Contd... from Part I
We talked briefly about office until again out of the blue she asked peevishly - Why do you shake your legs ?
Me (taken aback, not knowing what to say) - Well, I guess it runs in the family. Grandpa was good at shaking a leg. Pa was good at shaking a leg. Thats why I also shake my legs. In fact I shake both my legs to compensate for lack of dancing skills.
She wasn't amused.
She - Oh ! Do you know that shaking your legs is an ill omen and a sure sign of disharmony. It represents evil energies that are desperate to get out. (She eyed me suspiciously as she said that).
I think I could understand the evil energies she seemed to be alluding to and was about to say "But we don't shake our legs for that" when wisdom prevailed and I checked myself. I was getting restless by now, cornered by the lady and mentally cornered by Baanar Sena. But I had to hang on. It was my only Date afterall.
She - what kinda music do you listen to ?
Suddenly I lit up. I was happy at the prospect of finally getting to discuss something that was my domain but my friends had warned me of my tendency to be outrageously loquacious when it came to music. I didn't want to rush it this time. I made a calculated reply.
Me - Well its rather varied really. Currently I'm listening to Ghulam Ali and Alice in Chains.
Surprised she said - I can understand Ghulam Ali but Alice in Chains ? That sounds so….
She stopped midway, unable to find the word. I had to rush to her rescue.
Me - I know, sadistic you mean ..? But I assure you there's nothing sadistic about their music. Its all nihilistic.
She - No, not sad, cruel and evil...
'Oh,' I chuckled.
There was no hope for me. I was marauded and pillaged mercilessly for the next half an hour. Finally it was over and we got out. She thanked me and we exchanged pleasantries. She started to leave but stopped after a couple of steps.
'Now what ?', I thought.
"You know you'll have to work on yourself a lot ?" she said.
"Work on myself ? What do you mean work on myself ?", I asked.
"I mean, get rid of some of your nasty habits. You are such a charming fellow otherwise !", she replied.
"Oh I'll surely think about it. Good Bye" I said as I left her.
As luck would have it, I quit my job soon after the incident and came down to Kolkata. I never saw her again. I'm told, today she is happily married to someone who doesn't crack his knuckles and doesn't listen to Alice in Chains. Whats more Pappu can't dance saala….
