Short Story: Tring Tring…and the bird flies free

By Sukanya Roy

After a relaxing vacation with my parents in Shimla, I was back to my routine in Mohali.  As I sat working, suddenly the phone rang: “Tring, Tring.”

I could hear a soft-spoken lady from the other side, who introduced herself as Mrs. Dasgupta.

“Hello Nandini, I am Mrs. Dasgupta talking from Delhi, I got your contact details from Jeevansathi.com (Lifepartner.com). We are looking for a prospective bride for my younger brother, Naboneel.”

I was neutral. No excitement.  This was quite normal for me. For the past twelve months, I had put my profile on Jeevansathi.com, hoping to find my second life partner.

Every other day I received an ‘alliance’ related call and it had become an integral part of my daily existence. I had jotted down a two-page document introducing myself and had memorised it. I had also gone over the answers to a series of questions which were generally ask by the prospective. I wanted to be overprepared after my disastrous first innings.

I walked back home and started my preparations for baking cookies. Cooking for me is like stress-relief therapy after class.

As my hands neared the microwave, and I opened its door.

“Beep. Beep.” No, it was not the microwave. It was my phone.