Conflicted Desires – Part 6

We have embarked on the story of Rohini and Vikram, and a super talkative grumpy parakeet – Keezo. To read the previous part of the story, click here.

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How about a dinner with me? Vikram’s words were ringing in her ears, dinner, he is asking to have dinner with me? Well, he has not asked me upfront, only talking to Keezo, but yes, the message is clear. Rohini’s thoughts were jumbled when Vikram turned towards her after lavishly rubbing Keezo’s underside for a few minutes.

“You do not have to think of this as I am asking a favor in return, I just find you interesting and would like to know more about you. Honestly, there is NO malicious intent or taking advantage of a situation. You can say no, we can have a coffee here at your place, simple!” Vikram could see the cogs of her brain overworking. He had to fuse the tension hopefully she sees the earnest intent behind his dinner offer.

Rohini was silent for a while and was contemplating her next reaction, she did not want to act childish or defensive, and his intentions look honest. “Well, this came suddenly, and I do not do dinners as such. So, give me some time, I will get back to you on this?” quizzed Rohini.

“Understood! I really hope you give it a thought, I know a quaint place where they make amazing Thai, IF you are interested in that cuisine, of course, then we can have a quiet dinner this Friday” Vikram said jovially.

Rohini couldn’t hold back her smile, he was clearly putting an effort into this proposition.

When was the last time I indulged in such banter with anyone who is not my son, never! Rohini’s pensive thoughts were running her life like a kaleidoscope, a medley of everything but still searching for a piece of herself.

She is content with life, a secure household, an established career as a career counselor, a loving son, and a supportive partner, she has all the right ticks on her list, but through all those years of dedication and toiling, she missed being herself.

When it comes to friends, she has none, the only companion is her son’s parakeet. She can’t call him a friend, he is a ‘terror’. She laughed at that thought, Keezo’s shrilling voice rocked her from the downtime.

CHOY! CHOY! CHOY!

Like a clock, he knows the time for his feed, and he won’t stay silent until his little tummy is full. Just a small package, but its energy is that of a supersonic missile. She loves his company, but would never agree that to Raunak. He purposely taught the bird crass words. They both are similar in that way, naughty with a capital N.

It was 7 pm in the late evening when her phone rang, she knew it was her husband. “Hey babe, what’s happening there,” Kaushal’s face comes live on the phone screen. He is still in the office.

“Hi, all good, what are you doing so late in the office, it must be around 9/10 pm there, isn’t it?” she quizzed.

“Yep, it is late and it feels like I am the last man sitting here, all I can hear is vacuums buzzing on the floor,” he sounds tired.

“So, what’s stopping you from leaving, another conference call or e-meeting?” she knows the answer but still asks.

“Naah, I am booking tickets to come home,” he chimed from the phone.

“Really, when?”

“Gotcha! Kidding babe, I am traveling to the US this coming week, so sorting out the work. I don’t want to be bothered during the weekend” he replied.

“hmm”

“Oh! Come on, not with the one word, Roh, please”

Rohini could not reply, she knew he was busy, they both knew what this job entails, but he didn’t have to rub it in her face by saying ‘I am coming home’, only to mess with her.

“Tell me what’s new there, how’s that naughty bird, hope he is troubling you by calling Hot Maal every day,” he chuckled over the phone.

“That he never forgets, and he is getting greedy every day, bosses around everyone for his feed.” She was quiet for a few breaths, and then continued, ‘I may go out for dinner tomorrow with a friend, umm… maybe I will go or not!” she said awkwardly.

Kaushal looked at her, he really looked at her for a few moments, “You are going to a dinner? Wow, that is news. Who is the lucky one? Please tell me it is not Mrs. Bakshi from Tower 1!”

Rohini laughed and replied, “No, that’s not Mrs. Bakshi. I pledged to never accompany her after the last horrific incident. She is too loud and bold for my standards. I am going out with a friend.” She was silent, gauging his response, almost waiting for him to ask more questions, quizzing her about the ‘friend.’

“Good you should go out, meet people socialize, I have been telling you to go around places. I am glad finally you have taken the right call,” he replied while typing something on his laptop.

“Umm… won’t you ask who is my friend?” she quizzed Kaushal.

He looked up from the keyboard, “should I?”

Rohini was fidgety by now, her hands clammy, she took a deep breath, and answered, “Not required, I am just going out for dinner nearby with an acquaintance.”

“Good, do tell me how it goes” with that they disconnected and Rohini started spiraling into her thought train. It is just a dinner.

Hi, send me the address, I will be there tomorrow evening by 7 for our dinner.

Three dots almost immediately appear on the screen; he is typing she awaits the reply with bated breath.

‘Awesome! Thank you for accepting my offer, I won’t disappoint 😊’

‘Sure, or I can pick you up on the way, your choice’

Thanks, I don’t think that’s required.

Umm… sure, let me know

Shall we do this next weekend

‘Okay.’

To be continued…

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This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2024

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