A Cainquain Affair

Man
Dejected Talkative
Looks Observes Judges
Believing, or maybe not
Adam


Woman
Sad Irritated 
Listens Pretends Hopes
But crying from inside
Eve


Man
Half-Full Half-Empty 
Laughs Enjoys Thinks
Secretly hoping against hope
Mars


Woman
Dejected Silent
Watches Tries Believes
Laughing at her destiny
Venus


Couple
Disconnected Incompatible
Save Skewing Un-tieing
Releasing themselves emotionally un-
-pair

So, I met another Mr. Not-Right-For-Me, today. This poetry woven in forms of Cainquains describes it all.

A Frequent Phone Call

My dear, it has been a long time,
What have you been doing all this while?


Hows life, work and your health?
I've heard you have put on a li'l weight.


Twenty Four and a few months old,
Dear,It is the right time to buy you gold.


Go get indulged in a beauty treatment,
Thats the first step to guy procurement.

Later, get hold of a photographer,
Who can make you a few shades lighter.

Get it clicked and your work is done,
And I'll do rest of the exertion.

I have a few guys waiting in queue,
Let me know the kind that interests you.

To find a perfect match is not so eazy,
But you say you're always buzy.

Take out time from your tile,
And check out the guys profile.

I'll arrange a meeting when you like,
And rest would depend on your choice.

I'll be happy to see you settled soon,
With your hubby and kids around.

The One with The Phone Call!

It seems going public was the best decision ever, as now Runaway Bride enjoyes attention of a few known, as well as unknown people.It was an impulsive reaction to something, but I really believe that impulsive decisions are the best ones coz in that fraction of a second, we really know what we wish for!

For now, Runaway Bride has a few stories to narrate, and one she is living at the moment, which would see the light of the day, in posts to follow. It is just a phone conversation for a story now.But don't you dare under-estimate this as it was as big a misadventure as possible.

One fine Friday evening, at 8:30 pm, the phone rings. Mr A calling, is displayed on the screen and I immediately feel a strange irritation within me.What all I do to make Friday evenings perfect, and just a phone call from a random stranger spoils it all. Alas.With a certainty, that I can't entertain this call at the moment, coz it is too perfect a moment to be ruined, I pick the call.

The voice on the other end was somewhat strange.But, not judging, Runaway Bride decided to take some time off and call back later.Mr A obliged, but he had something else in mind.He too wanted to schedule another time for this call, as he had something very important to do. Now, this was an excuse, or whatever, but I really could not believe what he had to say.Maybe, Mr A was being honest. I don't know. Mr A wanted to talk to Runaway Bride, around 10:30pm, so that he could be with his maid, when she cooks, cleans and does the utensils.What a susheel - gharelu-man, I thought, and agreed to talk to him later. 10:30pm, was too late to talk to a stranger, but Runaway Bride thought to give it a try.

So, the second phone call arrived exactly at 10:30pm. What punctuality! Anyways, the soul purpose of the call was to talk a little, and decide a suitable time and place for meeting over the weekend.Not anything less, not anything more.As always, the initial exchange of profiles, and parent-talk had been done earlier.And it was time for the munda-bashing!

Here are a few excerpts of the conversation that happened. Runaway Bride decided to keep a low key this time, so as not to spoil her mood for the entire weekend.But it didn't really help.

A   : Hello, how you doin' ( Joey Style! He knew he was doing it purposely.)

RB : Hey there,I am good. How are you? Seems you're a Joey fan as well!

A   :  Oh yes. Joey is my God, and I worship Barney and Charlie in real life.

RB : (Not knowing what to say, and whether to take it seriously, or not) Laughs.

A  : So, you were out when I first called in the evening.Have you reached home yet? (Trying to judge what kind of a girl is out at half past eight in the night)

RB : Yes, I was out shopping, with some friends. Abhi, at home.

A : How do you manage to come home so late, given NCR is such an unsafe territory?

RB : It is unsafe, but I can't stop going out.Anyways, A friend dropped me home.

A  : Hmmmmm(And thinks ,Women must know their limits,they should not be out after 8 in the evening. Gurgaon police has a valid point there!)

RB : So, what is the plan? When can we meet?

A : Too shocked to say anything.(How could a girl initiate such a talk!)

A : Where do you put up? I could come to your place. What time do you get up in the  morning?

RB : Well, as the kaam-vali-bai comes in the morning by 8, so I hardly have any choice but to wake up.Even during weekends.(A silent sob)

A  : Whaaaat???? You have a maid to do the chores for you? Really? Tumhare hathon
me mehndi lagi hai kya? ( Oh, what a joke.She must be thinking that I am a really funny guy. I have read those online dating tips, which say women like men who can make them laugh.Ye teer sidha nishane pe laga! Meri to aaj nikal padi)

RB : Laughs because she is at a loss of words.(And thinks what kind of a man this is. If he was serious, he is sick. If he was joking, it was the lamest joke ever.Jokes like these could make my life, a living hell) 

A  : Okay, where do you stay? Lets decide a place, and meet around 10.

RB : Okay, 10 is fine(Now I can't even sleep after the maid goes.So much sacrifice for guy like this.Oh no, why do I have to so all this) and I stay at Runaway Colony.

A : That sounds great. So, I''ll come down to your apartment at Runaway Colony and you can then pamper me with some home made delicious breakfast. Oh yes, I don't like bread, So please just take care of that.

RB : (In shock and disbelief) What?? Lets meet some place else. There is a CCD near my  place, we can sit there as well. Or I could come down, and we could meet somewhere midway between our places.

A : No, it is okay. Not a problem at all. I'll come to your place only. And in case you don't wanna cook for me, you could ask your maid to do it.I won't mind.

RB : (Still couldn't believe what she was hearing.She thought changing the topic for   now, could save her from the torture of being a host to this man.) Where do you   put up?

A :  Noida. Oh, I love Noida.I don't know why people call it is unsafe for women. I  think it is the best place in the entire universe.I just love it there.

RB : I had a short stint at Noida as well. But I didn't like it there. Delhi is anytime   better.

A : Achcha. Why don't you like Noida ? Tumhe kisi ne kabhi ched diya tha kya udhar? Tumhari photo dekh ke to lagta hai ki you must be a target to all the eve teasing,  isliye I thought puch hee leta hu.

RB : What!!! Okay it is getting late. Lets not meet tomorrow, and keep it on Sunday instead. We can decide on a time and place tomorrow.(Oh my God, this guy must be one of those perverts on the streets of Noida. God, save me!)

A : Seems fine. Lets decide tomorrow. I'll call you. (Yayy, what a win-win situation. I'll get to talk to her again. And then milna to hai hee! Its a jackpot!)

RB : Okay then good night. ( Betta, abhi tere sapno pe paani ferti hu, zara phone to rakh)

RB decided not to talk to Mr A  ever again, let alone meeting this guy. Called up dad, and he called up A's dad. And the meeting was called off, at the last minute, siting the kundli mismatch as the reason. Dear Kundli, thanks for being there and saving me from all these strange men!

P.S.

Mr A tried to call Runaway Bride a few times, but she didn't pick the call.Then loads of smses followed.So, all in all, the decision to not meet pervert Mr A, turned out to be in Runaway Bride's favour.And the weekend was spared:)

Calling The Golden Misses Out There

After a not so long private stint, Runaway Bride has decided to go public,for the benefit of other brides-to-be, who think they're alone and suffering. So, a new blog, a new look, new readers (and my old sweety pies as well, how can I forget you all), and maybe new guys to meet :P  

It has been a rickety ride up-hill for Runaway Bride and there seems no end to the road less traveled these days.Anyways, today she is in no mood to crib.Together, we will laugh our hearts out, at the cost of all those guys who were supposedly the 'perspective grooms'. The endless times you had to cancel some engagement to meet a guy, the not-so-scheduled visit to a saloon, the oh-my-God-I'll-have-to-dress-traditionally-moments, the high tension drama before and after a meet will all make us laugh, one day when we look back.

So what, if Prince Charming is coming on a turtle instead of a horse. So what, if every frog has to be kissed before Mr Right appears. So what, if other people are continuously stealing our thunder! So what, if we are Golden Misses - It is all Good for us in a way that we haven't made a wrong choice yet.


P.S.
Runaway Bride has a few stories to narrate.And a few very interesting ones coming soon;-)

We're On a Break!

Runaway Bride decided not to meet N. Or any other guy, for that matter. She had, had enough of crap from every Tom, Dick and Harry and she was not going to take it anymore.Fed up, of everything, she decided to take a break from the maddening process, and thankfully, her parents obliged.Evidently, they also wanted a break. Ha ha

The much awaited 6 month-break, lasted sooner than summer vacations would end.A few "good-profiles" came every now and then, which Runaway Bride's parents could not resist.But, they put them off, for a few more months, so as to not bother her in the hibernation period.

The Spring lasted, and once again, there was a long queue of profiles, telephone numbers, Photographs, Background Checks, etc etc. Life was not going t be a cakewalk, after the break.The dream was going to be over soon. :(

Everything comes to an end, and good things end much sooner.So, the best thing which happened to Runaway Bride,in 2011, came to an end and once again, she stepped into the mad mad world of crazy people.

Nasty Mr N

What an irony it is that there are just two posts for 2011 - The year which started with downs and lows, and ended with no less than ups and highs, at-least in some facets of life.Runaway Bride has lost the count of losers she met during this year.

January 2011 began with a big bang of realizations and resolutions.Realizations, for Runaway Bride and resolutions for her parents, relatives, friends, neighbors, acquaintances and the kaam-vali-bai at her parent's house. Runaway Bride now knew, and tried to accept the fact that life was going to change forever.And the change was because all her best buddies will not be available all the time. And people around her had a new year resolution to find a suitable guy for her. Now, this time, it was more than a resolution, because people were actually serious about it.

What followed was a wild ride for Runaway Bride, which left her, shaken. She met some losers and some more losers. Reality continued to spoil her life.

Let me start from the beginning. The year began with shopping for weddings.And, it left Runaway Bride too tired, both physically and mentally.After one of the shopping escapades, she got a call from Mr N. And surprisingly, the conversation turned out to be nice and left her craving for more. After a few phone conversations, N was planning to come to meet Runaway Bride, all the way from Pune. 

But little did Runaway Bride know, that there was more to it, than what she was actually able to see.N was becoming more and more demanding, with each conversation. And, though Runaway Bride sensed it, but she could not really believe that N was getting possessive as well. And they hadn't event met yet. 

Just, Two conversations later, N had already assumed it was customary to talk to Runaway Bride, everyday. He freaked out, when Runaway Bride was busy with a wedding in her family. He even told Runaway Bride, he missed her and he was actually not expecting to be left out, only coz there was a stupid family engagement. A few conversations, over the phone, and this guy was involving Runaway Bride in decisions about his career and life. And, he  was demanding and equal stage in her life as well.

Two days later, N was coming to meet Runaway Bride, with "almost" and engagement ring, tons of possessive attitude and loads of advice about how Runaway Bride should remain  away from guys.

A day before the scheduled meeting, Runaway Bride was trying hard, not to freak out, but could not hold it any longer when N assumed it was okay to call Runaway Bride at 1:30 a.m. on a weekday, just because he wanted to talk to her.End of Story.

It might have been an impulsive decision, but thank God for it.And Thank Lord, for sparing Runaway Bride the trouble to meet this desperate soul in person.

P.S.

It is time to pen down, all the adventures Runaway Bride had in 2011.

Sonu Kahi Ka

WARNING - Long Post Ahead.

Wondering what Runaway Bride has been up to all these days? Well, what else could she do , other than meeting random guys.Does she really have a choice? No.

So many stories later, the situation has not changed a bit.Random strangers continue to ruin her weekends.Sometimes, Runaway Bride feels she has seen it all, and now it can't get any worse.But then it can't be over so soon, you see.

Runaway Bride went home to meet her parents.She was having a nice time at home,when, not so surprisingly, her dad started it all, once again.The guy this time, was nice to look at, belonged to a respectable family and was working in a reputed MNC. All that mattered to dad, was there in this most eligible bachelor dad had found for Runaway Bride.He was perfect. Except, one thing - His name was Sonu.( Runaway Bride has never played the name game in this blog.But this time, it is inevitable.) She just could not imagine her wedding card reading "Runaway Bride weds Sonu"

Numerous failed attempts later,Runaway Bride had to shorten her trip, and take the first train back to Delhi, to meet the man of her dad's dreams - Sonu. And it wasn't funny so don't you dare grin.The time and place of meeting were decided, keeping in mind that it would get dark sooner, as it was winter already.

So, after a tiring train journey, Runaway Bride reached Delhi and headed to her apartment.Within no time, she got ready and left to meet Sonu.This is what parents make you do, when you are independent, pretty, perfect, but haven't found the man of your dreams.To them, being single is such a curse.Anyways, Runaway Bride reached the destination fifteen minutes earlier, as suggested by everyone that one must not keep the guy waiting.

Sonu turned up, 45 minutes later and he didn't find it suitable to say a customary 'Sorry, I kept you waiting". Instead he chose to start the conversation with - "You looked bulky in the pic but you are pretty slim". Helloooooooooo - Who the hell are you, to tell me, or for that matter, any girl that she is bulky or not.First,look at your name.I don't need to go any further than that! For her entire life, people have always been jealous of Runaway Bride considering the fact that she can eat anything and everything without a concern for putting on weight.And here is a random guy,telling her she looked bulky in the pic.WHAT CRAP!

Anyways, Runaway Bride decided to overlook these three roadblocks, and thought not to judge the guy in a matter of minutes.She thought that maybe there was more to him rather than that.And there was, definitely more to him.We decided to sit down somewhere and Sonu jee chose to the food court of an over-crowded mall, which was no less than a fish market.(Turn Off Number 3, and If I consider his name was Sonu, this would be Turn Off Number 4) But thankfully, there was no space to sit, so we had to hunt for a new place. 

He wanted to go to Moti Mahal.We started walking and he chose not to walk with Runaway Bride, but behind her.(Turn off Number 5)

Runaway Bride opened the door.Sonu slipped in, saying thank you.Any guy you know does that? (Turn Off Number 6. Runaway Bride had almost made a decision by now)

We sat.Sonu asked what Runaway Bride wanted to have.She said she would go for a coke.But, Sonu wanted to have soup and share it with Runaway Bride.(Runaway Bride can pay for coke, as well as the soup, please don't worry dear Sonu, you can go ahead and order whatever you want to.But please don't force her to share soup with you - Turn off Number 7)

Sonu had a huge invisible checklist.Runaway Bride could see him ticking the bullet-ed points, whenever he spoke(read asked)something. (Turn Off Number 8)

Considering what a pathetic name he had(It is my point of view and I am entitled to it), he kept on spoiling Runaway Bride's name by pronouncing a different version of it, every single time.Loser.(Biggest Turn Off Up-til now - Number 9)

An excerpt from our conversation ---

Sonu : Can you cook ?

RB    : Yes.

Sonu : Tumhe dekh ke to nahi lagta!

RB chose not to offend him because she couldn't think of an answer to this, which wouldn't.

Sonu : Do you have a boyfriend?

RB    : No

Sonu : Tumhe dekh ke to nahi lagta!

Once again,RB chose not to offend him because she couldn't think of an answer to this, which wouldn't.

Sonu : Which one you like better- going to a pub or sitting in nature's lap?

RB    : Nature.I don't like the combination of loud music and darkness.

Sonu : Tumhe dekh ke to nahi lagta!

This would be the last time RB would overlook something he said.Next time, he is going to get an answer.All boundaries crossed.This guy is making sure he wants to get it from Runaway Bride.

Sonu  : Will it be a problem if my parents come and visit me?

RB     : No

Sonu  : Tumhe dekh ke to nahi lagta!

This was it.Runaway Bride couldn't take it anymore.So here is what she said -"Actually, you are right.I don't like staying with parents.In fact, I just can't tolerate those oldies.You know, whenever I go home, I ask my mom and dad to book a room in the nearby hotel for themselves and stay there till I am at home."

The loser sitting in front of me wasn't expecting this for an answer. Immediately, he asked if it was time to leave.Runaway Bride obliged.Thankfully, it was over.Runaway Bride was so pissed off that she didn't offer to pay or even share the expenses.

P.S.

Sonu had also ordered some kebabs. While waiting for them to arrive, the hungry man thrived on the green chatni and Runaway Bride couldn't help but imagine that Sonu was not Sonu but a pregnant lady, who couldn't resist herself from having that khatti chatni!

Since this episode, Runaway Bride has devised a new abuse and she calls ill-mannered people "Sonu Kahi Ka"

Life Sucks

Life has been a real bitch.And Runaway Bride has lost it all.Her life sucks and it sucks real bad. A new loser comes, every now and then,to take a look at yours truly. Same old story, every damn weekend. Am I fed up, or what? No, it is just the beginning sweetheart, you have a long way to go...:@

Can't find peace at home, or anywhere else.Where ever I go, those profiles follow.And some of the losers have enough courage to hunt me down at Facebook and send me their friend requests full of shit.Runaway Bride has lost all hope that there is a Mr Right for her.All she finds are strangers who are so strange that she thinks they have landed from some other planet.There are a few incidents which need to be mentioned here, but some other time. I just want to rant today. No stories, just plain old cribbing for now.

It is a strange feeling when anyone and everyone around you is getting married.And it gets even worse when 'anyone and everyone' incudes ALL of your best buddies.You fear a void, a strange kind of emptiness that would suddenly envelope you from all sides.One fine Sturday morning, you get up and realise that there is no one who can make you feel better, no one to go shopping with, no one to catch a movie with, no one for the silly girl talk, no one for having a cup of coffee or lunch with,no one to help you with things...Suddenly, you feel so lonely in your own city.You don't have anyone for company, and weekend starts to suck.

And with a big bang, you realise that you are still single.And lonely.A bit too lonely.And not even shopping can take your mind of that deadly realisation.In a flash, the world around you changes.Everything is getting worse.You meet random guys because your parents are after your life.And they put you off.With a realisation of being the lonely soul that you are,on one hand , to meeting those guys( who you don't wanna meet coz they don't fit into your damn criterion), you keep on thinking what is going wrong with you...What is the bigger mess which you must clear first.And then it is a vicious circle of mess and only mess around.

Runaway Bride cried like anything today.And yesterday.And day before.She was sad.She still is.She has forgotten how to be happy.The smile she has to pose sometimes, is a fake one.

Along Came S

Life has been really really busy. With changes all around, Runaway Bride is in hunt of some solace,which she has not been able to find since ages now. Anyways, there are at least three stories to be posted here.One by one, they shall come!

So, dad got Mr S's profile from a common friend.Everything seemed perfect. And for a change, Runaway Bride didn't turn him down by just having a look at the profile.Mr S worked with a US MNC and was planning a visit to India soon.He had plans of settling down in India.S wanted to talk to yours truly, on the phone , before actually meeting her,which seemed a reasonable demand.And, hence phone numbers were exchanged.

One fine Saturday morning, when S was supposed to call, the phone didn't ring at all.And Runaway Bride, being the lazy gal she is, didn't bother to get up, as it was too early to be awake at 9 a.m. on a Saturday. Time went by, and it was past 10 am soon when she managed to get up.She was shocked to see three missed calls from S! He had called as per the decided time, but Runaway Bride's damn phone was on No Vibrate-No Tone mode.She was sad that this happened, as S was one of those guys who seemed to be of her interest.

Anyways, she called S. And like a gentle-man he cut the phone call and called back.She apologised. He was cool about it. She liked his attitude. He liked her voice. She was taking non-stop.He was a great listener.She thought they should talk again. He thought so,too! But, soon they realised that they want different things from life. S wanted at least another 2-year stint in US, while Runaway Bride wasn't at all prepared to say goodbye to her whole duniya here in India.

No doubt, S was a gentle-man.But sometimes, what we want from life becomes the driving force behind the decisions we make.And compromise, was not what S or I was looking for. We both had our share of doubts about the kind of relaitionship which has its foundation on a compromise.We had been talking a lot(A LOT).But, then it was a mutual decision not to meet each other as we wanted really different futures.

He came to India for a vacation.We didn't talk or meet.But, unfortunately, Mr S got some problems with his visa and could not return to US.And he is still in India, but waiting to go.

Dear S, May God give you what (ever)you are looking for.

Two Stories

It has been really really long since I updated this space here. I was buzy relocating, switching jobs, finding a house, settling down, switching jobs again!!! There was a period of lull in the 'munda-hunt', but those golden days flew away so fast that I realised that I had, had a break, only when it was over:(

Anyways, then Mr H came into picture.Mr H - Nice guy, perfect son,perfect- brother and would have been a perfect hubby too.It was nice talking to him, but yours truly was not in a state of mind to be the ultimate 'bahu' that his family was looking for. Mr H was one of those people who had struggled a lot, in life and now,he wanted life to be perfect.I called him a self-made-man!I had a strange kind of respect for this man, but somehow, I was not ready to make ultimate sacrifice which was,not a distant demand, but a close reality in his life , as I saw it.

I was not looking for excuses to turn him down, but I too want my life to be good,if not perfect.And the visions I get, of myself as a married woman, were not too close to what my life would have been, If I chose to take the thing with Mr H further.

I wish Mr H, a nice life ahead and hope he finds what he is looking for. Mr H, it was nice talking to you.

 

Also, I met Mr K. It was a strange co-incidence.While going back to Delhi, I met our common friend in the train, who kept on telling me that one of her friends would be joining her in sometime. And yours truly got the ultimate shock to see, Mr K.It was very uncomfortable. The three of us had to do some really silly talk before dozing off to sleep. And as always, cribbing about our jobs was the best topic anyone could have started to avoid any ackward conversation, or to break the ice(whatever it was)


But, how could have Murphy spared me.When something goes wrong, everything else, is waiting to go wrong.My train got late and we had to spend another few hours together, than expected:( I have never felt so uncomfortable before - I had literally spent the night in an arm's distance from a guy, I rejected coz his parents wouldn't let me work.Life's a strange bitch!

Relocating

Thankfully, Mr N didn't turn out to be Runaway Bride's Mr Perfect. So,that means, she doesn't have to give up on the idea of making him read this blog, one fine day.(Mr N is not fond of reading)

For a change, this post isn't about Runaway Bride meeting another guy.It is about something which was on top of her wish list since a long long time.Runaway Bride is relocating to the city she loves with all her heart - Delhi, or saddi Dilli, as we call it :)

With a new job, comes new responsibilities and new dreams.And the best part - now Delhi is not that far! Runaway Bride has booked her tickets, and she can't wait for the day to come!Will keep you guys posted on the happenings on Direct Dil Se.

Anyways, Do you remember Mr V from this post? It was a mutual No-No with him. But he continues to send me the random forwarded email, once a day! And since Runaway Bride knows her email etiquette quite well, she sends one back, once in two-three days! There is nothing fishy there.

Until Monday, things were moving very slow at office.That is when Mr V started a conversation over the office communicator.It was a casual "hi-how-are-you-whats-up-anything-new" kind of a chat but it didn't end there but continued on and on and on.I believe, I should let him know that I am quitting the job, and leaving Pune too, before any hopes spring up.Guys, let me know what you think I should do

Mr N And Green Apple Soda

End of story for Runaway Bride and K. But this end marked the beginning of another tale - The tale of Runaway Bride and Mr N.

It all began a few months back when dad found an eligible bachelor in the matrimonial column of a newspaper.As keen as my folks are,for getting me married, they called the number provided. Soon, bio-data's and pics were exchanged and Kundlis(birth-charts) matched. And N's profile matched, to a great extent ,with the kind of guy yours truly is looking for :)

And then N's folks started pestering him to go and meet Runaway Bride.(N lives in a city which is a 4 hour drive from Runaway Bride's). And she was told(by parents, who else?) to better keep her weekend free as N might plan to come. But,it was good that N ringed up to ask if she could take out some time this weekend to meet - and she liked that N had the courtesy to ask that.


Since N's and Runaway Bride's parents weren't here, it saved me from a lot of trouble of all the family drama which usually happens in arrangements like these.

N landed here with a friend and Runaway Bride went to meet him, with her bro.He looked quite different from the way he looked in the pic.Maybe, the photographer had made him 2 shades lighter :P And that is why I haven't yet got a pic clicked by a pro! Be what you are- is what I believe! What sense does it make to look out-of-the-world in a stupid pic(to impress xyz people) when you can't be that way in real. Okay, I agree,make-up can do wonders, but can you put that 24hrs a day-7 days a week?

Anyways, Runaway Bride was glad that N was not as fair as he looked in the pic, because,she believes in the TDH concept created in Mills&Boon books.Bro and N talked and talked a lot,and for reasons unknown, Runaway Bride was silent, most of the time.N tried hard to break the ice, and I guess he succeeded. We had quite an exotic lunch, and Runaway Bride learnt a few things about N.N had to come by a Non-AC bus to meet me (suffering all the heat) as there was some strike or something - And that reminds me how parents pester you, once you enter the web of shaadi.

The place we chose for lunch is quite a famous one - a combination of great ambiance and great food. But,the credit-card swipe machine wasn't working that day.Talks continued, and Runaway Bride started talking too.The conversation varied from food to cricket,to movies, to my first love(SRK) to food again.Soon, lunch was done, and there came the bill.To my surprise, N didn't even offer to pay it, which came as a huge turn off.But, here Runaway Bride is giving him benefit of doubt(of not having enough cash and as I said, the swipe machine wasn't working and we were informed before placing the order)

We came out, and N asked bro if he could take Runaway Bride to the nearby Cafe Coffee Day outlet, for some time. I liked that he actually asked as if I am a small kid and need to get a permission.Bro and N's friend hopped in the nearby Crossword outlet to satisfy their quest to get some new books, while Runaway Bride and N went to Cafe Coffee Day.

The last time when Runaway Bride came to CCD was a few days back, and she was with a bunch of close guy friends.And these guys had noticed a couple sitting just behind us, who seemed to be meeting for the first time, for no other purpose than arranged marriage(The meeting might have been arranged by their parents and they had to obey to go for a blind date) It was funny, we all thought.Never had Runaway Bride imagined, that this could be her fate too! :'(

Anyways, as she was already full so,Runaway Bride opted for a Green Apple Soda, and N wanted to see what her taste is like, so asked to make it two Green Apple Sodas.She loves it, although they don't have it in their new menu anymore.But, thankfully, they still serve it! :) And soon, we got started with the talks.Although I believe, Runaway Bride was still quiet than what she really is.N made several attempts, but somehow, he could not make her talk continuously.I don't know why.She was not shy or formal or something, but she was quiet than she usually is.:|

An hour passed by, and it was time to leave.In those 60 minutes, Runaway Bride and N had exchanged some vital information.N paid the bill with his card.And something sure did happen over Green-Apple-Sodas.We decided to keep in touch!

It was like a blind date.Runaway Bride doesn't know if N is the one.But,N is a nice guy and she won't mind meeting him again.


P.S.
 N doesn't like to read, whether it is books, or blogs.So Runaway Bride's secret desire of making her Mr Perfect read this blog, sitting by her side would have to be held off, if N turns out to be the one!

K Calling

10:45 pm

And the phone rang.I was half asleep after a long and tiring day at office.Anyways, getting back to the phone call.

Reluctantly, I answered the call( as it was from an unknown number). It was K(the guy, my friend wanted to set me up with) For details click here. He introduced himself and asked if it wasn't too late to call.For the sake of courtesy(or whatever you may call it...And FYI, I find it really difficult to say No, even to strangers) I said it was okay and asked him to continue.

And soon ,it was more than an hour since I was on the phone.I am a complete chatterbox, and it is quite impossible to shut me up, once you get me started(provided, I don't lose interest in you). He never asked me any silly questions which other perspective grooms ask, and maybe I got too comfortable too soon. Talking to him was like talking to a friend. We had a few common topics to chit-chat about,maybe because we come from the same 'small -town' and we both lived in Delhi, sometime. Though his love for 'Saadi -Dilli' could not match mine! We tried to get to know each other, and by the time the phone call ended, I had created a certain kind of image in my mind and associated him with it! And mind you, most of the time, I judge people correctly!

Meanwhile, all these days, our common friend, V was trying to persuade to me to talk about K, to my parents.And being the sidhi-saadhi-sharmili-gharelu kanya that I am, I was avoiding that(okay okay, I am nothing even close to all those adjectives, but I just did not want to strike that conversation, so that my folks don't start feeling that I am really really interested in getting married asap.So,suggesting a guy, would have meant committing a sin).But, then I believed that it would be better if I told them myself, at least it would be better than getting to know from V or her mom( V's mom was getting into match-making mode)

So, I told my folks ,and for a moment, they were over-excited that finally I have chosen a guy for myself! But, they calmed down when I told them the whole story! And as Murphy would have it, V's mom bumped into mine,at the local vegetable market.And rest is history.

They met, and then my folks and K's folks had a telephonic conversation.Everything was fine except that they asked "How long will Runaway Bride continue with her job?"

All Over!

My judgement was correct, K wants to settle down in the 'small town' with his family.And Runaway Bride works for a corporate giant which doesn't operate from any of the so called small towns.Although she doesn't love her job, but she has no plans to quit and become a loser house-wife.(No offence meant to any of the great ladies who have chosen to be perfect home-makers)

And Thats How I Met Mr V

No, The phone call I was talking about in the last post did not happen at all, because yours truly was very buzy hunting for a new job.Unfortunately, no luck yet :( There is something in me which stops me from trying to concentrate on more than one thing, at the same time.Maybe it is the gyaan which one of my teachers at college gave, that never start a new job and a new marriage, at the same time, coz in most of such cases, people tend to screw one of those things!

So, all in the mood of job hunt, I conveniently switched Mr K(from the previous post) to the backseat and never indicated the need of a conversation.I was too buzy doing whatever I thought was the right thing to do, given the circumstances I am in.

And suddenly, Mr V pops into my life. I get a call from my dad saying that Mr V is the best guy on earth and he would be a perfect match( According to him, there were a dozen perfect matches, whom I didn't even find eligible to even talk to, for that matter) Anyways, I agreed to talk to him, on the condition,he calls me first. (As per dad, Mr V is a shy guy). But he called me and we decided to meet. The worst part, he works for the same organization that I do, and that meant, we would be meeting in office the next day.No excuses :(

The next day, Mr V was very buzy...He smsed me that probably we can meet another time.I was neither happy nor sad about it, I was comfortably numb I guess.A day passed by and he pinged me when I was out of office, enjoying a lavish lunch at a nearby restaurant.

I reached office in an hour, and it was time to meet Mr V.I was doing something like this for the first time, so I had laughter fits imagining myself in such a situation.Traditionally, I would be wearing a saree with my head covered with a pallu and carrying a tray with tea-cups and snacks for Mr V and his family members and my mom and dad saying "She has made all those snacks with her own hands for you. She is a wonderful cook".And then, I would offer all those to Mr V and his family, after touching their feet to get their blessings.This thought gave me laugheter fits which were really unstoppable.As I was meeting him in office, there was no family and no tray to carry;-) (Even if I had to meet him at my home, I would have made sure that I am not wearing a saree and neither would I have agreed to carry the tray)

Like a gentleman, Mr V made sure he reached the food-court before me.I saw him standing in a queue to get the coupons for the tea he wanted to have.And that made me go LOL from inside.I was not carrying the tray full of tea cups, rather he was standing in a long queue to satisfy his need for caffine.I liked that.I approached him and he offered to buy me a drink(tea/coffee :P). But, since I am not addicted to any one of those, I politely refused, and added a 'thanks'

We sat in one of those quiet corners,clueless about what should we talk about. Believe me, this was his first time too.And he was as ignorant as I was.Yours truly started the conversation, as Mr V seemed a shy guy.I was able to get him talking, though I was the one who was doing the most of it.Half an hour passed by, and we were just cribbing about the organization we work for, and nothing else. That was the only thing we had in common.

In his spare time Mr V likes to play/watch all kind of sports or try his hands on coding.While, these would be the things I would not do in my free time, even if I am paid for it.He is quiet and takes time to open up, while I can go on blabbering about things, even when I am with complete strangers.Believe me, it is not a bad thing to do as I have made some friends for lifetime because, I am this way!

Soon, it was time to leave.Finally, the laughter fits going inside me subsided.Just then, I saw few of my team-mates coming from the opposite side.Under normal circumstances, I would have come with them, but, here, I was sitting with a guy ,blushing,(for the first time)Later, I told them that he was a friend, who had returned from onsite after a long time.

Not knowing what to talk about next, as we didn't have any common interests, we decided to leave, with an open end.
 

It was funny.I still am giggling thinking about it.

Matchmaking

As if my family was not enough, my friends have ventured into the territory! A few of them have suggested some guys,who,they feel who would be appropriate for me.There is no end to match-making business! Everyone is interesed, you see! :D

Sometimes, I laugh at whatever is happening around me.And sometimes, it makes me sad.Other times I feel a strange kind of numbness towards the whole thing.As if I don't care at all.But I know,I do.This 'not bothered' kind of behaviour is something I pretend, to make others lose interest in finding a match for me.And I hardly ever succeed :(

Suddenly,getting me married has shifted to the top of 'to-do lists' of everyone I know! They have even set deadlines for themselves.The fact that two of my cousins who are younger than me(and supposedly doing nothing after college) are getting married this year, and it increases the pressure you see! So there is a deadline that has been set, plus, there is an increasing pressure to meet that deadline because some-one else in the family is also getting married.Isn't it ridiculous?

Sometime soon, I would be getting a call from one of the guys who thinks I am perfect for him since one of our common friends made him believe this(and even shared our pics with each other) It statred as a teezer but I had never imagined that it would go to this extent.Anyways, strange as life is, it is making me do strange things these days.

'Strange Things' remind me of something that I feel is most ackward about the whole procedure of arranged marriages! Suddenly, you become a model and you have to pose for pics that would be clicked by pros who can change the way you look!A girl next door(desprate to get married) to a supermodel(but, in a traditional outfit) in 30 seconds flat! And not to metion, your skin tone would be lightened by two shades!I have managed to not to fall into this trap and this is one battle I have not lost yet! **Feels Proud and Smiles** :D 


Expecting a call from Mr K(Common friend guy)this week!So,that would give me some more things to blog about!Being the blogger that I am, I am thinking of doing a post on all of these stupid things happening in life!


Maybe, someday, my dream-man would be reading this blog,sitting beside me! **Smiles**

Mr Right, Are You Listening?

Okay, I am sick of this arranged marriage thing now.Six months since the last post here,and life is still no more than a dangling pointer.It seems there is not a guy in this world who fits in my definition of Mr Right.

Some are still Momma's boys, some want their wives to quit her job and serve as a housewife for the rest of her life, some are just 5 inches 5, some earn less than me, some feel that women are their puppets, some are trying hard to lose weight, some say they want to get married only coz their parents feel it is the right thing to do,some believe they are no less than the Prince of Wales,some have a moustache,some are 'kuup-manduks'(frogs who are afraid of taking up new ventures coz they are comfy in the calm waters of their own city or state),some are already 30, some think they are doing a favour to the girl they would marry,some are losers enough to the extent of never having done a thing on their own coz their dads are rich businessmen and there is not a need to create an indentity, some are committed but still meeting other girls coz their parents want them to.

So, all in all, that means, no one for me :( Or am I waiting for someone who doesn't exist at all.Mere khvabon me jo aaye types guy is non-existant or what?

Bas Issi Ki Kami Thi

to Me


Sub: Marriage Proposal


Refer to above mentioned subject. If you are the same then confirm me. Once you confirm you will get all the information and photo of my son to further.



Thanks,
Ramesh Anand 

This is no spam.I have this email in my inbox.And it sucks.I have no idea where this gentleman got my mail id from.I bet you can't imagine how irritating it is to recieve such an e-mail.

A long day at office.Lots of work.I reach home around 8.Rush to get groceries.Come home.Cook food.Eat.Avoid a long chat with mom n dad just to shun any conversation regarding new probable grooms that they would have found today.End the call in 1min 31 secs.Finally connect to the net...AND THIS IS WHAT IS WAITING IN MY INBOX.Who knows I might be getting a chat request from 'RA' tomorrow.

Oh please, if you are thinking that I am over-reacting then spare me and stop reading ahead.Right now.For the time being,this blog is exclusively for capturing my reactions which include cribbing and bitching and everything else that I want to do when I see such things happening to me.All action, (and reactions)would be posted here!So,I hope lots of masala to look forward to in the coming days!

And now getting back to where I was...Mr RA, It seems your son is the new heart-throb of India.And every girl(single and married) is dying to marry him.Even his pics are such a rare commodity that they are not available in stores but would have to be ordered from the manufacturing industry.What a man he must be-an Alpha male for sure! But SORRY, THIS GIRL HERE IS NOT INTERESTED.Alas, you knocked the wrong door,and that too with incorrect english(which is such a put-off).So please, Spare me from any further communication.

On a second thought,I m thinking of replying to this gentleman and asking for pics of his son who seems to be highly in demand.No, I am not mad...just curious abt how HOT he is...And I have this wierd thing in my head to share the pic with you guys! Wt say? Do you people want to see him too? ;-) Let me know through the comments! :D