26-06-2020, 06:46 PM
The following morning, an email was already waiting in the inbox. It came from the couple that had already sent a picture. This couple suggested meeting on the following Sunday. Aarti checked with Nagesh. He was in agreement.
In her earlier correspondence with them, this couple had identified themselves to Aarti as Sandeep and Supriya. She said they lived in a nearby town but gave little information other than a rough distance and direction. Aarti was equally cautious. Nevertheless, they agreed to meet in a restaurant that was roughly halfway between their vaguely indicated locations. She assumed that the couple's first names were fictional. She had taken similar precautions. They assumed the Prachi and Manoj personas.
Aarti and Nagesh arrived at the restaurant a few minutes early. They took seats in the corner opposite the doorway so that they could watch out for them.
At 1:00, there was no Sandeep and Supriya, not at 1:15 and still not at 1:30.
"I think we've been stood up," Nagesh finally said. "Let's order some food and then go home."
He had just completed his sentence when Aarti elbowed him in the ribs. She nodded toward they door. They had finally arrived.
As they approached, Aarti and Nagesh immediately sensed tension between them. Supriya had a scowl on her face. Aarti and Nagesh glanced at each other. Both thought and knew what the other was thinking. This was not good.
Sandeep introduced himself and his wife. They sat down. All four ordered their meals.
For a while, they exchanged pleasantries, talking mainly about their families and interests. But it soon became apparent to Aarti and Nagesh that Sandeep was doing most of the talking. His wife was obviously sulking. Sandeep also came across as a poor listener. He talked mostly about himself. He made little effort to involve his wife in the conversation.
In her earlier correspondence with them, this couple had identified themselves to Aarti as Sandeep and Supriya. She said they lived in a nearby town but gave little information other than a rough distance and direction. Aarti was equally cautious. Nevertheless, they agreed to meet in a restaurant that was roughly halfway between their vaguely indicated locations. She assumed that the couple's first names were fictional. She had taken similar precautions. They assumed the Prachi and Manoj personas.
Aarti and Nagesh arrived at the restaurant a few minutes early. They took seats in the corner opposite the doorway so that they could watch out for them.
At 1:00, there was no Sandeep and Supriya, not at 1:15 and still not at 1:30.
"I think we've been stood up," Nagesh finally said. "Let's order some food and then go home."
He had just completed his sentence when Aarti elbowed him in the ribs. She nodded toward they door. They had finally arrived.
As they approached, Aarti and Nagesh immediately sensed tension between them. Supriya had a scowl on her face. Aarti and Nagesh glanced at each other. Both thought and knew what the other was thinking. This was not good.
Sandeep introduced himself and his wife. They sat down. All four ordered their meals.
For a while, they exchanged pleasantries, talking mainly about their families and interests. But it soon became apparent to Aarti and Nagesh that Sandeep was doing most of the talking. His wife was obviously sulking. Sandeep also came across as a poor listener. He talked mostly about himself. He made little effort to involve his wife in the conversation.
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