Priya sighed. “Yeah…The thing is my parents kind of took matters into their own hands with this whole setup.”
Dinesh raised an eyebrow. “So, you’renotinterested?”
“No offense, but I really don’t want any part of this.”
Dinesh studied her in silence, and Priya cringed, realizing how harsh that had sounded. “It’s nothing personal,” she added. “You seem like a great guy. I’m just not looking to meet anyone right now.”
A slow grin spread across Dinesh’s face. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear that.”
Priya blinked. “Wait. You don’t want this either?”
“Nope.” Dinesh chuckled, shaking his head. “I’ve been dodging these setups for years. But lately, my parents have stopped accepting my excuses. So now I’m going along but making sure none of my dates work out.”
“What do you mean?”
“Oh, just minor sabotage,” Dinesh said, his eyes twinkling. “One time, I took this girl to a high-end restaurant, then made a scene about the prices. Another time, I typed out a list of expectations and read it out loud.”
Priya grinned. “Okay, I have to know. What was today’s strategy?”
Without missing a beat, Dinesh pulled a magnifying glass from his pocket and peered at her through it. His eye looked absurdly large behind the lens.
“Well, you see, I have a particular fondness for feet. Would you mind if I take a closer look?” He patted his lap.
“Oh, that’s priceless!” Priya laughed.
Dinesh placed a hand over his heart. “I do my best.”
“So, let me get this straight. Meeting my parents at Vinod Uncle’s, asking for my number, showing up today…?”
“Parents. Parents. And, you guessed it, parents!” Dinesh checked off imaginary boxes. “They want me hitched yesterday.”
“And you’re not interested in getting married?”
“I am. But my parents would never approve.”
“She’s not Gujarati?”
“She’s not a she,” Dinesh quipped.
Priya’s eyes widened. “You’re Gujaratiandgay? Oh, Dinesh.”
“Right? But it’s okay.” Dinesh smiled. “I’m dancing to the beat of my owndandiyastick.”
“Well, I, for one, am glad your dandiya stick swings to a different tune.” Priya chuckled. “This went much better than I imagined.”
“For me too,” Dinesh replied, sitting back relaxed. A comfortable silence settled between them.
“So, what are you going to tell your parents once I make my grand exit?” Dinesh asked. “We should get our stories straight.”
Priya thought about it for a moment. “The truth,” she said. Catching his panicked expression, she quickly added, “Notyourtruth, don’t worry. Just mine.”
“Oh my god! You’re gay too?”
Priya shook her head, laughing. “No, but I’ve been keeping something from them.”
Dinesh nodded in understanding. “Ah. I know the struggle well. So, what is it? Or do I have to sit here and guess?”
“It’s not exactly a mystery. My truth is already out there for everyone to see.”
