THE RENDEZVOUS

Pre-Covid Life “Maa, I am hungry. Aren’t you?” Nitya asked Kalyani, after sauntering in the mall, for over an hour. The sale was on, so Nitya dragged her mother for some shopping. She purchased two pairs of trousers and three formal shirts for work. Even though she had enough shoes for the office, she bought another chic pair on impulse. She cajoled her mother to buy a saree for herself but Kalyani declined to say she had enough to last her a lifetime. Her mother started keeping aside sarees for Kalyani and her sisters from the time they were born. After her wedding and for several years after that, the only present Kalyani received from any relative was a saree.

“I have more than a hundred of them, I don’t need anymore.”

“At least buy lipstick or a kajal.”

“I have enough stock for the time being, I will replenish it next month.”

Annoyed, Nitya then asked her to eat something, as they had left home after an early lunch of tamarind rice and now she had started feeling the hunger pangs. Kalyani agreed, even though she was doubtful of finding anything to eat from the cuisines that were on offer. She was a vegetarian and 109 finding a dish without meat and eggs at the south-east Asian kitchen counter was equivalent to finding a needle in a haystack. But Nitya managed to source one for her mother — an instant pot vegan khow suey made in coconut milk. Kalyani enjoyed the dish thoroughly and Nitya was relieved that her mother finally opened up to the idea of trying something new. R City Mall had organised a week-long Diwali extravaganza with stalls ranging from designer clothes, jewellery and imported decoration material and luxury toiletries. The mall had also tied up with a five-year hotel to set up a live gourmet kitchen counter serving the best of Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Thai cuisines.

Nitya ordered a nasi goreng for herself; even though she had started eating meat in her college days, she wasn’t in the mood to have one today. After their lavish meal, Nitya and Kalyani decided to leave when Nitya noticed a jewellery stall. She took her mother along to check out the fashionable collection. She liked a few pieces and decided to buy them when her mother elbowed her gently and whispered that the jewellery on display was too expensive. Shikha overheard the conversation between the mother and daughter and intervened with an offer. She had the knack of retaining customers and with this skill managed to build a committed clientele, over the years. “You can pick up any two pieces and I’ll give the third one for free,” she made the offer to Nitya, who readily accepted. Kalyani was happy that Nitya got a good deal on her purchase. Mahima bumped into Kalyani at the Rose Cafe. She decided to introduce herself and extended her right hand. She asked Kalyani to join her at the table. Kalyani shook her hand and without giving it much thought sat next to her.

“I am Mahima, remember you had left your wallet…”

“Yes, I do. I am Kalyani.”

“Like that day, today also I am waiting for my nephew. Earlier I used to feel that he was genuinely getting delayed, but now I have started doubting his behaviour. I think he is a scatterbrain. Are you waiting for someone?”

“No, I just came here as my daughters are away at work. Ever since my elder daughter introduced me to this mall, I haven’t stopped coming. Now, I don’t think before dropping here for window shopping or coffee.”

They ordered a cappuccino each and started talking. By the time Shivansh arrived, they had discussed their age, relationship status and their work.

“Sorry to keep you waiting bua,” Shivansh apologised profusely to Mahima.

“Come on, don’t apologise so much. I am glad you came in no time.” “Huh bua, I called you three hours ago saying that I would be late. But I got really late, I am sorry.”

Mahima and Kalyani did not realise that they were chatting for the last three hours. Kalyani searched for the waiter to ask for the bill but Mahima offered to pay for her coffee.

“Next time you pay,” she insisted in a manner Kalyani couldn’t refuse.

Kalyani left the cafe and Shivansh and Mahima got talking. Mahima and Kalyani were having their staple cappuccinos at Rose Cafe and discussing their lives when Kalyani noticed Chitra entering the restaurant. She waved at her and introduced her to Mahima. Kalyani told Mahima about Chitra’s bakery and praised its confection.

“I will surely order something from your bakery,” Mahima assured her. “Sure, any time. But please don’t feel pressured to do so, I have known Kalyani so came to greet her,” Chitra smiled. Chitra had opted for a take-away order of two large cappuccinos for herself and Pankaj.

The excerpt is taken from the book ‘Half a Century’ written by Megha Manchanda.