Page 58 of 12 Years

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‘Yeah. Anyway, what happened? Why am I not seeing you tonight?’

‘I’ve to go to my parents’ house.’

‘On a Wednesday night?’

‘Yeah. There’s a tricky situation at home. But I’m handling it.’

‘What situation?’

‘Don’t freak out, okay? But that kamaal ka rishta Mom was talking about?’

‘What about it?’

‘It’s a bit complicated …’

‘What do you mean?’ I said.

‘This rishta is from Jignesh uncle’s side.’

‘Who?’

‘Jignesh Jain. Dad’s longtime accountant.’

‘So?’

‘We’re also close family friends. My parents have known Jignesh uncle and Supriya aunty for decades.’

The cab entered Pali Hill, and I reached my apartment building.

‘Wait, I have to take the lift. Let me call once I reach upstairs.’

I look the elevator up to the fifth floor and called Payal again the minute I entered the flat. ‘Go on,’ I said.

‘Yeah, so the complication is that it’s Parimal.’

‘Who’s Parimal now?’

‘Jignesh uncle’s son. He’s the rishta.’

‘Kamaal ka rishta apparently.’

‘There’s nothing kamaal ka about him. However, my parents are damn excited, only because my mother and Supriya aunty are great friends. Jignesh uncle and my dad also meet each other socially once every week.’

‘What does all this mean, Payal?’

‘It means that I have to meet them tonight … Spend an evening with them. They’re coming home. I can’t not show up.’

‘“They” as in Jignesh uncle and Supriya aunty?’

‘Parimal also.’

‘Oh. Okay, so the boy’s side is coming over to see you. It’s getting formal.’

‘It’s not like that, Saket.’

‘What’s it like then?’

‘Just dinner with some guests at home.’

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