Schoolmates (38 page)

“No . . . thanks. I will just get a cab.” She replied.

“Ma’am, I really don’t think any cab will stop now, unless you’ve booked and called one. And the rain will start any minute too!” he replied.

It had not occurred to Anamika that she could easily call a cab service and get a cab booked! She was so perturbed by her poor day that something so simple had escaped her.

“Oh that’s all right, I really don’t mind the rain . . . you go ahead please,” Anamika replied waving her free hand.

A smile crossed his face, she saw; he was nodding his head and smiling at her remark. She did realise the daftness of her own statement . . .
I don’t mind enjoying the rain??

“Look . . . ma’am, what seems to be bothering you? You are standing here, getting wet, without a cab and loaded with bags and I just want to help you, that’s all I intend to do.” He replied in a very earnest and kind tone.

Anamika knew she looked in a tight spot, but she was scared to death of this immovable stranger. Gathering her wits and courage she replied, “Listen, I really appreciate your concern and am sure you really wish to help me, but I don’t need it! I can manage to take care of myself. So thank you so very much!” With that she took a few steps away from his car and began looking for a cab desperately. She felt rather stupid in front of him for not being able to stop a cab. She really wanted to go home, a dull headache had begun erupting somewhere in her head, she was too preoccupied to pay heed to it. She was also hoping this insistent man would now drive on and she would be left in peace.

This was not to be the case as she soon saw him step out of his car and walk towards her. By that time the pitter-patter of the rain had changed into a constant yet light drizzle.

The hoodlum stood a few steps away from a very frightened Anamika and crossed his tight muscular arms across his wide chest. His nerves sprang out and a shiver of fear ran down Anamika’s spine. He spoke without wasting time.

“Well, it’s very good that you can take care of yourself and I really don’t doubt that. But there is a mechanic shop about two kilometres from here. If you say . . . and only if you say, I can ask him to come take a look at your car, but I can’t guarantee, seeing this weather.”

“How . . . How did you know I had a car problem?” Anamika asked perplexed.

“Because nobody likes the rain so much that they would stand on a roadside pavement to enjoy it. Now I know what you’re thinking, but I’m just trying to get you a little help.” He replied politely.

Anamika knew he was right; she did need some help right now. But he was a total stranger and he looked . . . well, not someone a girl would take lift from. Yet there was something in his voice that made her look at him. She was in a dilemma . . . and as she stood there without saying anything, lost in her thoughts, trying to analyse the gravity of the situation, he spoke again, this time with a bit of impatience in his deep masculine voice.

“Why don’t I drive you to the mechanic and we get him back here and I will drop you both right here and leave . . . traffic is lean, so it won’t delay me. Ok? Hop in now as I hate getting soggy in the first rain of an untimely western disturbance!!” he opened the passenger seat for Anamika and turned to look at her.

‘Ok . . . ok fine, that sounds . . . appropriate, but . . . Before I ‘hop in’ . . . who you are?” she knew she was being over cautious but then she believed in being cautious over sorry.

“My name is Siddharth. Now hop in . . .” he smiled.

“Siddharth . . . what?” Anamika took a tiny step towards him and his car.

“Siddharth Kapoor . . . NOW get in . . .” he said nodding his head with a persistent tone.

“Mr. Kapoor . . . what do you do? I mean, don’t mind please . . . I meant, what do you do professionally?” Anamika asked sheepishly.

“Look ma’am just get in the car and let’s move . . . why you are interrogating me?” he asked cantankerously.

“Because I can’t take lift from a complete stranger for god’s sake !!” she replied looking straight in his eyes. They were a shade of light brown a bit hazel perhaps.

“GOD! I am an Avionics engineer . . . and now you will get in.” He said so and took her bags from her hand putting them in the back seat of the car. Anamika had no choice but to sit in the car now.

Siddharth started the car and drove on.

The rain had picked up speed and Anamika sat huddled in her seat, still contemplating her daring move. She was thinking what a huge risk she had to take today as the public transport wasn’t available when she most needed it.

“What are you thinking? Still wondering who I am and why you took a lift from this stranger?” Siddharth said suddenly.

“Yeah! Anyone would. . .”

“Well . . . don’t be. I intend to drop you back there and head my way. You really should not worry this much ma’am. It’s bad for you, I’ve heard it gives wrinkles . . .” he said in a very serious tone, obviously making fun of Anamika’s scary stance.

“Well, I won’t be all this worried if I knew your identity.”

“What? You think I lied to you?” Siddharth said.

“Maybe . . .”

“Wow! I can’t believe you women. I was being a perfect gentleman back there when you were the one being a chicken and you still want proof . . . though I must grant you courage ma’am. You do have it in tonnes.” Siddharth said stopping his car at a red light and looking at Anamika. He was truly amazed by her nerves.

“Well, if I saw some identity proof, I won’t be so apprehensive and a chicken!” she said.

Siddharth opened his mouth to reply back, but the look on Anamika’s face made him stop. She was a beautiful woman, he had to acknowledge, and she looked scared. That added to her feminine appeal. He could have said something witty, as was his habit, but her demeanour made him forget his wits. Instead, he suddenly wanted to comfort her and release her distress.

He opened his wallet, instantly, and showed her his proof of identity.

“Look, here. It says, Siddharth Kapoor, Senior advisor, R&D Department, British Airways. Does that sound proof enough or you don’t trust the Britishers?” he said smiling teasingly.

“Sure, sure . . . I trust them, now at least. And thanks for your help Mr. Kapoor; I’m sorry if I sounded so smug back there.” Anamika eased a little.

“It’s all fine. I suppose this is the first lift you’ve take in this area. It’s good to be safe, I agree . . . better be cautious than sorry. Right ma’am?” Siddharth spoke optimistically.

“Right . . .” Anamika replied softly. “And I’m Anamika.” She added.

“Thank lord you told me yourself. I was wondering what more proofs I would need before I got to find that out . . .” Siddharth looked sideways at her and rolled his eyes comically.

And for the first time in many weeks, Anamika just din’t pretend to laugh.