The Boy Who Took the Sandwich Home

The Boy Who Took the Sandwich Home

Pratap was a well-spoken and cute looking 35 something lad who had just returned from Dubai in search for a job in India, leaving everything behind. The initial few calls were pleasant and sweet, both of us being at our best. I was travelling to Goa for a wedding and he was in Delhi. He said he wants to meet the moment I am back. I had work the following Monday after my holiday so I knew I had lots piled up even before I begin my week. I proposed Wednesday and then the conversation around where to meet began. Wednesday being a working day for me, I suggested we meet in Noida, which would have also been accessible for him by metro (I was being considerate, that he is unemployed so might want to go a bit easy on his pocket). He got offended and said, “never in my life will I take the metro; I have a car”. I agreed. Suit yourself is what I said to him in my mind. He then insisted on meeting in Connaught Place. I agreed again. To this agreement, he said, “Why are you acquiescent to this? Why are you being so nice to me?”

 “I was only being accommodating”, I replied. I figured that he is slightly disappointed with his job search and therefore a little irritated so I left it at that. I did not say anything more and suggested we meet the next day at the decided place and at the decided time.

I wound up work quickly on Wednesday and got ready to leave early as I had a long way to drive. I was about to leave when he called. He said, “I can’t meet at 5:30 p.m., let’s aim at 6:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.”. I was irked. I am someone who is very particular about timings especially when its pre- decided. This time I did not give in. I said, “If you don’t come by 6:00 p.m., I will leave”. He agreed for 6:00 p.m. which gave him enough buffer to plan and reach the destination on time.

I went and sat at a coffee shop and was waiting for him. To my surprise he called me sharp at 6:00 p.m. to say that he has reached. There he was, looked very different than the pictures that were shared on the matrimonial site. I was still polite and we exchanged pleasantries.

The normal exchange of information started; the usual matrimony conversations (which I have started hating now). Then he said something that ticked me off. He said, “You look happier in your pictures than in real life”. I felt like telling him that my otherwise happy face is grueling with anger because of him. Instead I told him, “At least my pictures are recent and not 10 years old”. I could see him turning red.

He was good with his words, so he said, “well I wanted you to see me in real time”. Now I realized why he was denying sharing his recent pictures, as I had once casually asked him in response to him asking me for my pictures.

It would have looked rude to just leave so I decide to spend some more time.

We exchanged notes on our professions; coincidentally we were both from the same profession. He had a habit of speaking more than listening. Another attribute I don’t like in men. I prefer men who speak moderately. I was half way bored and hungry.

I suggested we ordered some food. He was persistent, that he wanted to have a sandwich. I am not too finicky about food so I said go ahead and order. The sandwich along with our drinks arrived and while chatting we ate. The best thing about that evening was the succulent chicken sandwich. We finished and I hinted that we call for the cheque. He said he wants to have another sandwich. I told him I wasn’t too hungry to have another one. He very sarcastically said, “in any case you are paying the bill, so decide accordingly”. (With a smirk on his face).

I had no problem paying the bill as I understood that he is unemployed so I genuinely offered to pay. He ordered another sandwich and told me, “Why don’t you have one piece and the rest I will pack and take home”. I was fine with him taking the sandwich home as at that time all I could think was me going home too J. 

Finally the second sandwich came and I had some bit and then we called for the cheque. The moment the cheque arrived, I took out my card and offered to pay. He said very emphatically “no, we will go Dutch”. I again offered to pay but he kept aside his share and said, “We will share this, but you please pay for my parking”. I was amused at his request. By that time luckily I knew that he is not the one and I was in a rush to go home. So I could do anything to get rid of him.

He said the usual party line, “nice meeting you, I will call you soon”. (Which I knew would never happen as I would never call him back).

I reached home.

I did not hear from him which was pretty expected.

A week later, I saw a mail in my inbox from him.

It read – Dear Priha, it was really nice meeting you the other day. Attached is my resume. Please help me find a job.

I just ignored the request.