Wednesday, December 29, 2010

265. UN-BREAK ME!

The car stops along the curb at Newark and the very nice Indian uncle driver says, "That will be $70." I nod and pull cash from my wallet. He takes the two suitcases out from the trunk, I slide my backpack on and wheel my bags into the airport.

Newark Airport is much nicer than I imagined. Growing up when we went to India, Mom and Dad took us through JFK. It was us and 400 other Indians flying Air India and toting more than the allotted amount of carry-ons. Newark baggage and security is quick and with three hours before my flight I wander around duty-free looking at perfumes and chocolates, wondering who I may have forgotten and should I pick up a few small things for gifts.

I feel my phone buzzing in my pocket and I pull it out to see Kehar Singh (Post 4) calling. There is something about him that makes me feel light and happy. “Yes?” I say into the phone. “What are you doing?” “I’m at the airport in duty free, do you want me to pick up your booze?” I ask. “Sure, one tequila and one vodka,” he says. I tuck the phone behind my ear and walk over to the alcohol section. “When you’re in Delhi are you going to fix my family’s house?” he asks. This again?

Way back in the day, like the early 60s, Kehar Singh’s parents’ hired Dad and my uncle (Dad’s older, but not the oldest brother) to design their house. I guess there are some issues with the alignment of some window that Kehar Singh likes to mention every chance he gets, mostly to be funny, so today I reply with, “Well Dad is in India now, do you want me to take your complaint to him?” “No, I think I’ll kidnap you and make him pay ransom so we can recover our monies.” I snort, “Fat chance in getting that money. I am sure Dad would PAY you to take me off his hands!” He bursts out laughing.

We hang up, I pay and then wander around the airport food court and decide on a slice of cheese pizza. I have gotten accustomed to $2 slices on every corner of New York that I wonder if I can get through the next two weeks without a slice. While I’m eating, I get a little annoyed that Dr. Froggy has not even TEXTED me a good-bye. I understand that he’s busy saving lives, but how long would it take to write one text? Armed with angst and disappointment I pull out my phone.

Text to Town and Country: I’m going to India today. (There is some part of me that is clearly broken and demented, because I kinda hope he wonders if I am going there to get married).
Text to Desi Girl: When do you come back?
Text to Town and Country: Two weeks.
Text to Desi Girl: Safe travels.

It’s a damn good thing I’m going to India to fix my stars; I have to stop this very bad Town and Country engagement once and for all.

9 comments:

Samosas for One said...

Save travels? What does that mean?

Promise me there is an ending to this Town and Country story that involves you NOT getting really hurt.

101 Bad Desi Dates said...

Dear Samosas for One ...

I don't know WHAT he meant, and clearly based on the blog I never read the T&C tea leaves correctly.

I promise there is an end to T&C!

xo
Desi Girl

Samosas for One said...

Does it involve you leaving unscathed?

101 Bad Desi Dates said...

Dear Samosa for One,

Depends who you ask - but unscathed enough!!! I can't totally blame him when I participated!

xo,
Desi Girl

starlight said...

Aaaa! The words, "He's not into you!" jumped out of my mind and into my fingertips. But, I'm sure you've figured that out. Move on! You deserve so much better!!! You'll find your MAN when you least expect it. I know! I know! Blah! Blah! Blah! (smile!).

101 Bad Desi Dates said...

Dear Starlight ...

Yes, not into me. But it was in a very weird way, it was like he was into me that he wasn't, be he didn't want to commit anything more than a dinner or a night. Married to his work, not wanting anything real, hence not into me. Yet ... how the heart lingered ... aiy! Smile, for it is 2011! My year!

xo,
Desi Girl

Dhak-Dhak Girl said...

I believe "Save travels" is a typo for "Safe travels." Go, go, go get your future in India, Desi Girl! If your relatives in India don't see what a fabulous woman you are, in and of yourself, they're tripping.

101 Bad Desi Dates said...

Dear Samosas for One ...

I read that wrong and I TYPED that wrong, LORDY, he wrote Safe Travels. And still though, that made me think "what I am going to the other side of the world!"

xo,
Desi Girl

101 Bad Desi Dates said...

Dear Dhak Dhak Girl,

You are SO kind with your compliments. Dad's family is really different than Mom's for sure, esp for my self esteem!

More soon, as Desi Girl's trip continues! :)

xo,
Desi Girl