Sonali’s Suitors- Chapter Nine

I pulled my hair into a messy bun, applying very little make-up to the top of my eyelids. Even if I was on a mission to ditch the guy, there was no way I was walking onto the street without at least bit of eyeliner. It was a crazy thought, but I was pretty sure I wouldn’t recognize myself without at least a bit of kohl eye liner gracing the corners of my eyes. This was especially true since without the emphasis that the liner provided, my eyes were merely two small glass beads. They almost appeared pitch black at times, especially when I smiled, twinkling like stars. My friend Paul once teased me suggesting that they looked as if black beetles roved upon white blossoms. I preferred my dad’s analogy better, which was that they were black cars, driving recklessly on a road painted completely in white. At least it was more endearing to my ears. Looking at myself in the mirror I smiled. Perfect! I looked almost gothic with my jet black straight hair, my coal-like eyes, and my matching black outfit. The less attractive I looked the better.

I headed in the direction of Timothy’s Cafe; finally spotting it snuggled into a corner of the street venue, I walked in and found a booth at the back that I assumed would offer more privacy. Gautham had told me this morning that he would contact me through my mobile when he was closer to the meeting spot. I stared out the window at people who walked past the cafe. I wondered how he looked. Would he resemble dashing Hollywood film heroes like George Clooney, or fall into the category of the average Joe. My phone began to vibrate on the table. I glanced at the display name. Gautham Calling....

Here goes! I picked up the phone and fixed the receiver next to my ear.

“Hello!”

“Hi Sonali! I’ll be there within a few minutes. How do I recognize you?”

“Well, looking around, I appear to be the only brown person here who is female. I think that’s a huge giveaway, don’t you?”

I heard him chuckle lightly on the other end.

“You’ve got a point. I’ll be right there.”

I returned my gaze to the window once again. My gaze landed on a Tamil guy donning formal business attire, and cell in hand walking towards the cafe. He was slightly chubby with a lightly protruding belly and receding hairline. I was almost a hundred percent sure this was the Gautham. What a lucky streak in attracting baldies! This was going to be a very easy escape. He opened the door and walked towards the counter and ordered a french roast espresso. I waited patiently for him to turn my way, but he never even looked back. He headed to a high rise stool and sat facing the opposite side of the street corner. What the hell? I watched to see if he’d pull out his cell phone and he did. My phone didn’t come to life however. It stayed silent, as if not wanting to disturb the calmness that surrounded me in the booth. I was still puzzled and openly gawking at the nearly bald gentleman when someone cleared their throat next to me. I looked up to see a guy perhaps three to four years older than me, judging by his appearance, smiling warmly at me.

“Yes. Can I help you?”I asked.

“You certainly can! Are you Sonali by chance?”

I felt like someone had punched me in the stomach. I was nearly breathless. I managed to nod my head solemnly. This was not the guy I expected at all!!!!!!!

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Publication Date: 11-05-2011

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To all friends who aspire to be authors...