Chapter 7 #2
“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 in any 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?”
Raashi sighed. She knew her sister well. She was like a buzzing bee once she got stuck on a topic.
“I’m not sure, Jee, I do at times envy Sheena and Keya. They are so much in love. As for marriage, it’s a long shot. I haven’t found the Right Guy yet. I’m not going to settle down with just anyone. That would be a compromise. I want – God! I don’t know what I want,” Raashi shrugged.
“Oh, Raashi, you are no fun,” Jiya complained. “Anyway, let’s fantasize a bit. Tell me how would your Mr. Right Guy look like.”
“Jee, you’re crazy, not to mention extremely nosy.”
“No, seriously, I want to know.”
Jiya folded her hands on her chest and tapped her fingers on her arms, waiting for her to reply.
“OK! Six feet tall, golden skin, chocolate brown eyes and dark ruffled hair. There, are you happy now?” Raashi replied, scowling at her sister.
“Very,” Jiya said and then smirking she asked, “Sorry, but I have to ask. Does he exist?”
“That’s it, Jiya. No more interrogation. Now can we get back to something more serious?”
Jiya stuck her tongue out at her.
“Tell me, what are you planning to do in the next two months here, other than sleep, eat and party?” Raashi asked her sister.
“Actually, you listed everything on the agenda,” Jiya spread her hands in glee.
“Well, then I have a proposition for you. Why don’t you work with me for the time you are here? My assistant has been requesting for a long deserved break that I have so far avoided giving her, so if you agree to step in, I can let her go for a while.”
“Work with you? As your assistant? No way! I am not crazy. I see what you’re trying to do here. You’ll run me from pillar to post making sure I’m too exhausted to do what’s actually on my list for these two months. Sorry, but no!”
“Come on, Jee! It won’t be that bad, I promise you. So far you have shown no interest whatsoever in our business. It is yours also, you know.”
“I do know that, Raashi. But this business was never my cup of tea. It’s yours. It’s in your blood. You love it. I don’t.”
“All the same, unless you don’t see firsthand how things are run, how do you know whether you like it or not? I insist Jiya. You have to try it out this time and I am not taking NO for an answer,” Raashi stood up, clearly indicating that the conversation was over.
“OK! But please don’t make me regret coming back to spend time home,” Jiya complained.
“I won’t. Promise!” Raashi said, leaning forward to tweak her sister’s nose and planting an affectionate kiss on her cheek.