Sometimes, a momentary lapse of judgement can cause irrevocable damage to your friendship and livelihood. It was one such moment in the life of a 30 year old Jacob, when one of his close friends and family saw a pic through whatsapp on a fateful day.
Jacob was an ordinary guy. He works as an accountant in a small firm and lives within a five minutes walk. Even with the job and a good family background, Jacob’s mother was struggling to find a wife for him.
As usual on that fateful day started with his mother pestering him this time, about a girl in his neighborhood, Rina, about 26 working as a staff nurse in a nearby hospital and describing her qualities, the lush hair, the perfect female mannerism and the best part, an experienced nurse who was on the verge of moving to UK thanks to her elder sister. A perfect partner for her almost too old son. Jacob has reluctantly agreed to talk with Rina, whom he had known since childhood, and consider her.
A quick bath and cleaning up yesterday's dishes, Jacob was already on his way to the office when Rina’s message came. “Hello, Jacob, what are you doing this afternoon? Would it be possible to meet?” ‘Mom moves fast.’ Thought Jacob as he quickly replied, agreeing to meet at the local park. He had little work post noon and it was better to get everything done fast. Not to mention, the thought of going abroad for work was enticing.
After the mundanity of filing sales receipts, Jacob took leave for the rest of the day and quickly dressed up. There were few at the park but to his surprise, Rina was waiting for him with another friend. She was a little restless.
“Hi, good afternoon.” Jacob extended his hand for a shake.
“Hello, Jacob, it's nice to meet you. I've heard so much about you from Rina. We work together. I'm George.” The guy next to her suddenly quipped my hand and greeted Jacob.
“Jacob, I'm sorry. But I like George and we were planning to get married abroad after my visa arrived. I hope you understand.” Rina smiled at Jacob a bit as she apologized.
“Oh, that's alright. I'm happy for you.” Jacob looked at George and smiled. “You don't plan on telling your mom do you?” Jacob could see the scare on Rina's face.
“I don't think they would approve either, Jacob. That's one of the reasons why we wanted to meet you. Maybe George and you should speak.” Rina looked at Jacob, a little uncertain.
“Ok, what do you need?”
“Maybe we could meet up in the evening? Your place is nearby so it should be fine right? I do need to get back to work. I rushed here because Rina asked.” George asked.
“Ok. We can talk tonight, maybe for dinner. I do need to clean up the place. How about at 8? I'll cook something up.” Jacob was curious. Maybe they would help him settle abroad, he thought.
“We will be there. Thank you again for the invite.” George said as he grabbed Rina's hand to leave.
‘We? Rina is also coming?’ Jacob was a little worried. He has never had a girl in his home, especially late.
It was a hectic evening for Jacob as he rushed to buy and prep everything for the evening. There was laundry all over the place and he quickly washed a few and the remaining was dumped into his closet. ‘Are they planning to stay overnight? I shouldn't let them. I should tell them that the house owner doesn't allow girls after dark.’ His mind wandered around.
At around 7 in the evening, his doorbell rang. Jacob went ahead and greeted the two in. “Hi, I thought we should come a bit early and help with food as well.” Rina handed over a bag of vegetables while George placed a bigger backpack on the floor and started wandering through the living room.
“You have a nice place. It's quite rare to find something this nice and affordable this close to the city centre.” George was checking out the family photos that Jacob had on his cupboard.
“Not exactly, It's a friend's house. His parents let me lease it.” Jacob said as he took the bag back to the kitchen. “Are you ok with meat?”
“Yeah sure. Let Rina help. Don't do everything on your own. Besides, I would like for us to have our conversation now.”
Rina walked into the kitchen and grabbed the knife from Jacob and started with the onions. “It shouldn't take long. I'll start prepping the food.” She said smiling.
“What have I gotten myself into?”Jacob joked as he returned to the living room. “So what's going on, George? What's so difficult that you couldn't ask at the park?”
“You see Jacob. We were discussing your proposal and Rina showed your picture around and one of our mutual friends had seen you before.” George had a look of seriousness in his voice and he motioned Jacob to sit.
“Oh, did he say where? Maybe we studied in college together?”
“Jacob, we work in a hospital and sex is almost always part of our jokes. So I'll tell you straight. Our friend is gay and he told me he saw you on a certain dating app. He even showed me the ‘pictures’ and I must say the background looks oddly familiar now that I'm in your living room.”
“I don't really know what that has got to do with you? I'm not into women and the suggestion to marry Rina was from my parents.”
“But you were willing to marry her. You must have known about the UK job proposal from your mother.” Jacob stared at George not knowing what to do. “Rina was a little intrigued when she saw the pictures and thought maybe we could have fun tonight. I invited my friend over and we were hoping you would like to make this a double date? Say yes. I know what you are. You just have to accept it yourself. Don't worry. He too is a doctor and I promise your London dream will come true.”
“I've never met a guy before.”
“From what Rina told me, you haven't met anyone before.” George suddenly shouted towards the kitchen. “Rina, he should be here any minute. Why don't you and Jacob get ready? Just go with her. Our friend has some peculiar taste as well.”
Rina went ahead and grabbed Jacob's hand leading him to his bedroom picking up the backpack meanwhile George walked out front with his phone. “Joel, he's almost done. Why don't you come in?” The two went back inside and sat on the sofa turning the tv on. There were some shouts from the bedroom as Jacob was cursing Rina about cutting his skin shaving which made both of them chuckle.
“I'll make sure you get a laser done soon honey.” Maybe the presence or the familiarity instantly made Jacob shut up.
After an hour Rina slowly emerged from the room dressed in a red chiffon saree while dragging behind her a beauty, draped in a sky-blue georgette, ornate with golden jewellery and wearing 2 inch high kitten heels. Jacob stared at the man waiting for him on the sofa and he soon realised it was his friend who had lended him the house.
“I was planning to ask you out,” said Joel while he approached him. “I just didn't know how. Rina proposed the whole thing. I would like to make you mine, Jacob. I've liked you, always have. I knew you liked to dress up at home. I have seen some parcels you ordered online. The sarees, the inners. I'm a doctor. I can help you more. You don't have to hide with me. Please, join me.” Joel slowly embraced Jacob into a tight hold.
“Please call me Jasmine.” Whispered Jacob as he slowly returned the hug.
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