English Tutorials

'So you are going for dinner with Anand ?'

'Yes da, why do you ask?' Priya was standing in front of the mirror adjusting her hair for over half and hour now, worried whether Anand would like her new hair cut. He had made a passing comment that he had a thing for women with short hair. She had not forgotten it.

'Obviously you like him. Why don't you tell him'. Jai was visibily bored. He really did not want to answer her question of 'Do you think he will like it? ' Again.

' I will da, in a few weeks. I am sure both of us feel it. It is just that we have not said or asked each other formally'. Anyways what is the hurry? Its a lot of fun now also, right? . Now , move out. I need to change.' She pushed Jai out of the room.

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Anand checked his pockets for his purse, car keys, cell phone, house keys. He latched the door behind him as he completed the check. ' So where do you want me to drop you? IIT gate?' Anand asked Raj as they climbed down 2 floors.

'What? I thought I was also part of your candle light dinner plans? I am sure the table is big enough to accomodate one more person. And its not like the two of you are dating ? ' Raj had a wide grin on his face.

'Wipe that smirk off your face, Raj. I know where this conversation is leading to. The answer is yes, I like her. But I do not know anything more than that.'

' So let me help, loverboy. You obviously like hanging out with her. You are this athlete, the star cricket player. And out of nowhere you join a salsa class. You then start watching romantic movies. Dude.... '

' Hey.. hey.. just because I like You Got Mail, it doesn't mean I like the entire running behind the trees kind of movies. Meg Ryan was awesome in the movie dude. Diddn't she look amazingly cute in that short hair cut?. Now let me concentrate on the road.' Anand backed his Zen out his compound and joined the traffic.

'Thank God Anand. you cleared that doubt. I though you liked it for Tom Hanks or may be Brinkley'.

'Brinkley, who?'

'Brinkley, Tom Hank's dog. The Golden Retriever'.

' Shut up Raj. I will just push you off my car now. You can hitch your own ride'.

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Jai dragged himself to the swing in the balcony, and sat their staring out into the sea. Priya's 11th floor house presented a terrific view. The sea breeze had set in. He could smell the salt.

'So Priya, How many wickets did Srinath take in yesterday's match?'

' Jai, nice try. Srinath retired two years ago. My knowldge of cricket is better than yours ok? Don't even try.'

' If you want to impress Anand, tell him that you have cut your hair like that dude from Bihar'.

' For your information, that dude's name is Dhoni. And my hair is shorter than his and obviously better. Shut up now.'

' So, did you feed Anand with the stuff you made after your cookery classes. I heard he fell sick.'

' Yes. Anand loved it. Especially the penne pasta and...'

' Poor guy, I don't think he could have said anything else. He knew very well what would happen to him.'

' Oh please. Anand really liked it. I could see that. And just so that you have your facts right, Anand had a bad cold and fever the next day and it had nothing to do with the food. He had it earlier, it just got worse.'.

' Ha..ha.. ha. Anand told you that? And I am sure you believed him. Anyways, do you know that according to a recent research by one Dr. Jai, consumption of penne pasta can cause cold and fever. Especially when cooked near the sea at a height of 11 floors'.

' Look, I spoke to him that day. He really had a bad cold and fever. She opened the door and stepped out. 'And please remind me again, why am I having this conversation with you'
Priya was looking gorgeous.

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' By the way Romeo, do you know that statistics show that India has the most number of guys who like a girl but have not expressed their love.'

' Thanks dude. I diddn't know that. We've reached your stop. Take care and be good. I'll catch you next weekend.'

' I get your hurry. Fine. I know when I'm not wanted.'

' You suck at emotional blackmail. You need to learn from Priya.'

' There you go again about Priya. Go, she'll be waiting. Byee'

' Shit, I'm already 10 minutes late.'

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' He needs a lesson in Chivalry. You never keep a lady waiting. He is 20 minutes late.'

' Lady? Who , what , where?'

' There, that must be him at the door. Had it not been for him, you would have got whacked. You should be thankful to him for saving your life'.

' You are late, 20 minutes late. whats your excuse mister?' Priya stood at the door guarding the entrance.

Anand looked at Priya. She always looked stunning when they went out together, but today she was charming. He was half thinking and half mumbling.

' Uhh.. Priya, you have got to take English tutorials for me. I seem to have run out of words to describe how amazing you look. seriously.'

' By any chance Anand , are you making a pass at me?'

Anand stepped closer to Priya. ' And what if I tell you I am'.

Priya was blushing. He leant forward and kissed her cheeck. A few seconds of staring at each other was followed by a long kiss.

' Ahem.. ahem... I seem to have a bad throat problem you see.' Jai said clearing his manufactured throat irritation. ' You guys might want to get yourself a room to avoid catching my disease. Its contagious'.

'Oh hi Jai, diddn't see you. Sorry' Anand was embarassed.

'Well, I can see why. I don't blame you. what do you say Priya?'

Priya gave Anand a small punch. 'Anand, that is the worst possible pickup line, one can ever come up with'.

' Well.. It worked'.