The Logical (Wo)Man

The Date

Shouranya’s wedding was more than “Grand”. It was celebrity studded and everything seemed pretty plush. Well her father was retired Judge of the Honorable High Court and her mother was a renowned film actress, so it had to be. Shouryajit felt a bit sad to see his baby sis go away like that. He knew the inevitable but was heartbroken when it happened.

Shouryajit’s Point Of View

“She ll be happy with Amit” I thought as I hugged my baby sis and my brother-in-law.

“Hey Man! I wish you all the best! “ I said with a smile and winked at Amit

“Bhai..stop it will you!” Shouranya rebelled with a low tone.

“I'll miss you” I kissed the forehead while hugging my baby sis.

Tears started rolling down her eyes. I hated it. I could never see her like that.

Both my parents came to rescue. They gradually left in our BMW, a gift from us. At first Amit said he couldn’t accept such an expensive gift. But he was left with no choice when Shouranya raised her eyebrows.

Amit is a decent guy and exact opposite to my sister. He is calm, composed, not talkative at all and my sis takes advantage of all that. He is also a successful lawyer at the District and Session Court.

“When are you leaving?” my father asked me after the ceremony was over.

“This Saturday Baba. Also, I need to tell you and Ma something” I said in a serious tone.

“Go ahead Shourya.” My mom said

We were seated in my study and it was 11 o clock at night. An agreement paper was lying on my desk which I had to scan by tonight.

“Ma, Baba, I know its sudden but I have decided to get married.”

My parents looked confused and surprised at the same time.

I handed them 2 copies of the report I got from David.

“Here’s the girl’s details. It will be a court marriage and then both of us would travel to London.”

“We respect your decision beta” My father spoke after a short silence.

“We always have. We are always there for you” my mom said.

“Thank you. I would request both of your presence and for now not to declare anything officially. I ll inform Shouranya later” I said.

“Okay Shourya. As you wish…” my father said and then both of them left closing the study door behind them.

I know they were feeling sad because this is not how they wanted it to happen. But I had to do it. I couldn’t be the reason for my family’s reputation being at stake for the second time. Also, now Sia’s life would become miserable and I didn’t want that to happen. Smriti is the daughter of land mafia king who usually didn’t take “No" for an answer. No, I couldn’t leave her here and besides the paparazzi would now follow her everywhere.

 Hence Sia is my responsibility now. I know there would be a lot of hurdles for the feat I wanted to pull off.

“Bring it on!” I thought.

“Aah there’s more to it” My mind smiled.

“No, not at all” My brain retorted

“Really? So, her goddess like divine presence doesn’t affect you at all?”

“Okay that’s it. I need to finish the agreement by tonight” I rebuked my mind and began reading the bunch of legal papers I held in my hands.

*****************************************************************************

I arrived 30 minutes before the scheduled 1 pm time and was seated in the car waiting outside Sia’s house. It was a two storied building , peach colored with white windows.

“Mmm just as sweet as she is” My mind started off again.

I wanted to call her but it might make her feel that I was desperate. But I didn’t want to waste time. Word spread like wildfire and I feared that the paparazzi would be chasing us in no time. I had to be out before that and I can’t leave her here. The witch duo would do everything in their power to make her life a nightmare.

“Not on my watch” I gritted.

Was it guilt? Or was I actually starting to feel for..No I can’t. I know it’s just an infatuation. This will be over as soon as we reach London. Then she can go her way and so would I. No strings attached.

My phone rang and it was her. Was it telepathy? Or did she see my car?

It was 15 minutes to 1, I looked at my watch and picked it up.

“Hello Sia”

“Are you waiting in a Black Audi outside my house?”

“Well I am doing fine and yes I am waiting” I tried humor.

“I thought so” Suspicion was clear in her voice.

“I ll be there in 5 minutes” she continued after a short pause.

“No issues. Take your time “.

After few moments I saw her. Dressed in grey full sleeve blouse, denims and white converse, she was looking pretty cute. Although my experience mostly included girls with revealing dresses, high heels, blood red appealing lipsticks, but this girl was an exception. I got out of the car to get a full view of her innocent stature, and quickly went over to open the other door for her.

She approached with a shy smile and I smiled back.

“Can you just kiss her?” my mind pleaded.

“Sweet” I muttered looking into her eyes.

“Sorry?” Sia asked

“So how are you doing today?” I coughed and tried to cover up.

“I am fine. Let’s go!” She said.

“Sure.” I closed the car door as she got seated in the front seat beside me.

I got to the driver’s seat, and started the engine.

The speed increased gradually as we approached the highway. My car smelled like lavender and the source of it was off course, her.

She was looking towards the road with her large eyes. Usually girls get fascinated by the model of cars that I drive and they can’t stop blabbering about it. But she didn’t bother to ask anything.

“Did you tell your parents about us?” I asked.

“Us?” She looked confused.

“Uh I mean about us going out for a friendly date” Okay I had to choose my words wisely.

“Yeah I said I was going out with a friend”

“Oh okay. Thanks”

“For what?”

“For willing to come with me. I know it is very sudden and you might be thinking..”

“That’s fine. Don’t worry”

We reached our destination in almost 20 minutes.

Chilo’s was comparatively less crowded than other days. It was co-owned by me and my father and I had seen it since it was constructed. Hence this was a safe place for us.

“Welcome Sir! Such a long time! ” Maria Gomez smiled at me.

She was the manager here.

“Welcome Ma’am! Please come in!” then she greeted Sia.

We got seated at the corner table having a riverside view. Sia stared at the scenery in front of her with those black innocent eyes.

“Nature lover ha?” I chimed

“Sort of” her voice was as sweet as sugar.

We both smiled at each other.

Maria served us water and handed over the menu.

A strand of hair fell on her cheek covering the left side of her face as she started browsing the menu and I had this sudden urge to move it behind her ear. After all, it was blocking my view.

“So what would you like to have?” I asked.

“Honestly I am confused. There are so many options.”

“You can try the fish and chips. Its our..I mean their specialty” I usually don’t stumble like that. Actually, I don’t stumble at all. But this girl had an enchanting effect on me.

“Oh great! Fish and chips then.” She nodded with a smile

As Maria left, I started off.

“Sia I need to tell you something.”

“Yeah go ahead”

“First of all , apologies for behaving in such a manner that day. It was inappropriate but it was the best I could think of.”

“No more apologies needed.” Her smile made me want to hug her once more. Only bit more tighter this time.

“You should know that Smriti’s family is very influential and you are on their hit list now as you are with me”

“Sorry I didn’t get you”

“Let me explain. Smriti’s father owns half the cities’ plots and is a known land mafia. He will do everything in his power to hook his daughter to me. So, I want you to come with me to London after our court marriage to show them that we are together, so that they won’t dare bother you or your family at all.”

She was shocked as expected.

“Are you insane? I don’t even know you properly and..”

“Sia please! We don’t have time for this. I know it sounds ridiculous but that’s the only solution!”

“I am sure there are other solutions as well”

“Yes there are. Letting him destroy you completely. Are you ready for that?”

“Please Shourya! Whatever you are saying is just…”

I didn’t know that my name could sound so sweet. I couldn’t process her words further in my head. It was surprising, as her constant disagreement didn’t feel annoying at all. Instead, my mind nagged me to make her sit on my lap and listen to her “Please Shourya” the whole day, while kissing her continuously...