Meeting
She tripped over the steps. Her hand tried to hold the railings. A strong hand helped her. "Careful dear ….watch your step". She thanked the gentleman as she regained her posture. "You seem to be frolicking like a kid" he commented. "What do you mean? Like a kid? I am one". " Now dear " she said shaking her head, "Don't ever count the grey hairs on your head. Its the state of your mind!" The gentleman raised his eyebrows. "And who says that?" he asked.
My best friend dear …my best friend .. she said with a smile that lighted up her face.
"And who is that may I know?" He queried. Was he being too inquisitive? She wondered still she couldn't hold back her happiness. Within minutes he would be here. He had promised. And she knew he was one who would never break a promise.
He walked along with her up the stairs. He was watching her enthusiasm, she could feel that. Why was he smiling so, she wondered. She was thrilled at the prospect of meeting her friend. They had been chatting for almost a year now, and she expressed a desire to meet him. He was arriving at Baroda for an official meeting he said, and promised to meet her here just before catching the next flight back.
"How will you recognize me?" she had asked. "Leave that to me" he had told. She wondered what his plan was. He loved to give surprises and she wondered what he would spring this time.
"Would you like to join me for a cup of coffee?" the gentleman asked her. "You have 15 minutes left to meet your friend".
"Did I tell you so?" she looked at him quizzically.
"Didn't you?" he asked playfully.
They entered the AC dining hall. She looked around. Hubby had vanished probably for a smoke grrrr. She felt a bit strange and why was this gentleman so friendly? She wished her hubby would come soon.
They sat down at the table. He made her at ease and asked more about her friend. She was a trifle irritated when he mentioned the ills of net chatting. She was sure her best friend was a cut above the rest. And why was this stranger so interested in advising her? Oh she wished her hubby would come back soon.
"Hello Arvind ! " she heard the voice of her husband booming from behind. She stared at the gentleman as he stood up and shook hands with her husband.
As she pouted with a glaring look to both of them, she heard Arvind say " Thanks for that photo, I could spot her easily"!
