1~ Kara
I met him when I was a fascinated, teenage tourist in India. He was harried on his feet, shuffling papers and pushing his glasses up his rather very long nose all at the same time. It was impossible not to notice him like how impossibly charming it was to look at him struggle. Maybe it was because he had long limbs that he didn’t know how to use them properly and to make them cooperate. I know it was rude of me to find his dilemma amusing so I decided to lend him a helping hand. And besides, I thought any moment he would trip on his own feet I was afraid he’d hurt himself badly.
“Do you need help?” I said with a matching friendly close lip smile I know people find enchanting.
He just stood there, looking, no, gawking at me. His nose was really long. Perhaps everything about him was long, no pun intended. ^^ Anyway, he just stood frozen hugging his papers, staring wide eyed at me. Well, I was nevertheless a bit offended. I was trying to help and do I look like someone who’d bully anyone? But maybe he didn’t hear me well or didn’t understand me, I thought. So I repeated myself.
“Do you need any help? I saw you struggling with those. You have a way lot of them so I thought maybe I could help?”
None. No reaction at all. Oh, maybe he didn't understand English! Not everyone in India spoke English. Stupid me.
“Ahh, no English?” I spread my hands in front of him and shook them to emphasize my point. That got him. He blinked and righted himself. He pushed his glasses again and looked at me from head to toe.
“With due respect Miss, I perfectly understand what you just said but no. I don’t help or anything.” A baritone voice finally spoke to me.
And he left. Just like that. So much for being helpful! I only got myself embarrassed! Oh well, I didn’t do anything wrong. I squared my shoulders and turned around. He’s not the only one who can turn his back. Too bad, he was actually quite a looker. Nerd, but nonetheless, gorgeous. And I wasn’t a sucker for the eyeglasses type, mind you. But I soon forgot about that when I went home to finish the rest of the semester.
2 years after, I went back to Mumbai for another vacation. I got really hooked with India when I first visited which was why I asked for a month vacation in India for graduation instead of a trip to Europe or the US as what the rest of my batch mates were doing.
Mumbai was a colourful city. So much like the main cities of any country: full of people, bustling vehicles, hurrying employees and the likes. What made it alluring was its diversity. It was filled with people from different walks of life, of different ethnicity. The city was filled with contrasts. Old met new. Rich met poor. Clean met dirty. Pungent met bland. One wouldn’t know how to take it but one would take it as it is 'cause that’s what made it very engaging.
I was out and about on my usual day of strolling when I met him again.
He never quite managed to tame his awkward limbs. But I didn’t recognize him in an instant. After all, we only saw each other once very briefly and not quite worth remembering. He was not shuffling papers this time but he was trying to rummage through his back pack while walking through throngs of people, including me. Unfortunately, I was also quite busy with my camera which flew away from my hands when this clumsy oaf bumped into me.
“My camera!” A number of people looked at me when I shouted but my whole attention was on the broken lens of my DSLR. I should say it was a point for him for noticing that he caused a disaster. He went to bend with me where my camera lay.
"I’m sorry! I wasn’t looking at the road,” he said and tried to help me gather the damaged parts. I forgot to mention that even in India, it was still a common metropolitan. People don’t give a shit on other people’s business. They just went on their way while I was feeling miserable and boiling angry at the only helping hand beside me.
“That you were! Look what happened! My mum will kill me for this! This is so new!” I grabbed everything that he grabbed.
His apologetic tone abruptly dissolved to an exasperated one. “I said I’m sorry. I’ll pay for whatever damage or I’ll give you money to buy another one. Just tell me how much but I’m in a hurry.”
I was finished putting all the broken pieces in my bag but if I wasn’t, I’d definitely leave it just to have a go with him. I stood defiantly on my full 5 foot 4 inches height with my hands on my hips. I could imagine steams going out of my ears from how I was so pissed at that time. The nerve of him!
“You definitely don’t have the right to get annoyed for this because this is entirely your fault! I don’t care if you can afford to buy a whole camera store. And I don’t care if you’re in a hurry! The point is you were not looking at where you are going so you bump into me and cause damage on a property. To top it all, you have the nerve to be annoyed when what you should do is apologize and from where I came from its considered rude.”
I certainly made him speechless. And embarrassed based on how his cheeks became so red. Served him right. I certainly didn’t care if he stood about 6 foot 2 inches. I was mad and right about it.
“Look, I already said I’m sorry. And I’m really on a hurry. I admit it’s my fault so can we just please get on with it?” His irritated low key boiled my blood even more. His Hindi accent should be charming but I couldn't find anything charming about him at that time. He was glancing around the people who halted to look at us.
He was really really rude! I never met someone as bad mannered as him!
“You look. I-----“
“You!” He stopped looking like a rabbit caught in a high beam and stared down at me. In the midst of being absolutely mad, I noticed his eyes were honey brown. On another place and another time, I'd find it really sexy but since I was mad, I couldn't admire it. But...
What? Me? I think I got tangled with a wacko!
“If this is your way to get out of this situation, it won’t work, buster. I’m calling the police.” I turned to find the nearest police I could find. I was sure there was one. I always saw them around. However, he pulled me back and dragged me out of the sidewalk.
“Hey! What do you think you’re doing?! I’m going to shout if you won’t let me go!” Actually, I was shouting at him from when he plowed into me.
“Oh please just shut up for a minute.” This time, he didn't raise his voice but remained cool and quiet.
We were causing quite a scene actually. People were starting to stop and look at us. He swore under his breath in a foreign tongue which I thought was Hindi and pulled down his already very drawn cap. He had the nerve to get embarrassed when I was actually the one being dragged. Huh!
We arrived shortly on a parked dark car before I could shout at him again. Somebody was leaning on the car’s hood. He threw away his cigarette and met us. Maybe he’d help me!
“Where were you kid? And who is this?” He was speaking in Hindi but I think he was asking about me. But before I could speak again, my abductor opened the car door and shoved me in. Oh my God! I was being kidnapped! Just when I decided not to tell my parents where I was!
“Long story chaacha (uncle). Let’s just get out of here.” He had a dark cloud over him.
“Hey! You speak English so speak English! Why are you kidnapping me? I can’t give you ransom! You can’t sell my body either! I’ll kill you first before you can do that!” I hugged myself and moved far away from him. I tried opening the door but it was automatically locked.
“Oh please.” He gave me an incredulous look. He grabbed his bag and shoved it on the back part of the car.
The other guy got in the car and chuckled.
“Feisty one. ” The other guy said.
“You have no idea.” He took off his cap. He kinda looked familiar. Where did I see him? Oh, screw knowing him! He’s kidnapping me!
“Where did you find her? Why are we bringing her? Your dad’s probably wearing the carpet waiting for you by now." The driver spoke in Hindi again. I was planning to study Hindi and my resolve strengthened because of that. If I could get out alive. Oh God. Why me?? I decided to appeal to him.
“Mister, please let me go! You can’t possibly get anything from me. I’m just a tourist here! You can’t kidnap tourists, right? Please! There are a lot of other beautiful girls you can find. Please!” I never minded the rape stories I heard and read on the internet before but it came flooding back to me with all the gory details I shouldn't had bothered reading.
“Shut up! I’m not kidnapping you!” His face had the look of utter disgust and he looked at me again from head to toe.
“Then why did you drag me in here? I don’t know you!" I wasn’t really afraid that time. I could remember being angry more than being afraid.
“Yeah. Why did you drag her here, bhaanja (nephew)?” It was still in Hindi.
“You won’t listen to me earlier. And I’m really in a hurry so I have no choice but to bring you, okay? I’m not kidnapping you and you’re right. There are a lot of other beautiful girls out there, so why should I take interest in you? You barely even look like a woman. Now, could you please shut up until we reach my Dad’s house?”
“You could just have explained it to me instead of hauling me around, you know.” And so I crossed my arms and faced the window. I heard him audibly sigh and slumped on his side. The driver was still chuckling but didn’t say anything anymore.
“Fine. I may not look magazine pretty or ramp model tall but I know I’m pretty enough. I may be short but I got all the curves to show. How dare he say I don’t look like a woman? I am every inch a woman, thank you very much! Oh, why should I care about him and what he thinks about me? To hell with him. I’ll have my camera fixed and I’ll never ever see him again. I’ll enjoy my stay in India and forget about this unfortunate day,“ I thought.
As I was looking outside the window, I noticed that the buildings were getting fewer and fewer and I was seeing ahead of us bunch of trees on the side road. So, we were going to the country side. This could be interesting. It was a little consolation from the disaster I got myself into. As I was observing, I noticed I didn’t see any other houses. It was either his Dad was a recluse or quite a wealthy man. Wealthy people don’t really put their houses on the metropolis. Country side was more expensive and definitely more picturesque. If it was true, then he really wasn’t going to kidnap me. I couldn’t decide if I’d be relieved or ashamed of myself.
After about an hour and a half, we finally reached his Dad’s house. We didn’t speak at all during the ride and I felt like all my saliva had gone spoiled. But I forgot about that as soon as the car entered the big gate.
Okay, so his Dad was rich. Very rich. The driveway was wide and long with big trees and very green grass on the side. The car that brought us there was a BMW and I saw 4 more cars when we got out of it. And what a house! It was very beautiful in its enchanting way. It wasn’t a typical rich palace. It was big but also old. It was kind of eerie but homey. What attracted me the most were the doors in front of the house leading to the widest balcony I’ve ever seen. The house looked odd to me but I thought everything in India looked odd. And mostly, they were also pretty.
My eyes were wandering around as I unconsciously followed him through one of the big doors in front of the house. The house certainly was old. Must be an ancestral house. Some of the furnishings were new but there were still old and odd ones among them. It’s really an interesting house. I was still devouring the details when a man came into the room with the other man who served as our driver.
“Papa…” I heard him say.
My friends always say my taste for men was eccentric. Well, to further prove that I did, I found the Dad a lot more attractive than the son.
His Dad already had a ready smile for me when he came out of the door with who I found out later was his uncle.
"Hello. What's the name of our beautiful guest?"
“Uhm...K--Kara, sir...” That was all I managed to say which, if I look at it now, quite humiliating. I remember blushing that time as well. Geez!
"Well, hello Kara. I'm Zuma...Welcome to our home. I didn't suppose my son has a young friend like you. I am quite surprised. Well, I’m more surprised he brought home a girl, actually.”
Whatever joke he’d say, I’d definitely laugh…even if it included me and his not so endearing son.
“Actually sir, we're not friends. We just met each other today." He looked puzzled and turned to his son before gesturing me to the sofas.
His son, who I still didn’t know the name and I still haven’t remembered and I certainly didn’t care about stood still and crossed his arms, watching us. He might have found it peculiar to have his Dad engaged on a talk with an unannounced visitor.
“Why did Amon bring you here, then?” Mr. Zuma asked, oblivious to the fact that we couldn’t stand looking at each other. He was watching the two of us alternately.
"It's like this, sir..."
“I bumped into her when I went out of the store on my way to the car. She broke her camera and I offered to compensate for the damages,” the annoying guy broke in and calmly explained to his Dad like it was the most common thing to happen in his everyday life.
“He plowed into me. He wasn’t looking at where he was going. He said he was in hurry so he dragged me to his car,” I added.
“She was shouting in the middle of the street. People were starting to look so I have no choice but to bring her.”
“He was irritated when in fact it was his entire fault!"
“I already said I’m sorry!”
We didn’t really notice that we’re already facing and yelling at each other.
“Okay!” Mr. Zuma put up his hands in between us.
“Why don’t you sit down and talk about whatever you have to settle? ‘Calmly’. I’ll ring the bell in the kitchen for some tea.”
“I’ll do it Dad.” Amon started to walk out but his dad refused.
“No. Sit down and talk about it.” And he was gone. We have no choice but to follow his order. We sat on the single settee facing but refused to look at each other.
“Look---" "I---," we both said.
“You first,” he said.
“Okay, I was a bit hysterical back there. I was upset. And you were rude,” I said.
“Okay.”
That’s it? Really? I tried analyzing him. He really didn’t strike me as rude. He actually looked like someone who could be rude at. He looked geeky with those glasses which kept on buzzing my memory box. But, hey, he was rude!
“What do you mean ‘you’?” I asked.
“What?” Oh, yeah. His Hindi accent. As much as he was annoying, he had the most charming accent I've ever heard.
“Back there when you said it’s me, what do you mean?”
“Oh,” was his clipped reply.
“Oh? What do you mean when you said ‘it’s you’?” Should he really try my patience?
After a short silence, he said in the same irritated voice, “Two years ago, you were trying to help me with some papers. You thought I don’t speak English.”
Huh? Two years ago? I was also in India that time and I was…
“Oh yeah…" I finally remembered. "So that was you. The cute nerd.” And he was also rude back then. And quite a memory he had.
“What?”
Oops. Shut up mouth! “Nothing. Did I say anything else?”
“Tea will be served in a minute.” Mr. Zuma decided to come back at the right time. Saved by the bell!
“You really shouldn’t do this stuff for me, Sir.” How dear! What happened to his son?
“It’s okay. So, have you talked about your problem?”
Our eyes met. We didn’t reach any compromise or something. We didn't even ask each other's name. I just found out it wasn't our first meeting.
“I’ll have her camera fixed or if it’s beyond repair then I’ll have it replaced,” he said. That was fine with me.
“But I have to have my camera as soon as possible. I won’t be staying long in Mumbai. I’m planning to tour the other cities.”
“How long are you going to stay in India, Kara?” Mr. Zuma asked.
“A month. It’s already my 2nd week.”
“I see. How about your school?"
"I just graduated and I'm still buying my time before applying for a job."
They both gave me puzzled look. I knew what they were thinking. I'm used to people giving me that look.
"Are you not going to college?" Mr. Zuma asked.
What’s with these men? Why wouldn’t they believe I’m already a woman? The second man who told me this I could forgive. After all, he was very much dignified and much more likable. The first one I didn’t want to dwell on.
“I have graduated from college, Sir. I’m turning 23 this fall.” I said.
“Ah! I see! Forgive me for assuming. So, you’re of the same age as Amon here." He gestured to his son. So, his name was Amon. His forehead was knotted and was giving me that incredulous look again.
I just ignored him and answered his dad. "It's okay, Sir. I'm used to it."
Well then you’ll have your camera back as soon as possible.”
“Thank you, Sir.” I was so right on having a crush on him! Amon's forehead was still knotted like he was solving a big puzzle he couldn't really figure out. Weird guy...
We had tea and some Indian food after that. I couldn’t remember the name of it but it was good. I never liked tea but I stomached it since it came with a very rare chance of having a conversation with a charming man. We talked about his projects. Mr. Zuma ,as it turned out, was an actor. Holy crap~! So that's where all the charm came from. I had no idea I was gate crashing a celebrity's home. Well, I was just dragged in so I couldn't be anywhere near being at fault. Amon was there but didn’t talk much. He would only answer if his Dad would ask him something. I couldn't care less, anyway. We reached a silent truce when his dad started to talk about other stuffs.
“I have to go now. Thank you so much for your graciousness. And it has been an honor to meet you.” I grabbed my body bag.
Mr. Zuma smiled again but this time reached for my hand and patted it.
“I had a good time too. It’s good to listen to fresh minds once in a while.” It was apparent to me that he was a good man regardless of his profession and he was fascinating to talk to. I thanked him one more time and gave Amon a reluctant nod before stepping out.
I was already on the balcony when Amon called me.
“Kara…”
He never addressed me when we were inside the house. He kept on using the third person that it sounded strange to hear my name from his voice.
“Yeah?” He walked towards me with his hands on his pockets.
“I need to have your camera.”
“Oh! Yes, ofcourse.” I fished them out of my bag. I nearly forgot why I was there on the first place.
“And your contact number.”
Of course he needed my phone number. How else could he locate me when he’d give back my camera, right? There was no need to be nervous about it.
He handed me his cell phone to key in my number. “Here.”
We stood there awkwardly. We didn't talk directly inside the house but I couldn't possible ignore his presence. He was really tall I barely reached his shoulders. He was much taller than the first time we met. I was always aware and drawn to tall people because I was not gifted with such so I knew that he grew a few more inches to his already towering frame from the last time I saw him. That was the first thing I noticed on him among other things. And it was good to know he could be nice too. Or at least civil. If he could just stay like that…
“I’ll go ahead,” I said.
He nodded and I went to the waiting car that would take me back to the city.
His eyes followed the car until it disappeared beyond the gate.
“Such troublesome person,” he thought.
He didn’t notice when his Dad joined him on the doorway and clamped his hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Dad. I wasn't thinking straight earlier." He didn't think of the possibility of Kara knowing his dad. Thankfully she didn't until his Dad presented himself. He was watching how she charmed him to talk about himself and his projects and if any of it ever went out to the press, his hands were clean.
"I could perfectly understand why," His dad gave him a mischievous grin.
He just shook his head. "That's not it."
Still grinning his dad said, “That was good. She's not the type to betray people. She was such a sweet girl. So, Cute nerd, huh?” He chuckled.
He thought he was only imagining it. He smiled to himself.
3 days later, I got a call from him. He said my camera lens was a hopeless case so he’d replace it. I was sad because it was my mum’s grad gift. But I figured I should be grateful to Amon because he still offered to fix it. Not a lot of people would do it. I just couldn’t get pass his rudeness that day. He told me it should be ready by the next day. And also, his family was inviting me to have dinner with them! That was another thing I should be grateful about. I met his dad and I'd be meeting his family too. In a foreign land where you were alone, it felt good to meet people who were very warm and welcoming. I should remember those when he’d irritate me again.
The dinner would take place in his dad’s house since they couldn't just pop in a random restaurant. I'd be meeting his step mum and his sister. Mr Zuma and Amon's mum divorced when his younger sister was about 7 years old. They stay with their mother but they go to their dad's house every weekend and go back on Mondays.
His sister was a bit shy. But I guess it’s in women’s nature to unite when the topic is about men. Well, we didn’t really unite because she contradicted me on everything that I told her about I and her brother’s suppose first meeting.
“My brother was the kindest one in the family. I never heard him raise his voice to anyone. He is not rude,” Ira said softly.
“Wow. So that means he’s only rude to me. But I was right on being miffed. Aside from yelling at him, I didn’t do anything to annoy him,” I defended myself.
“Well, that was really weird. Normally, he’ll be patient and soft spoken.”
“All the members of your family are really well mannered. You are so nice to me and I really like you. So, what happened to member number 4?”
Ira giggled and scooted closer. We were in their lanai as we wait for dinner to be served.
“I like you too. Dad likes you too and that is an achievement. You must have impressed him the last time you were here or he’ll never invite you to dinner. Contrary to what you think, he has an aversion to people. About Dada, I don’t know how to answer that. It’s the first time he acted that way.”
“I guess it’s just bad for me that I’m not his type.”
Ira’s eyes grew big. I realized too late what I said sounded to her.
“That’s not what I mean!” But she was already grinning widely at me. Oh-oh.
“My brother’s your type? “ Her eyes were actually shining from merriment.
“No! I mean he’s good looking but that’s not what I mean.” Sometimes I just don’t think of what I say!
“You find him good looking?” She was giggling already. The kid had selective hearing problem.
“Well, yeah. A bit nerdy but…yeah. But when I said type I mean type of person not that kind of type.”
“Dinner’s ready.” Amon materialized behind the curtains.
My eyes popped out. Did he hear that? Ira was rolling on the divan when her brother disappeared from behind us.
“You purposely did that, didn’t you?” I was quick on liking that kid.
“No!” and she laughed some more when my cheeks went flaming red. “He got lucky tonight.”
I shouldn’t have wasted my time explaining. Ira stood up and linked our arms.
“Come on. We shouldn’t make the food wait.”
Oooh!
Meanwhile, as I was being roasted by the little devil, Mr. and Mrs. Zuma were having a discussion.
“I didn’t know Amon is capable of rudeness.” Kira, Amon's stepmother, was lounging on another set of couch.
“I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it myself. They were throwing daggers at each other.” Zuma had his head on his wife’s lap.
“How do you find this girl? You’ve talk to her already. I just barely had how do you dos with her.” Kira asked.
“Oh, witty. Very intelligent. Well mannered. In fact she is so much like you.” He reached up to her cheek and caressed it. They smiled affectionately at each other. "And pretty too."
“And you think Amon’s behaving oddly to her because he likes her.” She may not perfectly understand the complex structure of her husband’s brain but she can easily follow his train of thoughts.
“You don’t have an objection to having a foreign in law, do you?”
“As long as she makes him happy.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
Dinner was superb if not exotic. I wouldn’t say I’m a fan of Indian food but I guess in every country, you could find something that appealed to your taste. But more than the food, the conversation during the meal was amazing. Every member of their family had an opinion of its own. They were a bunch of independent minded people. Even Ira who I found timid gave her share of opinion on every topic. The topics were far and wide. It seemed that everyone has something to say and they hear out everyone.
That was the first time I saw the intellectual side of Amon. He already looked intelligent but I couldn’t help but admire his ideas as he took part on his family’s conversation. From time to time, they would ask me of what I think and I did my best to voice it. I’m also an opinionated person but I kept them to a minimum since I was just a guest.
We lounge again in their terrace after the meal with some coffee. The atmosphere became quieter and I was beginning to feel awkward. It was an intimate gathering, a family dinner and I was an outsider. As much as I enjoyed their company, I should be going my way and leave them to enjoy their privacy.
“I think I should be going now. Thank you so much for inviting me to dinner,” I told them.
“We think you should spend the night here, Kara. It’s already dark and it’s a long way back to the city,” Kira, as what she wanted me to call her, said.
“I don’t want to abuse your hospitality. I’ll be fine. I had a very good time. I don’t know how to thank you enough.” It was true. I never felt I was with August presence. They were very humble and down to earth.
“Then stay. You can go back in the morning. You’ll spare us the worry if you won’t travel during the night. You wouldn’t want to upset us, do you?” It was Mr. Zuma who said it.
I really couldn’t dare protest. Of course I wouldn’t want to give them any burden or worry.
“Please stay, Kara. It is very rare for dad to invite someone over,” Ira added.
Who am I to decline such an offer?
“Okay.”
Ira showed me where I’d be staying for the night and gave me some clothes to change. We were already retiring but I couldn’t sleep so I went to the porch. I was looking up the star studded sky when I heard a screech from behind me and saw Amon. We were both frozen in spot. What should we say? We weren’t really enemies but we’re not friends either. He was basically the reason why I was with his family but we barely speak at all. Talk about awkward.
“So, are you staying the night?” He was not on the balcony when they invited me to stay. He said he was busy doing something in his room. I suspected it was just an excuse to be out of there.
“Yeah. They didn’t want me to go back since its already dark.”
Silence again. I could hear the crickets sing. I couldn’t stand it. I’d better go back to my room if he’s going to stay in there.
“I wouldn’t be on your way long. I’m just taking some fresh air.”
“Stay,” he said to my absolute shock.
He moved to the baluster and leaned there. He sighed before speaking again.
“I’m sorry about your camera. I’m sorry I shouted at you and dragged you to my car. I’m sorry I was rude.” I was speechless. I never expected that.
“Well…uhm…” What should I say?
“I know I was being an ass. I’m not usually like that.” He wasn’t looking at me but towards the darkness. Was he for real?
“Ira told me you are not really bad mannered. I couldn’t agree with her.” He was making an effort to make amends. I wasn't scarred enough not to let him.
He sniggered and shook his head. “Something happened that day. I was pissed.”
“We both were. We were creating quite a scene in the middle of the road.” I was beginning to realize how embarrassing it was. I wasn’t a scandalous person. I was just short tempered, a tiny flaw to my almost flawless character.
“It was embarrassing, alright.” He was already blushing remembering that day.
“And funny too.” I realized it was funny. I wonder what those people who saw us were thinking. “We were set to slit each other’s throat.”
I couldn’t help but laugh and soon enough we were laughing together.
“So, you can be nice.” I told him, still smiling.
“And you can be calm.” He retorted, also smiling.
When we went silent, the atmosphere was not awkward anymore. We discovered we could be friends.
“You only have 2 more weeks here in India, right?” he asked.
“Yes. I’ll miss it here. I had so much fun. And I met family. They're good people. Thanks for pulling me here.” We shifted to the lounging chairs. They had a lot of them around the house.
“I wasn’t really thinking when I brought you here but thanks. I thought you're a high school brat.” He removed his glasses and put them aside. He got the shape of his dad’s eyes. And it was honey brown. There was no way I could forget that.
“I'm not quite as tall as you but we’re of the same age, okay? And I'm not a brat. Do I really look like a teenager?” The perks of being petite. There were times I find it amusing that I could pass as a teenager but other times I find it really annoying.
“You’re so small and the way you dress makes you look like a child. You asked me, I answered,” he said when I scowled.
“Is that why you said I don’t quite look like a woman?”
He nodded. “Even on the first time I saw you. But I didn’t mean it when I said you’re not pretty.” He was looking at the tiled floor it sounded so offhanded. It didn’t sound like a compliment at all. But he thought I was pretty. That was fair enough. However, I couldn’t accept it that I looked like a high school student for him.
“If I’m going to wear bikinis in front of you, would you finally think I’m a woman?” He looked up, flabbergasted. Ooohh…so he was easily spooked with those kinds of things. For the life of me, I didn’t know why I find that cute.
“I was joking so you can breathe now.” He looked so adorable when he blushed. I swallowed the bubbling laughter in my throat but I couldn’t resist pushing it a little. I leaned in closer and whispered, “Or would you rather have no bikinis at all?”
He opened his mouth but no sound came out. He was totally stunned and I burst out laughing. God! I found it so easy to joke with him. I didn’t know why but it was so comfortable talking to him.
He finally found his tongue as I was keeling over. “I don’t know what to say. We just started talking and you’re infuriating me again.”
“Sorry, you’re too cute gaping like that.” I wiped the tears from my eyes and tried to stop laughing.
“That’s the second time you called me cute.” That stopped me. Really? I wasn’t aware of that. He was smirking at me now. I didn’t answer mainly because I didn’t know if I should deny it or joke around it. He took the cue and changed the topic.
“What are you planning to do for the rest of your vacation?”
“I don’t have plans or itineraries. I want it spontaneous.” I folded my legs beneath me and totally relaxed. The balmy weather suited the night. Maybe that was why they have a lot of sitting places around their house.
“Maybe I should give you an authentic Mumbai tour.” Amon raised his eyebrow. He’s offering to tour me around?
“Are you sure? Don’t you have other plans?” I thought it was better to have someone who really knew the city. They grew up in Mumbai and I was sure he knew a lot of good places to see.
“Sure. Its yearend and I’m still not sure of what to do with myself I might as well use my free time.”
“Okay!” Why make it difficult?
Amon took me back to the city the next morning. They were evidently happy that we finally got along. I caught Ira grinning suggestively but I rolled my eyes at her. She laughed and waved her hands. They were going home to their mum’s house in the afternoon.
We found out that we could talk about a lot of things. We’re both very expressive of our thoughts and without his parents’ presence we argued about it, even to the point of shouting to get the idea across. Well, I was shouting since he was always mild tempered and cool about anything which was basically why I was irate. We started talking and arguing on the way back to Mumbai and continued on days after that. We discussed anything available.
There were also times that he was silent and when he was I didn't want to interrupt him. I also felt like keeping mum myself. Sometimes, it was comforting to just drive around without talking. We listened to music. He couldn’t believe it when I told him I listen to Hindi music. I told him I loved Bollywood movies because of the soundtracks. I liked the acoustic feel of it.
“Doesn't the language bother you?” he asked. We were in his car listening to some Hindi songs. I ended up staying in Mumbai since he was there to take me around. I guess I should have felt lucky. He decided to bring me to a beach in the city to take some pictures when it rained hard. When it rains in Mumbai, it rains river. He parked the car inside a shopping mall but didn’t like walking about in places like the malls and I was not on the mood too so we stayed in the car.
“Any language doesn’t bother me. If I like the feel of the music, then I sing it, regardless of the language. I should have taken linguistics or music appreciation when I was in the university.” We tilted the car seats so we could lie.
“Why didn’t you?”
“I realized that way too late. I was already in college and I don’t like starting something I couldn’t finish. So I decided to go on with my course.”
He had his eyes close. He removed his glasses again and put them on the dashboard. We lay inside his car for about 4 hours but I didn’t remember feeling bored. I had more fun with those silent 4 hours with him than most of the parties I’ve been to. I felt more comfortable with someone who I only knew for half past a week than with some people I knew my whole life.
I asked him about being a celebrity’s son one time. Seeing the slightly lost look in his eyes, I inquired, "How does it feel?"
"Tough." We were having lunch in one of the private cafes in Juhu. He always gave me short answers whenever I ask him something personal. I didn't mind that much since I enjoy fishing out the answers from him.
"In what way?"
"In every way." He glanced at me but I didn't say anything. He knew I was waiting for him to continue but I wouldn't push it if he didn't want me to. I saw reluctance in his eyes. After a second and a very deep sigh, he elaborated.
"My dad is a very passionate man. He always excels at what he does and people expect me to follow suit since I'm the guy and the oldest. It's just hard to always try to reach their expectations. It's tiring." He stopped trying to eat his food and pushed them aside. There was a sad look in his eyes which I thought were made to convey that emotion in the first place.
"You don't have to." I told him. "You just have to follow what you want to do." When he just stared at me I said, "3 Idiots. Didn't you watch that?" He gave me a puzzled look. "Pursue excellence, and success will follow pants down." Understanding dawned at him and he laughed. I smiled at him. "Your dad is successful because he is being himself. He only wants the best at what he does best. He is being Zuma Kahn. Be Amon Kahn and show the world who he is."
He stared at me for a longest time I thought he'll never speak again. When he did he said, "At the back of my mind, I knew that. But I have to hear it from you to finally believe in it."
I raised my glass for a toast.
On my last week in India we visited his dad’s house again. His dad was in the middle of another movie project I was looking forward to see. We played a board game to pass the time. I was never good at playing games, any kind of game and I was a sore loser.
“That’s not fair! How can you do that but I can’t do this?” I had my player forfeited for the next level and I couldn’t stand it. It was our 3rd round and I haven’t won a single one.
“That’s the rule, K.” Amon was grinning on his yet another win. We were sitting on a shade under one of the big trees in their courtyard. He aced all the games we played from the first time we decided to be friends. I know I wasn’t good at any of them but my pride wouldn’t let me decline his challenges. And he enjoyed whacking the hell out of me.
“It’s not fair! I don’t want to play anymore.” I knew it sounded childish but I really don’t like to do something I couldn't win.
“You’re a lousy loser.” But even so, he gathered the board game and put them aside.
“I don’t care,” I told him. He removed his glasses and wiped them on his shirt and put them back on. An idea struck me.
“Amon, how far can you see without your eyeglasses?” I moved closer to him and sat on my heels. He raised his brow at me knowing I had something in mind again.
“I stopped knowing. But I didn’t wear glasses when I was a kid.” He continued looking at me cautiously.
I grinned at him and reached for his precious specs. “Let’s try to know.”
He shut his eyes when I removed the glasses that covered them. I forgot to mention that he had very long lashes, something I was always envious of aside from his height. But when he opened them, I realized I wanted to have his eyes more than his lashes. It was the way he looks at you that made his eyes more interesting. You couldn't look away when he stares at you.
“Can you see me clearly?” I was sitting 2 feet away from him.
“No.” He had his stare fixed on me.
“How about this?” I moved half a foot closer.
“A little.”
“Hmm…so you can’t see past 2 feet. That's terrible!” I couldn’t imagine myself losing my eyesight. I love colours and pictures. I love watching people. That was why I love taking pictures.
I almost toppled back when he put his face in front of me, very near me.
“Now I can see you.”
I couldn’t breathe. I didn’t dare breath. And when he beamed I forgot air completely.
“Relax.” He chuckled and moved back to his place. I released my breath and hit him on the shoulder. I had to hit him to remove the lump on my chest. That was bothersome!
But he wasn’t done disturbing my poise. He moved back to his place only to lie down on my lap. I wasn’t being a prude. I wasn’t old fashion. In fact, far from it. But I was appalled. I was always the tease between us because I know that Amon was gentleman enough not to take advantage of my teasing. And did I tell you he was so cute when he blushes?
So I was surprised when he initiated skinship. But I must admit I liked it better that way. I was still a girl after all. I guess there was nothing wrong with what we were doing. Something that felt so nice couldn’t be that wrong. I stroked his wavy hair and he closed his eyes. Ira found us like that and as usual, she gave me her biggest grin.
“What’s the meaning of all this?” she asked. Amon couldn’t see her so he squinted.
“Ira?” he asked his sister. He reached for his specs and put them on. “Shut up.”
“Oh. So, now you tell me to shut up. Come on, explain.” Ira rapped her knuckles on Amon’s head.
“It’s nothing, okay?”
Ira didn’t believe her brother whose head was still on my lap so she turned to me. I shook my head.
Amon suddenly sat up. “I’ll get drinks and some food. What do you want?” He was asking me.
“Won’t you ask what I want?” Ira said.
Amon ruffled Ira’s short hair tenderly. “I know what you want, kiddo.” He faced me and surprised me again when he caressed my cheek. “I won’t be long.”
Ira looked at me with slanted eyes when Amon disappeared. “Now tell me that was nothing.”
“It’s really nothing.” Although I was also not sure of what happened.
“What have you been doing this past week? Playing? Just tell me you’re dating!” Ira insisted.
“We’re not dating! We’re just…going out.” Okay, that was lame.
“What’s the difference between dating and going out?”
Yeah. What was?
“We just knew each other, Ira. There’s nothing going on between us. We don’t have feelings for each other.” Or did we? Did I? Why was I having these questions?
“That’s something debatable. You can’t be sure about my brother’s. Sometimes, I couldn’t really tell what he is thinking about. But we can talk about yours while he’s not here. Are you sure you don’t like Dada?” Ira might be years younger but she had a lot to say about this dating issue she seemed to have. But don’t I like Amon? Technically speaking, I do like him. But that’s not like ‘like’. Nothing special or something.
“Are you sure?” I thought to myself.
We never got to finish that talk since Amon came back and Ira didn’t insist on talking about her brother and I.
We continued on like nothing happened but it was always at the back of my mind. Since that day I wasn’t actually sure of my feelings. The fact that I doubted myself when Ira asked me gave it away. In a few days, I’d be going back to my country and to my old life. India would be like a dream, a very nice dream.
I realized that I unconsciously ignored the thought of liking Amon. I was in India for a vacation, not to look for a potential boyfriend. Amon was a very nice guy. He was annoying at times and we argue on a lot of things. I couldn’t make him change his mind when he already decided but that’s where the nail lay.
I still got along with him so well despite our differences. He was good looking, more than good looking despite being a bit awkward with his height. Aside from that he was comfortable with himself. He never cared what he wore but I always liked that in guys. I could say he was my type of guy minus the glasses. But the eyeglasses added to his charm. And I admire his brain so much. Intelligent men equals sexy on my vocabulary.
What I considered his flaw was he wasn’t a normal guy. He was a celebrity’s son and he would always be. I know it was not his fault and he didn’t make issues out of it but he would never be someone I could drag to shopping sprees on the malls or do something crazy on random times. Could I last dating someone like that? I dreamed of dating a celebrity but I never thought of having one or someone related to a celebrity in real life. And we just met! Although I didn’t feel he was a stranger we’d only known each other for barely half a month.
I was not even sure if he felt something for me. But from that day after he surprised me, he was totally different. He started showing me confusing signals. He was especially thoughtful and sweet. Sometimes, he would just hold my hand when we go about the city. He stopped caring for people who saw us. He would rest his chin on top of my head or sometimes wrapped his arms around me when we wait in lines or when situations permitted him to. I couldn’t make myself ask him why he was doing all of it. I couldn't risk my pride when it was the only thing I was sure I hold.
I was already knotted nerves and confusion on the 3rd day before my departure. I was really torturing myself ‘til the end because I was still spending the days with him. We were both unusually silent while we stayed in my rented pad as it was raining cats and dogs again. It seemed that the weather was sympathizing with me.
“Kara…” I surfaced from my thinking when Amon called my name. He was tinkering on his laptop while I was looking at the angry raindrops outside.
“Can I ask you something?” he said.
“Sure. What is it?” I moved to sit on my bed beside him. It was the only furnishing we could lounge.
“What do you think of me?” Did I also mention he was abrupt? What was I supposed to say? I couldn’t even figure out my own.
“Are you ego tripping?” I was frustrated with myself already and then he asked me about those things.
He stared at me for a long time. I was beginning to feel uneasy but then he grinned mischievously.
“Let’s say I am. I’m ego tripping so what do you think of me?”
Oh God, he wanted to play. I wanted to strangle him.
“You’re tall. At first I thought your lanky but more accurately, you are lean and in shape. You’re handsome.” The only intention I had when I moved stealthily towards him was to intimidate him while he drew back. God, could I really be falling for this guy?
“You’re hard headed but that’s mainly because you are intelligent. You always stand to what you think is right.” He asked for it so I might as well use this opportunity to say everything that I’d been thinking about. I may not be able to say everything but as I was doing so, I realized that I couldn’t run away from it anymore. I had to face it. "You're the only guy who got into my nerves so much I wanted to knock you out on the street."
“But I’m a nerd,” he said. Gone was the playfulness. His brows were drawn and he looked miserable. Good. I couldn’t be the only one.
“Glasses don’t equate to ugliness, Amon. There are people who look better with them. Are we done here?”
I get angry when I feel wretched. I hate feeling unhappy and hurt. I walked back to the window to calm myself. I didn’t have to show him I was upset. He would ask me why and I couldn’t tell him I think I had fallen in love with him. And so soon.
“Kara…” He followed me on the window.
“What?!”
He pulled me to him and kissed me full on the mouth. I was petrified I couldn’t move. The kiss was brief but when he released me, I was gaping.
“So, what will you do if I tell you I love you?”
I thought I lost my brain somewhere between the kiss and that confession. I always knew what to say but I couldn't find a word. What did he tell me?
“I never forgot you when I first saw you. I told you I thought you were a kid. I knew you’re a foreigner so whenever I remember you I always get pissed at myself for remembering a face I only saw once. I tried forgetting you and I was finally succeeding when I bumped into you that day. You reminded me of that pretty girl 2 years ago. And you turned out to be the same person. That was why I was angry. Why do you keep on bothering my peaceful life? I tried getting away from you as fast as possible but fate didn’t permit it." He was all red and his irises were turning a softer color. There was frustration in them.
I didn’t know I was already crying until he wiped away my tears and cupped my face. Was he telling me he loved me from that first instance?
“You’re a troublesome person, I told myself. And you’re noisy. You’re so short.” I ribbed him for that. He only chuckled and brought me into his arms. He was really warm and it fascinated me that I perfectly fit into them. “I told myself a bunch of lame reasons. I tried to be rude. But I couldn’t keep up with my lies. I told myself I should not be unfair to you. It isn’t your fault I couldn’t get pass your cute face. So I decided to befriend you. Wrong move. I only dug a deeper hole for me to fall. I discovered that you’re not only beautiful but you’re intelligent, you’re brave and you’re funny. You made me see things I never cared to look at before. You got my family’s approval even before I accepted my feelings for you.”
I composed myself a little while he was confessing to me even though my whole system was still in shock. “Why did you wait until now to tell me all this?”
“I was afraid you don’t feel the same way. I’m still afraid. But if I’m not going to tell you now, you will never know. You will go home and forget about me and that scared me. I know it was too soon but what can I do? This is what I feel. I’d rather have you dump me than to not have you know at all.” He looked so dear looking down at me.
“Why would I dump you?”
His face visibly lifted when he heard me. “Does that mean you like me too?”
“I just narrated your good points and some of the bad ones I still like. I'm crying over you while you were confessing and I’m still in your arms right now. I actually said you’re intelligent but I think I found something you are not good at. You asked me what I would do if you tell me you love me, right? This is what I’m going to do.” And I pulled him down to a kiss. I never appreciated my height the way I did that rainy day. I also discovered you didn't have to be experienced to enjoy something you were not used to. Some things were guided by instincts and innate skill.
“You love me too?” We were both catching our breaths. His face was so red and he was smiling widely from ear to ear. I rolled my eyes at him.
“I love you too, stupid.” I was also grinning foolishly. I was feeling giddy and to hell with it.
“But I’m a nerd.”
“One more word about that and I’m going to punish you!”
“I’m a cute nerd.”
And before I could do anything to him, he pulled me up to my toes into a searing kiss. It was after a while before we surfaced again. Needless to say, we were euphoric.
“That you are,” I told him. “Did I also tell you I like your eyes? And your nose too. But I think my favourite part of you now is your lips.”
“You can have them all for yourself.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Can’t you just extend your stay?” I didn't have to look at him to know that he was really upset about my departure.
“I can’t. My parents are expecting me to come home. And I haven’t told them about us.” I held his hand tightly. I was sad about it too but I had to go.
I didn’t want to inform my parents about us over the phone. I had a lot to explain about my long month stay. Of course that included telling them I found myself a boyfriend who happened to be the son of a Bollywood superstar. That would have to be on a face to face discussion.
We told his family about us a day before the end of my stay. They were not very much surprised as we thought. Ira was ecstatic and kept on telling us ‘I told you so’. They were also bothered that I’d have to fly back home on the next day. I couldn’t meet his mum so we left that for the next time I would come to India.
“I have to go now.” I didn’t want to cry as the last call for my flight aired. We would see each other again. We were more irked of the situation and how we could not do something about it. Still, it hurt.
He twitched his mouth and sighed. He looked at me deeply and I could perfectly understand what he wanted to say.
“Don’t look at me like that. I won’t go if I don’t have to, you know that.”
“Yeah…just…come back soon.”
“I will.”
He pulled me into a tight hug and kissed me deeply. Whenever he kissed me, I forgot all about all others in my surrounding. He certainly didn't give a damn care that we're in the airport.
When I pulled away from him, he was beaming.
“Why are you smiling?”
“Now, I’m sure you’re coming back to me. You have to.”
“Why?”
He pointed at something behind me. "If that goes on paper, we have to explain why."
Camera flashes blinded me.
“Do you need help?” I said with a matching friendly close lip smile I know people find enchanting.
He just stood there, looking, no, gawking at me. His nose was really long. Perhaps everything about him was long, no pun intended. ^^ Anyway, he just stood frozen hugging his papers, staring wide eyed at me. Well, I was nevertheless a bit offended. I was trying to help and do I look like someone who’d bully anyone? But maybe he didn’t hear me well or didn’t understand me, I thought. So I repeated myself.
“Do you need any help? I saw you struggling with those. You have a way lot of them so I thought maybe I could help?”
None. No reaction at all. Oh, maybe he didn't understand English! Not everyone in India spoke English. Stupid me.
“Ahh, no English?” I spread my hands in front of him and shook them to emphasize my point. That got him. He blinked and righted himself. He pushed his glasses again and looked at me from head to toe.
“With due respect Miss, I perfectly understand what you just said but no. I don’t help or anything.” A baritone voice finally spoke to me.
And he left. Just like that. So much for being helpful! I only got myself embarrassed! Oh well, I didn’t do anything wrong. I squared my shoulders and turned around. He’s not the only one who can turn his back. Too bad, he was actually quite a looker. Nerd, but nonetheless, gorgeous. And I wasn’t a sucker for the eyeglasses type, mind you. But I soon forgot about that when I went home to finish the rest of the semester.
2 years after, I went back to Mumbai for another vacation. I got really hooked with India when I first visited which was why I asked for a month vacation in India for graduation instead of a trip to Europe or the US as what the rest of my batch mates were doing.
Mumbai was a colourful city. So much like the main cities of any country: full of people, bustling vehicles, hurrying employees and the likes. What made it alluring was its diversity. It was filled with people from different walks of life, of different ethnicity. The city was filled with contrasts. Old met new. Rich met poor. Clean met dirty. Pungent met bland. One wouldn’t know how to take it but one would take it as it is 'cause that’s what made it very engaging.
I was out and about on my usual day of strolling when I met him again.
He never quite managed to tame his awkward limbs. But I didn’t recognize him in an instant. After all, we only saw each other once very briefly and not quite worth remembering. He was not shuffling papers this time but he was trying to rummage through his back pack while walking through throngs of people, including me. Unfortunately, I was also quite busy with my camera which flew away from my hands when this clumsy oaf bumped into me.
“My camera!” A number of people looked at me when I shouted but my whole attention was on the broken lens of my DSLR. I should say it was a point for him for noticing that he caused a disaster. He went to bend with me where my camera lay.
"I’m sorry! I wasn’t looking at the road,” he said and tried to help me gather the damaged parts. I forgot to mention that even in India, it was still a common metropolitan. People don’t give a shit on other people’s business. They just went on their way while I was feeling miserable and boiling angry at the only helping hand beside me.
“That you were! Look what happened! My mum will kill me for this! This is so new!” I grabbed everything that he grabbed.
His apologetic tone abruptly dissolved to an exasperated one. “I said I’m sorry. I’ll pay for whatever damage or I’ll give you money to buy another one. Just tell me how much but I’m in a hurry.”
I was finished putting all the broken pieces in my bag but if I wasn’t, I’d definitely leave it just to have a go with him. I stood defiantly on my full 5 foot 4 inches height with my hands on my hips. I could imagine steams going out of my ears from how I was so pissed at that time. The nerve of him!
“You definitely don’t have the right to get annoyed for this because this is entirely your fault! I don’t care if you can afford to buy a whole camera store. And I don’t care if you’re in a hurry! The point is you were not looking at where you are going so you bump into me and cause damage on a property. To top it all, you have the nerve to be annoyed when what you should do is apologize and from where I came from its considered rude.”
I certainly made him speechless. And embarrassed based on how his cheeks became so red. Served him right. I certainly didn’t care if he stood about 6 foot 2 inches. I was mad and right about it.
“Look, I already said I’m sorry. And I’m really on a hurry. I admit it’s my fault so can we just please get on with it?” His irritated low key boiled my blood even more. His Hindi accent should be charming but I couldn't find anything charming about him at that time. He was glancing around the people who halted to look at us.
He was really really rude! I never met someone as bad mannered as him!
“You look. I-----“
“You!” He stopped looking like a rabbit caught in a high beam and stared down at me. In the midst of being absolutely mad, I noticed his eyes were honey brown. On another place and another time, I'd find it really sexy but since I was mad, I couldn't admire it. But...
What? Me? I think I got tangled with a wacko!
“If this is your way to get out of this situation, it won’t work, buster. I’m calling the police.” I turned to find the nearest police I could find. I was sure there was one. I always saw them around. However, he pulled me back and dragged me out of the sidewalk.
“Hey! What do you think you’re doing?! I’m going to shout if you won’t let me go!” Actually, I was shouting at him from when he plowed into me.
“Oh please just shut up for a minute.” This time, he didn't raise his voice but remained cool and quiet.
We were causing quite a scene actually. People were starting to stop and look at us. He swore under his breath in a foreign tongue which I thought was Hindi and pulled down his already very drawn cap. He had the nerve to get embarrassed when I was actually the one being dragged. Huh!
We arrived shortly on a parked dark car before I could shout at him again. Somebody was leaning on the car’s hood. He threw away his cigarette and met us. Maybe he’d help me!
“Where were you kid? And who is this?” He was speaking in Hindi but I think he was asking about me. But before I could speak again, my abductor opened the car door and shoved me in. Oh my God! I was being kidnapped! Just when I decided not to tell my parents where I was!
“Long story chaacha (uncle). Let’s just get out of here.” He had a dark cloud over him.
“Hey! You speak English so speak English! Why are you kidnapping me? I can’t give you ransom! You can’t sell my body either! I’ll kill you first before you can do that!” I hugged myself and moved far away from him. I tried opening the door but it was automatically locked.
“Oh please.” He gave me an incredulous look. He grabbed his bag and shoved it on the back part of the car.
The other guy got in the car and chuckled.
“Feisty one. ” The other guy said.
“You have no idea.” He took off his cap. He kinda looked familiar. Where did I see him? Oh, screw knowing him! He’s kidnapping me!
“Where did you find her? Why are we bringing her? Your dad’s probably wearing the carpet waiting for you by now." The driver spoke in Hindi again. I was planning to study Hindi and my resolve strengthened because of that. If I could get out alive. Oh God. Why me?? I decided to appeal to him.
“Mister, please let me go! You can’t possibly get anything from me. I’m just a tourist here! You can’t kidnap tourists, right? Please! There are a lot of other beautiful girls you can find. Please!” I never minded the rape stories I heard and read on the internet before but it came flooding back to me with all the gory details I shouldn't had bothered reading.
“Shut up! I’m not kidnapping you!” His face had the look of utter disgust and he looked at me again from head to toe.
“Then why did you drag me in here? I don’t know you!" I wasn’t really afraid that time. I could remember being angry more than being afraid.
“Yeah. Why did you drag her here, bhaanja (nephew)?” It was still in Hindi.
“You won’t listen to me earlier. And I’m really in a hurry so I have no choice but to bring you, okay? I’m not kidnapping you and you’re right. There are a lot of other beautiful girls out there, so why should I take interest in you? You barely even look like a woman. Now, could you please shut up until we reach my Dad’s house?”
“You could just have explained it to me instead of hauling me around, you know.” And so I crossed my arms and faced the window. I heard him audibly sigh and slumped on his side. The driver was still chuckling but didn’t say anything anymore.
“Fine. I may not look magazine pretty or ramp model tall but I know I’m pretty enough. I may be short but I got all the curves to show. How dare he say I don’t look like a woman? I am every inch a woman, thank you very much! Oh, why should I care about him and what he thinks about me? To hell with him. I’ll have my camera fixed and I’ll never ever see him again. I’ll enjoy my stay in India and forget about this unfortunate day,“ I thought.
As I was looking outside the window, I noticed that the buildings were getting fewer and fewer and I was seeing ahead of us bunch of trees on the side road. So, we were going to the country side. This could be interesting. It was a little consolation from the disaster I got myself into. As I was observing, I noticed I didn’t see any other houses. It was either his Dad was a recluse or quite a wealthy man. Wealthy people don’t really put their houses on the metropolis. Country side was more expensive and definitely more picturesque. If it was true, then he really wasn’t going to kidnap me. I couldn’t decide if I’d be relieved or ashamed of myself.
After about an hour and a half, we finally reached his Dad’s house. We didn’t speak at all during the ride and I felt like all my saliva had gone spoiled. But I forgot about that as soon as the car entered the big gate.
Okay, so his Dad was rich. Very rich. The driveway was wide and long with big trees and very green grass on the side. The car that brought us there was a BMW and I saw 4 more cars when we got out of it. And what a house! It was very beautiful in its enchanting way. It wasn’t a typical rich palace. It was big but also old. It was kind of eerie but homey. What attracted me the most were the doors in front of the house leading to the widest balcony I’ve ever seen. The house looked odd to me but I thought everything in India looked odd. And mostly, they were also pretty.
My eyes were wandering around as I unconsciously followed him through one of the big doors in front of the house. The house certainly was old. Must be an ancestral house. Some of the furnishings were new but there were still old and odd ones among them. It’s really an interesting house. I was still devouring the details when a man came into the room with the other man who served as our driver.
“Papa…” I heard him say.
My friends always say my taste for men was eccentric. Well, to further prove that I did, I found the Dad a lot more attractive than the son.
His Dad already had a ready smile for me when he came out of the door with who I found out later was his uncle.
"Hello. What's the name of our beautiful guest?"
“Uhm...K--Kara, sir...” That was all I managed to say which, if I look at it now, quite humiliating. I remember blushing that time as well. Geez!
"Well, hello Kara. I'm Zuma...Welcome to our home. I didn't suppose my son has a young friend like you. I am quite surprised. Well, I’m more surprised he brought home a girl, actually.”
Whatever joke he’d say, I’d definitely laugh…even if it included me and his not so endearing son.
“Actually sir, we're not friends. We just met each other today." He looked puzzled and turned to his son before gesturing me to the sofas.
His son, who I still didn’t know the name and I still haven’t remembered and I certainly didn’t care about stood still and crossed his arms, watching us. He might have found it peculiar to have his Dad engaged on a talk with an unannounced visitor.
“Why did Amon bring you here, then?” Mr. Zuma asked, oblivious to the fact that we couldn’t stand looking at each other. He was watching the two of us alternately.
"It's like this, sir..."
“I bumped into her when I went out of the store on my way to the car. She broke her camera and I offered to compensate for the damages,” the annoying guy broke in and calmly explained to his Dad like it was the most common thing to happen in his everyday life.
“He plowed into me. He wasn’t looking at where he was going. He said he was in hurry so he dragged me to his car,” I added.
“She was shouting in the middle of the street. People were starting to look so I have no choice but to bring her.”
“He was irritated when in fact it was his entire fault!"
“I already said I’m sorry!”
We didn’t really notice that we’re already facing and yelling at each other.
“Okay!” Mr. Zuma put up his hands in between us.
“Why don’t you sit down and talk about whatever you have to settle? ‘Calmly’. I’ll ring the bell in the kitchen for some tea.”
“I’ll do it Dad.” Amon started to walk out but his dad refused.
“No. Sit down and talk about it.” And he was gone. We have no choice but to follow his order. We sat on the single settee facing but refused to look at each other.
“Look---" "I---," we both said.
“You first,” he said.
“Okay, I was a bit hysterical back there. I was upset. And you were rude,” I said.
“Okay.”
That’s it? Really? I tried analyzing him. He really didn’t strike me as rude. He actually looked like someone who could be rude at. He looked geeky with those glasses which kept on buzzing my memory box. But, hey, he was rude!
“What do you mean ‘you’?” I asked.
“What?” Oh, yeah. His Hindi accent. As much as he was annoying, he had the most charming accent I've ever heard.
“Back there when you said it’s me, what do you mean?”
“Oh,” was his clipped reply.
“Oh? What do you mean when you said ‘it’s you’?” Should he really try my patience?
After a short silence, he said in the same irritated voice, “Two years ago, you were trying to help me with some papers. You thought I don’t speak English.”
Huh? Two years ago? I was also in India that time and I was…
“Oh yeah…" I finally remembered. "So that was you. The cute nerd.” And he was also rude back then. And quite a memory he had.
“What?”
Oops. Shut up mouth! “Nothing. Did I say anything else?”
“Tea will be served in a minute.” Mr. Zuma decided to come back at the right time. Saved by the bell!
“You really shouldn’t do this stuff for me, Sir.” How dear! What happened to his son?
“It’s okay. So, have you talked about your problem?”
Our eyes met. We didn’t reach any compromise or something. We didn't even ask each other's name. I just found out it wasn't our first meeting.
“I’ll have her camera fixed or if it’s beyond repair then I’ll have it replaced,” he said. That was fine with me.
“But I have to have my camera as soon as possible. I won’t be staying long in Mumbai. I’m planning to tour the other cities.”
“How long are you going to stay in India, Kara?” Mr. Zuma asked.
“A month. It’s already my 2nd week.”
“I see. How about your school?"
"I just graduated and I'm still buying my time before applying for a job."
They both gave me puzzled look. I knew what they were thinking. I'm used to people giving me that look.
"Are you not going to college?" Mr. Zuma asked.
What’s with these men? Why wouldn’t they believe I’m already a woman? The second man who told me this I could forgive. After all, he was very much dignified and much more likable. The first one I didn’t want to dwell on.
“I have graduated from college, Sir. I’m turning 23 this fall.” I said.
“Ah! I see! Forgive me for assuming. So, you’re of the same age as Amon here." He gestured to his son. So, his name was Amon. His forehead was knotted and was giving me that incredulous look again.
I just ignored him and answered his dad. "It's okay, Sir. I'm used to it."
Well then you’ll have your camera back as soon as possible.”
“Thank you, Sir.” I was so right on having a crush on him! Amon's forehead was still knotted like he was solving a big puzzle he couldn't really figure out. Weird guy...
We had tea and some Indian food after that. I couldn’t remember the name of it but it was good. I never liked tea but I stomached it since it came with a very rare chance of having a conversation with a charming man. We talked about his projects. Mr. Zuma ,as it turned out, was an actor. Holy crap~! So that's where all the charm came from. I had no idea I was gate crashing a celebrity's home. Well, I was just dragged in so I couldn't be anywhere near being at fault. Amon was there but didn’t talk much. He would only answer if his Dad would ask him something. I couldn't care less, anyway. We reached a silent truce when his dad started to talk about other stuffs.
“I have to go now. Thank you so much for your graciousness. And it has been an honor to meet you.” I grabbed my body bag.
Mr. Zuma smiled again but this time reached for my hand and patted it.
“I had a good time too. It’s good to listen to fresh minds once in a while.” It was apparent to me that he was a good man regardless of his profession and he was fascinating to talk to. I thanked him one more time and gave Amon a reluctant nod before stepping out.
I was already on the balcony when Amon called me.
“Kara…”
He never addressed me when we were inside the house. He kept on using the third person that it sounded strange to hear my name from his voice.
“Yeah?” He walked towards me with his hands on his pockets.
“I need to have your camera.”
“Oh! Yes, ofcourse.” I fished them out of my bag. I nearly forgot why I was there on the first place.
“And your contact number.”
Of course he needed my phone number. How else could he locate me when he’d give back my camera, right? There was no need to be nervous about it.
He handed me his cell phone to key in my number. “Here.”
We stood there awkwardly. We didn't talk directly inside the house but I couldn't possible ignore his presence. He was really tall I barely reached his shoulders. He was much taller than the first time we met. I was always aware and drawn to tall people because I was not gifted with such so I knew that he grew a few more inches to his already towering frame from the last time I saw him. That was the first thing I noticed on him among other things. And it was good to know he could be nice too. Or at least civil. If he could just stay like that…
“I’ll go ahead,” I said.
He nodded and I went to the waiting car that would take me back to the city.
His eyes followed the car until it disappeared beyond the gate.
“Such troublesome person,” he thought.
He didn’t notice when his Dad joined him on the doorway and clamped his hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Dad. I wasn't thinking straight earlier." He didn't think of the possibility of Kara knowing his dad. Thankfully she didn't until his Dad presented himself. He was watching how she charmed him to talk about himself and his projects and if any of it ever went out to the press, his hands were clean.
"I could perfectly understand why," His dad gave him a mischievous grin.
He just shook his head. "That's not it."
Still grinning his dad said, “That was good. She's not the type to betray people. She was such a sweet girl. So, Cute nerd, huh?” He chuckled.
He thought he was only imagining it. He smiled to himself.
3 days later, I got a call from him. He said my camera lens was a hopeless case so he’d replace it. I was sad because it was my mum’s grad gift. But I figured I should be grateful to Amon because he still offered to fix it. Not a lot of people would do it. I just couldn’t get pass his rudeness that day. He told me it should be ready by the next day. And also, his family was inviting me to have dinner with them! That was another thing I should be grateful about. I met his dad and I'd be meeting his family too. In a foreign land where you were alone, it felt good to meet people who were very warm and welcoming. I should remember those when he’d irritate me again.
The dinner would take place in his dad’s house since they couldn't just pop in a random restaurant. I'd be meeting his step mum and his sister. Mr Zuma and Amon's mum divorced when his younger sister was about 7 years old. They stay with their mother but they go to their dad's house every weekend and go back on Mondays.
His sister was a bit shy. But I guess it’s in women’s nature to unite when the topic is about men. Well, we didn’t really unite because she contradicted me on everything that I told her about I and her brother’s suppose first meeting.
“My brother was the kindest one in the family. I never heard him raise his voice to anyone. He is not rude,” Ira said softly.
“Wow. So that means he’s only rude to me. But I was right on being miffed. Aside from yelling at him, I didn’t do anything to annoy him,” I defended myself.
“Well, that was really weird. Normally, he’ll be patient and soft spoken.”
“All the members of your family are really well mannered. You are so nice to me and I really like you. So, what happened to member number 4?”
Ira giggled and scooted closer. We were in their lanai as we wait for dinner to be served.
“I like you too. Dad likes you too and that is an achievement. You must have impressed him the last time you were here or he’ll never invite you to dinner. Contrary to what you think, he has an aversion to people. About Dada, I don’t know how to answer that. It’s the first time he acted that way.”
“I guess it’s just bad for me that I’m not his type.”
Ira’s eyes grew big. I realized too late what I said sounded to her.
“That’s not what I mean!” But she was already grinning widely at me. Oh-oh.
“My brother’s your type? “ Her eyes were actually shining from merriment.
“No! I mean he’s good looking but that’s not what I mean.” Sometimes I just don’t think of what I say!
“You find him good looking?” She was giggling already. The kid had selective hearing problem.
“Well, yeah. A bit nerdy but…yeah. But when I said type I mean type of person not that kind of type.”
“Dinner’s ready.” Amon materialized behind the curtains.
My eyes popped out. Did he hear that? Ira was rolling on the divan when her brother disappeared from behind us.
“You purposely did that, didn’t you?” I was quick on liking that kid.
“No!” and she laughed some more when my cheeks went flaming red. “He got lucky tonight.”
I shouldn’t have wasted my time explaining. Ira stood up and linked our arms.
“Come on. We shouldn’t make the food wait.”
Oooh!
Meanwhile, as I was being roasted by the little devil, Mr. and Mrs. Zuma were having a discussion.
“I didn’t know Amon is capable of rudeness.” Kira, Amon's stepmother, was lounging on another set of couch.
“I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it myself. They were throwing daggers at each other.” Zuma had his head on his wife’s lap.
“How do you find this girl? You’ve talk to her already. I just barely had how do you dos with her.” Kira asked.
“Oh, witty. Very intelligent. Well mannered. In fact she is so much like you.” He reached up to her cheek and caressed it. They smiled affectionately at each other. "And pretty too."
“And you think Amon’s behaving oddly to her because he likes her.” She may not perfectly understand the complex structure of her husband’s brain but she can easily follow his train of thoughts.
“You don’t have an objection to having a foreign in law, do you?”
“As long as she makes him happy.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
Dinner was superb if not exotic. I wouldn’t say I’m a fan of Indian food but I guess in every country, you could find something that appealed to your taste. But more than the food, the conversation during the meal was amazing. Every member of their family had an opinion of its own. They were a bunch of independent minded people. Even Ira who I found timid gave her share of opinion on every topic. The topics were far and wide. It seemed that everyone has something to say and they hear out everyone.
That was the first time I saw the intellectual side of Amon. He already looked intelligent but I couldn’t help but admire his ideas as he took part on his family’s conversation. From time to time, they would ask me of what I think and I did my best to voice it. I’m also an opinionated person but I kept them to a minimum since I was just a guest.
We lounge again in their terrace after the meal with some coffee. The atmosphere became quieter and I was beginning to feel awkward. It was an intimate gathering, a family dinner and I was an outsider. As much as I enjoyed their company, I should be going my way and leave them to enjoy their privacy.
“I think I should be going now. Thank you so much for inviting me to dinner,” I told them.
“We think you should spend the night here, Kara. It’s already dark and it’s a long way back to the city,” Kira, as what she wanted me to call her, said.
“I don’t want to abuse your hospitality. I’ll be fine. I had a very good time. I don’t know how to thank you enough.” It was true. I never felt I was with August presence. They were very humble and down to earth.
“Then stay. You can go back in the morning. You’ll spare us the worry if you won’t travel during the night. You wouldn’t want to upset us, do you?” It was Mr. Zuma who said it.
I really couldn’t dare protest. Of course I wouldn’t want to give them any burden or worry.
“Please stay, Kara. It is very rare for dad to invite someone over,” Ira added.
Who am I to decline such an offer?
“Okay.”
Ira showed me where I’d be staying for the night and gave me some clothes to change. We were already retiring but I couldn’t sleep so I went to the porch. I was looking up the star studded sky when I heard a screech from behind me and saw Amon. We were both frozen in spot. What should we say? We weren’t really enemies but we’re not friends either. He was basically the reason why I was with his family but we barely speak at all. Talk about awkward.
“So, are you staying the night?” He was not on the balcony when they invited me to stay. He said he was busy doing something in his room. I suspected it was just an excuse to be out of there.
“Yeah. They didn’t want me to go back since its already dark.”
Silence again. I could hear the crickets sing. I couldn’t stand it. I’d better go back to my room if he’s going to stay in there.
“I wouldn’t be on your way long. I’m just taking some fresh air.”
“Stay,” he said to my absolute shock.
He moved to the baluster and leaned there. He sighed before speaking again.
“I’m sorry about your camera. I’m sorry I shouted at you and dragged you to my car. I’m sorry I was rude.” I was speechless. I never expected that.
“Well…uhm…” What should I say?
“I know I was being an ass. I’m not usually like that.” He wasn’t looking at me but towards the darkness. Was he for real?
“Ira told me you are not really bad mannered. I couldn’t agree with her.” He was making an effort to make amends. I wasn't scarred enough not to let him.
He sniggered and shook his head. “Something happened that day. I was pissed.”
“We both were. We were creating quite a scene in the middle of the road.” I was beginning to realize how embarrassing it was. I wasn’t a scandalous person. I was just short tempered, a tiny flaw to my almost flawless character.
“It was embarrassing, alright.” He was already blushing remembering that day.
“And funny too.” I realized it was funny. I wonder what those people who saw us were thinking. “We were set to slit each other’s throat.”
I couldn’t help but laugh and soon enough we were laughing together.
“So, you can be nice.” I told him, still smiling.
“And you can be calm.” He retorted, also smiling.
When we went silent, the atmosphere was not awkward anymore. We discovered we could be friends.
“You only have 2 more weeks here in India, right?” he asked.
“Yes. I’ll miss it here. I had so much fun. And I met family. They're good people. Thanks for pulling me here.” We shifted to the lounging chairs. They had a lot of them around the house.
“I wasn’t really thinking when I brought you here but thanks. I thought you're a high school brat.” He removed his glasses and put them aside. He got the shape of his dad’s eyes. And it was honey brown. There was no way I could forget that.
“I'm not quite as tall as you but we’re of the same age, okay? And I'm not a brat. Do I really look like a teenager?” The perks of being petite. There were times I find it amusing that I could pass as a teenager but other times I find it really annoying.
“You’re so small and the way you dress makes you look like a child. You asked me, I answered,” he said when I scowled.
“Is that why you said I don’t quite look like a woman?”
He nodded. “Even on the first time I saw you. But I didn’t mean it when I said you’re not pretty.” He was looking at the tiled floor it sounded so offhanded. It didn’t sound like a compliment at all. But he thought I was pretty. That was fair enough. However, I couldn’t accept it that I looked like a high school student for him.
“If I’m going to wear bikinis in front of you, would you finally think I’m a woman?” He looked up, flabbergasted. Ooohh…so he was easily spooked with those kinds of things. For the life of me, I didn’t know why I find that cute.
“I was joking so you can breathe now.” He looked so adorable when he blushed. I swallowed the bubbling laughter in my throat but I couldn’t resist pushing it a little. I leaned in closer and whispered, “Or would you rather have no bikinis at all?”
He opened his mouth but no sound came out. He was totally stunned and I burst out laughing. God! I found it so easy to joke with him. I didn’t know why but it was so comfortable talking to him.
He finally found his tongue as I was keeling over. “I don’t know what to say. We just started talking and you’re infuriating me again.”
“Sorry, you’re too cute gaping like that.” I wiped the tears from my eyes and tried to stop laughing.
“That’s the second time you called me cute.” That stopped me. Really? I wasn’t aware of that. He was smirking at me now. I didn’t answer mainly because I didn’t know if I should deny it or joke around it. He took the cue and changed the topic.
“What are you planning to do for the rest of your vacation?”
“I don’t have plans or itineraries. I want it spontaneous.” I folded my legs beneath me and totally relaxed. The balmy weather suited the night. Maybe that was why they have a lot of sitting places around their house.
“Maybe I should give you an authentic Mumbai tour.” Amon raised his eyebrow. He’s offering to tour me around?
“Are you sure? Don’t you have other plans?” I thought it was better to have someone who really knew the city. They grew up in Mumbai and I was sure he knew a lot of good places to see.
“Sure. Its yearend and I’m still not sure of what to do with myself I might as well use my free time.”
“Okay!” Why make it difficult?
Amon took me back to the city the next morning. They were evidently happy that we finally got along. I caught Ira grinning suggestively but I rolled my eyes at her. She laughed and waved her hands. They were going home to their mum’s house in the afternoon.
We found out that we could talk about a lot of things. We’re both very expressive of our thoughts and without his parents’ presence we argued about it, even to the point of shouting to get the idea across. Well, I was shouting since he was always mild tempered and cool about anything which was basically why I was irate. We started talking and arguing on the way back to Mumbai and continued on days after that. We discussed anything available.
There were also times that he was silent and when he was I didn't want to interrupt him. I also felt like keeping mum myself. Sometimes, it was comforting to just drive around without talking. We listened to music. He couldn’t believe it when I told him I listen to Hindi music. I told him I loved Bollywood movies because of the soundtracks. I liked the acoustic feel of it.
“Doesn't the language bother you?” he asked. We were in his car listening to some Hindi songs. I ended up staying in Mumbai since he was there to take me around. I guess I should have felt lucky. He decided to bring me to a beach in the city to take some pictures when it rained hard. When it rains in Mumbai, it rains river. He parked the car inside a shopping mall but didn’t like walking about in places like the malls and I was not on the mood too so we stayed in the car.
“Any language doesn’t bother me. If I like the feel of the music, then I sing it, regardless of the language. I should have taken linguistics or music appreciation when I was in the university.” We tilted the car seats so we could lie.
“Why didn’t you?”
“I realized that way too late. I was already in college and I don’t like starting something I couldn’t finish. So I decided to go on with my course.”
He had his eyes close. He removed his glasses again and put them on the dashboard. We lay inside his car for about 4 hours but I didn’t remember feeling bored. I had more fun with those silent 4 hours with him than most of the parties I’ve been to. I felt more comfortable with someone who I only knew for half past a week than with some people I knew my whole life.
I asked him about being a celebrity’s son one time. Seeing the slightly lost look in his eyes, I inquired, "How does it feel?"
"Tough." We were having lunch in one of the private cafes in Juhu. He always gave me short answers whenever I ask him something personal. I didn't mind that much since I enjoy fishing out the answers from him.
"In what way?"
"In every way." He glanced at me but I didn't say anything. He knew I was waiting for him to continue but I wouldn't push it if he didn't want me to. I saw reluctance in his eyes. After a second and a very deep sigh, he elaborated.
"My dad is a very passionate man. He always excels at what he does and people expect me to follow suit since I'm the guy and the oldest. It's just hard to always try to reach their expectations. It's tiring." He stopped trying to eat his food and pushed them aside. There was a sad look in his eyes which I thought were made to convey that emotion in the first place.
"You don't have to." I told him. "You just have to follow what you want to do." When he just stared at me I said, "3 Idiots. Didn't you watch that?" He gave me a puzzled look. "Pursue excellence, and success will follow pants down." Understanding dawned at him and he laughed. I smiled at him. "Your dad is successful because he is being himself. He only wants the best at what he does best. He is being Zuma Kahn. Be Amon Kahn and show the world who he is."
He stared at me for a longest time I thought he'll never speak again. When he did he said, "At the back of my mind, I knew that. But I have to hear it from you to finally believe in it."
I raised my glass for a toast.
On my last week in India we visited his dad’s house again. His dad was in the middle of another movie project I was looking forward to see. We played a board game to pass the time. I was never good at playing games, any kind of game and I was a sore loser.
“That’s not fair! How can you do that but I can’t do this?” I had my player forfeited for the next level and I couldn’t stand it. It was our 3rd round and I haven’t won a single one.
“That’s the rule, K.” Amon was grinning on his yet another win. We were sitting on a shade under one of the big trees in their courtyard. He aced all the games we played from the first time we decided to be friends. I know I wasn’t good at any of them but my pride wouldn’t let me decline his challenges. And he enjoyed whacking the hell out of me.
“It’s not fair! I don’t want to play anymore.” I knew it sounded childish but I really don’t like to do something I couldn't win.
“You’re a lousy loser.” But even so, he gathered the board game and put them aside.
“I don’t care,” I told him. He removed his glasses and wiped them on his shirt and put them back on. An idea struck me.
“Amon, how far can you see without your eyeglasses?” I moved closer to him and sat on my heels. He raised his brow at me knowing I had something in mind again.
“I stopped knowing. But I didn’t wear glasses when I was a kid.” He continued looking at me cautiously.
I grinned at him and reached for his precious specs. “Let’s try to know.”
He shut his eyes when I removed the glasses that covered them. I forgot to mention that he had very long lashes, something I was always envious of aside from his height. But when he opened them, I realized I wanted to have his eyes more than his lashes. It was the way he looks at you that made his eyes more interesting. You couldn't look away when he stares at you.
“Can you see me clearly?” I was sitting 2 feet away from him.
“No.” He had his stare fixed on me.
“How about this?” I moved half a foot closer.
“A little.”
“Hmm…so you can’t see past 2 feet. That's terrible!” I couldn’t imagine myself losing my eyesight. I love colours and pictures. I love watching people. That was why I love taking pictures.
I almost toppled back when he put his face in front of me, very near me.
“Now I can see you.”
I couldn’t breathe. I didn’t dare breath. And when he beamed I forgot air completely.
“Relax.” He chuckled and moved back to his place. I released my breath and hit him on the shoulder. I had to hit him to remove the lump on my chest. That was bothersome!
But he wasn’t done disturbing my poise. He moved back to his place only to lie down on my lap. I wasn’t being a prude. I wasn’t old fashion. In fact, far from it. But I was appalled. I was always the tease between us because I know that Amon was gentleman enough not to take advantage of my teasing. And did I tell you he was so cute when he blushes?
So I was surprised when he initiated skinship. But I must admit I liked it better that way. I was still a girl after all. I guess there was nothing wrong with what we were doing. Something that felt so nice couldn’t be that wrong. I stroked his wavy hair and he closed his eyes. Ira found us like that and as usual, she gave me her biggest grin.
“What’s the meaning of all this?” she asked. Amon couldn’t see her so he squinted.
“Ira?” he asked his sister. He reached for his specs and put them on. “Shut up.”
“Oh. So, now you tell me to shut up. Come on, explain.” Ira rapped her knuckles on Amon’s head.
“It’s nothing, okay?”
Ira didn’t believe her brother whose head was still on my lap so she turned to me. I shook my head.
Amon suddenly sat up. “I’ll get drinks and some food. What do you want?” He was asking me.
“Won’t you ask what I want?” Ira said.
Amon ruffled Ira’s short hair tenderly. “I know what you want, kiddo.” He faced me and surprised me again when he caressed my cheek. “I won’t be long.”
Ira looked at me with slanted eyes when Amon disappeared. “Now tell me that was nothing.”
“It’s really nothing.” Although I was also not sure of what happened.
“What have you been doing this past week? Playing? Just tell me you’re dating!” Ira insisted.
“We’re not dating! We’re just…going out.” Okay, that was lame.
“What’s the difference between dating and going out?”
Yeah. What was?
“We just knew each other, Ira. There’s nothing going on between us. We don’t have feelings for each other.” Or did we? Did I? Why was I having these questions?
“That’s something debatable. You can’t be sure about my brother’s. Sometimes, I couldn’t really tell what he is thinking about. But we can talk about yours while he’s not here. Are you sure you don’t like Dada?” Ira might be years younger but she had a lot to say about this dating issue she seemed to have. But don’t I like Amon? Technically speaking, I do like him. But that’s not like ‘like’. Nothing special or something.
“Are you sure?” I thought to myself.
We never got to finish that talk since Amon came back and Ira didn’t insist on talking about her brother and I.
We continued on like nothing happened but it was always at the back of my mind. Since that day I wasn’t actually sure of my feelings. The fact that I doubted myself when Ira asked me gave it away. In a few days, I’d be going back to my country and to my old life. India would be like a dream, a very nice dream.
I realized that I unconsciously ignored the thought of liking Amon. I was in India for a vacation, not to look for a potential boyfriend. Amon was a very nice guy. He was annoying at times and we argue on a lot of things. I couldn’t make him change his mind when he already decided but that’s where the nail lay.
I still got along with him so well despite our differences. He was good looking, more than good looking despite being a bit awkward with his height. Aside from that he was comfortable with himself. He never cared what he wore but I always liked that in guys. I could say he was my type of guy minus the glasses. But the eyeglasses added to his charm. And I admire his brain so much. Intelligent men equals sexy on my vocabulary.
What I considered his flaw was he wasn’t a normal guy. He was a celebrity’s son and he would always be. I know it was not his fault and he didn’t make issues out of it but he would never be someone I could drag to shopping sprees on the malls or do something crazy on random times. Could I last dating someone like that? I dreamed of dating a celebrity but I never thought of having one or someone related to a celebrity in real life. And we just met! Although I didn’t feel he was a stranger we’d only known each other for barely half a month.
I was not even sure if he felt something for me. But from that day after he surprised me, he was totally different. He started showing me confusing signals. He was especially thoughtful and sweet. Sometimes, he would just hold my hand when we go about the city. He stopped caring for people who saw us. He would rest his chin on top of my head or sometimes wrapped his arms around me when we wait in lines or when situations permitted him to. I couldn’t make myself ask him why he was doing all of it. I couldn't risk my pride when it was the only thing I was sure I hold.
I was already knotted nerves and confusion on the 3rd day before my departure. I was really torturing myself ‘til the end because I was still spending the days with him. We were both unusually silent while we stayed in my rented pad as it was raining cats and dogs again. It seemed that the weather was sympathizing with me.
“Kara…” I surfaced from my thinking when Amon called my name. He was tinkering on his laptop while I was looking at the angry raindrops outside.
“Can I ask you something?” he said.
“Sure. What is it?” I moved to sit on my bed beside him. It was the only furnishing we could lounge.
“What do you think of me?” Did I also mention he was abrupt? What was I supposed to say? I couldn’t even figure out my own.
“Are you ego tripping?” I was frustrated with myself already and then he asked me about those things.
He stared at me for a long time. I was beginning to feel uneasy but then he grinned mischievously.
“Let’s say I am. I’m ego tripping so what do you think of me?”
Oh God, he wanted to play. I wanted to strangle him.
“You’re tall. At first I thought your lanky but more accurately, you are lean and in shape. You’re handsome.” The only intention I had when I moved stealthily towards him was to intimidate him while he drew back. God, could I really be falling for this guy?
“You’re hard headed but that’s mainly because you are intelligent. You always stand to what you think is right.” He asked for it so I might as well use this opportunity to say everything that I’d been thinking about. I may not be able to say everything but as I was doing so, I realized that I couldn’t run away from it anymore. I had to face it. "You're the only guy who got into my nerves so much I wanted to knock you out on the street."
“But I’m a nerd,” he said. Gone was the playfulness. His brows were drawn and he looked miserable. Good. I couldn’t be the only one.
“Glasses don’t equate to ugliness, Amon. There are people who look better with them. Are we done here?”
I get angry when I feel wretched. I hate feeling unhappy and hurt. I walked back to the window to calm myself. I didn’t have to show him I was upset. He would ask me why and I couldn’t tell him I think I had fallen in love with him. And so soon.
“Kara…” He followed me on the window.
“What?!”
He pulled me to him and kissed me full on the mouth. I was petrified I couldn’t move. The kiss was brief but when he released me, I was gaping.
“So, what will you do if I tell you I love you?”
I thought I lost my brain somewhere between the kiss and that confession. I always knew what to say but I couldn't find a word. What did he tell me?
“I never forgot you when I first saw you. I told you I thought you were a kid. I knew you’re a foreigner so whenever I remember you I always get pissed at myself for remembering a face I only saw once. I tried forgetting you and I was finally succeeding when I bumped into you that day. You reminded me of that pretty girl 2 years ago. And you turned out to be the same person. That was why I was angry. Why do you keep on bothering my peaceful life? I tried getting away from you as fast as possible but fate didn’t permit it." He was all red and his irises were turning a softer color. There was frustration in them.
I didn’t know I was already crying until he wiped away my tears and cupped my face. Was he telling me he loved me from that first instance?
“You’re a troublesome person, I told myself. And you’re noisy. You’re so short.” I ribbed him for that. He only chuckled and brought me into his arms. He was really warm and it fascinated me that I perfectly fit into them. “I told myself a bunch of lame reasons. I tried to be rude. But I couldn’t keep up with my lies. I told myself I should not be unfair to you. It isn’t your fault I couldn’t get pass your cute face. So I decided to befriend you. Wrong move. I only dug a deeper hole for me to fall. I discovered that you’re not only beautiful but you’re intelligent, you’re brave and you’re funny. You made me see things I never cared to look at before. You got my family’s approval even before I accepted my feelings for you.”
I composed myself a little while he was confessing to me even though my whole system was still in shock. “Why did you wait until now to tell me all this?”
“I was afraid you don’t feel the same way. I’m still afraid. But if I’m not going to tell you now, you will never know. You will go home and forget about me and that scared me. I know it was too soon but what can I do? This is what I feel. I’d rather have you dump me than to not have you know at all.” He looked so dear looking down at me.
“Why would I dump you?”
His face visibly lifted when he heard me. “Does that mean you like me too?”
“I just narrated your good points and some of the bad ones I still like. I'm crying over you while you were confessing and I’m still in your arms right now. I actually said you’re intelligent but I think I found something you are not good at. You asked me what I would do if you tell me you love me, right? This is what I’m going to do.” And I pulled him down to a kiss. I never appreciated my height the way I did that rainy day. I also discovered you didn't have to be experienced to enjoy something you were not used to. Some things were guided by instincts and innate skill.
“You love me too?” We were both catching our breaths. His face was so red and he was smiling widely from ear to ear. I rolled my eyes at him.
“I love you too, stupid.” I was also grinning foolishly. I was feeling giddy and to hell with it.
“But I’m a nerd.”
“One more word about that and I’m going to punish you!”
“I’m a cute nerd.”
And before I could do anything to him, he pulled me up to my toes into a searing kiss. It was after a while before we surfaced again. Needless to say, we were euphoric.
“That you are,” I told him. “Did I also tell you I like your eyes? And your nose too. But I think my favourite part of you now is your lips.”
“You can have them all for yourself.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Can’t you just extend your stay?” I didn't have to look at him to know that he was really upset about my departure.
“I can’t. My parents are expecting me to come home. And I haven’t told them about us.” I held his hand tightly. I was sad about it too but I had to go.
I didn’t want to inform my parents about us over the phone. I had a lot to explain about my long month stay. Of course that included telling them I found myself a boyfriend who happened to be the son of a Bollywood superstar. That would have to be on a face to face discussion.
We told his family about us a day before the end of my stay. They were not very much surprised as we thought. Ira was ecstatic and kept on telling us ‘I told you so’. They were also bothered that I’d have to fly back home on the next day. I couldn’t meet his mum so we left that for the next time I would come to India.
“I have to go now.” I didn’t want to cry as the last call for my flight aired. We would see each other again. We were more irked of the situation and how we could not do something about it. Still, it hurt.
He twitched his mouth and sighed. He looked at me deeply and I could perfectly understand what he wanted to say.
“Don’t look at me like that. I won’t go if I don’t have to, you know that.”
“Yeah…just…come back soon.”
“I will.”
He pulled me into a tight hug and kissed me deeply. Whenever he kissed me, I forgot all about all others in my surrounding. He certainly didn't give a damn care that we're in the airport.
When I pulled away from him, he was beaming.
“Why are you smiling?”
“Now, I’m sure you’re coming back to me. You have to.”
“Why?”
He pointed at something behind me. "If that goes on paper, we have to explain why."
Camera flashes blinded me.