eFiction India eFiction India Vol.02 Issue.09 | Page 75

STORIES

If you give me just one little chance
I would like to share with you my first and
last dance
I yearn to spend, with you, my entire life
I will be glad to be called your wife’.
Sleep wouldn’t touch her eyes that night.
Niharika was so elated… she had finally
found her soul mate with whom she would
see beautiful dreams of tomorrow.
Niharika decided that now it was time for
their families to know about their relationship. But first she would have to discuss
with Nikhil. Today was Sunday and unfortunately Riya was out of station and her
mom knew that. So she couldn’t make up
any reason to meet Nikhil. She would have
to wait until tomorrow to meet him.
That evening, her dad’s childhood friend
came to meet them with his family. They
all decided to have dinner outside. They
went to Relish at Church Gate. Niharika
was getting bored with the adult talk. Her
dad was speaking to his friend about politics and her mom was talking to his wife
about household troubles, while their tenyear-old son was lost in the video game on
his dad’s mobile. Niharika excused herself
as she went to the rest room, from where
she hoped to call Nikhil. As she approached
the rest rooms, she saw Nikhil sitting at a
table adjoining the passage leading to the
rest rooms. He was sitting alone, lost in the
menu card. Niharika went up to his table.
“Hi Nikhil,” she said. He glanced up at
her with a blank expression. Just then, a
lady emerged from the passage leading to
the rest rooms and came towards the table.
She took her seat, questioningly looking
at Niharika.
“Okay, so you must be Akhil,” she said
smiling, as she extended her hand towards
the boy. But he did not reciprocate. He just
kept staring at her.
Niharika looked at the lady who was now

looking at her with an unfathomable
expression, something akin to shock.
“Hello aunty, sorry to intrude your privacy
like this. I am Niharika, Nikhil’s friend
from college.” She had no idea whether
Nikhil had mentioned anything about
her. “Last time also I mistook Akhil for
Nikhil, they both look so alike,” she continued, hoping she could strike some pleasant
conversation with her would be motherin-law. But the lady sat as if tongue tied,
staring at her. She finally muttered a meek
‘hello’ and she too dug her head in the
menu card. Embarrassed, Niharika hurried
towards the restroom, wondering what on
earth was wrong with these people. Rest
of the evening, Niharika was very upset
and puzzled about the strange behavior
of Nikhil’s mom and Akhil. Did they not
approve of her? She had to discuss this with
Nikhil and straighten out the matter.
Nikhil did not come to college next day.
His phone was also switched off. Every
passing moment, Niharika’s anxiety went
on increasing. Riya tried to pacify her
saying that she was making a big deal out
of nothing. May be his mom and brother
had no idea who she was and hence didn’t
speak to her. But Niharika knew that was
not the truth. There had to be some reason
for their weird behavior.
Next day, again Nikhil was back to college
and behaving like his normal self.
“Thanks Niharika for accepting my proposal,” Nikhil said, beaming as they carried
their lunch trays to their seats.
“You are welcome,” she replied.
“What happened? Something wrong?” he
asked. He sensed there was something on
her mind.
Niharika cleared her throat. “Ummm…
Nikhil, I think it’s time we told our families about each other.” She said.
“Why? What’s the hurry? Let’s enjoy our
courtship. This is just the beginning,” he

74

said.
“I don’t think your mom likes me,” she
stated.
“What? When has my mom met you?” he
as