The Affair - Giving Life a Chance!

 Sathvik Das

People say, "You meet strangers and they turn into your closed ones." But do they ever thought, "Strangers are the two faces of a coin that reacts according to the way you control them?" I lie on my bed with this chilly room temperature that suits me perfectly. Yes, I messaged back. I don't know if I've committed any crime! Giving life another chance isn't counted as crime, right? After Naira left me behind, I completely covered myself in loneliness. Naina Dut, the girl who once belonged from the same hometown as Arushi Roy, just reminded me of some beautiful yet drastic memories of me and Naina. Some love, some hatred, some lust. But honestly, I've loved her with all my heart. Such a fucking bitch filled with innocence! I almost give up on myself, my job, my dreams for her...and at the end I am the big lover identified.
Never have I ever thought, that Arushi's gonna approach me first. But if it's destiny, then it is!
We exchange a few messages,  the obvious basic messages that every online dating app users send. Arushi seemed okay to me. Though, we can't completely know someone over a one night chat, right?
It's an illusion, people believe that constantly chatting with the other person brings you close to the person. But, it's not. Just a random belief people follow because it's a trending one.

............
Next morning, mom called me. I grab a bite of the toast. Drinking the morning tea, "Maybe she needs money." I've thought.
"Are you busy, beta?"
"No maa...Is everything alright? Do you need money?"
"Everything's alright beta. Actually I have to share a great news with you. Dad had met Mr. Shah. His daughter just graduated, a searching for a damad. He approached us. Guess what, who would be better choice for her?"
"Me? Seriously! Not at all. My career just started two years ago...How can I indulge into a weeding. I haven't experienced enough. Maa I need time. Ofcourse you understand."
"Time? Since that bitch Naina left you, you completely changed. Maybe she had done some black magic upon you."
"Maa please. I don't wanna talk about her. And for God's sake, please don't call me regarding marriage offers. I am not ready yet."
I disconnect the call. It's really hard sometimes when your family pressurizes first for money, and then marriage. Why is always marriage the ultimate solution in almost every house in India. Can't I be alone for sometime? Is it a crime?
I grabb my bag and head to my office. On the way, I have been messaging Arushi...just the simple talks like wishing a good morning, asking if she had breakfast, informing her that I am heading to office. And we shared two pictures each. Uhh...I am not the guy who can connect with a girl through chats. Should I take a step, I have thought.
During the lunch hours, I call her. I've checked the time, maybe she too had a off during the noon. After three rings, she picks up.
"Hey, all okay?" Her voice being heard for the first time. It's mesmerizing.
"Yeah...hi. Actually since we both are in the same city, will it be possible for you to meet?"
"Yeah sure, well my duty starts from 7 pm. So I can meet you after my classes. Café Birdsong. 6pm?"
"Great. I will be waiting."
Is this too fast?, I started thinking. I don't know why but texting isn't real in my world. Moreover, whatever maa said over the call, I am really frustrated. Maybe, meeting her will help.
Wrapping up for the day, I immediately reach there. Five more minutes to six. I check the table for us. Adjusting my hair a little, I happen to see a beautiful girl walking in. She's wearing a t-shirt that completely suits her. Her little fragile face reveals the innocence of her heart. And the girl walks towards me. Yeah, Arushi. How can God create such a beautiful girl with much fursat.
"Sathvik Das?"
"Yeah hi...please have a seat."
"Sorry I came unprepared. Actually my shift starts from 7, so I thought of wearing my duty clothes."
"Aree. Absolutely fine. Thanks for coming atleast."
"Nice shirt, by the way!"
I am very shy. But being with her, made me comfortable enough.
"What will you have?"
"Snacks would be fine. After duty am gonna prepare food anyway."
"Okay. You live alone?"
"No no. Anamika, my flatmate. She stays with me. Works in a private company."
"Good."
I wave the waiter near the table. "Two coffee and two mushroom sandwich."
"So, we just started chatting yesterday, and now we are here. Isn't it too fast Sathvik?"
"Don't overthink. It's really normal."
And over the conversation, I get to know her. She's a positive girl. Though our ages doesn't match, but I think she's more mature than me. This is what I could track about her. Kindness and genuine. Maybe it's not that bad to give my life a try.
We split our bills. She insisted.
..................
"Alright then. Nice to meet you. It's time. Asish Bhai must be waiting for me."
"Okay. Should I drop you?"
"Fine...by me."
We take an auto. I drop her at the Chemist Shop. After many days, I have smiled with my heart. I really felt good. As she walks out of the auto and directs towards the shop, a teenage boy, wearing the same t-shirt as her started giving me a look. The look's more like a teasing one and then he blabbers something to Arushi.
..................
I reach my room. I message her, "Reached room. Thanks for today. Do inform me the next time when you'll be free." I send her an emoji.
Around 11pm. She texts me. "Done for the day. Off to bed. Okay, so there will be a next time?"
"Yeah, if you want." I reply back with a wink.
"Tomorrow's Sunday. I have a day off."
"Sure. I have a meeting till 11 am. Will wrap up and reach your place by 12. We can spend the evening together."
"Okiee - Dokiee!"
I have slept peacefully that night. I hope this time Arushi doesn't turn out to be another Naina in my life.
Sometimes, perfection meet your life. We get so indulge in searching the right things and right people for us, but we ourselves forget if we are completely right or not. The problem with me is lack of trust. Once broken, can't be fixed right? Or can it be?