Part 67--Scoop of Life--When?

March 2011
Pandara Rd Coffee Shop

7:57 AM
Her fingers inched closer.... he watched as they approached...
"YOu dont make any attempts to see me" she accused suddenly, withdrawing
He looked at her startled....
"Jab main kehti hoon, tum mil lete ho, jab main call nahi karti tum meri koi care nahi karte"pulls his plate closer, just as he is chopping his omelette
"Thats not true, Radhika!" he protests softly smiling...
"I have 10s of nicknames, mujhe Radhika kyon kehte ho tum?"
He looks at her baffled....
"Tum mujhe hamesha Radhika bulaate ho, aur koi nahi," she appears ready for a fight he notices
"Is there another name?" he asks innocently
She grabs his fork dangling the piece of omelette.... "Not funny!" as she eats...
Her pancakes arrive.....
"People call me Radz, Radhoo, Radha, Rad, Radhi, or Raks, I notice tum mujhe koi nick name se nahi bulaate"
He sips his coffee, and watches her claim both plates as hers...
"Do your parents know?" he asks
"I told my Mom" she admits guiltily
"And your Dad?" her head is bent she doesnt notice the curiosity in his face
"Papa mere kisi baat se upset nahi hote, aaj main tumhe ghar lekar jaaoon aur boloon yeh mera boyfriend hai Papa tumhe kuch nahi kahenge" gigles smugly as she grips his hand spontaneously....
He grips back....
They both look at each other....
"To chalen ghar?" he asks smiling
"ABHI?" she asks shocked.... "Ma to shock mein kuch bolengi nahi, subah ka time hamare ghar mein ekdum crazy rehta hai, aaj to zyaada, Rachu bhayya aur ananya bhabhi kal raat ko ghar par ruke, Panchsheel mein paani ka problem. Aaj to hamara ghar ekdum crazy hoga. Koi tumse baat bhi nahi karega"
He slowly caresses her fingers as she rambles and gushes and chatters....... about Panchsheel and Saket and water problems and about how she walked one nite from her home to her Bhayya's after fighting with her "Ma"
She talks about her help "Gopi" about how Ritwik and her got drunk one nite and slept in the balcony and how Gopi entered the house in the morning and thought they were burglars............
She laughs gesticulates, waves her one free hand anmatedly, he chews and smiles and sips............reaches and wipes off a smidgeon of maple syrup from her cheek... her nose ring sparkles as she shakes her head evading his hand...her eyes dancing..... teasing him..... he reaches confidently letting go of her other hand.... cups the back of her neck with his left hand and gently wipes off the syrup as she stares...........he wanted to kick the table in between and kiss her............. it looked like she did too.........
"We will get thrown out" she whispers reading his mind....
"You think so?" he asks staring at her lips.......
"We should make out in my room"  "I have two new pillows" she exclaims...
"When?" he asks hoarsely..... hungering

Part 66--Scoop of Life--Awake

Part 66
March 2nd 2011
Wednesday
Saket

6:14 AM
She dials his number ,e he picks up on the 4th ring "Are you asleep?" she asks seriously!
He smiles, still buried in the pillow.... "Now awake" he responds....
They both dont say anything for a few minutes....
"radhika?" he calls out....
"Mujhse miloge? she asks earnestly....
"Kahan?" he agrees
"Brewer's Delight in Pandara Road?" she says sleep drugged
"Kitni der mein?" he wants to know
"20 minute?"
He chuckles....
She gets ready while she talks to him, her voice sounds agitated, she switches from topic to topic to topic.......... her tone high pitched to hushed.... alternatively
"Tum kuch bol kyon nahi rahe?" "Abhi bhi gussa ho?" she asks, recalling their Maurya fight.
He has bad memory he cant remember....
"Nahi " he says gently
"Phir milo na" begs...
He is awake at that tone.... imagines her by him on the bed
*******
Brewer's Delight
"I want cinnamon sugar, a dash of cream and regular" she is very specific as she stares at it being brewed... he reads the headlines on the Times of India....
"Nobody is happy with the Rail Budget" he comments
"Thats exactly what we should be talking right now" miffed.
He reaches out and touches her waist.....
Startled she backs off for a second.... turns red realizing .....
Lets him be as close as he can get......
She is wearing pink track pants and skinny tee in orange.... he is wearing elongated shorts and a collarless "Apple" tee.
"I LOVE those. Kahan se mila?"
"At an Apple convention" he fibs
"Did Steve personally hand it to you?" she lays along
He grins
Their coffees arrive
He steers her towards an empty window seat.... they watch the Babus drive by to work in their portly white ambassadors..... many had pilot cars ahead, Delhi was QUIET and beautiful in the mornings, not to mention lush and green in spring.........
He waited for her to say something
She sipped and chewed on her biscotti.... his omelette arrived, her pancakes didnt...
she tore into his.... wrapped some hash browns into the blanket and made a pouch....ate....pulling his plate towards her
He took her fork and started to eat....
"Tum kya pee rahe ho?" she asked as if it worried her
"Mocha" he says
"I miss seeing you everyday" she blurted as she stared at a piece of diced capsicum on his plate...he stops chewing to stare at her bent head... "she looks gorgeous despite wearing frumpy clothes and hair disheveled"...her cheeks were pink and glowing...... he watched her hand inch up near his....

Part 65--Scoop of Life--Kabhi kabhi!

Golf Links
Mid Morning

"I guess" he answered brazenly
The brouhaha around him not bothering him much...... as usual.
Pawan: Bhabhi, can I get paranthas? I dont want pancakes.
Mridula looked at her son disapprovingly, her son noticed it also, but both did not say anything....
Mridula walked towards the sprawling kitchen.....
Krishan: Padmini ka aaj off hai?
Pawan: she has a 36 hour stretch starts at 4 today I think.
Dadaji holds the leashes on the two dogs " Main Ateendra se milkar aata hoon"
Pawan: Shaayad woh nikal gaya ho Dad, he had to go Maharashtra and Rajasthan for a week.... he leaves at 5
Raghav: Aaap cotsyn ke kaam se jaa rahe hain?
Pawan: Yep beta! (smiles, walks over to the couch, sits.... squeezes his nephew's shoulder)
Krishan: Tum shay mat do Pawan...
Pawan: Bhayya....
Dadi: He loves Raghav you know that
Mridula is back with breakfast for Pawan
Serves him on the couch..........
Mridula: Raghav, this is a tough one beta.. how long have you been seeing her?
Raghav looks at his Mom trying to recollect
Mridula: Did you date her when she visited?
Krishan: Ghar aa chuki hai? (shocked)
Dadi (smug) Hum us din Max se laut rahe the, usne hame ghar chhoda.
Krishan: You got INTO   a stranger's car? We have half a dozen of our own Ma! (troubled)
Dadi: uska AC leak ho raha tha, driver chala gaya (trying to recollect)
Krishan: So you have all seen her
Mridula nods grudgingly....
Pawan politely vacates the spot by her son and goes off to the dining table
Krishan and him continue on about work..... but not before....
Pawan: Does Sushil know she is dating Raghav?
Krishan: Maybe he encourages it too (unkind)
Dadi: I thought you liked him....
Krishan: He is very ambitious Ma. I can see it in his eyes

On the couch.....
Mridula: Dad doesnt approve, you can see that....
Raghav is quiet... Rohini is bored with all the adult talk, she just wants to know if "there will be a Bhabhi at home soon"
Raghav grins and shakes his head....
Mridula: You do realize she may completely stay the opening of the leather business dont you? (softly)
He looked at his Mom..... sombre.... thoughtful.....
Mridula: Dad ko gussa to aata nahi, but looks like he is not very pleased with your current pick
There is a long silence....

Mridula: Have you broken up with Nayana?
She waits.....
Raghav: Not in so many words....
Mridula is a lil embarrassed to be talking about such things with her son....
Raghav senses it and places a hand on hers
She squeezes it......
Mridula: Are you serious about her?
raghav: Who Nayana? Oh! you mean Radhika?
She can see a flash, a spark.... suddenly his eyes light up....
Mridula: Hmmmm.... (softly) Radhika....
Raghav: She talks a lot.... (smiles)
Mridula: Tumhe bolne deti hai?
Raghav: Kabhi kabhi...(shy?)

Part 64 Scoop of Life--Guesses

Part 64

March 1st
Golf Links
11 ish am

Krishan: haan Ma, she IS indeed your grand daughter in law material.
Dadi is overjoyed "iska matlab Raghav serious hai?"
Krishan: Pfft!! Sure! Like he has been about the dozen or so thus far...
Raghav smiles, though not amused...
Mridula: krishan, calm down, what is going on...
Krishan: Breaking news is the young Mr Kapoor is now dating a girl that works for the tree huggers!! And we as you know are part of the logging industry..... (softly)
Dadaji tries not to appear too shocked....
Mridula: Its about the leather company?
She looks distracted as the help asks her some questions
Dadi: Tum bhi kha lo beta!!
Mridula: I have to meet the editor first Mom!
Krishan: Yay! When do I get my copy
Mridula: Not so fast (embarrassed)
Dadaji: pehle main padh loon?
Rohini: Mommmmmmmmmmmm.... Bhai is breaking my bones!! Aaaaaaaaaaahhh
Mridula walks over to her son and daughter...
As Pawan walks in through the sliding glass French doors
Rohini yanks her borther's glasses....

Mridula: Tumhe doon breakfast (asks her son fondly)
Raghav: Hmmm...
Rohini: yay! freedom! (yells as she squirms)
Pawan: Nothing amiss I see (grins)
Krishan: Except your favorite Kapoor is trying to shut us down...
Pawan: kaun?
Krishan signals with his eyes, points to Raghav..........
Pawan: What?
Krishan: The young lady last nite.... works for the water NGO
Pawan: Tabhi aap chup the all the way home in the car?
Dadi: Ekdum sundar hai, tall, big eyes...
Mridula: She talks a LOT!!!
Pawan: I sensed that.... if Raghav didnt have to go back to Dublin to get his cell phone, she would have told us more stories (smiles)
Mridula: Aaap bhi mil chek hain?
Pawan: Jee Bhabhi
Mridula: She is appears well educated (softly, admiring)
Dadi: Hum yaha shaadi ki date fix kar rahe hain, we dont even know if she is the one (laughs, her whole squishy body vibrates, her eyes twinkle)
Krishan is deep in thought.... she said her last name was "Tripathi"
Pawan: Our new Ops VP's daughter? (connects the dots for his older bro)
They both look at Raghav.
Krishan: Lo jee! Ab apne employee ki beti.... pehle my admin, now the daughter of an employee
Dadi, Dadji and Mridula act like they are not hugely perturbed.....
The help brings Raghav's breakfast, toast, cranberry juice and omelette with chives.....
She garbs the tray and takes it to her son....

Rohini is tired, she leans on her bro's shoulder and is playing angry birds on his cell phone, he watches every time she scores.
Pawan and Krishan talk in hushed tones about something, dadi is letting the help know what needs to be cooked for the editor from the publishing house
Dadaji asks another help to bring Gin and Tonic from the backyard
Mridula: Raghav.... do you like her beta?
Raghav: I guess.... (unfazed.... cool)

Part 63--Scoop of Life---Grand daughter in law!

Part 63
Scoop of Life
Golf Links
10:33 AM
March 1st

Affluent, successful, accomplished familes dont have show downs, they dont have a screaming match, they dont express shock or dismay like other people do......
Krishan: (tearing his omelette with his fork) She works for the NGO that is trying to shut our leather business down in kanpur
Dadi and Dadaji and Mridula suck their breath in.....
Raghav is chewing on a toast, while Rohini is yanking a stiff color on his shirt.........
Rohini: I thought Bhai was dating Nayana
Raghav shakes his head..... lazily

Krishan: I happened to meet her last nite
Dadi: NGO?
Krishan: Clean Water something she said

Mridula: Wohi to nahi? (trails off as she jogs her brain)
Dadi stares at her like she is trying to recall too.
Raghav watches the two lovely women trying to recall her name
Krishan: He is reckless, cocky and irresponsible! (firm, serving himself more coffee)
Dadaji: Nothing you were not at that age... (grins)
Krishan: I was like him at 18 Dad, not 26!! (stares at his son)
He is tackling Rohini on the rug.......... wearing blue jeans and a crisp white cotton shirt.... sleeves are folded int a strap, he looks extremely handsome and well rested...
Krishan: He prolly got a great nite's sleep
Dadi: THe girl that wanted us to go to the sminar?
Mridula: HAAN! India Habitat Center Mein? Raghav beta? (enquires)
Raghav: Hmmm
Dadi: AREY HUM TO MILEY HUE HAIN US SE (overjoyed)
Mridula: Bahut bolti hai! (in shock, staring at her son, who is leaning on a couch, his hands holding his sister's wrists captive)
Krishan: you have ALL met her?
Dadi: Kitni sundar hai Krishan... (thrilled)
Krishan: Haan Maa, bilkul aapki grand daughter in law material!!!!! (angry and in despair, noticing his son quickly has turned crimson at that statement)

Part 62--Scoop of Life--Dad!

Part 62
February 28th 2011
Monday
8:32 PM
Dublin
Maurya Sheraton 
Chanakyapuri

She stared at the golden orange liquid after she stirred it....
They both were not saying anything.
She looked like she may have cried at some point during the day.
Raghav: So did you even meet him?
Rad: WHY? (upset)
She looked up at him furious..........
Rad: Tumhe sab mazaak lagta hai na?
He took a swig at his pale ale shaking his head
Rad: DONT lie! (fuming)
Raghav: But you just said, your Mom promised to back off.(amused)
She looked at him incredulously..... "Dont you understand, Ma ka trick hai woh in order to glean as much information possible about my friend (looking away from him). They are set on their agenda. Mujhe Kanpur chale jaana chahiye, you dont care. Ma aur Papa meri shaadi ke alaawa kuch sochte nahi. I am just wasting my time with you. Arrrrrrghhhhhhhhhhh"
He gently reaches out and touches her left hand, she pulls hers back as if she was stung....
Raghav: Radhikaaa (ever so softly pleading)
Rad: Nahiii! (upset)
He reaches and holds her hand this time.... not letting go.
Raghav: Tumhe kitna gussa aata hai (amused)
She yanks her hand... unsuccessfully.........
She looks tearful.... her big eyes, wide and moist....
Rad: Will you come to my wedding?
His face pales "Is this a joke?"
Rad: Ofcourse not!
Raghav: I am sorry about what I said earlier.... so knock it off (his turn to be upset)
She left her hand in his, he carressed it....
Rad:Write me an app for how to find NGOs in Spain, coz thats where I am going for honeymoon.......... (smiled)
He squeezed her hand " I said let go!" (softly)
Rad: nahii!! (softer)
They have a staring match....
Raghav: Do you want to go to Panchgani this weekend?
Rad: With YOU? Kabhi nahi! (smiles sweetly)
Raghav smiles....
Rad: I forgot to tell you I might have to go back to Kanpur again, next week, so sorry.... main tumhaare saath kahin nahi ja paaoongi... tum to mujhe seriously lete nahi.... you think I talk too much so I dont..
He interrupts her "radhikaaa" he pleads
"Mujhe aaj kaam se seedha ghar chale jaana tha. Oh! BTW, Mom ko pata chal gaya ki TUMNE mujhe station se pick karke ghar chhoda when I returned from Kanpur, none of my friends have a VW convertible." She yanks her hand again...
"Radhikaa, will you listen to me?"
"Nahii. I better go home"
His grip is firm.... as she sulks
She rants and rambles about things at work, about her trip, about Poonam and Umesh and how Umesh might be leaving soon.... he listens to it all.... she tells him about Rachit moving to another part of Delhi soon.... he doesnt provoke her any more, just listens and smiles.... she ignores her texts and phone calls.
She tells him about the assistant that followed him around in his last trip to Kanpur, she talked about chatting with him. He tried not to reveal his acute curiosity, made a mental note to himself, to call the guy and ask him what he shared with the "girl from NGO"
The waiter stops by asking if they will order dinner
She immediately jumps back to her sulky mode and shakes her head vehemently
Raghav: I will have a turkey club please, sifts thru the menu with one hand holding hers.... "Tomato bisque?" he asks....
"Nahii" she smiles sweetly
"Give us a minute" he tells the waiter
"I have to go home... I dont need dinner. I dont know why I came.... I.... this is ridiculous" she rambles for a few minutes without taking a breath
He is reading the menu all the while.........
"They dont have too many "meal" choices" he says clamly
It frustrates her that he is so cool and unaffected. Not only does he say very little he is quite unemotional........
"Mera haath chhodo"
He looks at her hand and goes back to the menu, still holding it
"I can actually text fine with one hand. In case you need to know." she rambles and texts.... and rambles some more
The waiter returns, she acquiesces, and orders dinner of HER choice............ it arrives, she talks, he listens....
She asks tumne kya kiya weekend mein?
"Went to Chachu's for their anniversary"
"They dont live with you guys?"
"Nahi" he replies
They dig in.....
She looks at his bent head, his lashes are big and curling behind the glasses........... she so wants to get away and go to Panchgani with him....
Pride wont let her admit it....
They finish dinner and walk out, stroll the lobby.... two middle aged men walk by with two Spanish Italian looking men.... one of the men is almost as tall as Raghav.... Raghav nods, the man stares at Radhika

They see their overseas guests off... and meet somewhere in the middle of the lobby
Raghav: Dad... (as he nods at his Chachu) Chachu, how did it go? (cool, unperturbed)
Pawan looks at Radhika, confused....
Radhika is texting, she smiles when she hears the word "Dad"
Though she is a lil startled when she hears the word "Dad" she composes herself, and quits texting...
"Hi!" she says extending her hand (yanking it free hurriedly from his son's grip, a little flustered in the process)
.... Krishan accepts it with a smile, "Krishan Kapoor" he says he has a tight firm grip just like his son............. gives her an admiring look....
"Radhika: I had no idea his Dad was eating dinner at the same place" (laughs)
 he notices she is almost as tall as his son... very attractive... stylish and articulate.... (little does he know HOW articulate)
Pawan is talking and Raghav is listening carefully
Krishan: radhika? What a lovely name!
She is visibly embarrassed!
Rad: Not me! (throws up her hands) Papa gets the full credit! Unhoney rakha naam mera!
Krishan: Did you guys have a good dinner?
Radhika: Jee... Yes we did... (smiles disarmingly flashing a perfect set of teeth)
She is wearing a peach salwar suit, and a turqoise dupatta that doesnt match in any way, he notices.... her nose ring sparkles.... her bag her watch they all look expensive to him....
Raghav: Home? he asks his Dad
Pawan: Nahi ek ghante ke liye Office
Krishan: Are you in college?
Radhika: I WISH! (overjoyed)
Krishan laughs....
Radhika: I work for an NGO,Program Manager for Clean Water Initiative, its funded by a wealthy Dutch donor, we are currenlty working in Dehat Kanpur.............. (she speaks for three minutes without pausing)
She misses the brief look of shock passing through Krishan and Pawan's eyes.... Krishan makes eye contact with his unfazed unruffled impassive son!!

Part 61--Scoop of Life--Raghav!!

Saket
February 2011
8:59 PM
She paced her room, agitated, terrified. She had no idea what prompted her to admit the existence of Raghav to her parents. The nightly conversations all of last week from Kanpur? She had been on the phone with him almost an hour every nite, until she had to hang up due to other calls. Her team's work was undeniably good, Ashwini Kumar the Enforcement Director was forced to offer some assurances. She was able to meet with a couple of local NGOs to draw up a plan for future steps.


The growing attraction was beginning to be acknowledged by both, though not in so many words but the way they sought each other out. He smiled when she texted him during the day "Lunch?" she would text. "Sure! Noon?" he would ask.
They talked about the most "coy predictable" things to do during dates, he played along offering lame ideas "Lodhi Gardens mein haath pakadkar chalen?" "Eat with one spoon?"
She was dying to know how "knowledgable" he was, she asked him about his first kiss, he said he didnt remember. She asked him how many girlfriends he had, and what number she was.... he said 7 or 8, he couldnt remember!!
She couldnt speak for a while after that....
"You just made that up!" she accused him later
"Ofcourse!" is all he would say........


"Busy?" he would ask some day around Noonish she would respond with a smiley face. He noticed her texts were short and sweet. But she more than made up for it when they talked each nite. She got a cold, he fussed, wondered if she would return sooner because of it, she laughed and asked him to bring some tomato soup and a romantic paperback "How romantic?" he asked...............


There was a knock on her door, she stared at it petrified.... the door opened.... it was Papa.
Sushil: Radhu? (smiling nervously)
Rad: Jee?
Sushil: Ready beta? (knowing fully well that she hadnt even taken off the long scarf trail off her shoulder)
Rad: Papa, Ma kahan hai?
Her Mom followed, as if on cue, she was shocked............ pretending to be normal
Sudha: Can we talk Radhoo?
Rad: Nahi! (guilty, evasive, fighting the reddish hue on her cheeks)
Sushil tried to signal his wife "Rachit aur Ananya aate honge" "Not to mention their friends"
Sudha: Kaun hai tumhara boyfriend Radhu?
Radhika wanted to flee, she rinsed her face, soaped and rinsed again, splashing water all over the counter by the sink...... her Mom was by the bathroom door
Sushil: Sudhaaaa, chhodo us baat ko! Not today! (softly authoritative)
Sudha: Rachit se kya kahenge hum? Sorry beta, Radhu ka boyfriend suddenly paida ho gaya kahin se? (angry)
R buried her face in her towel "I only get a bucket of water every morning" she had complained while in Kanpur, Raghav had "invited" her to his pool for a "soak" after she returned..........
"And while you fantasize that I must look a Victoria Secret's model, I must tell you I look even better" she had declared smugly........ albeit terribly nervously
"I know!" he had responded huskily......

Her Mom shook her!
Sudha: Kya naam hai uska? Dilli ka hai?
She lifted her face, it was pink and flushed, and squeaky clean.......... her eye brows and lashes were still moist
Sushil paced his daughter's room, peeking out the balcony very few minutes.......... he wanted to know as well, but pretended to be calm.
He wished Rachit's friend would be it! He tucked his hands into his pocket
Most of his nieces were married by 22...... affluent.... yet traditional.... his daughter being single at 24 bothered him, it indicated yet again that he had failed.........."if the family still owned and operated the brass factory Radhika would have been married with a child by now"
Sudha was way more progressive in her thoughts than he was, she believed strongly  in women having careers. Sudha though had to HAVE one due to economic compulsions in her side of the family.
she didnt regret it.....

Radhika and her Mom were having a staring match
Sudha: Waise chup honey ka naam nahi leti, abhi she cant say a word....
Sushil can hear footsteps on the stairs
Gopi :Aunty gas band kar doon? (peeks thru the door)
Sudha: Hmm (distracted still staring at Rad)
Sudha: i think we should just let her be Sushil (calmly, looking away)
Rad picked out clothes
Sushil: Good! (half heartedly)
Sudha: iski jitni chinta karo utni hi ziddi hoti jaa rahi hai!
Rad: No wedding then? (grinned)
Sudha: Nope! But I want to know the name of your boy friend (smiled gleefully)
Radhika: Raghav! (causing her mouth to go dry)
Sushil stared at the front door wondering if he should answer the bell............. while turning around and registering the shock of the name announced by his darling daughter!!!

Part 60--- Scoop of Life---6.4

Part 60
Scoop of Life

Saket
Feb 27th Saturday 2011
8:14 PM.
She waved to her friends screaming an expletive in French. One guy inside the car responded back generously so..... Her neighbor and his wife taking a walk paused and stared. She enthusiastically greeted them knowing that they may be gossping about her.
Her friends threw her scarf out the window......... the music balred as they reversed out of the cramped drive way between two rows of buildings.....
Her Dad stood in one of the side balconies of the apartment speaking with Mr Sethi downstairs, seeing his daughter cause a huge drama, shook his head in tired exasperation.
"Hi! Papa!" she hollered beginning to narrate one of the many experiences of the evening.
"He waved back and walked around the periphery of the balcony to keep up with her ........ listening....
Gopi opened the door, she headed straight to the balcony talking non stop...
"Ma kahan hai she asked" when she paused for breath.
"Andar Ritu se baar kar rahi hai"
"So she likes him now?" she giggled
Dad smacked her fondly.
"Bhai nahi aaya? she enquired next, helping herself to the snacks on the coffee table....
"Gande haath beta" he informs her.
She wipes on a paper towel "Not any more Papa" she smiles smugly.
Her Mom walks out to the living room, while on the phone "Aaa gayi" "Aaate hi uska drama shuru" she listens, as radhika admires her Mom's saree.... walks up to feel it  she slaps it off... "Gande haath"
Radhika grins.... her Mom stares at her blouse it has some graphic symbols of death and destruction.... not to mention it being too figure hugging exposing her midriff....
She yanks at the edge....
Papa: Beta you need to be careful (worried)
Radhika: I am.... maine aapko kaha to tha, aaj hum saara din Aswin ke ghar par the.... I didnt even get to flaunt my tee. Waise did you know uske ghar ke paas ke Metro se Rajiv Chowk tak it only takes 14 minutes"
Her Mom hangs up.... "Radhu jaakar nahao" "Yeh kapde to bilkul nahi"
"Kaun AA raha hai Ma? Bhai? He has seen me in my night clothes"
"He is bringing a friend along" her Mom looks away straightening things on an end table " FriendS I should say" Radhika is curious at her Mom being so evasive.
"Aapne phone kiya usko?" she enquires her husband............
He dials his son's number
"Radhu, go take a shower and wear clean clothes"
"Chakkar kya hai Ma?"
"Koi chakkar nahi, bus guests aa rahe hain"
Her phone rings, and beeps, she texts and looks distracted, and barely cateches her Papa's conversation with her Bhai, until he says "Tumne kaha na tall hai, to theek hai, mere boss ka ladka 6.4 inch ka hai, itna tall to chahiye nahi hame. Itna lamba theek bhi nahi lagega iske saath"
Radhika drops a cheese puff she grabbed....
"DEKHNE?" she asks her Mom
"Just his friends"
"I have to marry Bhai's friend?"
Sushil watches the drama spellbound
"I have a boyfriend MA"
Her parents are in shock
"Papa HE IS 6.4" Radhika walks into her room and slams the door, leaving her parents in shock

Part 59--Scoop of Life--Rendezvous

McDonald's
Lajpat Nagar
Feb 17th.

Raghav: Do you want to go?
Rad knows she doesnt, but says "I" and stops, he watches her carefully, being lost for words.... he waits " I" she says aagain.... "There is so much work to be done. I love what I do!" her tone sounded like she had lost the battled with her mind.....
Her wrist stayed in his grip.....
He sorted the big crunchy fries and set it on one side.
"If I were not going to UP, tum mujhe yeh achhe fries kabhi nahi dete. Nahi?" she asks laughing
He chuckles and shakes his head....
They both tug at one and chew the portion they win.....
"Its 17 villages, the soil is not even 34% productive as it used to be due to the tannery cluster. Itna saara ammonium chloride, sulphuric acid tannins and dyes........... the water sources have been exploited to the fullest, the toxins have seeped deep into the soil. It requires years of work, not to mention plans to restitute the farmers" she talks seriously, almost unemotional.... like she had some personal stake in the issue.
"The farmers dont expect to multiply their yeild exponentially and eventually enter politics and drive around in Tata Sumos, they want to be able to feed their kids and hold on to the acre or two they inherited. I owe them my full support and commitment" she talked and loved to.... but this was "her" cause..... she spewed statistics, talked about the political involvement and the UP mafia threats.... she talked about lack of health care and low immunity among villagers, mysterious chronic illnesses............
Her phone rings and beeps many times she answers some briefly, many she just ignores smiling upon reading a joke/text.
The ketchup was all gone.....
"Should I get more?" he asked
"Nahi... mujhe ghar jaana chahiye" meeting his eyes
"Nahi" he repeates the first part of her statement.
The place was filling up.......... he cleans up the table, she washes up...
He unlocks his VW and she finds a bunch of papers some mention the word "Anupama International" "Supermax Holdings" on it if only she were to open the blue manila folder to read them... but she picks it up and places it in the back seat.
He watches her do that.........
"where to?"
"I will say Panchgani" she responds laughing.......
"Can we go after you return?" he asks
He doesnt mention anything about his own trip to UP, thats due in the next week or so as well
A strange heavy object slams inside of her.......... at the implication of why he wants them to go to Panchgani........ she wonders if this would be his "first" time like it would be for her.
She knows her Ma would kill her. What ever she decides would have to be "offline" she would have to get her friends to buy into her rendezvous............ she had covered for many...... multiple times.... it was all part of the friendship deal

The prospect of having an affair with him thrilled her, she smiled....
"Sach mein?" she asked as he stared at her face, not turning the key in the ignition
"Haan Radhika" he responded confidently, as if "he has had multiple affairs and knows how it all works" she thought smirking

Part 58-- Scoop of Life-- French Fries

Part 58
Scoop of Life
McDonald's
Lajpat Nagar.
He lets her pay for the food.... she asks for change he opens his wallet only to find Rs.500 bills. "Tum ITNA saara paisa lekar ghoomte ho?" shocked...
He is amused...
"Ma goes through my purse and takes away money periodically, I am dangerous when left alone with money, like kids with knives..." giggles
"Ek baar I took all my Ma and Papa's money and went out shopping, with their knowledge ofcourse" laughs unmindful the lascivious clerk is listening with amusement , hands her her ticket coyly.
Raghav snaps it from the guy's hand and hands it to her, steers her towards a window seat.... as she TALKS....

Radz: Were you stuck near the Moolchand flyover? It was bad! ughhh
Raghav drinking in her appearance, she is quite unaware of the effect she has on men he thinks "I came via Pragati Maidan"
They are seated by the window....
She checks her ticket frequently "I am so hungry! I should have brought lunch, Gopi had made karhi, my favorite and there was left over aloo methi from last nite. I am such a fool" graons
"You skipped lunch?" he asked casually...

Suddenly selfconcsious "Ermm... mera matlab, I have to watch what I eat!" blushes as she jokes and winks........ giggles to kill that effect some....

She finds him watching her wordlessly.....
The feeling doesnt evaporate soon, they both end up looking at each other.
The number changes on the display, its her turn.... "Mera khaana!" she yells looking away
Shakes her head vehemently as she walks up to pick it up....
"What a dork!" she curses herself...

He has followed her, fills up the soda glasses....
As it fills, eats her French Fries....

He just seems happy to be with her, he is his usual self, quiet, not chatty but amused and interested when ever she spoke.
"Tum aaj office gaye the?"
They walk towards their table.... he holds the tray, she walks with the sodas....
He nods smiling...
"Aajkal roz office jaate ho? Is it your app writing place or your Dad's"
"Both he says grinning...
"You have to dress formally? First IT job I am hearing about actually" surveys his bold blue stripe cotton shirt and navy trousers admiringly.... one sleeve is neatly folded the other bunched up some where near his elbow.
"He is as careless as I am about appearance" she concludes
He tears open the ketchup and mustard as she chows down... almost a burger and a half to his amusement.... divides the French Fries, "Yeh tumhaara yeh mera she says... finds his pile to be bigger... takes some out and adds to her own pile AS SHE EATS FROM HERS.....rambles and redraws French Fry property lines....
"I have given you all the long and crunchy ones" she says
Takes a few more, until he holds her wrist as he chews.... "Arey I gave you the big ones"
"You are a cheat Radhika!" he says, his first sentence in 5 or so minutes.
She tries to free her wrist.... its not easy.... some thing about the grip triggers a thought in her mind about how strong he must be physically.... despite appearing lanky and tall....
"Mera haath!"
His eyes point towards the French Fries.........
She laughs but doesnt make a fair trade....
He makes a big pile and brings it all towards himself  like he was saying......."What ever you have is all mine" as she watches carefully, color crawling up her face....
He just eats with his left hand..... loosens his grip enough..... she doesnt free her hand!!!
"I am going to UP next week" her voice is trembling and soft suddenly....
"Do you want to?" he asks directly, gripping her wrist involuntarily, looking directky AT her.
"No"her eyes respond..

Part 57--- Scoop of Life---Possessive?

Feb 17th 2011
6 ish

Raghav: You will!
Radz: Are you hiring me?
Raghav: I can only do my best (smiling)
Radz: We will be talking all day and not get any work done. Or "I" will be talking all day. Tum to bus sunte ho. I feel like having fast food today, McDonald's at Lajpat Nagar?
Raghav: Sure! What time?
Radz: Since it will be supper (affected accent) how about we meet at 7 Sir?
Raghav smiles and says "Sounds good"
She smiles.... pauses... suddenly shy.... "Thanks"
Raghav: "For what?"
Radz: Nevermind.....
It was as if both understood the reference
Raghav: 7 Radhika?
Radz: I am starving so I might be there at quarter to... (giggles)
He lingers just as always, hoping she will talk until the clock strikes 7
Radz: Guard aaj bhi khadoos hai, main jaakar apna research shuru karti hoon, with burger in my mind....(laughing)
"Just burgers? How about ME?" he wants to ask but doesnt....
Sushil and the project Mgr walk up to him again
Sushil: Raghav pichle 4 saal ke annual reports hain kya tumhaare paas Cotsyn ke?
Raghav nods, leads the way waving his arm....
Sushil: I am hoping to have our pitch ready, mujhe Yavatmal jaana hai agle hafte. Radhika is going to Kanpur I could have combined my Cotsyn trip with her instead.... (overjoyed)
Raghav smiles, hands tucked into his pockets..... his shirt tails are in and out as usual.... Nayana stops him mid way "Your slides are ready, I just spoke with Tushar (a biz analyst)" Raghav barely nods... she knows thats how he responds
"Did you need the last two slides changed?" she asks adoringly
"I havent looked" he says smoothly
"You can come over to my desk or I can email them" flirting in front of Sushil
Sushil clears his throat and looks away
"Sure!" says Raghav not acknowledgeing her advances
They walk away as Nayana leans on a couch and watches him.....
Sushil: Tum kam aate ho na office
Raghav smiles
Sushil: Sab kuch in moderation?
Raghav laughs enjoying the father's sense of humor
Sushil: tum meri beti se miloge to shock ho jaaogey Raghav. She would have spoken atleast 5 pages by now
"I know" says Raghav in his mind
--------
7 ish
McDonald's
Lajpat Nagar
"TWO fries please" she is ordering animatedly shaking her fingers, as he walks up to her.... she is wearing what appears to be a tiered red silk skirt and a purple blouse.... an orange scarf trails............. her curls reach down midway across her back as she stretches her neck to read the illuminated board above......
She is the tallest girl in the restaurant............
The checkout clerk stares openly at her bare exposed neck.......... something about that bothers Raghav immensely.......... the clerk caxes her with more useless questions "Medium, Maam?" she stares again at the board, trying to make up her mind........... he stares lasciviously...... she crinkles her eyes.... as if she is visually impaired.... taking more time... clueless
He walks up to her " What are you getting?" he asks trying to mask his irritation.
Startled she turns to look at him and smiles.... "Milkshake, ofcourse!"
"Large" he hisses to the clerk, meeting his eyes...
"Tum bhi piyoge? I ordered two burgers and two fries for myself. I am a pig!" she giggles....
"I will taken the chikken tikka please" he says
The clerk doesnt look up from the register anymore... punches keys like he were an air traffic controller entrusted with the lives of hundreds.
"You are LATE!" she accuses him, as she checks him out
"I know" he responds returning the favor

Part 56-- Scoop of Life--Marriages

February 17th 2011
5 ish
Kapoor HQ

Raghav leaning near a window, looking out into the traffic "Did you call Radhika?"
Radz: On my way to East of kailash I remembered (pauses biting her tongue, "No! not the kiss!, yes the kiss but...) I saw a banner for "Workshop for writing Apps" I wondered if you are teaching that class! Defence Colony flyover par going East....the only gee,...... person I know that writes apps for a living is you, socha tumse poochoon (giggles)
Raghav realizes the reason is flaky, he smiles his half smile, plays along "Where is the workshop?" "Gurgaon?"
Radz: I KNEW IT! Its you isnt it! (smug) Dono din tum sikha rahe ho? I will be in the front row, would be exciting to see you TALK for 8 hours! (laughs out loud) Or may be you will just play videos? (knowingly) for some people talking is a big deal.... (rambles)
Raghav: Where are you now? (he wished he saw her face while she spoke)
Radz: Approaching EoK, 14th ke research mein Water Conservation ka data lena bhool gayi thi, so I am going for that. We dont have much on it, UNESCO archives jaana padega I think....
He listens patiently to what she has to say
Raghav: how is your neighbor?
Radz: Tumhe yaad hai? (surprised) She is fine. Its quite routine for her she has had such episodes 4 times I think.
Raghav: Do you want to go out for dinner?
Pause.............
Everything about him becomes magnified all of a sudden, his unusually tall body, his soul patch, those glasses, the thick wavy hair.... his clean shaven jaw.... the sideburn.... the long almost slender fingers...
Raghav: Radhika?
Radz: Only if you promise to (kiss me)
Raghav: I will...
Radz: Oh! I meant give me a ride home....(smiles flirtatiously)
Raghav: thats what I meant too.....(picking up on it)
Radhika: Main Sunday ko shaam ke Shatabdi se ja rahi hoon Kanpur. For a week. This time, better informed, well researched, more articulate (laughs) if thats even possible.Jab tak mera kaam nahi hoga main lautkar nahi aaoongi. Thats what Ive declared at home. My Mom thinks I am running away from the idea of getting married..........
Pause....
Raghav: Its important.... (softly)
Radz: Shaadiiiiiii? (shocked)
Raghav: Could be.... (his thoughts went to the strong marriages in his family, the bonding the closeness the intimacy that came with it)
Radz: I agree, my parents have a wonderful relationship... so does Bhai. Something tells me mine would be stormy and volatile.... thats why I tell my Mom I am not a good candidate for it....
She talks to the auto guy, gets off pays him without an argument.... while he talks briefly with his Uncle's Project Mgr
Raghav: Are you there now?
Rad: I just got here.... abhi rakhoon?
Raghav: Dinner?
Rad: Arent you busy? Dont you have to prepare for that workshop?
Raghav: I delegated....
Rad: Do you own a company? (confused)
Raghav: I am teasing Radhika.... I am not teaching that class....
Rad: I have to show up at your workplace one day and figure it all out....

Raghav: You will... (softly)