As Tara’s characterization of Ravi thrilled Roopa’s romanticism, she found herself staring at him endearingly.

‘It’s the case of beauty and brains at work together,’ he said in mock exasperation, and sank into the sofa between the host and her guest.

‘You men always underestimate women, of course, only to go wrong,’ said Tara enlivening the conversation further, ‘Roopa has brilliant brains and is a judicious reader besides.’

‘Don’t believe her,’ Roopa inadvertently addressed him. ‘She’s exaggerating.’

‘Is it possible to exaggerate your beauty?’ Ravi addressed Roopa. ‘With no need for makeup, you’ve all the time for intellectual pursuits. Won’t that glow your persona all the more giving that special aura?’

‘You’re a difficult fellow,’ Tara patted him in admiration while Roopa couldn’t help feel flattered.

‘Tell Roopa,’ he said, mocking exasperation, ‘is it not another left-handed give.’

‘I had better prepare some tea for us,’ Tara got up from the sofa.

‘Let me also come,’ said Roopa, however, without attempting to get up.

‘Why leave our guest alone,’ said Tara to Roopa.

‘What large heartedness to make the lady guest your co-hostess,’ said Ravi to Tara, and as she left smiling, he turned to Roopa, ‘Do you think I’m a bore or what?’

‘Why no,’ she said eagerly, afraid that her silence would otherwise silence him depriving the excitement she was experiencing.

‘I’ve seen many a beautiful woman before,’ he moved closer to Roopa as he took out a pearl from his coat pocket. ‘I always entertained the idea of presenting this to the ‘Perfect Ten’, if ever I come across one. In terms of money it costs next to nothing, but it symbolizes beauty at its very best, seen through a connoisseur’s eyes. Though I’ve traveled the globe twice over, I didn’t find the woman who I thought deserved this. And the moment I’ve seen you, I felt as though this is yours by right for you’re more than perfect.’ As he finished mystically, he grabbed her hand and thrust the pearl into it. Looking into her enamored eyes, he closed the fist, fearing she might drop it in her overwhelmed state.

Before Roopa could gather her wits, Tara walked in with the Chinaware.

‘I didn’t notice before,’ said Tara to Roopa as they were having their tea, ‘that you’re left handed.’

‘Oh,’ said Roopa, involuntarily looking at her closed fist. ‘Not really.’

‘One doesn’t get tea like this served even in Darjeeling,’ said Ravi addressing Roopa. ‘And to have it in such a lovely company, oh, it’s divine.’




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