Wife On wheels Chapter 2

At 12:30 on dot, Prerna turned into the entrance to Copper Chimney, looking cool and fresh, in a bright yellow salwar cut in the latest style. There is nothing like a new dress to give a girl the confidence she needs. Finding an empty parking place she smoothly slid into it and opened the car door. Maneuvering the foldable  wheelchair that lay below her seat outside the car, she deftly unfolded it and slipped into it. Then she took out the briefcase that contained her brochures and list of contacts and placed it on her lap. Locking the car door, she rolled away in the direction of the lobby mentally rehearsing her attitude that would get her through lunch without any further calamities. She was being given a second chance and she would not blow it up. She wanted to build her business up solidly and this wasn’t the time for her hormones to act up. Cool and professional would do the trick. And she was positively not to look into his eyes. Then she would be lost.1

Fifteen minutes later, Prerna was still In the lobby cooling her heels, impatiently tapping her foot, a magazine on her lap, a complimentary drink in her hand and there was still no sign of Mr. Hot Shot Designer. He was probably making up to some lissome model and had forgotten all about their meeting. After all what was a wedding consultant, when he was probably flirting with the wedding cake? Sipping her drink, she tried to appear nonchalant, though she had one eye on the book and one on the door. Glancing at her watch she saw it was 12:45, the man was FIFTEEN minutes late. Maybe he had starry airs and believed in making people wait. Maybe that gave him a kick, seeing people wait with bated breath for him. Famous people always behaved weird. “That’s it” she decided. ‘I am not attracted to him. How can I even fantasies about a nut?’  At the precise moment, she saw him enter through the doors and knew that she could fantasies about him especially when looked as handsome as he did right now.2

“Hi Prerna. Sorry to keep you waiting. I did come here on time but .. “ he suddenly broke off and actually looked confused.3

“But what? “ she couldn’t resist asking . “You lost your way? “4

“Ouch! So the lady has a wicked tongue. No my lady, I couldn’t find a parking place. Shall we go in?”5

Manas seemed a regular client here and a much treasured one if the way the manager fussed over him was anything to go by.6

Seated in a corner table Prerna had a taste of how the rich, no make that very wealthy lived. May be she would still make a play for him. He certainly was easy on the eyes and would be easy on the pocket too. 7

It would be a nice way to plan a wedding and would spice up things. She saw nothing wrong in scheming and planning, it was just logical and practical.8

Satisfied with her decision Prerna picked up her menu and ordered.9

Later over desserts, she couldn’t remember much about what she had eaten, just that she had enjoyed it a lot. The food was good, the flow of conversation between them easy. Manas had flatly refused to discuss business over lunch. “Never spoil an appetite with business” he said with a charming smile.10

Instead he had wanted to know about her. And surprisingly, she had told him a lot. He had a way of making a person open up, a way of listening that she found herself telling him much more than she normally told people. He would make a good husband, Prerna thought. The kind on whose shoulder you could lean on after a hard day’s work and pour out all your troubles and he would listen. Well, that only made the mix more interesting. He had told her a lot about himself too. Manas was certainly full of surprises. She had been amazed to know that he had a business degree from one of the top B-schools in Mumbai. But his heart had been in clothes. He revealed that he had started modeling for fun when he was in engineering college. From there he had drifted into business school. When he was in final year of business studies he had been hired as the mascot for a leading retail chain. That was where he realized his passion in designing. He had joined a year later as an in-house designer and 4 years later started his own retailing outlets all over the country.11

They both lingered over ice cream as if they were both reluctant to let go of the moment. It was all in her mind of course. She was undeniably attracted to the man and was adding meaning to every small gesture. He had probably not eaten since morning and was the kind who enjoyed his food.  To turn the conversation which was becoming a little too personal for her comfort, she pushed aside her plate with a content sigh and placed her briefcase on the table 12

Slipping on her glasses, she placed an effective barrier between herself and Manas, She slipped on my professional persona. Pushing some brochures towards Manas, she said13

“Business”14

“Do you insist? “15

“I do. Its my job that’s on line not yours”16

“I know your boss. Can talk to him and tell him not to fire you”17

“My boss Mr. Manas Malhotra is myself. You - rather your sister - is my client. So now tell me what kind of marriage is she planning?”18

“She wants a traditional wedding. She is marrying a Tamil guy, so we want a kind of fusion wedding, with you know, the best of both cultures.”19

Prerna was rapidly making notes.20

“I would need to meet the groom’s side too. I want to know what customs they imperatively want to include and of course I need to meet your sister too. If you give me their numbers I will get working. I have with me a list of photographers, caterers, florists, musicians, beauticians and so on, which I would like to discuss with your sister. I assume you would be designing her dress? “21

“Yes. And she is the most demanding and exasperating client I have ever the misfortune to have”, he said. But there was a fond smile on his face that contradicted his words. He was evidently very close to his twin sister. “in fact” he said with a grin “Thanks to her rejection I have on my hands a very good line of bridals. I am looking for a good face to launch it. I want someone fresh. Someone who would looks like anyone’s daughter dressed up as a bride. You understand what I mean? The natural kind of beauty. The one that haunts and yet is breathtakingly honest.” He was obviously very passionate about his clothes. “You looked so right in that ghagra that day. Kind of blended with it. I want something like that. I want the model to look as if she is wearing it not modeling it.” 22

He narrowed his eyes struck by a sudden idea. “Prerna have you ever thought of modeling? You have perfect looks. I want you to model for my bridal section. Its something I have never done before - bridal’s I mean and each dress is made by me right down to the last stitch in it. I made each one for Mansi and it’s a collection which I am proud of and I am sure its going to be the rage soon .. “23

“Now look here Manas” Prerna cut in ruthlessly. The man was really impossible, the way he kept changing the line of conversation. It was fit to drive any women crazy. 24

“Don’t go around changing my career. I am a wedding planner, not a model. I cant model for your collection - amazing as I am sure it would be - for the simple reason that it is not what I do for a living “25

“Why can’t you be both? “26

“Why should I be?”27

“Why can’t you be? “28

Prerna took a deep breath and said “Manas who is your favorite model? “29

“Sheila Bose. She is undoubtedly the best model apart from being a great person”30

“And what do you think are her pluses?”31

“Her unbelievably sexy figure, hot looks and  endless legs “32

“Legs? Get that? “33

Manas looked blank.34

“I don’t have legs Manas. Not ones I can use anyway In case it has escaped your notice till now, I am a cripple. I can’t sashay down the ramp in a slinky dress. Now could we stop talking bullshit and get down to planning your sister’s wedding?”35

“Gosh! I am sorry Prerna. I didn’t mean to ridicule you or make fun of you. It’s just that you are such a dynamic person that after a few minutes with you, the fact that you don’t have legs just escaped my notice. I am sorry if I hurt you. I really mean it. And I do mean it about you modeling too. We can just have close up shots and use some other model for the full length snaps. Think about it. And Prerna you are not a cripple. A cripple is someone who can’t feel, who can’t live or function. And I have never seen a person more alive than you.“36

Prerna hid herself into her notes to hide the blush that was creeping into her cheeks. In a chilly voice she said, “I am just not interested Manas. Could we drop it? “37

“Sure” Then with a abrupt change of topic, “Do you have any appointments scheduled for now?” 38

“No. Why?? “39

“I could see if my mother and Mansi are free and then take you for an initial consultation.“40

Prerna wasn’t sure how much she liked the idea of him taking her anywhere. And she wasn’t sure what kind of role he would play in the consultation anyway. But then what reason could she give for objecting to his presence. She sure couldn’t say that his presence disturbed her, distracted her, made her think things she had no business thinking? Shrugging her shoulders she decided she was old enough to control her hormones and work. Pasting what she hoped was a bright smile, she said “Sure, sooner the better” 41

Manas dug into his jeans pocket and came out with a sleek cell phone, which made Prerna’s eyes almost green with envy.  42

“Hey shortstop” he spoke into the phone. Man he looked so good as he spoke. His mouth curled upward in a smile. And his voice .. so soft and silky, she could almost feel the affection for whoever was in the other end. It sounded like silk... raw silk dipped in honey. She gave herself up to watching him, which she could never seem to have enough of, while he concentrated on his phone call. Come to think of it, wasn’t he taking too long for a man talking to his sister to ask if he could bring the wedding planner over? Maybe it wasn’t his sister, may be it was his wife. She felt a tinge of something in her heart and her eyes narrowed in contemplation. She hadn’t heard of a wife but then he might have one who preferred to stay out of limelight. Now why couldn’t Indian men too wear a mangalsutra like the women to proclaim their marital status?  It would save the girls a lot of unwanted grief. Without even quiet knowing if a wife existed, Prerna found that she totally disliked her thoroughly and she knew with equal conviction that she didn’t want to delve into the reasons for that.       43

Just in time to avoid being caught staring at him, she saw him fold his phone and tuck it in his shirt pocket. 44

“My twin was never one to forgo a good lunch, especially if someone else is picking up the tabs. She informed me that she hasn’t had lunch as her partner - me, in her case - is unfeeling enough to keep her on her toes all day long, She would join us here in a few minutes. “45

“Your sister works with you? “46

“Yeah.  As I told you, I started as an in-house designer for Tanvi. Though I did enjoy my work, my creativity flourished only within bounds. I had to work within set parameters. I wanted more. Round about the same time Mansi graduated with a degree in sales. That’s when we decided to pool in and pitch on our own. From that day, I have been taking care of the creative aspects and she is the business head, the one who ensures that the money flow is constant. You would like her. Her soft exterior belies her hard head for business. Many a client has mistaken her for the designer” he said with a chuckle. “She certainly dresses like a model Now enough about me, Lets talk about you beautiful lady. What got you into planning other’s weddings rather than your own? “47

She was saved from an answer by the entrance that minute into the restaurant by a girl was so obviously Mansi, that Prerna had to stifle a smile. If she had ever wondered how those large brown eyes would look on a woman, she had her answer in front of her. Mansi if possible looked even taller than her brother and more beautiful than any model he could find to display his clothes. And she was surely dressed in the prime of fashion. Black Capri pants and a short black t-shirt that left her midriff bare showed off a figure that was almost sinful in its perfection. Prerna had always longed for the reed-thin figure that the models seemed to maintain with ease. Instead she was stuck with a “fuller figure” that seemed to be the lot of South Indian women. No diet could take away the blowsy look that hung on to her  With an inward grin, she thought that if Mansi went to clients dressed like this, bargaining about money would be the last thing on their mind. Talk about an unfair advantage.48

Mansi nonchalantly pulled a chair from the adjacent table and plunked herself in it. She held out a slim hand to Prerna, “Hi I am Ms. Mansi soon-to-be Raghavan and I am sure my baby brother would have told you horrible things about me.” She turned to face Manas and answered his scowl with a wicked grin. Lowering her voice to a stage whisper she leaned towards me and said,  “He is exactly 10 minutes younger than me and hates to be reminded of it.”49

She straightened and fixing a theatrical pout on her face which somehow looked funny because of her eyes dancing with mischief, she turned to Manas and demanded50

“Now are you guys going to feed me or not? Let me fill up my stomach while we talk. Plans about my wedding can only gear up my appetite.”51

Prerna took out a printed questionnaire she kept with her and said “Madam if you answer a few questions I have, our job would be easier”52

“Sure. But please call me Mansi. Madam makes me feel about a 100 years old “53

“Do you have any specific venue in mind ? “54

“Taj Mahal.” she instantly replied. Then said with a sigh, “ But since I know the government wont countenance my wish, I would settle for any outdoor venue.  We - Raghavan and me that is - have decided on a temple marriage and a lavish reception. I don’t mind where the venue is, except that it has to be in the heart of the city, we are inviting many models and clients you see and I want lots of greenery around and yet it has to be easily accessible. “55

“Would Imperial gardens suit you? They have beautiful lawns and in the unlikely event that the heavens open up, we can always shift to their sheltered  hall. “56

“Sounds perfect. “57

“Catering?”58

“Raghav’s family are Tamil Brahmins. Strict vegetarians. So the dinner has to be a strictly vegetarians affair but of course considering the elite guests we would have, It has to be elaborate too. “59

“Hmmm.  I know a couple of good caterers. But Mansi, Tamil Brahmins often insist that the cook has to be a Brahmin too. Have you checked that out with them ?60

“Heavens I have no idea. Is it okay if I ask my mum-in-law and let you know tomorrow. 61

“Sure. Once you do that I can set about hiring a cook. You would have to give me a convenient time when I can set up a meeting between you and the cook to discuss the menu. That way it would save a lot of time.“62

“Anytime in the evening is okay. Better still anytime is okay. I can convince my partner to let me off for a while”63

“Invitations? “64

“Didn’t Manas tell you? He has designed them and they are lovely. You just have to get them printed. “65

Manas who had been a mute witness to the interchange till this time said, “I will drop them off at your workplace tomorrow. “66

Prerna nodded and said,  “Since Manas would be taking care of the wedding dress, there really isn’t much more except the guest list and planning the wedding such that both the cultures are respected and as you want it. I am sure you have lot of ideas of how the day should be and so does your mother. I would suggest that you keep aside an hour every week for discussing the proceedings with me. That way you would be updated and if anything doesn’t meet your approval, it won’t be too late to change it. Yeah one more thing. Do you have any special entertainment planned that day?67

Mansi cast a sheepish look at Manas and said, “I am sure that Manas is going to tease me about this, but I am really crazy about Jagjit Singh and would love to have him sing his soulful ghazals on the most special day of my life but .. “68

Manas laid a hand on Mansi’s shoulder and said, “Its taken care of sis. I spoke to him day before yesterday and he agreed, It was to be a surprise but .. Now you know what my wedding gift to you is “69

Mansi let out a unmaidenly shriek and hugged her brother tight and said “That’s the bestest gift anyone could have and you are the bestest twin anyone could hope for. “70

With infinite tenderness Manas said “ You deserve it kid. I would miss you, you know. That man you are marrying better keep you happy and know how lucky he is. “71

“I keep reminding him of that”72

They seemed to have forgotten Mansi’s presence entirely. Her heart warmed. It was impossible not to like a man, who loved his sister so much and wasn’t embarrassed to show it. With a catch in her throat as she watched the twins hug, she wondered how it would be to have someone care so much about her. To love her for herself and love her for always.   73

Saturday was the day Prerna hated most. This was the day when having no work to occupy her, she felt really alone in the world. And being alone meant too much time to think. And too much time to think meant she invariably drowned in a sea of self pity. And this was something that had no place in her life. Self-pity invariably led to a sea of self doubts. She had built her world carefully and brick by brick and everything rested on her and her  belief in self. At no cost could she allow herself to undermine that.   74

With a firm shake of her head to clear it of all the morbid thoughts crowding in it, she decided what she required was constructive work to distract and keep her occupied. With a sudden flash of inspiration, she decided to work on the website she was planning to build for her firm. Though she had got the domain registered a few months ago, she hadn’t really begun work on it as yet. As of now, the website held a big sign-post saying UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Well, today was a good day to remedy that. Switching on her computer, she started working. Tentatively at first, since the computer classes she had taken were a little rusty, she slowly gathered speed. she had already decided on the background theme for the entire site. Dreamy pink, lilac, white and peach in light swirls. A misty atmosphere and the information in old fashioned copper plate writings. Half way through typing the firm history, Prerna suddenly decided, it would be better if she could add more photos. Rummaging in her closet, she brought out photographs of all the wedding she had planned from her first wedding assignment till Jayanthi’s. She made a note to solicit feedback from each of them. May be a few would be willing to be contacted by potential clients to acclaim her services. 75

Prerna swiftly scanned a few photos and uploaded them. Ahh the front page done. And it did look good, even if she did say so herself. Now all she needed was a by-line for the site. Something catchy, something that could be remembered. Hmmm. Maybe it would be easier to come up with one, if she started writing down the ones that came to her mind. Biting off the edge of her pencil, she bent over the table, with her tongue peeping out of the corner of her mouth, her hair falling ahead and covering the sides of her face as it always did.76

She almost didn’t hear the door bell ring. When she did, she was sure that it would be some salesman trying to sell her soap that she didn’t need and assuring her that her life would be miserable if she didn’t buy it. She ignored the door-bell sure that whoever it was would go away assuming that no one was home. When the person showed no signs of departing and seemed determined to arouse the whole apartment if necessary, she wheeled the computer chair to the door. Throwing it open, she muttered,77

“Go away! I am not interested in buying any soap from you, I have my year’s supply of towels and I don’t need any detergents --. “ and went beet red as she saw Manas standing on her doorway, casually leaning on the door jamb and looking like a million dollars. The man seemed to have resolved to haunt her. 78

“Now, that’s what I call a hearty welcome. “79

“I.. I thought umm it was the salesman”80

“So I gathered.”81

She gave him a suspicious look  “How did you get my address anyway? “82

“Would you believe I knocked every door till found you? “83

“I may be many things, but one thing I most definitely am not is dumb Mr. Malhotra:”84

“ Hmm Prerna, I thought we agreed on Manas. Though I admit that the environment is said to be no importance while chatting to a lovely lady, do you mind inviting me inside? I promise to be a gentleman. I won’t steal your ashtray and even promise to reveal the mystery behind how I tracked you down “85

Prerna went from beet red to deep red, the same color as the ribbed t-shirt he was wearing. 86

“Ah yeah do come in “ she stammered. Now where had her wits gone wandering? She should know more than to gape wonderingly when a male landed at her doorstep. And her tongue seemed to have deserted her too. Now that was a change. From shooting her mouth off, she had gone to being struck dumb.  87

“So explain. “88

“Rapunzel. Do you know you look like a Rapunzel with your hair down like that? I never realized there was so much of it. “89

Prerna felt color rise to her cheeks again. It seemed to be a fairly constant occurrence when Manas was around. Turning around to hide her sudden confusion she asked in a voice that seemed too feeble for her comfort. 90

“My address?”91

“Has anyone ever told you, you are resemble a dog with a bite when you are after something? “92

She merely lifted an eyebrow and gave him a quizzical look.93

With a wry grin Manas said  “I charmed that skinny martinet you have posted at your office doors.” With an innocently straight face, he went on “She realized what a good boy I was and even offered to escort me here but I didn’t want to leave your office empty” 94

Prerna merely snorted  “I would rather believe Princess Di gave you my address”95

Manas primly folded his hands across his chest and pasted a very interested look on his face “You sure keep exalted company. Never knew deceased princesses were in the habit of popping in for a visit. But this is so interesting. Do tell.”96

Prerna couldn’t help a smile forming. “You are absurd”97

Manas suddenly leapt forward and mimed catching something in the air. With a boyish grin, he beamed at her and said “Gotcha.”98

It was now Prerna’s turn to stare at him. “What did you get?”99

“A smile. Do you realize that’s the first time you have really smiled at me?”100

When she was about to refute the charge, he said “Oh you went through the motions all right, but this is the first time your smile reached and light up your eyes. “ His voice suddenly went all tender. “And do you know what Rapunzel? You look bewitching when you smile. I can’t believe no Prince has broken through your ivory tower as yet”101

Bewitching. No one had ever called her that. Actually very few people had called her anything. That is on a personal basis. But this was nonsense. Manas wasn’t anything on a personal basis. He was business. To hide her momentary confusion, she abruptly changed the topic.102

“Can I offer u something? Some juice? Coffee? Tea?”103

“I have a better idea. I was caught up in work so I haven’t lunched as yet. Why don’t I take you out to lunch? We can discuss the invitations and Mansi’s wedding wardrobe after that.”104

“Hmm, I have lunch already under way. If you would wait for a few minutes, I can offer you lunch right here and it will be quicker than going out. “ God, what had gotten into her? When she had never allowed a man into her house before, she was now offering to feed him. There seemed to be something so intimate about cooking for a man. Almost, as if he was hers and she were caring for him. She gave myself a mental shake.  God girl! It’s only a meal. Its what you would do for any man, who claimed he was hungry. And it made a good foundation for her plans to ensnare him into marriage. He was attracted to her, that much was clear. How tough could it be to get a man to love her for heaven’s sake? And they did say that a way to a man’s heart was through his stomach. She would start there. She had no intentions of being emotionally involved herself. Heavens no. The fact that he was attractive was only a bonus. Her main attraction was to his bank balance and the comfort it could lend to her life.105

“That would be great. I do hope I don’t sound like I have been living in a refugee camp” he said with a grin that had his dimples peeking out. A smile, which had been popping in Prerna’s dreams too often for her comfort and which made her heart melt. She would admit that she was fond of him. That would only make marriage with him easier to bear. Now the only problem was to get him to pop the question.106

“Be seated then. I will start off the lunch. How does jeera rice and dhal with some garlic pickle sound? I can make something more elaborate if you  --- “107

“The menu sounds perfect. “108

To her dismay, Prerna realized that instead of being seated in the living room as any normal man would do, he had followed her into kitchen. Her kitchen which was small by any standards now seemed positively dingy and tiny. Propping himself on the kitchen table, he proceeded,109

“Now that you are being good enough to feed me, I guess I shouldn’t hide anything from you. I actually … ummm this does take the mystique out of it and makes it sound so ordinary. The martinet refused to divulge your address, so I had to cajole her into revealing your phone number. I then simply looked up the telephone directory and discovered your abode.”110

“Why?”111

“I told you. I wanted to show you the rough draft of the wedding invitations and the designs for Mansi’s bridals so that you can co-ordinate everything”112

“You could have sent it through someone and you could have done it tomorrow.”113

“There she goes with the bit in her mouth again.” With a comical grimace he threw his hands up in the air and said  “Okay Rapunzel, I admit it. I wanted to see you again.”114

Prerna was so startled she dropped the stirring spoon she was holding. Here he was admitting he was attracted to her, so why wasn’t she mentally congratulating herself and batting her eyelashes at him and behaving like a coy maiden. Instead she was behaving as if she didn’t want him there.115

“Hey relax. I .. I admit I did want to see you again.” He took a deep breath and continued after a pause. “I think we started on a wrong note but our lunch yesterday proved we can be friends. So I dropped in to take you to lunch and a chat. I enjoyed our time together so much I wanted more.”116

Prerna felt smug, unbelievably smug and couldn’t resist needling him and said demurely  “You were abominably rude”117

With a wicked grin Manas said “Naah my lady. I was just plain smitten by your charms and was struck dumb by such an accomplished lady”118

“Which of course you noticed as soon as I entered the room”119

“Of course. I am very smart myself”120

“Haah, a very modest man I see. “121

“Very. Its only of my many accomplishments. I never talk about myself.”122

Prerna couldn’t resist his charm and burst out laughing. 123

The rest of the meal proceeded in the same harmonious fashion.  As before Prerna found.  Manas a very easy person to talk to. Though she had not meant to do anything of the sort Prerna soon found herself telling him about the website she was working on 124

“You see, I am planning to launch this website about the services we offer. This would save me from having an initial consultation with my client wherein I have to brief them about all the services offered. I am also planning to display my portal in all the wedding invitations printed. That would be publicity for me.”125

“So what do you plan to have in this website? “126

“I plan it as an advertisement for my firm. So that people know about my company. “127

“Why not e-consulting? “128

“Huh? “129

“The possibilities of a website are endless. You can expand your services all over the country without moving from here. See, many people just want ideas which they can implement. Rather than hiring you for the whole event, they might want to hire your ideas, Tap into your brain and use your creativity. You might charge a fee for it. Ask them to type their request in the website, pay through credit card and you answer their queries. “130

As the idea took seed in Prerna’s mind, she could see endless possibilities. “Manas, I could even build a circle of contacts this way and maybe act as a go-between and charge a commission. I could undertake the role of a guarantor for a particular service and charge for recommending. This could be my service. Scouting for locally reliable persons and charging for recommending them. “131

“You see daylight girl. And you know what? I have a business deal for you. I am launching my bridal collection next month, you can launch your e-wedding services that day too. I can guarantee press coverage for you. I divert my customers to you and you use X’tacy as your regular bridal outlet. Agreed? This concept will catch on, especially since the idea allows the clients to choose their budget. “132

It made sense to Prerna. Hell, it was a lucrative offer. She nodded and said “But my website has just started Manas. I don’t know if I can get it done within a month.”133

“You forget you just made yourself a partner, two actually. Mansi will demand to be in it too. But right now partner, lets get down to work.”134

After they had toasted their new partnership with apple juice, he wheeled her to the hall and plunked himself on the chair in front of the computer. 135

“So what were you doing?”136

“I was looking for a good by-line something to describe the wedding services I offer and be catchy at the same time.”137

Tilting his head to one side, Manas began thinking hard. At regular intervals he muttered “Hmms” and “No. It won’t do” To Prerna, he looked like a errant schoolboy struggling with a tough assignment. Suddenly he jumped up and whooped. Grabbing her chair, he did a wild spin around the room.138

“Hang on Manas. What happened? You gone crazy or what?”139

“I got it. I got the perfect by-line. Listen. “Euphoria, You dream and we deliver Howzaat?“ He looked as excited  as a second grader. 140

Prerna pretended to consider and said “Okay I suppose.”141

“What you mean Okay? Its great.” He looked outraged. 142

“Hmmmm. How about “We deliver your dreams”143

“Copy cat “144

“I didn’t copy. I improvised”145

“Seeing that you are a lady and I don’t argue with ladies, I will let you win”146

“A male condescends when he knows he is going to fail. A last resort to preserve his dignity.” 147

He ended the argument by throwing the sofa cushion at Prerna.  Frowning fiercely he said “Do you want to work or not? You lack focus. “148

Turning back to the computer, he began typing furiously with such a mulish look on his face that Prerna burst out giggling. 149