Page 43 of 12 Years
Payal played with her glass of water.
‘I thought we had an amazing evening that day,’ I said.
‘It was just too much.’
‘I know. I admit that. We went too far, way too soon. But it just felt like we have this insane chemistry and—’
‘Saket,’ she interrupted me, ‘please understand … I’ve not done anything like this. With anyone. And then …’
‘Then what?’
‘I felt so guilty the next day.’
‘Why did you feel guilty? We’re both single and we both like each other. That’s what happens when a man and a woman like each other.’
‘This stuff should ideally happen after marriage. At least that’s what I’ve been brought up to believe.’
‘Are you serious? Look at all the couples in this restaurant. Most of them are not married. You think they aren’t going to do anything tonight?’
Payal looked around. Two tables ahead of us, a young twenty-something couple was kissing.
‘I’m not that kind of girl,’ Payal said.
‘Neither is the girl at that table. She’s just kissing her boyfriend.’
‘But we aren’t even boyfriend and girlfriend,’ Payal said in a high-pitched voice.
‘Calm down,’ I said. ‘Please. Don’t be upset.’ I placed my hand on hers, but she pulled her hand away.
‘Did you eat dinner?’ I said.
She remained quiet. After a minute, she shook her head.
‘Let’s eat some food. People are allowed to do that, right?’
Without waiting for her to respond, I summoned a waiter. ‘Madam is Jain. What can we order?’ I said.
The waiter suggested we order either a pizza or Indian vegetarian fare, made Jain-style. I chose the latter, ordering a yellow dal, paneer masala and rotis. ‘Also, can you get some peanuts without the onion?’ I said.
‘And a glass of white wine,’ Payal said.
The waiter nodded and left.
‘Thanks,’ she said, looking down at her hands.
‘Don’t be so formal,’ I said. ‘And may I say something?’
She looked up.
‘I hear what you feel about that evening. I get it. I know how it must’ve come across.’
‘How?’
‘Me, an older man, married and then divorced. You doing things for the first time. Sort of creepy on paper.’
‘I …’ Payal said after a pause, ‘I wouldn’t say it was creepy. But it was a bit fast.’
‘I agree.’
