Perfect

“We’re perfect for each other!”

“Ha ha… why do you say so?”

“It’s obvious. You have to be blind or stupid to not see it.”

“Well, I’m not blind, so are you suggesting that I’m stupid?”

“Just like you to read a double meaning in something unintentional. All right, you tell me why we are not?”

“Why we are not what?”

“Not perfect.”

“It’s obvious.”

“No, it isn’t.”

“Yes, it is. You’re seeing things where there are none.”

“Look, we spend a lot of time together. We’re always laughing and it’s generally a good time when we hang out. We’re constantly in touch through whatsapp and phone calls. We’ve shared a lot of personal bits of our lives. We wouldn’t do that unless we were comfortable with each other and we trusted each other.”

“Agree. But, that’s not reason enough for me to get in to a relationship.”

“Oh, come on! It’s been ages since I’ve even kissed a girl.”

“See, the truth comes out. It’s physical for you, nothing else!”

“Yes, yes it is! I have to kiss you. I’m not ashamed of it. I’ve wanted to for many months now.”

“And after we’ve kissed?”

“We’ll kiss some more.”

“Ha ha… and after that?”

“Well, if you’d really like it then I could arrange for Ram’s room and you know maybe we could…”

“Could?”

“Roll around in bed a bit.”

“Ha ha… you know what I like about you. You are honest.”

“Good. See one more good thing about me.”

“You idiot. Fine, let me put it in words for you. After we’ve kissed and made out and whatever then what happens?”

“We’ll get married, have kids, send them away after a few years and then grow old with each other. Oh yes, there will be a lot of fighting along the way. I’ll usually win. It’s okay, I’m a generous winner. And the small things like buy a house, a car, settle down, lots and lots of love-making etc.”

“It’s all so simple for you na?”

“Isn’t that how it is for everyone?”

“Look, I don’t want to get in to something and have my heart broken again.”

“Me neither!”

“Yes, we’ve been through enough of that. So this time when I take a call I want to be dead serious about it. It’s final. I’m not going to change my mind. It has to be perfect.”

“I’m on the same page. And I think you are perfect for me. I think we are perfect for each other.”

“Look, I really like you… but…”

“But, I’m not perfect.”

“Please, don’t put it like that. Look you are funny, charming, intelligent, loving and gosh… I really don’t know why but it doesn’t feel right. Not yet at least.”

“You forgot ‘understanding’ in your list of attributes.”

“Oh yes, that also.”

“Are you waiting for prince charming again?”

“No, come on, don’t tease me.”

“Look, I know you’ve been through a lot. I’ve been very open about my past too. So you know where exactly I come from. Maybe I’m not the ‘prince-charming’. I know I’m not the greatest looker at all. But, I care about you. And, I think it could work between us.”

“Why do you hesitate?”

“Hesitate?”

“Hesitate to say you love me.”

“Oooo boy! Okay, here goes. Well, I’m afraid of getting my heart broken again.”

She reaches out to his hand on the table. They hold each other and look at each other. At that moment the waiter arrives.

“Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“No thanks. We’re perfect!”