“I’m spending the afternoon auditioning women…” he smiled to himself.

“Is it a violation of my professional ethics ? ” he mock wondered trying to make sense of his mom-arranged bride hunt slated for the weekend once back in India.

“I plan to come back from my vacation with a person I know nothing about, and I analyze risk for a living ? ” he chuckled “I do pretty well too..” he said, with a glint in his eye as he looked at the wall.

‘Arvind Kulkarni, Actuary of the Year – 2008′ screamed a certificate by his employer Citi in appreciation of his expertise — risk analysis in the turbulent financial markets.

“A person I do not even know will be in this very room in a month..” he wondered for the 100 th time …

“Hello wife, whoever you are .. “  he jokingly swore ” I promise to love you ” .

“Ting” chimed his blackberry indicating a new email.

‘ Financial Tip? ‘ taunted the subject and it was from his childhood friend Shilpa.

He opened it..

“There’s a great way of transferring funds that is even faster than electronic banking. It’’s called marriage !” said the opening lines in bold. “Just vacation huh ? Most of Mysore knows ! ”

“Arghh..” he mock groaned as he put the laptop with the rest of his packed luggage and headed to the window for a break.

Cloudless blue sky was filled with the blinding hot sun. Waves of sand caressed the svelte glass facades in warm embraces. Man’s foray into technology had sure created a paradise – Dubai, in the middle of a desert, but from time to time,  nature deemed it necessary to reminded man who was in control.

” Some things are best left un-analyzed ” he said to himself

“ Que sera sera..” .

Was he talking of the sand storm ? Or was it..

***

He opened his eyes to the pleasant chirps on the flowering gulmohar tree outside his room. Tender morning rays of the sun strolled in as he opened the windows. There were no risks to analyze. Surrounded by the love and security of his people and the warmth of memories the house brought, he was cradled to a much needed slumber.

He had slept 10 hours straight after he had come home to Mysore.

The aroma of filtered coffee and akki(rice) rotti, a Karnataka delicacy, wafted thru the air. After a quick shower, Arvind joined his mother at the breakfast table. A mixture of excitement and anticipation filled the air and infused anyone who took it in.

“Hello Arvind, All set aa ? ” beamed Mrs.Janaki Rao, the next door neighbor. Like clock work, she would be over at 10.00 AM.

” Savitramma, your son will get the best of brides, mark my words ” she hollered at her friend.

” I hope so Janaki ” said Savitri.

” I know so ! ” thundered Janaki. ” Look at him, 6 feet, slim, fair and a very good bank job in Doobai, what else does a girl need ? ” she continued analyzing Arvind from the corner of her rimmed glasses. Wave-length, understanding, helping nature, sense of humor et al mushroomed as possible qualities girls would look for than just the physicality, but Arvind knew better than to air his thoughts.

Grin and bear he reminded himself….

” Keep him locked up Savithri, people may steal him ” she winked. ” It is unfortunate I do not have daughters..“.

***

It was akki rotti and coffee again, but with a twist. The mood was sombre.  There was heaviness in the air. An errant tear ran down Savithri’s cheek. When she saw Arvind glancing her way, she deftly punished the offending droplet with her pallu.

” I’m sorry Ma ” Arvind started, ” I wish one of the 10 girls we saw would interest me. But.. ”

” Silly boy, the tear was because you will leave in a week..” she said.

” Who is bothered about your marriage ? If anything, I’m happy that I can force you to come back in 6 months for another 10 round boxing match..” she said with a forced smiled.

” Unless of course, you find someone at work ” she continued. ” Someone who understand your risky business “.

Arvind burst out laughing, ” Risky Business Ma ? ”

He picturised himself hurtling into a boardroom room in tidy whities, unbuttoned shirt and no pants, a la Tom Cruise in ‘Risky Business’ and couldn’t stop laughing.

” Whatever the joke, I’m happy you are laughing ” Savithri added with a wide smile on her face. Laughter had been found wanting in the last few days..

“ It is surprisingly easy to give up hope. I don’t want you doing that son”

“Take a break. Go meet your friends for the next few days. Marriage will blossom when the time is right… ” suggested Savithri.

Arvind jumped at the idea. He needed some respite.

PART-2 HERE : Country Roads, Take Me Home

Photos : http://www.flickr.com/photos/eelssej_/390295937/

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