On Saturday evening Trisha was so excited that she herself decorated and arranged the drawing room,then wore her blue jeans with a long pink kurta.She put a light make-up in her face because much was not needed.Already a glow of excitation was blooming in her mind and in her face.She was ready to welcome Jeff.

Soumili observed all these things and she could also sensed her excitement.Not that way Soumili received Ayush and his parents but she also became prepared to meet Trisha’s choice.

At sharp 6:30 in the clock they heard a car parked in front of their building gate and after 5 minutes the calling bell was being rung.Trisha opened the door and gave a smile saying ‘hi’.Jeff stepped in the room and directly faced to Soumili.She stood in the middle of the room,staring at him.They both looked blankly to each other.Then Trisha hosted for them,

‘Jeff….this is my mom.’

And looking to her mom she said,

‘Mom…this is Jeff,Jeff Stevens.’

Now Soumili became active.

‘Hello Jeff’

‘Hello Mrs. …..’ Jeff forgot the surname.

‘You can call me aunty,sit down please.’

‘Thank you aunty.’Jeff smiled slightly.

They all sit in the sofa,Trisha and Soumili in a double one and Jeff in a single one,facing to them.

Soumili was watching at Jeff.He was a tall,smart and typical gora boy with a pure British look – deep blue eyes,extremely white skin,red lips,sharp nose,brown hair and ofcourse blue blood in his veins.

He was dressed in black suit and mannerly sat in the sofa keeping his hands clasped with each other.

‘How do you like India ?’ Soumili asked first.

‘I like this country and its culture.’Jeff replied in his pure UK tone and the typical british accent.

‘Trisha told me that you have already started a business here?’

‘Yes….I choose this place because it has a rich art and sculpture.’

‘So…you are planning to stay here?’

‘No…not really.I will stay here for maximum 3 to 4 years more and then I will go back to UK permanently.’

‘Ok…’ Soumili paused for a minute.

‘Who are they in your family?’

‘My father and I…only two people.I lost my mother at a very young age.’

‘Oh…I am sorry.’

Again pause for sometime.Then Soumili came to the point.

‘Actually Trisha told me about your relation.So….did you inform to your father?’

‘Yes.I did.Last time when I went to visit him I told him about Trisha.’

‘What did he say?he is agreed?’

‘Yes ofcourse.He has no obligation.’

‘You told him that Trisha is not from your caste?’Soumili toned interrogatively.

‘Yes.I told.’

‘What was his reply?’

‘My father is not that much religious.He is a free man.He does not believe in his own caste or religion.He trusts on God and the human beings in general.’

Quite dramatic.Soumili thought in her mind.

‘Don’t you believe in your own religion?’

‘I do believe in my religion but not that much conservative about that.My father told me that God is one.He is omniscient and omnipresent,so to get him you need not to follow one particular religion and its rigid customs.You will find Him everytime and everywhere if you have true faith in your mind.’Jeff uttered his father’s taught lines.

Smart and bookish answer.Soumili again thought.But she got the point that Jeff and his father both have no problem about caste and religion.

‘Then…what’s your planning for marriage?’Soumili asked him.

‘Anytime when Trisha wants it.’Jeff looked at Trisha at this time for some positive answer.Trisha felt shy for a second and looked at Soumili saying ‘I want it when mom wants.’

‘But I am not the only guardian to take decision in this matter.I need to talk with your father.I also need his suggestion and support too.’Soumili indicated to Jeff.

‘No problem….actually he has not any personal mobile because it’s with me.But he calls me often from the public booth.I will tell him about your wish and he will definitely talk to you.’Jeff promised.

‘Okay.’

‘Or you can contact him through mail.’

‘No problem as you wish but I think talking would be better.After all it’s not any business deal,it’s a marriage.’Soumili propounded.

‘Okay….I will tell him.’

‘What’s your father’s name?’

‘He is Albert Stevens.’

‘What is he doing these days?’

‘Nothing much.He established a primary school in our village long years ago when I was only 4 or 5 years old.Now the school is running well and Dad just takes care of that.Actually Dad can not work more because he is a strong patient of Asthma.So,always needs rest.’Jeff mourns.

‘Oh…I see.So…as you are here then your father is all alone there?’

‘Yes…that’s why I want to set up my business as early as possible and then I will be back to my home.’

‘okay…that would be better.’

The conversation among them continued for one more hour.Soumili offered him coffee and other snacks and then when all the formalities were finished Jeff was ready to leave.Soumili smiled gently and said him good bye.Trisha went up to his car to say him good bye,they both kissed,Jeff started his car and went away.

to be continued....