Fred was trying to console Tina, she was unable to control herself. She never shared this with anyone, the Tina who was so warm, fun loving was lost. All because of this sc.u.m bag called George, it was a painful memory. She held on to this experience and guarded herself against such rouges. But in this process, she drifted away from her friends, family and cousins. The only warmth she felt was towards her parents. Now she didn"t know why she shared all this with Fred. She knew that he liked her, she felt that it was only infatuation. But she realized his sincerity only on the day he spoke about the new position he was offered.It moved her core, but she couldn"t let him near as this painful past surfaced in her heart, whenever she thought of accepting his proposal. The tears rolling down her cheeks were washing away the sadness in her heart. This release was important to her and to Fred. He held her closely, he felt if he came across this George, he could tear his limbs apart for mistreating Tina. Though it cannot be considered a big incident, the age at which she had to go through this was a vulnerable age.
He consoled her, cajoled her and said, "George is not worth, forget him, he is a loser. Don"t even keep his memories, he is simply not worthy to even remember. Tina, I know that you are strong, a woman becoming successful in sales is not easy, you are brave enough to take up every task given to you. I did not know that you had to undergo such a bad experience. Remember only the good things, remember your parents,your friends, your teachers, your cousins, forget that sc.u.m bag. I am here for you, just cry if you want to cry, I am here.. " he caressed her gently,.
Tina stopped crying and looked at Fred with her beautiful honey coloured eyes.. she looked at him and nodded. She said, "can I use your restroom? "he smiled and said, "no you can"t, you have to kiss me to use it, " she looked at him and let out a laugh, he said, "ok, since you liked my joke, you can use my restroom for free.. "she tossed a cushion at him playfully and went to the restroom.
Fred was feeling very glad, he was happy that Tina trusted him so much to share all this with him. His heart was singing with joy, he didn"t want this night to end. Tina Came out, she felt fresh and light hearted. Fred asked, "you want me to order something to eat? "Tina looked at him and said, "don"t you cook at home? " he replied, "yes I do, but I am too lazy today".. she said, "I can cook.. is it ok? "he was surprised and said, "ok, but check what I have in kitchen first"
They both went into the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, there were variety of vegetables. There were all ingredients needed to have a simple Indian meal. She said, "I can make curry and roti (Indian bread) "he nodded in agreement and said "ok, but one condition. " Tina questioningly raised one eyebrow,, he said, "I will cut the onions" she asked "why? "
he said, "I don"t want to see you shedding tears, they are too precious... " he smiled chivalrously, she felt smitten and said, "ok, cut the onions, I will make the masala (paste or powder if spices) and mix the dough, " both of them worked as a good team and prepared the meal. If anyone who didn"t know them would see them now, they would easily a.s.sume that they are an old married couple.
They set the table with the dishes they prepared and sat across each other. Fred asked her the wait for a moment, and went into his room. He brought out a candle stand holding three candles.
He lit the candles and placed them in the center of the table, then he brought in a bottle of vintage wine. He opened the wine, poured in two gla.s.ses and gave one to Tina, he said, "cheers" Tina raised her gla.s.s and said, "for new friends" Fred was on cloud nine, he was grinning like a child.
Both of them started drinking the wine, Tina was serving food to Fred. He thanked G.o.d in his heart for this beautiful evening. Tina cooked an amazing meal, cooking was her hobby. It helped her to destress and relax. She loved cooking and trying out different varieties of cuisines.
Once the meal was over, Tina sat in the couch and started talking to Fred about her childhood, her friends etc. He listened to her, his gaze never leaving her beautiful face. He really wanted to marry this lady and settle down for good. In his mind, he saw Tina walking down the aisle in a beautiful gown, he saw his future with Tina, they started a family, they had a girl and a boy.. his dreams were running wild.
Tina stopped talking, she saw a dazed look in Fred"s eyes. She waved her hand in front of his face, no response. She shook him, then he came out of his reverie. He smiled at her and said, "I was lost in some thoughts Tina, sorry.. you were saying.. "
She smiled and said, "It"s late, I think I should make a move, I will take a cab, " Fred shook his head and said, "oh no.. I will drop you home.. " Tina said, "but you are drunk, you can"t drive.. " Fred said, "I will come in a cab with you, drop you at your place and come back, I can"t let you go alone, you are too valuable for me.. "