46
I met Ananya at Punjabi by Nature in Vasant Vihar. I should have thought of a
better-named venue, given her current mental state. However, the location was
convenient and the food excellent.
‘What is the point of me attending these family events, I feel so awkward,’
Ananya began.
‘It’s one more ceremony – the actual wedding. Don’t worry, tomorrow my aunts
will be more used to you. Once my mother sees them accepting you, she is more
likely to say yes.’
‘I think she wants a set of car keys more than anyone’s approval,’ Ananya said.
‘No, my mother is not like that. She doesn’t want the car, but she wants her
siblings to appreciate she managed a car. Get it?’
‘Not really,’ Ananya shook her head.
The waiter came to take the order. We ordered one paranthas, which came with
enough butter to stop your heart instantly. We ate dinner as we contemplated our
next move.
‘Sir, would you like to try our golgappas with vodka?’ the waiter said.
‘What?’ Ananya said.
‘No thanks,’ I told the waiter and turned to Ananya. ‘It is a gimmick. Trust me,
Punjabis don’t do that on a regular basis.’
‘I am going back to Chennai in two days,’ Ananya said.
‘I know. But I will speak to mom, maybe even my uncles, after the wedding. I
want to lock this in,’ I said.
‘What about your dad?’ Ananya said.
‘He won’t agree. We’ll have the wedding without him. Aren’t mom’s side
relatives enough?’
‘They are more than enough. Each talks more than ten of my relatives. Still.’