The Reluctant Matchmaker

by Shobhan Bantwal

  “Nothing. Why?” I gave him my best puzzled look. The music and chatter were loud enough that people couldn’t hear a word of our conversation.

  “Your eyes have been following him all evening, except while we were dancing vigorously.”

  My cheeks warmed. “Oh boy.”

  “You have a serious crush on him or something?”

  I shut my eyes and sighed. “Serious crush is an understatement. I’m in love with him. Big time.”

  “So why did you want to start seeing me?” His expression was solemn, but he didn’t seem perturbed.

  “I don’t stand a chance with him, Ajit. He’s in love with the idea of finding a tall wife to suit him. I’m not stupid enough to hang around waiting for him to notice me.”

  “So that’s how I ended up here.” Again, he seemed amazingly unaffected by my explanation.

  “I have to get on with my life. I’d like to get married someday, have a kid or two ... you know ... seek out my own Indian-American dream.”

  “I see. But I noticed Prajay’s expression when you and I were on the dance floor. He looked like he wanted to crush my skull.”

  “I didn’t notice,” I said quietly.

  Ajit excused himself, got up from his chair, and approached a young woman sitting at the next table. In the next second he was leading her to the dance floor, and I watched them dance to the next two songs.

  Wondering if I’d hurt his feelings after all, I nursed my glass of water and tried to carry on a conversation with the others at our table. The topic was something benign like new restaurants in the neighborhood, so it needed little attention.

  When Ajit joined me later, he was perspiring all over again. He said, “I’m going to go wash my face. Meet me in the lobby in five minutes. I have something to discuss with you.”

  I frowned at him. “You mean we’re going to step outside for the clichéd breath of fresh air and then kiss under the stars?”

  “No.” He grinned. “I promise not to make you swoon in my arms and kiss you under the midnight sky.”

  “Good. In that case I don’t need to get my coat.”

  When I stepped into the lobby, Ajit was lounging comfortably on the sofa. The area was empty save for the two of us. I plopped beside him. “So what’s this furtive rendezvous for?”

  “I want to make a confession.”

  I put a hand to my chest and gasped. “You’re a serial killer!”

  “Interesting thought, but no.”

  “You work for the CIA and need to leave on a secret assignment right away?”

  “I wish I had an exciting job like that,” he admitted with a chuckle. “What I want to tell you is that I sort of ... liked your cousin. The one I met at your house.”

  “Amrita?” I recalled the way he’d stared at my cousin, then blinked rapidly. “Why didn’t you say something earlier?”

  “I thought it was horrible of me to come to New Jersey to take you out on a date and then declare interest in your cousin.”

  “So why are you telling me now?”

  “Because you seem to have your heart set on some other guy. I know you feel nothing for me, never have. Am I right?”

  “I like you a lot. I think you’re a great guy.”

  His laugh was soft and husky. “But you’re sorry because there’s no chemistry between us, and we can be good friends ... yada, yada, yada.”

  He’d read my mind like a poster. How embarrassing. I shrugged. “I’m glad you told me anyway. And you know what? I think Amrita kind of took a liking to you, too.”

  The corners of his mouth tilted upward. “How’d you figure that?”

  “Amrita and I are as close as sisters. She’s a few years younger, but she doesn’t usually blush and get tongue-tied like she did when she met you. I detected a definite undercurrent of awareness between you guys.”

  He made a face. “So you wouldn’t mind if I like ... asked her out or something?”

  “Not at all.” The relief I felt was immense. All this time, Akka’s words of caution and even Amrita’s solemn advice about playing dangerous games had been bothering me. I was using Ajit as a pawn. Only now, he didn’t seem to mind one bit. “So you want me to put in a good word for you with my cousin and her parents?”

  “You’d do that for me when I’ve been such an asshole?”

  “Are you kidding? I thought I was being a bitch by using you to make Prajay jealous. Although, when I decided to meet you I was sincerely hoping something would click. When my parents got married there was no such thing as compatibility or anything. And yet, look at them now. They’re happy as clams.”

  “So are my parents,” he said.

  “I’d hoped that would happen with you and me, and I could forget Prajay and get on with my life.” Having said all that, I sighed and sank back against the backrest, feeling hopeless. “Only it didn’t work. The two of us liked each other, but there was no spark. You like my cousin better than me. And Prajay was friendly with you but he ignored me.”

  “You’re wrong. I just figured it out. I think he watched us do that dance routine and assumed that you and I may be getting serious. He didn’t like that, especially when I picked you up in my arms and kissed you. I believe that’s why he was giving me dirty looks.”

  My heart took a painful leap. “You think?”

  He nodded. “You need some help in that department?”

  “Serious help. But he’s so damn stubborn about his stupid idea that I’m too tiny and delicate for his big and clumsy ways, I doubt anything’s going to work. One way or the other he’ll find a big woman, or he’ll die trying.” I let out an unladylike groan. “If I sit around waiting for him to notice me, I’ll be eighty years old and forced to chew my rice with false teeth.”

  Ajit hooted with laughter. “I have an idea. A friend of mine owns an advertising agency in Los Angeles. I believe he’s looking for someone with experience in advertising.”

  I pursed my lips. “So ... what are you saying?”

  “Maybe we should tell your Prajay that you’re being considered for the job. That might open his eyes a bit.”

  “That’s lying.”

  “Who said anything about lying? Give me a copy of your resume. I’ll e-mail it to my friend right away, with a strong recommendation. Believe me, you’ll at least get called for an interview.”

  “You’d do that for me, a virtual stranger?”

  “You’re not a stranger anymore. We’ve had three dates so far, and I can tell you’re bright and good at your job, or you wouldn’t be working for a company like Rathnaya. Nishant was filling me in on the company’s plans for the future. Very promising. So you could be a viable candidate for that job in LA.”

  “How big is this agency?”

  “It’s not a tiny back-room operation. My friend Brian is smart and ambitious. He’s got about a dozen employees, and he’s expanding rapidly. His clients are upscale, including some from film and television. They do newspaper and glossy magazine ads, lots of Internet publicity. They’re expanding into TV commercials. They also do some PR work for movie and rock stars.”

  I shut my eyes and pictured an office in sunny LA, with movie executives walking in and out. The weather in California could beat East Coast weather hands down any day. It wasn’t an unattractive prospect. I opened my eyes and gave Ajit my most grateful smile. “Can you get me a copy of the job posting, so I can tailor my resume to it?”

  “No problem. Except, what are you going to do if they actually offer you the job?”

  I hadn’t thought of that remote possibility. Taking another job or even applying for one hadn’t entered my mind. Until now. I was happy at Rathnaya. “I honestly doubt it’ll come to that. I’m sure they’ll be inundated with applications.”

  “But very few come with solid references from a trusted friend,” he assured me.

  “And you’re a trusted friend?”

  He nodded. “Brian knows I wouldn’t recommend just anyone.”

  This
was happening so quickly, I had to catch my breath. California was the other side of the country. When I’d been away at college, I’d been close enough to visit my family often and spend my summers at home. The West Coast was too far. What if I hated it?

  Surely my job at Rathnaya would be filled immediately after I left, and if I changed my mind about LA and wanted to come back east, I’d have nothing to come home to. It was a tough decision, but it was worth pondering, especially if it came with a higher salary.

  “I’ll give it some thought,” I said to Ajit.

  We sat for a few more minutes, talking about various things, mostly about Ajit’s wanting to get to know Amrita. “Is she open to seeing someone or is she one of those med-school nerds with her nose buried in her anatomy book?” Ajit asked me.

  “She’s very studious, but I think she’s okay with meeting the right guy. She claims she’s too busy to think about it, but I have a feeling,” I said with a sly smile, “she might be willing to see you.”

  “Yeah?” Ajit’s smile was equally wily. “You want to share her e-mail address with me?”

  “After I talk to her about you. She’s probably going to pretend disinterest and resist the idea. Give me a few days to work on her.”

  “Okay. Meanwhile, get that resume in shape.”

  “Yes, sir.” I rose to my feet. “Time to get back to the party. You don’t want to disappoint all those girls lining up to be your dance partners.”

  He got off the couch and reached for my hand. “Tomorrow I’m going to be so sore, I’ll curse your holiday party. But tonight,” he said, doing a quick jiggle with his hips, “I’m going to do some more dancing. Come on, baby,” he said playfully and put his arm around my shoulder.

  I had a feeling that third glass of wine was giving him a healthy buzz. But I had to admit he was a fun escort. He’d be good for my oh-so-serious cousin. In fact, he’d be perfect. Amrita could use some loosening up. Her life revolved around school and work and exams.

  Laughing at Ajit’s theatrics, I let him escort me back to the banquet room.

  Halfway into the room, we came face-to-face with Prajay.

  “Hi,” he said, his eyes shifting from my face to Ajit’s. He’d caught us laughing. Prajay’s greeting to us was friendly enough, but his wide mouth was set in a grim line. Those heavy eyebrows were sitting rather low over the sockets.

  I got the distinct feeling he didn’t approve of Ajit’s arm hooked around me.

  Ajit patted my arm. “Let me tell you, Prajay. This lady is exceptionally bright. You have a gem working for you.”

  “I’m aware of that.”

  “I’m trying to talk her into going to work for a friend of mine,” added Ajit. “He has a job opening that has her name written on it.”

  Prajay’s scowl intensified. “Is that right?” Without another word he turned on his heel and headed for the bar.

  My mouth was wide open as I faced Ajit. “Why’d you do that?”

  “Do what?”

  “It was in bad taste to mention the LA job to Prajay.” I tossed him an indignant look, but secretly I had been pleased to note the dark expression on Prajay’s face.

  Ajit merely shrugged. “Did you see his reaction? For that alone you should pay me a fee.”

  Chapter 31

  On Sunday afternoon, I settled in front of my computer to update my resume. Perhaps Ajit’s crazy plan could work. I was willing to try anything. Within reason. In an hour I had the resume polished and e-mailed to Ajit, with a brief note to thank him for being such an entertaining date at the previous night’s party.

  And I meant it. Too bad we weren’t meant for each other.

  In my message I didn’t mention anything about his getting together with Amrita, although I knew he was anxious. It was in some ways a bit humiliating that my date had become interested in my cousin; nonetheless it was a balm for my conscience.

  Besides, in our culture it often worked that way: If a boy was deemed unsuitable for one girl or if things didn’t work out as expected, he could always be considered for another girl in the family—a sister or cousin—or even a neighbor.

  But first I had to discuss it with my mother. Naturally she’d be disappointed that it hadn’t worked out between Ajit and me. I had seen that optimistic light in her eyes last evening. Better to nip her dreams in the bud, I reflected, and made my way downstairs.

  I found Mom reading a mystery novel in the family room. Dressed in sweats and wool socks, she looked cozy and rapt. Her feet were tucked under her. She worked long and erratic hours and rarely found time for pleasure reading. I felt a little guilty about disturbing her hard-earned moment of leisure.

  “You have a minute?” I asked her.

  She looked up absently. Her mind was probably still immersed in the mystery.

  “I need to talk to you,” I said.

  “Sure.” She peered at me suspiciously before peeling off her reading glasses. “What’s up?”

  Taking a seat beside her, I cleared my throat. “Mom, I noticed the look on your face last evening, when Ajit and I left for the party.”

  “What look?” She wasn’t a good actress.

  “The look you get when you see me going out with an eligible Konkani guy.” I gave her a second to ponder that. “The one that says you want to start making wedding plans?”

  “I’m a mother,” she retorted. “I’m allowed to dream a little about my children’s futures.”

  “Well, you can forget the dream.”

  She gave a resigned sigh. “I suppose it has to do with what you call chemistry?”

  “I guess.”

  “I should have known it was too good to be true.”

  “But it’s not a lost cause.” I patted her hand.

  “What does that mean?”

  “He liked Amrita a lot.”

  Her frown returned. “He comes to take you out on a date and hits on your cousin? What kind of nonsense is that?”

  “Mom, it’s not like he claimed to be in love with me or anything. It was our third date, and nothing was happening between us. We went out on a friendly date.”

  “Friendly date,” Mom sniffed. “Right.”

  It was my turn to sigh. “It just didn’t work for us, okay?”

  “So if it never works with any guy, does that mean you’ll remain single all your life?”

  I laughed at her query, although deep down the possibility bothered me. A solitary spinster’s life would very likely be my lot as long as I was in love with Prajay. “It’s not a sin to be single, you know.”

  “No, but it would be a shame to give up the chance to have a more fulfilling life,” she said, her eyes softening. “Marriage has so much to offer.”

  “I know, Mom. I’m not against it. It’s just that I haven’t found anyone who I want to spend my whole life with. Not yet,” I added quickly. “But let’s get back to Ajit and Amrita.”

  “Amrita’s still a student. She’s not ready to meet eligible boys yet.”

  “Wrong, Mom. Amrita’s definitely ready. Did you notice how she blushed and went all goo-goo-eyed when she met him last evening?”

  “She did?”

  For a bright woman Mom was clueless about certain things. “Yep. I could sense the vibes between Ajit and her. I think you should talk to Shabari-pachi about him.”

  Mom stared at her book cover for a minute. “What kind of a boy is he?”

  “Nice. He’s really smart and a lot of fun. And he has a great job. He even owns a single-family house and drives a pricey car,” I added for good measure. I was beginning to sound like a real yenta, a marriage-karma consultant.

  “Hmm.” Mom looked sufficiently impressed.

  “Too bad there’s no spark between him and me. But if Amrita and he hit it off, it’ll be nice, don’t you think?”

  “But he’s so much older than Amrita.”

  In my enthusiasm I hadn’t thought about age. After all, I was in love with an older guy myself. “You think seven years is t
oo big a gap?”

  “That’s not unusual for our generation. Madhuri’s husband is ten years older than she.” Shifting to a more comfortable position, Mom put her glasses back on. “I’ll talk to Shabari about it. It’s up to Amrita and her.”

  “Do it soon, then. Despite the age difference I have a hunch he and Amrita are well suited.”

  My mother pretended to get back to her book, but I could tell she was giving serious thought to what I’d said. I had a feeling she’d be picking up the phone any time now. An eligible bachelor was too precious a commodity to be allowed to go to waste.

  I returned to my room. Now I’d sit back and let Mom take care of the rest. Poor Ajit was probably sitting on pins and needles, dreaming about getting together with my pretty cousin.

  Meanwhile I’d have to wait and see if my resume would at least earn me an interview.

  Ajit surprised me midmorning on Monday, when he called me on my cell phone. “Get prepared for an interview next week,” he said on a cheerful note.

  “You’re not kidding, right?” I asked. I had had no idea Ajit was going to move at lightning speed. I’d been thinking in terms of weeks, not hours.

  “I e-mailed your resume to Brian and talked to him yesterday. He’s interested. He wants to know if you can fly out to LA for an interview sometime next week.”

  “That soon?” A frisson of unease ran up and down my arms. This crazy plan was moving too fast.

  “He wants to hire someone soon. His employee who left to have a baby doesn’t plan to return to work.”

  “So hers was a sudden decision?” What kind of an employer was this Brian, anyway?

  “Apparently she’s decided she wants to be a full-time mom for a while. Brian and his manager are interviewing some applicants next week and want to get you in during the same week.”

  “Can I ... get back to you on this?”

  “Getting cold feet?”

  “A little,” I admitted. “Look, I’m awfully grateful for all you’re doing ... but ...”

  I heard his groan clearly. “But you’re in love with the big guy and don’t want to give up vying for his attention.”