by Sheryl
Even my outfit hadn’t been enough to tempt him; I was dressed in a short navy blue one shoulder fitted dress and my pointy-toed nude spiked pumps. My long hair was rolled up into a bun with a large dangly pin going through it to add an oriental touch. I knew I looked amazing but it hadn’t been enough to make Ezra want to keep the night going. And although I knew he appreciated the way I looked, sometimes he definitely behaved as if he was immune to my charms. He hadn’t made any moves on me all night.
I sighed as I watched him talk to Vivek and the girls. As much as I loved hanging out at the loft, I enjoyed going out too. My idea of de-stressing after a long week was a fun night filled drinking and dancing. I felt like Ezra and I were already losing our spark and becoming an old, boring couple. All he ever wanted to do was ‘chill’.
Anya must have sensed my exasperation because she looked at me questioningly with one eyebrow raised. I shook my head slightly and gave her a weak smile, trying to convince her that everything was ok. I didn’t want anyone to think I wasn’t grateful for having Ezra and to start worrying about me. Last of all Anya. They had all worried enough with my last relationship.
My relationship with Jed had been tumultuous. Volatile. Passionate. It had been a constant roller coaster with highs and lows and lots of screaming and laughing in between. Being with Jed had made me feel alive. With him I’d experienced moments of utter bliss as well as total heartbreak.
Jed and I had met at a small bar on Wall Street one evening after work. I had been there with a couple of friends and just as we had been about to leave, he had asked me to have a drink with him. I had fallen prey to his good looks and sexy confidence. What had followed next was a six-month whirlwind romance. Even with our long hours and busy careers, we had always managed to find the time to hang out. We had done all sorts of things together - eaten eat, played sports, watched films and had even been on holiday together. But passion wasn’t always enough to build an everlasting relationship on. And I learned that the hard way.
“It’s a date then. Right Aimee?” Ezra’s question reeled me back to the present.
“Totally… What’s a date?” I had zoned out.
“Sunday. The club. We’ll introduce Anya to Andrew” Ezra looked at me quizzically.
“This Sunday?”
“Yeah, did you have plans?”
Anya’s pleading looks put me in a dilemma. Its not like I didn’t want to go, but the country club was one place I had always felt less than welcome. By the members and by Ezra’s parents. I knew they disapproved of our relationship and felt that their golden boy was losing his lustre by being associated with me. They didn’t like that I came from a divorced household or that I was European or a working girl. But then again, since Ezra would see them tomorrow for lunch maybe I would be spared their presence Sunday?
Ezra came from a wealthy family with a strong sense of heritage. His parents had probably banked on him marrying one of the girls in their friend circle but Ezra stayed away from the lot after a few pathetic relationships. He claimed they were all shallow and weren’t in touch with the real world. I guess that meant he was with me because I was I different and offered more depth? But I always wondered whether some day he would wake up hoping I was more like them.
But I also knew that this was going to help Anya get over Liam. The only way she lost interest in a guy was when there was a new one on her radar. It went to show she didn’t actually truly love those imbeciles; she just thought she did. Anya was a sweet girl and she deserved every chance at happiness.
“No, not really. Sounds good,” I gave in.
Anya’s face broke into a dazzling smile and I felt grateful towards Ezra. I was just being selfish. So maybe he wasn’t exciting and didn’t enjoy going out at night as much as I did but he was reliable and comforting to be around. I knew that he would always care for me and never do me wrong.
Passion or no passion, spark or no spark.
14 – EVA
I heard voices as I turned the key in the lock. That meant the girls were home. Goodie – I was looking forward to a girls’ night.
As I walked in through the door, I realised we weren’t alone. Vivek and Ezra were at the loft too. Nevermind…
“Hi guys, good to see you!” I dumped my gym gear, pulled up a chair and joined the circle. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing much. Did you just get done with work?” Vivek asked incredulously.
“No, not exactly. I mean we did finish late but then I went to the gym to squeeze in a workout and had a drink with a friend,” I answered.
“Have you eaten?” Latisha asked; always worrying about us.
“We ordered some food at the office. I’m good.” My answer seemed to satisfy her. “What are you all doing at home?”
“Vivek and I came home after dinner. We have lunch at his place tomorrow so didn’t want to stay out too late,” Tish explained.
“We were at the new sushi restaurant but didn’t want a big night out,” Aimee grumbled. I noticed a slight bite in her voice.
“So what’s been going on with you? I hear there’s a new suitor on the home front,” Vivek teased mischievously.
I glared at Latisha who avoided my gaze. Since I had known Latisha my whole life, I had known Vivek too. She could never keep anything from him and sometimes it drove me nuts. And although I was comfortable around him, relationships were one topic I preferred not to discuss. With anyone. But that didn’t stop him from poking around.
“Don’t get your hopes up. My family puts me through this shtick every so often. And I deal with it,” I warned.
“So he has no hope at all?” Aimee goaded.
“Don’t get me wrong. Despite an initial tiny glitch he seems like a nice guy and when we met this week we discovered we have a lot in common…”
Anya cut me off, “YOU met HIM this week? When? Where? What? Why? How?”
Oh crap. I hadn’t told them about Daniel’s visit at the office. And I really didn’t want to launch into a discussion about why I didn’t want to date Daniel. I had to nip this in the bud.
“Relax. He came by the office. Apparently he’s working with one of the other attorneys on a case and just dropped by to say hello,” I explained.
“Sureee he did,” Anya teased. “We saw how he couldn’t take his eyes off of you Sunday.”
I felt the heat rise in my cheeks. Why was this guy affecting me so much?
“That’s true. And don’t even deny the attraction. That guy is a total hottie and you know it,” Aimee added. Ezra gave her a nudge.
“Why can’t you give it a chance? You can’t stay single forever,” Latisha pushed.
I rolled my eyes. Here we go again. The fact that Daniel had some mysterious control over my nerves was not the point. I loved my friends but I knew they would have made a case for any guy. What was it with couples? All couples believed that the only way to be happy was to be with someone. And they all treated their single friends like their own pet projects. I had lost count of the amount of dweebs they’d pushed my way. Initially I’d even gone on a date or two until I realised that there was absolutely no selection process, the only criteria they needed to satisfy was “single”. I actually found it a little insulting from time to time to think that’s how little my friends knew me or thought about my standards.
“I’ll think about it,” I lied. I knew no one believed me. Time to put someone else on the hot seat. “So what’s going on this weekend?”
“Vivek and Ezra are setting me up with a friend on Sunday,” Anya sang gleefully.
So soon? “Who’s the lucky guy?”
“Vivek’s client who happens to be a member at Ezra’s club,” Latisha explained.
“A good friend?” I enquired.
“Well we don’t know him very personally but we’ve hung out with him a few times and he seems nice. And most importantly, he’s still single,” Latisha confessed.
I bit my tongue. “And I guess that’s all that matters?”
“It’s not like that…” Vivek defended.
“They’re just trying to make me feel better,” Anya said softly.
“But is this the best way? I mean maybe you need some time after Liam. Will jumping into a relationship with someone new help?” I attacked. Anya blushed.
“Eva, everyone has their own coping mechanisms. Anya’s young and single. She’s not going to pine after Liam forever,” Aimee retorted. I rolled my eyes.
“I’m not saying she has to grieve. I’m just saying maybe she needs a break from dating. And you guys constantly setting her up isn’t the best break,” I snapped back.
“Eva, I know you worry. But please don’t. No one’s forcing me into this. I’m just going to join Aimee and Ezra at the club Sunday for lunch and that’s it,” Anya plead.
“But Anya, I know you. You’ll give any shmuck a chance when he talks nice for about five minutes. And then you end up putting yourself out there and getting yourself hurt,” I argued. I knew I was beginning to sound like a pain and probably hurting Anya’s feelings but I wanted to save her from this vicious cycle she kept going through.
“We love that you’re always protecting us. And maybe our track record with matchmaking hasn’t been golden,” Latisha admitted, “but this time I swear; he’s a nice guy. Vivek, Ezra and I know him and really do believe that he’ll be good for Anya.”
“If you say so,” I grumbled, knowing full well I didn’t believe them either.
15 – LATISHA
I stepped out of the car, retucked my white shirt into my jeans, straightened my blazer and adjusted the red shawl I had around my neck. Making sure my ponytail was still neat and I had my beloved watch, solitaire earrings and round engagement ring on, I climbed the steps to the front door. My in-laws expected their daughter-in-law to maintain a certain standard. I had finished up the look with my bright red flats and a red patent leather bag. I had debated between pumps and flats but had opted for the latter because I knew that my mother-in-law generally deemed high-heeled shoes impractical. I took in a deep breath and put on my game face before ringing the doorbell.
The heavy oak door swung open and I was welcomed by my mother-in-law and a strong whoosh of garlic.
“Namaste Mummy,” I greeted her as I bowed forwards with my hands clasped together. It was a sign of respect to bow down to your elders in the Indian culture. Although we had grown up with a mix of American and Indian traditions, certain values stayed with us. So although I didn’t greet my parents in this way, I had to follow the custom whenever I saw my in-laws or extended family.
“Come in beta,” she responded with an awkward hug. Hugs were always awkward between Indians.
My father-in-law was seated with my parents in the living room. I greeted him in a similar fashion and gave my parents quick hugs in succession. I sat down on an armchair. Vivek wasn’t there.
“He’s on his way,” his mother smiled, recognising my wandering look. I smiled at her gratefully. It would have been improper for me to enquire after him.
“So how was your week Latisha?” asked my father-in-law. He was a sturdy man with a sturdy build in contrast to my short father. He had moved to the U.S. some thirty-odd years ago and expanded their family clothing business, taking it to the level it was at today. He was sharp and shrewd, had a strong personality and was the decision maker in the household. I was slightly scared of him and didn’t interact with him much besides the light pleasantries. Anyways, we didn’t have much to discuss besides work, weather and the wedding.
“Very good Papa,” I answered. I knew his question was more out of formality and he didn’t really want to hear about all my patients and medical stories. To address your future in-laws as ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’ or ‘Mummy’ and ‘Papa’ was customary from the moment a couple was engaged.
“The weather has been ok? You have been dressing warmly, no?” he asked. Adding on no and nah at the end of every sentence was another Indian habit.
“Yes,” I lied. Most Indians pulled out their coats, hats and scarves as soon as the first fall breeze blew through. But having lived my entire life in the U.S., I was less affected by the cold and enjoyed the fall chill. Nonetheless, it was pointless to discuss this and often easier to just pretend to agree with their advice.
“You have been eating well beta?” My mother-in-law asked. She was a slight woman with delicate features and softer manners in complete comparison to my father-in-law. I had known her since forever and was very comfortable around her. Although I didn’t share everything with her out of respect for our relation, I knew she was very fond of me and I felt close to her.
“Yes Mummy. The girls and I always eat together so there is never a lack of food.”
“What have you been cooking?” she asked. I knew this was her way of checking whether I was making any progress in the kitchen. In our community, the only talent that mattered was culinary skills. I could be the most amazing surgeon in the world saving lives everyday but it wouldn’t count for anything if I couldn’t come home and make my family a well-cooked dinner.
“I’ve been making a couple of simple dishes during the weekend when I have more time. Just last weekend I made some tasty lemon rice,” I responded nervously. She was just about to say something but Vivek walked in; promptly saving me from further inquisition.
He first greeted my parents by bowing down and then nodded my way. We avoided any direct show of affection when our parents were around.
“Hi, how was the journey?” he asked as he settled into the armchair across from me.
“Good thanks,” I gave him a coy smile.
“Let us start with lunch now that everyone’s here,” Vivek’s mother announced as she stood up.
We walked towards the dining area. Vivek’s father sat at the head of the table with Vivek and my father on either side. My mother and I followed my mother-in-law into the kitchen to retrieve the food.
There was a lot of food. My mother-in-law had prepared an entire South Indian meal made up of three main dishes, lentil soup, spicy sauces and two warm snacks. We served the food to the men and then sat at the table.
“Latisha beta, please get the jug of water and juice from the fridge,” my mother-in-law requested. I got up to bring the drinks. It was a given that as the youngest member of the family in terms of age and relation, I would be the one getting up and bringing things during the meal. An Indian daughter-in-law is responsible for the chores of the house and has to make sure everyone is happy and comfortable. That’s a constant no matter where you live.
As we continued eating, the discussion turned to the wedding.
“We spoke to Veera. Next summer works best for her and I’m guessing it is the same for Tanisha,” Vivek’s father announced. Veera was Vivek’s sister and Tanisha was mine. They were both in college. Veera was a senior at Rutgers while Tanisha was in her first year at Brown.
“Yes, yes. It’s important for the whole family to be there,” my mother nodded in acquiescence.
“Is it not possible to do something sooner? My schedule is only going to get more hectic as time passes,” I spoke up. Dr. Richards would not be pleased.
My mother shot me a look while my in-laws looked displeased.
“It is Veera’s final year. We cannot disturb her. She has lots of work. She has been working so hard that she has not even come home during the long weekend,” Vivek’s mother claimed.
I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes. Although I was an advocate of education, I knew Veera wasn’t as dedicated to the cause. While her parents believed she was holed up in her dorm room studying hard, she was out partying and travelling. Not that there was anything wrong with it – these were the few years she could live freely before she returned home and her parents tried getting her engaged. And as far as the long weekend was concerned, Veera had been unable to come home because she had gone to Miami with her friends. But obviously my in-laws were unaware of this and, as a trust
ed sister-in-law I had kept her secret.
“Yes but what about my hospital schedule?” I tried again.
My mother shot me another death look. She wanted to kick me.
“Beta, I am sure you can just request some time off,” Vivek’s father responded.
“If I do that I would have to take the whole year off and continue next fall,” I explained.
“That is a good idea. That way you will be free for shopping and other work,” Vivek’s mother smiled excitedly.
I groaned and glanced towards Vivek for help. Save me.
“I don’t think Latisha should take a year off. I think the sooner she finishes the program the better it will be for us,” he spoke up. I wanted to hug him. “Latisha, why don’t you find out about your schedule and if it is a problem we can rethink things,” Vivek suggested.
Vivek was never aggravated or frustrated and always managed to find a middle ground that pleased everyone. I don’t think he ever disappointed his parents or went against them. Vivek inspired me to be a better person though truthfully I felt like I always fell short in comparison.
Everyone bobbed their heads in agreement. At least we were making some progress.
“And in the meantime, we can confirm with the girls. Though I don’t think it will be a problem,” my mother added.
I sighed. This wedding planning was going to be a long uphill battle. But my spirits lifted as I caught sight of the smiling man across the table. I guess I should focus on the big picture. After all, it was just a wedding.
So what if it didn’t go my way?
16 – ANYA
I was a little nervous as we walked into the club the next day. I had heard a lot about the “snobbish country club” from Aimee but had never been there. We didn’t have anything this impressive back home and I certainly hadn’t visited one since I moved to the city.
Aimee looked like a knockout. Underneath her trench, she wore Eva’s printed floral dress with a full skirt from and Latisha’s nude heels. Aimee’s sense of style was funkier and almost rocker chic so we always lent her clothes on occasions like these. Although she looked cool and confidant on the surface, I could sense her anxiety bubbling beneath the surface in the way she twisted the strap on her bag. She had come here for me today and I knew how much she preferred to avoid Ezra’s parents.
