Sanjana looked at the man suspiciously.  She wanted to get away from him as quickly as possible. 

“I’m sure.” Sanjana answered his question and hurriedly walked away. 

            “You look worried.  Do you need some help?” the man asked, easily following her stride. 

            Sanjana hesitated.  Was he trustworthy? 

            “I…lost my aunt.” Sanjana admitted. 

            “Yeah, Time Square always gets crowded.  Why don’t you give her a call? Do you know her number?” The stranger pulled out his cell phone, offering it to Sanjana. 

            “No.” Sanjana said. 

            “Do you want me to call you a cab so you can go back home and try to contact her?” the man suggested. 

            Sanjana had no money with her, and she wasn’t sure what her aunt’s address was. 

            “No.  I don’t know her address.” Sanjana said. 

            “Damn, this is a problem.” The stranger said, worriedly. 

            Sanjana looked up at the man who was trying to help her. He had tan skin and was scruffy in a way that didn’t look unkempt.  He was extraordinarily tall and towered over Sanjana.  His hair was jet black and a bit wavy.  He wore jeans and a black button down shirt.  He seemed laid back.  Sanjana noticed that he had kind eyes.  She looked down at her simple purple salwar kameez and wondered what the stranger thought of her.  She hoped that he didn’t think she was some uneducated village girl who didn’t even think to memorize her aunt’s phone number or address.  Even though everything but the uneducated part was true. 

            “What’s her name? Your aunt?” the man asked her. 

            “Meenakshi Bua.” Sanjana said. 

            The stranger smiled at her. 

            “Meenakshi Bua, ok.” He said softly. “Wait a minute. Are you Meenakshi Mathur’s niece?”

            Sanjana looked at him, surprised.  Mathur was her last name, and her aunt’s maiden name. 

            “Do you know her?” Sanjana said, hopeful but confused at the same time.  How could this man possibly know her aunt?

            “She’s an old friend of my father’s. I might have her number, I think. If not, I can give my dad a call.” The stranger explained. He pulled out his phone and began searching through his contacts. 

            “Meenakshi Aunty? Hi, it’s Rohit, Sudhir’s son.”  The stranger, whose name was Rohit, said into his phone. 

            He paused waiting for a reply. 

            “Yes! That one.  I’m in Time Square right now with some friends, and I think I may have bumped into your niece.” Rohit said. 

            Rohit eyed Sanjana as he listed to her aunt respond. 

            “We’re in front of the Westin.” Rohit told her. 

            He hung up the phone after a moment and turned to Sanjana. 

            “She’ll be right over.  She’d just two blocks away.” Rohit told her.

            “Thank you.” Sanjana said happily. 

            “I’m Rohit, by the way.” Rohit introduced himself, holding out his hand for her to shake. 

            Sanjana looked unsurely at his extended hand. 

            “Namaste,” She said, folding her hands, greeting him the Indian way.  “I’m Sanjana.”

            “Oh, Namaste,” Rohit said, folding his own hands as well.  “So you’re from India?” Rohit noticed. 

            “I just arrived today.” Sanjana replied. 

            “How are you liking New York City?” Rohit asked, trying to make small talk as they waited for Meenakshi to arrive. 

            Sanjana looked at him with a quizzical expression. 

            “I don’t like it.” Sanjana said. 

            Rohit laughed.  Of course, after getting lost and having a panic attack, anyone would say they disliked New York City. 

            “It’s okay. I didn’t like the city the first time I came either, but it grows on you.  What part of India are you from?” Rohit continued. 

            “Samodhpur in Uttar Pradesh.” Sanjana answered quietly. 

            “In the Jaunpur district?” Rohit asked.  

            Sanjana nodded, wondering how Rohit knew so much. 

            “My mother was from around there.” Rohit revealed. 

            Sanjana smiled.  Rohit had been nothing but nice to her, and it made her feel good inside to know that his mother was from the same area she was from.  Rohit started at Sanjana.  Her smile lit up her entire face.  He found himself wanting her to smile more often. 

            “Sanjana!” Meenakshi’s voice shrilled in excitement as she came running up to Sanjana. 

            “I’m so sorry. I don’t know how I lost you. You have no phone and don’t have my address.  I would’ve never found you if it wasn’t for Rohit.” Meenakshi exclaimed as she engulfed Sanjana in a hug. 

            “Bua,” Sanjana said as she tried to pull away from her aunt’s tight embrace. 

            “Rohit,” Meenakshi said, releasing Sanjana and turning to Rohit.   “Thank you so much!”

            “Sure, Meenakshi Aunty.  It was no problem.  It was nice to meet you, Sanjana.” Rohit said, walking away. 

            “Wait, Rohit!” Meenakshi called out.  “Come by for lunch tomorrow! Let me properly thank you for helping me find my niece.”

            “Of course!  Bye Meenakshi Aunty.” Rohit replied before going off to find his friends. 

            “Such a nice boy.” Meenakshi commented, “You know, my husband and his father were quite good friends.  Are you alright, dear? I am so sorry for losing you.” 

            “I’m fine Bua.” Sanjana answered. 

            “Come, let’s go home.  We’ve had enough adventure for today.” Meenakshi said. 

            “Bua,” Sanjana said as they were walking, “Do you know Rohit’s mother?”

            “She died of illness when he was a teenager.  I only met her a few times.  She was a very nice lady.  Why do you ask, dear?” Meenakshi replied. 

            “She was from the same area as us.” Sanjana said. 

            “Of course! I knew that.  His father may be an ambitious businessman, but he’s a man who values culture.  That’s why he agreed to an arranged marriage and not to a modern working woman, but a village girl, who knew how to take care of his family.  Even his older son, Rajiv, had an arranged marriage.  I’m sure Rohit will have one too.” Meenakshi explained. 

            They finally reached the area where Meenakshi had parked her car. 

            “Let’s get home quick, dear.  I’m so tired.” Laughed Meenakshi. 

            Once they got home, Meenakshi retired to room immediately but told Sanjana that she was free to stay up and do whatever she wished.  Sanjana walked through the house, not feeling tired.  She kept thinking about Rohit and his family but didn’t know why.   She sat down on her bed and pulled out her diary.  Sanjana had kept a diary ever since she was a teenager.  She wrote in it every time she wanted to keep a memory, good or bad.  One of her diaries had her entire romance with Arjun forever inscribed in its pages, from the first blossoming of love that had occurred between up until the life-changing encounter that had ruined.  Sanjana kept this diary hidden away.  She couldn’t bring herself to throw it out or destroy it.  It will always be a reminder of how damaged she really is.  She started a new diary to document her journey in America.  The first thing she wrote about was her fear of flying while she was on the flight.  The second entry was reserved for her first encounter with Rohit. 

            The next day, Meenakshi woke up what was considered early to her and decided to prepare a welcome breakfast for Sanjana.  She was toiling in the kitchen, where Sanjana walked in. 

            “Sanjana! Come sit.  I made this amazing breakfast for you!  Dress in a nice outfit for this afternoon.  Rohit is coming over for lunch.” Meenakshi said. 

            Sanjana sat down at the table.  She looked at her aunt in surprise.  She’d forgotten that she’d invited Rohit over for lunch.  Sanjana felt unexpectedly happy at the thought of seeing Rohit again so soon. 

            “I’ll help you cook.” Sanjana offered. 

            “Oh that’s so sweet of you, dear! I hear Rohit has a great love for authentic Indian food.  You and me together will make him a meal he’ll never forget.” Meenakshi chirped, excitedly. 

            After breakfast, Sanjana and Meenakshi started preparing Indian food for lunch.  They slaved away in the kitchen, working hard to make sure everything was perfect.  After the main dish was done, Meenakshi instructed Sanjana to get dressed in a fancy salwar kameez, as opposed to the casual one she had on now.  Sanjana wondered why she needed to dress up just to have lunch.  She didn’t feel the need to change her clothes in order to make a good impression on Rohit, but she wasn’t one to argue with her elders, so she did as her Aunt said.  Sanjana rifled through her closet.  She’d been brought up very modestly, and didn’t own any designer clothes.  All of her outfits were simple.  She sighed.  Her Aunt wouldn’t label any of her clothing ‘fancy.’ She changed into a red and black long sleeve salwar kameez and went back downstairs to seek her Aunt’s approval. 

            “Sanjana, dear, that’s not fancy enough! Go and change into something else.” Meenakshi said upon seeing Sanjana. 

            “Bua, this is the nicest outfit I have, and it’s just lunch.” Sanjana explained. 

            “Oh no! This won’t do! Rohit is coming over!” Meenakshi exclaimed dramatically.   “Come with me! I’ll find you something.”

            Meenakshi led Sanjana up to her bedroom.  She started throwing clothes out of her large, walk-in closet.  Sanjana looked on in despair as her Aunt created a large mess. 

            “This is perfect! I bought it a few years ago foolishly believing I could lose enough weight to fit into it.  Here, dear.  This is yours now.” Meenakshi said, holding out a cream and black colored Anarkali salwar kameez. 

            Sanjana looked at it in awe.  It looked very expensive, but it was so beautiful.  

            “Bua, I can’t wear this.  It must be expensive.” Sanjana said. 

            “Dear, it’s nothing at all.  You’ll look great in it.  You’re my daughter now.  I’ll even take you shopping next week.  We’ll buy whatever clothes you want.  Jeans, dresses, skirts, whatever.” Meenakshi said. 

            Sanjana’s eye widened in surprise. 

            “I can’t wear American clothes.” Sanjana said, looking down. 

            “Buy whatever makes you comfortable.  I assure you though, I’m only purchasing designer salwars not frumpy village styles.” Meenakshi said seriously. 

            “Thank you, Bua.” Sanjana said quietly. 

            “You don’t have to thank me for anything, dear.  I have way too much money for just myself. And I absolutely love to go shopping.” Meenakshi laughed. 

            Sanjana went back to her own bedroom and changed into the exquisite anarkali salwar kameez her Aunt had given her.   The dress portion had long sleeves and nearly reached her ankles.  There was gorgeous black embroidery down the bodice and three unique borders that decorated the bottom hem.  Sanjana slipped on some bangles and dangling earrings.  She took the black veil and placed it over one should, brought it over her chest and flung it over her other shoulder.  She frowned when she saw that the veil covered the wonderful embroidery in the front.  She started adjusting the veil, tossing it from one of her shoulders so that it somewhat resembled a sash, when she heard her Aunt knock on her door. 

            “They’re here!” Meenakshi exclaimed. 

            They?  Wasn’t only Rohit supposed to come for lunch?

            Meenakshi flung open the door and greeted an older gentleman, who was dressed in a collared shirt and slacks.  He looked like he was somebody important. 

            “Sudhir! It’s so nice to see you.  I’m so glad you could make it.” Meenakshi hugged the older man. 

            Rohit followed behind the man.  Sanjana assumed that this older man was Rohit’s father. 

            “This is my niece, Sanjana.” Meenakshi said. 

            “Namaste, Uncle.” Sanjana said quietly, folding her hands. 

            “Sanjana, my god you’re beautiful.  It’s nice to meet you.” Sudhir said, giving Rohit a look of approval. 

            “Come in, you two.” Meenakshi moved aside to allow them to enter. 

            “Hi, Sanjana.” Rohit said as he entered.  She offered him a shy smile. 

            “Sanjana and I slaved over the stove to give you two the most authentic Indian meal you’ve ever had in America.” Meenakshi explained as she and Sanjana joined the two men in the living room. 

            “Really? That’s great! I haven’t had real Indian food in years.” Sudhir mused.  Meenakshi looked at him sadly. She knew he meant ever since his wife died. 

            “So Sanjana, how far have you studied?” Sudhir asked suddenly. 

            Sanjana looked at him, taken aback by his sudden question. 

            “Um…Hindi.” Sanjana said unsurely. 

            “Sanjana completed her BA in Hindi.  There was only one college in the village.  Opportunities were very limited.” Meenakshi answered.

            “College educated, that’s great.  You know, you could always continue schooling here.  Get your masters or just take a few courses for the hell of it.” Sudhir said. 

            “And Sanjana cooks so well.  She knows how to take care of a household.” Meenakshi continued. 

            “Tell me more about your interests, Sanjana.” Sudhir said. 

            Sanjana was confused.  Why did Rohit’s father want to know so much about her?  She looked over at Rohit, but he looked just as confused as she was. 

            “I like to write.” Sanjana said, looking down. 

            “She used to dance when she was little, classical dance.  I taught her until I got married.” Meenakshi declared proudly. 

            “Dad, why are you asking all these questions?” Rohit chimed in. 

            “Well, I just want to get to know her, Rohit. There’s nothing wrong with that.” Sudhir answered. 

            “Meenakshi, do you want to ask Rohit anything?” Sudhir asked. 

            “You’re a doctor if I remember correctly, right Rohit?” Meenakshi asked cheekily. 

            “Yes, a cardiologist.” Rohit answered. 

            “Rohit, that means you don’t have a lot of free time though, right?” Meenakshi frowned. 

            “I have enough free time.  There’s never a dull moment in my life.” Rohit chuckled. 

            “Sanjana, a doctor…cardiologist.” Meenakshi whispered to Sanjana with a wink. 

            “Sanjana, any questions for Rohit?” Sudhir asked. 

            Sanjana looked at her Aunt questioningly.  Why would she have any questions?  She looked back at Rohit’s father and shook her head. 

            “Alright, great! Let’s have lunch!” Meenakshi announced. 

            Rohit couldn’t handle the wonderful Indian delicacies in front of him.  He couldn’t remember a time he’d enjoyed a meal so much!  He constantly complimented Meenakshi on her cooking skills.  He kept looking at Sanjana, wondering which of these delectable dishes she had made.   Sanjana ate little.  Her aunt wouldn’t let her help serve their guests, and Sanjana wasn’t too keen on making conversation, since she was shy.  She watched in worry, hoping that her guests were enjoying the food.  After they ate, all four of them gathered in the living room for coffee. 

            “Rohit,” Rohit’s father took him aside to speak with him privately while Sanjana and Meenakshi prepared the coffee, “we’re going to leave to and Sanjana alone for a little while.  Make sure you talk to her, get to know her, and ask her anything you want to know about her.”

            Rohit looked at his father quizzically.  He was acting really strange since they arrived. 

            “Why are you telling me this?” Rohit asked, confused. 

            “Just do it…for your father.” Sudhir replied.  

            Rohit shrugged and promised to do what his father had told him.  It seemed like he wanted Rohit to interview Sanjana for something.  He didn’t mind talking to her, but he worried that she wouldn’t respond too well to being left alone with him.  She was obviously shy, and he didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable.  He couldn’t disobey his father, however, so he had no choice but to do as his father wished. 

            Meenakshi and Sanjana entered carrying a pot of coffee and a pot of tea along with fancy china cups and saucers.  Rohit politely took the pot that Sanjana was carrying and placed it on the table.  He sat down on the sofa beside his father, while Meenakshi and Sanjana took the two chairs.  They poured the coffee and offered it to Rohit and his father.  Meenakshi poured herself a cup of coffee while Sanjana poured some tea for herself.  They all started conversing jovially.  Meenakshi and Sudhir talked about old memories they had when their spouses were alive.  Rohit listened politely, wondering when his father would suggest that he and Sanjana have an opportunity to speak with each other privately. 

            “Meenakshi, why don’t you show me your house? I haven’t been here in so long, I’ve forgotten what it looked like.” Sudhir suggested suddenly. 

            “What?  My house?” Meenakshi said, confused.  Sudhir clear his throat and looked at Sanjana and then at Rohit before turning back to Meenakshi.

            “Oh! My house! Right, I’ll show you the library and then the upstairs.” Meenakshi said, catching on.  “Sanjana, dear, I’ll just take a few minutes.  Stay here and get to know Rohit.”

            “Bua,” Sanjana said, worried. She looked at her Aunt, pleading to her with her eyes to not leave her alone. 

            “It’ll be alright. I’ll be right back.  Let’s go, Sudhir.” Meenakshi and Sudhir left the living room, leaving Sanjana alone with Rohit. 

            “So, I’m not sure what’s going on, but my dad and your aunt really want us to talk to each other.” Rohit chuckled, trying to make light of an awkward situation. 

            Sanjana looked down, clearly uncomfortable.  Rohit frowned.  This was going to be a long afternoon. 

            The stranger was none other than Rohit!! Hmmmm what’s Sanjana’s aunt and Rohit’s father planning?  What do you think Rohit and Sanjana are going to talk about? Poor them…such an awkward situation! 

Tell me what you think of this story so far.  I’m kind of unsure about it  :(   Tell me if you like it because I really need to hear it. 

COMMENT AND VOTE!!!!