“Us? You’re crazy to even suggest anus.”
Raashi was sure she looked as shocked as she felt.
“Can you at least give it a thought? If I have to choose a girl to marry from a list or any girl in six months then I’d rather it be you.”
Raashi didn’t know how to respond. Thankfully, he changed the subject and didn’t bring it up again. The rest of the evening passed by comfortably, without any further awkwardness.
Raashi unlockedthe door to her house and was startled to see the pitch darkness inside. As a rule she always left the curtains open so that she wasn’t fumbling in the dark when she entered her home. She stumbled for the light-switch, but before she could reach it all the lights went on in the room and she heard a beloved voice scream, “Surprise!”
“Jiya! What in the world are you doing home?” Raashi squealed with delight at seeing her younger sister.
She rushed forward and enveloped her sister in a tight hug. She stepped back to study her kid sister. At twenty-one Jiya was sharp, witty and extremely impish. She was full of life and a total riot. Her brown hair was cut short and framed her perfect oval face. At the obvious appraisal happening, Jiya winked at her older sister.
“Hi, big sister!” Jiya said. “I sure as hell surprised you, didn’t I?”
“When did you get here?” Raashi asked, leading her to the sofa. They curled up on it and Raashi hugged her once again. She was so happy to see Jiya.
“I arrived two hours back,” Jiya informed her.
Jiya appraised her from top to toe.
“Nice aqua dress! I like it very much. The way you’re looking, I’m sure you were out on a date. Was he hot? Anyone I know?” she urged naughtily.
Raashi ignored her questions, asking instead, “Has school closed for the summer then?” Referring to the school where Jiya was studying an advanced degree in Economics, in New York.
“Yes hon! That’s why I am here, for a whole two months. Cool, isn’t it?”
“Absolutely!” Raashi smiled, “I’m so thrilled. You had something to eat?”
“Yeah! I raided the fridge while waiting for you to make an appearance.” Jiya said, reclining back on the sofa. “So, you haven’t answered my question, who were you out with?”
“Rithwik.”
Jiya’s entire face brightened. “Ooh! I’ve always had a crush on him.”
Raashi laughed.
“You’re dressed so prettily for Rithwik? Hmm!”
“Jee, come on, he’s just a friend!”
“Raashi, it’s high time you got involved with someone, so why not Rithwik? I like him. I think you should date him, maybe marry him. Imagine you and him – you’ll make gorgeous babies,” Jiya said on a dreamy sigh.
God! Was the universe conspiring to get Rithwik and her to hook up? First Sheena, then Rithwik and now her own sister. No! Raashi couldn’t even in her wildest of imaginations conjure up a picture of Rithwik and her playing happy family, with kids and the works. And the thought of getting intimate with him inany way was well – way too weird. She had never thought of him in that way, he was a friend, a very close friend, that’s all.
Jiya still had this dreamy look on her face. Raashi knocked on her forehead.
“Hello, hello,” Raashi said, “elder sister here,” she pointed to herself. “Younger sister there,” she pointed at Jiya. “I’m not taking dating advice from you.”
“Come on! I’ve been waiting to talk to you about this. Somehow, talking to your elder sister about her love life doesn’t seem right on face time.”
Raashi fidgeted with the strap of her heeled sandals. She finally kicked both heels off her feet and folded her legs under her.
“Jee this is not the first conversation we are having upon your return. I want to hear more about you.”
Her sister ignored her.
“Please, Raashi, you need a man in your life. I know that you’re lonely. And after Sheena and Keya both getting married one after the other, don’t you find the need to settle down too?”
