The Plan (A Story)

 “I have planned it for the 21st of next month; I think that’ll be enough time for you to prepare.” Imran said, ticking a few points in his planner.

“Okay, I am sure, I’ll be done with the arrangements and booking by then”, Aman nodded.

“All the best then”, Imran smiled, “I’ll be looking forward to see your work”.

“Thanks, it is going to be a wonderful experience working on this.”

“Thank you for your time.”

They stand up and shake hands. Aman takes a leave.

A few tables away, two ladies are sitting and talking:

“He assured me, he can arrange everything by 21st November.”

“That’s perfect, you’ll have enough time.”

“I hope so.”

“Don’t worry dear, it’s going to turn out perfect”, Ramya assured Zara.

“I hope it does”. She smiles nervously.

Ramya’s phone starts buzzing.

“Hey, I need to take this call. You order for me, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“Alright.”

Imran was nervous. For the first time in his life. He’d never planned something this big for someone so close to his heart. He just wanted it to work out. He took out his tab to check the next appointment, relieved to know that there was only one left for the day, he put it down and looked around the café. It appeared to be busier than usual. And then his eyes fell upon her. He could make out the eagerness in her eyes. It had always been easy for him to read people’s faces. But this face seemed a little different. It wasn’t that of a stranger. He knew how those eyes would look when angry. He knew how the lines would form on the forehead when she would think something serious. His eyes moved to her hands.  There wasn’t any ring on her finger. He felt he knew how those fingers would tap the table when anxious, and then…

She tapped her fingers on the table and scrolled through her cell with the other hand. Why had she started feeling uncomfortable all of a sudden? She looked up to glanced around. As her eyes fell on the table at the right, she met with two eyes staring right back at her. They each held the gaze for the same time and then looked away.

“Hey did you order for us?”, Ramya asked, hurrying up to the table.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, I got lost in my thoughts and forgot.”

“Okay, that’s fine. I’ll have to leave. Ash is caught up with work, so I will have to pick up Rehaan from school. I’m so sorry to cut it short”

“Hey, it’s okay, you don’t have to apologise.”

“Do you want me to drop you somewhere?”

"No, I think I’ll stay here and have a coffee before heading home.”

“Okay, I’ll call you tomorrow then.”

“Yea, Bbye,”

“Bye.”

He went up to the counter and ordered himself a coffee. While waiting for the change, suddenly he smelled a familiar fragrance. It made him turn and look at the side. And there she was again. Talking away cheerfully with the cashier.

Without planning, he blurted out, “Can I join you?”

She is a bit taken aback, “I think so”.

They find a table and sit down.

After a few minutes of silence and coffee sips, he asks her, “I didn’t know you’d be here.”

“Neither did I”

“So what are your plans for the rest of the day?”

“I’m going to meet mom in the evening, and you?”

“Oh, I have a meeting in an hour”, he looks at his watch “and I better be leaving now”.

“Okay, I’ll see you tonight.”

Smiles, hugs and kisses. They leave. Separately.

Making sure he’s not in her sight anymore, he takes out his cell and dials a number. She hails a cab, open the door and gets inside. Takes out her cell and dials a number. 

 

“Guess what dude, I’m going to propose her!”

“Mom, I found you a son in law!”

Images are from here and here.