"You dare open your mouth, Tanishka! Papa thundered, as Ma adjusted my saree pleats.

Papa and Ma seemed extra cautious about this proposal, warning me repeatedly after past experiences where alliances fell through after I confided in the groom-to-be.

How could they expect me to forget the values they’d instilled in me?

Papa’s booming laughter signaled their arrival. 

After several earlier attempts, balancing the huge tray of crockery seemed a cakewalk. A wry smile escaped my lips as I cast a side glance at Shashank, the prospective groom. His eyes were quick to catch my glance, with a curt nod and a smile, he acknowledged me.

After exchanging pleasantries, Shashank expressed his wish to speak to me in private. I sat up straight. My fingers trembled as I grasped the saree pleats firmly.
 

 Papa turned towards me, widening his eyes.

To my amazement, I caught Shashank's dad widening his eyes at him.

Many pairs of eyes followed us as I led him to our terrace.

 Digging his hands deep into his trouser pockets, Shashank spoke about his real estate business and his interests. Inching his body forward, he listened as I explained my work profile as a quality food inspector.

Everything seemed hunky-dory, but I knew my candid confession would sink the otherwise smooth-sailing ship.

"I want to tell you..." Both of us blurted out at the same time. "You go first," he uttered, running his fingers over his neatly-trimmed beard.

"I was diagnosed with diabetes 2 years ago. I am taking all dietary precautions and everything is under control,” I stuttered as my fingers went cold, fearing Papa’s wrath.

 I was pleasantly surprised when he said, "Is that all?", shrugging his shoulders. A smile continued to play on his lips. I exhaled loudly.

I didn't expect this and didn't know how to react. "My parents wanted me to keep this a secret. I strongly feel a relationship based on lies can never be unbound," I asserted.

"I agree with you. I also have a little confession to make. I’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma. The doctor has assured that my eye pressure is well under control," he muttered, fidgeting in his seat.

A pregnant pause ensued. The chirping of birds broke our chain of thought. 

Finally, Shashank cleared his throat, " Tanishka, I have no problem with you being diabetic. There is no point in brushing health issues under the carpet. What if the problem was detected after getting married?"

"I also don’t have a problem with your eye ailment, but I feel our decision must not be based purely on a one-off meet," I spoke, widening my eyes.

"You have expressive eyes," he complimented. When he saw my face turn beet-red, he murmured, "Sorry, I got a little carried away."

 Letting the silly smile play on his lips, he continued, "I would love to get to know you better." The cleft on his chin distracted me.
 

“We are already friends. We have open secrets between us,” I crooned.