A chance for love

It proved to be a very sunny day right from the onset. The year is gradually coming to an end and this period is usually marked by high temperatures and dry winds blowing ferociously across the city. The summer has been on for a long while now and it seems enjoyable for everyone, except Reuben. Reuben laid lazily on his bed, tossing a tennis ball up in the air. He had to be calculative in each throw so that the ball doesn't hit the high spinning fan directly on him else it would knock the ball away and force him to get up.This practice was something of his mantra, a means of distraction whenever something was bothering him. He looked impatiently at his wall clock hanging at the wall adjacent to his bed at intervals between throws. As if stung by a bee, he abruptly sprung up from the bed and let the ball freely on the bed. Outside, he could tell that the day had begun in full session from the glaring honks blasting through the space. Wanting to partially disconnect from the world, he chose this ideal apartment, which was fairly equipped with the basic things he needed and was located farther away from his friends. As a doctor and an ex soldier, one must always be able to stand on his own,he always thought. Today was however not the day to stay and battle with his mind.Saturdays were usually his off days but he had made some plans already. Earlier this year, Ben had pressured him to break free from his isolated lifestyle and find something worthwhile other than work. Seeing that the pressure was not enough, They registered him on a dating site and made him pick out a blind date. Actually Reuben agreed to avoid the incessant bickering that had gone on for weeks. His plan was to accept the blind date proposal and call it off at the late minutes.However, as the days passed on, he figured it wasn't a terrible plan. At least he was curious about how he would appear to the opposite s*x. Working as an Obstetrician had really left him feeling numb towards women. Anyways, he would manage this time. Reuben turned to the direction of his ringing phone which reverberated throughout the whole house. He gave a snappy look to the clock and now it was getting past 9am. It was Ben calling. “Hello brother, rise and shine, how are you doing?”Ben Inquired. Reuben could tell he had been laughing from the tone of his voice. “I am fine, how are you doing?” Reuben replied, hoping he wasn't too blunt. “I am great brother, I hope you remember you have a big day up head, surely you will not not Keep the damsel waiting” Ben said “ Thankfully..no, I am about to get ready..hope you are happy now?” Ben laughed hysterically, Reuben knew he was enjoying this drama play out. “Yes of course!, anyways man..I wish you luck, c’mon go get the girl!” Ben replied with must gusto. “Alright, I am getting late, see you later. take care” Reuben said, and hastily cut the call. With another sharp look to the wall clock, he could see he was running late. What's worth doing is worth doing well.he thought to himself. His early military days had already instilled in him a deep sense of punctuality and discipline so this date shouldn't be a big deal. With a deep sigh, Reuben jetted off to the washroom to get ready. Examining the hot weather, he figured that a white tee shirt and a checker trouser matched with some black Snickers should do the trick.He wasn't much of a fashionista but at least he got taste. He munched on a packet of cereal while he arranged his clothes for wearing. Staring at the mirror,he could see a nice figure coming around. His biceps and sharp figure earned from rigorous military training now seemed to pay off. Grabbing the car keys from the couch, he switched off the light and made for the exit. Lilian wasn't enjoying the spot she picked at the Crest restaurant. For some reason she just felt restless. Her friend Mimi had told her that they make excellent cheese burgers so she tried it out. She had always wondered why despite the junks she ate, she never seemed to fall out of shape. Must be some kind of special ability. As she waited for her order to come up, she remembered that there was a hushed up argument at home prior before she left for the restaurant. Her parents seemed to be agitated about something but they all became silent as they saw her approaching their room earlier this morning. Still wondering what could be that issue, an idea crossed her mind. You should call grandpa. “Yes!” Lilian exclaimed as she made for her phone. Grandpa was present in the room and he has never hid a thing from her. Surely not this time.She dialed his number and after some seconds, the call was answered. “Good afternoon grandpa, how are you??” Lilian greeted almost singing. “Hello my sugar dear how are you?? Where are you?.I hope there is no problem?” Grandpa quizzed “No no I am alright.i went to get a cheese burger downtown…but…I have something to ask you grandpa” Lilian replied. “ Of course, what is the question of my love” He asked. “Alright, earlier this morning, I thought I overheard mum and dad almost quarreling, they refuse to tell me what's the issue.is there anything going on?” Lilian asked “Hahahaha, oh my dear” grandpa laughed and continued “ Well, we were discussing the future of our business empire my dear. You see, you are the only child of your father. It's customary that he hands over all his holdings to you, however you must be married for that to ever happen” “ Really! Grandpa! I told them that I am not ready to marry, and as for the business, I can handle on my own,I didn't get a first class and a distinction master degree in economics for nothing” Lillian retorted. “My dear, that's the tradition of our family, there's nothing that can be done about it, else you risk losing your inheritance.dont worry we will find a suitable partner for you” he replied. “No I don't want to get married” Lillian snapped and supposedly cut off the call. She has told them countless times that she was capable of running the business empire on her own. Being a man's woman didn't sound alright to her. Such a stupid tradition. After 30 mins of driving, Reuben had finally found the date spot. It was the Crest restaurant. He remembered branching here for a cheeseburger and he thought they made nice ones. Parking by the side, he adjusted his clothes and hair. He looked at his watch and he saw that he was 20 minutes late. Not good! He paused and began practicing his apology speech hoping he had not already ruined his chance. From his earlier chats with the mystery date, she had earlier told Reuben that she will sit on the extreme left and wear a white flowing gown. Alighting for the car and doing a quick survey on the restaurant outlook, he could see someone was already there fitting that description. Without much Ado he walked up to the table and approached her. “ Hello vee, it's me Reuben , your ummm supposed date for today..ummm…I am really sorry about the delay, some traffic on the road today..busy day huh..? Reuben nervously said. “ I think a gentleman won't keep a lady waiting…so tell me, how much of a gentleman do you think you are?” Lilian replied,still annoyed by the phone call earlier. “See, I am sorry.. like I said there was traffic and all that..can we just let it slide and talk about other things” Reuben said regretting why he stalled earlier in the morning. “ That's the issue..I won't let it slide.. That's what men always do..mess up and ask for a pass...always “ Lilian snapped. “Hey!” Reuben cut in “ There's no need to bring everyone in this, I messed up and I promise to make it up for you..it's a rough start, yeah but it would be much better if we get to know each other more” Reuben replied, obviously feeling agitated. “ I don't need to make an acquaintance with you, I already know the kind of person you are ... .and for your information..my name is not Vee or whomever you mistaken me for.. excuse me” Lillian said and stormed out of the restaurant. Reuben slopped into his chair. He knew that this was a bad idea right from the beginning. Now the worst had happened…a total rejection..but what's wrong with this girl..like seriously..so angry! On the other end ,Grandpa had listened to the whole encounter. lilian didn't hang up the call properly! Well, that poor lad sounded like one that could endure Lilian , he thought to himself. Hmm, l feel a connection between them. Let's see what plays out. Weaving out of his thoughts, he finally hung up the call.