Part 31--Scoop of Life---Dare?

India Habitat Center
Feb 2nd 2011
5:02 PM

Raghav: Can I see you on Saturday Radhika?
The now familiar uneasiness takes over. It wasnt like this at all with her boyfriend. She was pursued like crazy and she enjoyed it to the fullest and relented after a few weeks.
Her thoughts raced violating the speed limit inside her brain, something told her to say "YES" her gut feeling yelled "If you say no, he is going to move on" "Yep! He will not pursue you!"
She picked up her tea, sipped it slowly " Its the last day of the seminar, we might have a farewelll dinner for the delegates, all funded by the sponsors, (smiles at her tea) Who wants to give that up, right?"
She was known to do reckless things all the time, to the point of endangering herself........ once showing up at a rave party at North Delhi upon insistence of a class mate from Eastern Europe....... going away on a day long trip to the Taj with people she hardly knew........ walking once at midnite from DU to ITO on a dare..........

He does not repeat the question.......neither was he fazed by the unending chatter
A canteen boy brings her, her change, Rs.20 and some coins, she drops one, picks it up.
Radhika: I cant meet before 8 (blurts)
Her insides knotted up and plunged 15 floors on heaing her say that.
He tilts his head a lil to acknowledge
If he was happy she accepted, he did not show it........
He just drank the tea, and set his cup down on a table that had a tray with some soiled cups already on it........
They both dont say anything for a few moments......
Just a few though....... they start walking towards the elevator
Radz: I really liked the West Africa Water Initiative programs (WAWI). Some of that could work really well for us here in India. I am happy so many are putting energy and effort into this cause tho (proud)
There are many people she knows, she exchanges a few words politely and lavishly in cases......
When they get off at 5 she leads the way to the AV hall, to watch the movie.
They are joined now by people she routinely works with, so they dont get to talk about their prospective date.
The movie has begun at 5, they find seats in the last row.......

It ends a lil shy of 6, they turn the lights back on
Radz: I LOVED it, what did you think?
Raghav: Pretty good (muted)
Radz: I cant wait for all the networks to air it at prime time. What a show! Phew!!
They walk back to her NGO's booth/ stall, so she can collect her things......
She has to go back to work, Arindam is winding up with a crew member
He turns and looks at her, is curious about her escort......
Radz: Hi! I am off to Malviya Nagar, main kuch lekar aaoon kal ke liye?
Arin: Nahi dono Om aur Dayal, (peons) sab load kar chuke hain auto mein, just make sure you meet with Luuk Stiijn at 11 tomorrow?
He walks up to them curious about Radz's love life........
Radz: I loved the AV Arin, is there any way we can get to play a part in the next one, NO NOT ACTING...... U know, our work?
Arin: (ignoring her babble) Hi! I am Arindam Dey, Program Director, and u would be?
Raghav: Raghav Kapoor (extends his hand for the shake thats offered)
Arin looks at Radhika, she could have been trying to hide a  blush, if he didnt know her better he would have thought that, but he knew her very well........... yet...... hmmm......
Arin: Did you like the seminar?
Raghav nods, Arin waits for words, and continues to wait........
Raghav: I better go if I am going to turn in that report before midnite
Arin's face takes on a mischievous smile he is confused yet suspects something was happening.......
She makes a labored attempt to collect her stuff, avoiding Arin's eyes altogether
Radz: Did you buy keepsakes, momentos and tees etc, we make most of our money through that you know (laughs)
Raghav: Oh?
Radz: You should atleast spend a grand or two on it, I can show you what I liked most, yes its yet another 2011 calendar (giggles)
Arin acts busy watching the two secretly
Radz: Bye, Arin, see you in the morning Mr Boss Sir!
Arin: Yes, Ms Employee Maam.......
Raghav stretches his hand offering to carry one of her boxes.
Radz: Bahut heavy hai, isme aaj tak ke saare projects hain (giggles), waise dono pakad sakte ho tum, yeh lo (heaves and sighs and hands it over).
His fingers are long and tapering not short or stubby or muscular....... "no rings" Phew!" she wipes her brow imaginarily...... as the churning begins in her belly....

Arin: Good to meet you man!
Raghav: Likewise.......
They get off the elevator and she walks towards her car in the basement parking lot, sets her other bags down and unlocks her trunk, its already filled with stuff.... she points to a nook, he neatly places the boxes in there and places her bags on top.......
She is done jabbering, gets a drink of water.........
Radhika: Ceremonially (laughs) I end each day with a swig of this (points to her bottle) tumhe chahiye paani?
Reaches for another full bottle at the back........
He shakes his head
Raghav: I have your business card, Radhika,do you want me to pick u up from here or elsewhere?