A Perfect Match

"Heyy! Are you Naina?" I was forced to walk up to a tall, beautiful woman who was supposed to be traveling with me. Why? Because we were going to our common friend's wedding. She happened to be the bride's best friend who lives in Mumbai. And as expected, since there wasn't much difference in the landing times, I was given this unwanted task of accompanying her to the destination. From Cochin Airport to Thekkady.

She looked at me from top to bottom. Thought for a minute and then finally decided to recognize me. "You are Jay? Gayatri's fiance's friend?" She asked.

"Yes. Thanks for recognizing me. We have to travel to Thekkady from here. Together!" I tried my PJ.

She looked around her at the passengers who were hustling near the conveyor belt and rushing past us. She narrowed her eyes and then got straight to the point. "So, are we taking the bus or booking a cab?"

And she got me there. I didn't decide it before and it never struck me to think about it beforehand. I can't waste my time now tossing between the two. I took a deep breath.

There was a mischievous smile on Naina's lips. And then she started laughing.

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing!"She replied, "Just that you men are all the same!"

"Really? Explain please!" I made a face.

"You don't know how are we going to reach there. Right?" She asked.

I looked down and started scratching my head.

"It will take four hours to reach." She said while checking something on her phone.

"I guess we better take a cab from here. Reaching the bus stand would take unnecessary time if there's traffic." I said.

"Ohh! not so dumb after all." She snapped. "So what are we waiting for?"

Miss smarty acted like she's too smart. Fine. I shall get my time as well, I said to myself and walked to the booking counter. In few minutes, we were inside the car.

Kerala has got a charm of its own. The meadows, the lush green trees, and bushes are just a treat to the eyes. It was 12 in the noon, and the green color in the daylight was shining even more. For some time, we both forgot that we have got company. The breeze was too fresh and pure and I tried counting the hues of green on the leaves.

"Heyy, can you halt for a sec?" Naina's voice broke the silence. The mountains had started and there was a stream on the other side of the road. She was preparing her DSLR to capture that scenery. I almost remember that she was a photographer.

She got down from the car. So did I, though I had nothing to do. I watched her, cross the road and took snaps from different angles and I kept on watching her. A car rushed past her and I almost screamed.

"How careless Naina? What if something happened?" I scolded her.

She got startled for a second but then smiled. An assuring one.

I felt embarrassed. Well, we had hardly met and I really can't scold her. I tried correcting, "No, like, I mean...." I tailed off.

"That's totally fine. I know I am careless." She made a face and we started again.

"So, what you do?" She asked.

"No more silence then, nice." I thought to myself.

"IT engineer. Working in a private firm in Noida." I replied.

She sighed, "Same old stuff. Nothing new."

"Ohh! What would sound interesting then?" I asked sarcastically.

"I see...." She tried faking a thoughtful face. "Tell me you have crossed the English Channel or climbed Everest!"

"Sorry, neither a swimmer nor a mountaineer!" I said.

"Tried biking on the road to Manali or Ladakh?" She asked excitedly.

"Nopes," I said.

"Bungee jumping in Hrishikesh?"

"Uh noo!"

"Scuba diving in Port Blair or Havelock or Goa?"

"No."

"Drove through the Green Velvet in Maharashtra?"

"No!"

"Spent a moonlit night in a camp at Rann?"

"Umm... no!"

Did you ever do anything exciting in your entire life?" Naina frowned.

"Well, this is my first trip in the last 10 years. The last time, I went to Darjeeling with my school friends after the 12th board exams." I said calmly.

Silence again made its place in the car. Even the driver started giggling listening to our conversation.

"Congrats! Mr. Otaku!" She replied with a heavy sigh.

"Otaku? What's that?" I asked.

"Don't tell me you don't know the word 'Otaku'?" She made a sorry face.

I blushed. "You are right. Never heard of that."

"God!!!! Help me!" Naina waved her hands in the air looking upwards. "Google it."

I did search the word, actually. Otaku refers to a person who is only interested or obsessive about one thing and is never interested in the pleasures of the world. In Japanese, it is specifically used for anime or manga cartoon lovers, but in English, it is used for all those things a person is obsessed about.

But the question was, I still didn't know how did I resemble one.

"How exactly am I an 'Otaku'? I said, quoting with my fingers.

"You are obsessed with your software and coding and bla bla bla and don't care about anything else."

"How do you know I don't care about anything else? I might have other interests as well?" I tried being serious.

"Oh really?" She moved in the seat to face me, looking directly into my eyes. "Another set of questions then."

"Why do I feel like I am being forced into CAT exams of 200 questions, and all I am scoring is a zero?" I too had adjusted my position to face her.

"And I swear that you are scoring a -90." She was still staring at me.

I buried my face into my hands. I knew girls are talkative. But never realized they can be so curious. Why on the earth was I recalling the silence that was there until a few minutes ago since we left Cochin airport.

But she was something. It felt like she had a world inside of her. It was altogether a different feeling. Was I having a crush on her? Maybe.

There was a loud honking by a truck trying to overtake us, and I was brought back to the real world. She was still waiting.

I smiled and said, "Fine, go ahead!"

"When did you get your first girlfriend?"

"Never had one."

She gaped at me for complete 70 seconds.

Adding an extra layer of icing on the top, driver started laughing loudly. We both remembered that he was actually listening to us intently since the beginning of the conversation.

"Yeah, fine." I snapped at him, a little irritated, "You can enjoy your sadistic pleasure later."

Naina joined him. And laughed for around ten minutes at my misery.

"Okay, forget about a girlfriend," She continued, "Ever been to some fest, exhibition, book fairs, films, concerts?"

"Hardly got time to be an art lover."

My phone rang. It was my friend's call.

"Where are you guys? You forgot to ring me when you had started. I knew you would."

"I am so sorry, Ajith. Yes, I did forget. Please pardon." I tried saying in a sheepish voice.

"Yeah, whatever. How long will it take?" He snapped.

I looked at my watch and out of the window. The car was going down the circular roads of the valley. It was breathtaking.

"15 minutes, I guess," I replied.

"Great. We are waiting." And I disconnected the call.

"Are we continuing?" I asked Naina.

"Hmm? Ohh, no. Enough information for today. I will always remember meeting a person who's not so thriving." She remarked sarcastically.

This time I laughed, and we both dived into the beauty of the green mountains covered in clouds.

In no time, we were at the gate. It was a huge mansion and my friend Ajith and his fiance, Gayatri, both decided to make it a destination wedding. The house was decorated with yellow and white marigolds and chrysanthemum pots in the veranda. Gayatri came running and hugged Naina tightly. Girl things.

Gayatri finally noticed me. "Heyy, Jay!" We embraced each other. "You look even more handsome, you know!" She winked.

"Where's your hubby?" I asked.

"There's still one day you know! Soon to be husband." And laughed at her joke.

"Heyy buddy! Good lord, I thought like every other time you would say you didn't get your leave approved." Ajith gave a hard punch on my arm.

"Yeah, that's a wonder seriously. Given his record of traveling in the last 10 years!" Naina interrupted and shrugged. My face might have turned red. I didn't remember.

Ajith and Gayatri exchanged glances and a mysterious smile. And then I made a final attempt to escape my embarrassment. "So, am I allowed to enter, or I have to stay here at the gate?"

"Oh no no, I am so sorry. You must be tired. Make yourself comfortable. We will meet in the evening."

Gayatri said the entire sentence in one breath and took Naina with her.

"So, Mr. Jay!" Ajith was grinning wide.

"What?" I looked at him.

"Looks like you both had a nice loooonnngggg drive!" Ajith started laughing.

I made a face and walked away. But I was all happy. For the first time, happy without reason.

After this long drive, days went with the blink of an eye. With all the ceremonies, celebrations, chirpy and cheery people all around, two families busy in festivity, I was quietly observing and absorbing every moment. Naina was right. I never had the thrive. Maybe, I could have been interesting as a person. Again, I had no clue, why in the name of God, I kept on thinking about her.

I felt a soft hand on my shoulder.

"Heyy, Mr. Bore." It was Naina.

"Ohh, Hii!" I wished back.

"Looks like you didn't find a company either." She said.

"I don't mind being alone. Are you feeling awkward?" I asked.

"Maybe." She paused. "Actually, yes. I don't know anyone except Gayatri, and she's the bride here, so..." She tailed off.

And then she took my hand and said, "Come with me. I am getting bored. Lemme show you something."

Before I could have thought or said something, she dragged me out and we were walking up the narrow lanes of the valley.

"At least tell me where you are taking me, Naina!" I was going breathless while keeping up with her speed.

"Patience." She snapped.

After walking for ten minutes, we were at the top of a hill, and the view that I got to see took my breath away. My eyes kept staring at the scenery. I wanted to hold it in my eyes forever.

The street lights looking like fireflies, the small houses with small windows, shining like stars. The breeze was blowing over my face. It was soothing.

It felt like an eternity there. Suddenly, the reality dawned upon us. We were still holding hands. I looked into her eyes for a while. Couldn't form any words. But we felt good and stayed like that.

We sat down on a rock. After filling my voids with more of the serenity, I said, "Thank You, Naina."

"For what?" She asked, genuinely surprised.

"I am loving this. Every inch, every part of this. It's...." I breathed and started again, "It's beyond imagination. Beyond beautiful."

I felt like she smiled. It was dark, I couldn't make out properly.

"Gayatri and Ajith, I am so happy for them. Aren't they a perfect match?" Naina started.

"Yes, really. A perfect match." I replied.

"Are you scared of living your life?" She asked.

"Are you always so curious? You feel like a question paper, seriously!" My joke was successful this time. She laughed her heart out.

"Sort of. I like asking questions. Sometimes, I get answers for myself." She replied.

"Makes sense. So you and Gayatri are childhood friends?" I continued.

"Yeah. We were both sent to boarding school in Dehradoon by our parents. We connected instantly. Since then, we are sharing everything. Feelings, secrets, moments. Except for husband!" And she giggled again, thinking it was a good joke. I smiled at her innocence.

"Are you Ajith's childhood friends?" Naina continued.

"No. College mates. Rest, sort of similar story."

"Why do you give one word and one sentence answers?" She turned to look at me.

"Anything wrong with that?" I asked.

"It's weird." She exclaimed, "I give you such an elaborate answer, and all you do is end the talk in five seconds."

"But I am a good listener. I am all ears when someone wants to share anything." I said calmly.

"Yeah, that's that." She replied and we got silent once again.

After sitting there for 20-25 minutes more, we got up.

"You must be taken, I guess?" We were walking down to the wedding house.

"Me?" Naina asked surprisingly.

"Well, I cannot ask that tree if it's single, you know."

"Haha, very funny." Naina imitated, "And I am single. I had someone but then parted ways."

"Why?" And instantly realized the inappropriateness of my tone, "I mean if it's fine to ask."

"Yes, you are allowed to ask. He got married to someone else. It took him three years to analyze that he cannot go against his parents and marry me."

"That's rude of him," I said with pity in my voice.

"It's fine. It's in the past, and I live in the present." She replied.

We were going to our rooms when someone called from behind and cleared her throat. I looked back. "Gayatri?" She was grinning foolishly. "So someone found company! So sweet!"

I looked at Naina. For the first time, I saw her cheeks turned pink. I didn't know what to make of it.

Without saying much, we bid adieu and left.

The wedding day arrived. The wedding was at 6 in the morning. I had to wear the traditional golden border white dhoti with my shirt. It was weird but fun.

Naina was dressed in a white saree with a golden border and white jasmine tucked in her hair. I kept gazing at her. She blushed and then went with Gayatri.

Ajith and Gayatri were finally in the courtship. The day went by with all the remaining ceremonies. Everyone was leaving for Cochin the next day for the reception.

We both exchanged glances whenever we crossed each other. I sort of missed her. It felt like we knew each other for ages and were forced to stay away from each other.

Ajith's family booked two big Volvo buses for the guests. I went with Ajith and Naina with Gayatri. As the bus started, I captured a window seat and drifted straight into the beauty of nature.

"Naina is a nice girl, Jay!" I didn't notice Ajith coming to me and sitting beside me.

"Yes, she is nice." I tried taking it coolly.

"Don't pretend. And that's perfectly fine. Come on, your friend got married, and you are not even ready to think about relationships yet, seriously!" Ajith frowned.

"But it's only two to three days. It's too soon to conclude." I replied with nervousness in a voice.

"All that I have learned by observing people is that you can spend silver jubilee with each other and still don't feel like staying with each other, just like our grannies and grandpas in an arranged marriage, or you can connect in a second and know if you can be with each other." Ajith finished saying and waited for a response.

My mind, though, went blank after listening to such words of wisdom from my friend. I was sure that I could spend my life with her, but I should know first what she feels about me. And I conveyed these thoughts to him.

"Oh God, for once only why can't you escape your overthinking? She's isn't going to eat you. Take the plunge man! You both are a perfect match." He snapped at me.

"Perfect match!" I repeated the words and started laughing.

"What?" He asked.

"No, nothing." I looked outside and tried taking in some fresh air. "Fine, I will think about it."

"Good." Ajith patted my shoulders and went to attend to other guests.

We reached Cochin by afternoon. The reception too was a great show. The couple looked beautiful in their traditional dresses.

"Are you too leaving tomorrow?" Naina asked. We were in the dining area.

"Yes. You too?"

She nodded in a yes. "When's your flight?" I asked.

"8:40 am." She replied.

"Too early?"

"Yes, too early!" We both kept silent. We both went back to our rooms after a while.

It was perhaps 7:00 in the morning. Someone rang the bell. I opened the door. A housekeeper was standing with an envelope in his hand.

"Someone had left this for you." The man handed the envelope and left. I came inside and opened it. I was shocked to see what was there.

It was pictures of me at the wedding. A paper fell on my lap. I picked it up and started reading.

"Hey, Mr. Bore!

But guess what? You are not boring. I had my best moments with you. I sneaked out in the evening before the reception and almost threatened the studio man to give it to me in an hour. Lol. You look as good as your heart in these snaps.

Well, I don't know if it would make sense. As Monica says in F.R.I.E.N.D.S, there's a reason why girls don't do it. But do you think, we can be together?

I know it might be too soon for you, and it must have come as a surprise. But you are allowed to take your call.

And just to remain as friends, here's my number."

I knew what I had to do. My flight was at 12, but I had to leave then. I packed my bag, left a note for Ajith and Gayatri, and started. I had only half an hour to reach the airport. And the rest of the events were no less than a film. I ran through the boarding pass counters and everything. Ran past people who were cursing me and finally found the departure gate for the Mumbai flight and Naina at the final security check-in.

"Naina!" I yelled her name like a fool. Everyone stared at me. She waved, and I went to her.

"Looks like I have got only 1 min and 30 seconds. Yes, I love you since the time we met in the car. And I want to spend my entire life with you. I have texted you my number. You are my first love, and I want it to be my last." They were calling her name. "Bye. See you soon."

"Wait!" Naina interrupted. "My goodness, you are telling our love story to your one-year-old daughter in the name of bedtime stories?"

"So what? She should know her mother was brave enough to propose first!" I winked.

Naina sat beside me and said, "Then tell her to be more like me and less like you!"

We both laughed.

And that's how for each other, we found a perfect match!