Page 59 of 12 Years

---

‘What are you wearing tonight?’

‘What?’

‘Tell me what you are going to wear tonight.’

‘How does it matter?’

‘Just tell me.’

‘Salwar kameez.’

‘There you go. You’re dressing traditionally. Like a good prospective bahu.’

‘Relax, Saket. Mom wanted me to wear a saree, but I said salwar kameez is fine.’

‘Wow, okay, there was a dress code that had been planned.’

‘I’ll handle it, Saket. It’s. Under. Control,’ Payal said, pausing after each word.

‘Tell me more about this Parimal.’

‘I don’t know him so well.’

‘I thought you guys were family friends.’

‘Our parents are. I haven’t been in touch with Parimal in years.’

‘But you know him?’

‘I knew him when I was a kid. As Parimal bhaiya. Can you imagine?’

The mention of the word ‘bhaiya’ triggered rakhi-brother memories. ‘Yes, I can imagine it quite well actually,’ I said in a serious tone.

‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ Payal said, as she understood the context. ‘I didn’t mean it like that at all. I barely interacted with him.’

‘Fine. Let’s hope you get to interact with him properly today.’

‘Stop it! It’s a formality. I need to get through a family dinner, that’s all.’

‘Fine.’

‘I’ll talk to Parimal personally. I’ll tell him it’s not going to work out. He’ll understand and back out.’

‘If you say so.’

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

‘Who in their right mind would back out of being with someone like you?’

‘Aww. Is that a compliment? That’s sweet. Miss me?’

‘No, I don’t. Bye, and have fun at your dinner.’

‘Are you jealous?’

‘No.’

‘A little?’ Payal said, sniggering.

---