to tell me something, are you coming in?"

 

Shilpa hugs him as Mark comes in and says "Why can't you stay a little longer?"

 

 

Mark took her in his arms. The night was warmer and filled with ecstasy for both of them.

 

Mark wokes up in the morning, He could not see Shilpa in bed. He saw her on the balcony and looked like she was worried. He walks over to her. She quickly gets up and goes to the living room. Mark got shocked.

 

Shilpa “Mark, you have given me so much love, You have treated me like a princess, Yesterday was a beautiful day in my life and it will always be in my memory. From now on, we should have only a professional relationship. If we get too involved, it will be difficult for both of us. "

 

Mark "I know Indian girls like commitment. I would love to marry you."

 

 

Shilpa "I would love to marry you too, how will it work, you are staying in America and I will be in India. Distance marriages don’t work."

 

Mark "Nowadays distance doesn't make a difference in relationships."

 

Shilpa “No, those things will be very difficult in the future and you may not be able to come to India. We better stop here. "

 

Mark "OK"

 

Mark leaves with a broken heart and within four days Shilpa returns to India. She tells her parents and sister that she does not want to get married. Mark tried to contact her a couple of times, she avoided him.

 

 

Three months later, on a Sunday at 7 o’ clock in the morning.
Shilpa's sister Kavita called Shilpa to talk.

 

Kavita "Shilpa, a boy who wants to see you for marriage proposal will come to see you soon at nine o'clock."

 

Shilpa "But Tai , I have told you a thousand times, I don't want to marry."

 

Kavita "Yes, my husband Sudhir spoke to his friend about you. I told him your decision. It was too late when Sudhir tried to contact his friend to talk about your decision.

 

 

Shilpa "Oh, Sudhir can call him on his mobile."

 

Kavita "No mobile, he doesn't like mobile and no other contact, please just for today."

 

Shilpa "Well, I will meet him but you know my decision."

 

Kavita "Okay girl, don't change your decision."

 

Shilpa "Don't say anything." and hangs up the phone.

 

 

Shilpa sees her parents preparing for the meeting. She said to her parents "You have decided everything along with Kavita, no one tells me anything, this is the last time"

 

Shilpa's father said, "Well, this is the last."

 

After a while Kavita and Sudhir come home, Shilpa doesn't want to talk to anyone.

Kavita "Shilpa, get some decent clothes on" Shilpa puts a Punjabi top on her jeans.

 

The house bell rings at half past eight. From the kitchen, Shilpa's mother shouts, "Look who's here, Kavita"

 

 

Shilpa opens the door angrily and suddenly she sees Mark in front of her.

 

Shilpa "Why are you here. Someone called you?"

 

Mark "I am here for “Kande pohe”, I want to see you."

 

Shilpa "Get out of here."

 

Mark "I agree with all your terms. I am living here on rent, I have a job in India. Will you marry me?"

 

Shilpa father's to shilpa "Do you want guests to come in or not?"

 

Shilpa looks back and sees her parents, Kavita and Sudhir and everyone starts laughing.

 

Shilpa says, "Now you have come this far, you can come home." She quickly turns around and asks the Kavita, "Whose conspiracy is this?"

 

Kavita "Me, Mark and Arun"

 

Shilpa I will see that Arun later. (Looking at everyone) Now you know each other. You can talk, give me a minute or two ” [she went to her bed room.]

 

Mark "Yes, I would love to talk."

 

Shilpa's mother asked, "Why did she go inside?"

 

Kavita "Let her go, she is in a big shock. We tricked her.." [Everyone laughs]

 

They were all talking. After a while, Shilpa wears a nice sari and comes out with a tray of Kande Pohe in her hand. Mark stares at her new look.

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 12.10.2020

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