Category: Uncategorized


Nov
2024

Part 43: “Dinner & Discovery”

categories: Uncategorized

“Luca, I assume you are having the Chef Special as usual?” The waiter smiled at him.

Luca nodded. “Yes, please.”

“Excellent. Can I bring you anything else?”

“Not for now, thank you,” he answered.

Luca poured Trisha some water. “Is this your first time in London?”

Trisha shook her head. “My second time. In my teens, I visited London with my mom.”

“And now you decided to visit London all by yourself. You never can go wrong with London.” He pressed his lips together. “My flight was booked for today. I am glad that it was rescheduled.”

Trisha smiled. “Where do you live? You boarded the plane in Amsterdam but have an American phone number.”

“I am originally from Rome. I got a job offer in Chicago, where I live now. Now and then, I visit the Amsterdam and London offices. I am flying back home to Rome on Thursday evening to see my family. I miss them a lot, especially my nieces and nephews. And my mom’s cooking, of course.”

A Cozy, Elegant Setting

The restaurant was cozy yet elegant, with soft lighting and a warm, intimate ambiance. The gentle hum of conversation mixed with the faint sound of jazz playing in the background. The scent of fresh bread and herbs lingered in the air, and the tables, adorned with crisp white linens and small vases of flowers, created a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.

A Delicious Start

The waiter returned with their first course: a classic Caprese salad. The creamy burrata glistened under a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil paired with ripe, ruby-red tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. The tangy balsamic reduction was artfully drizzled on the plate, its sweetness complementing the vibrant flavors. They enjoyed the starter while Luca chatted about his family back in Rome. Trisha listened, amused at how passionately he spoke about them.

“I am talking too much. Now, you must be thinking that I am egocentric.”

“Oooh no, I love listening to you. So don’t worry about it.”

A Hot Mess (Literally)

The waiter cleared their table, and shortly after, he arrived with the second course. The grilled salmon looked and smelled divine—perfectly seared with crispy edges, drizzled with a herbed butter sauce that pooled around the plate. Its delicate, golden crust gave way to moist, flaky flesh seasoned with just the right balance of salt and citrus. The hint of smoky char added depth, while the fresh dill and buttery glaze elevated every bite.

“Be careful,” said the waiter to Trisha, “the plate is hot!”

“I hope you like it,” said Luca. “It looks good.”

“It does look delicious, doesn’t it?” She took the lemon and squeezed the juice on the fish—and, accidentally, on Luca.

“I am sorry,” said Trisha with an embarrassed and startled look.

Luca laughed. “Don’t worry about it; it’s okay. The dry cleaner will fix it.”

“Trisha, you are so clumsy,” she said to herself.

“Besides, lemon is my perfume,” Luca joked as he dabbed his napkin on his shirt. “Don’t worry about it, Trisha. It’s just lemon. Please. Your salmon is getting cold.”

A Shared Sweet Moment

They ate and talked about their travels and the places they wanted to visit.
“Travelling is all about the experience.” He dabbed his mouth with his napkin. “The food is always good here. Does the beautiful lady have any room for dessert?”

Trisha shook her head. “I am sorry, I don’t have any room for dessert.”

“That is a shame since they have the best tiramisu here. I suggest that we share one.”

Trisha smiled. “Are you trying to persuade me?”

“Come on, you can take one bite. You really should taste it. I don’t want my date to miss out.” Luca didn’t wait for her answer and nodded at the waiter.

“Luca, did the Signorina and you enjoy your dinner?”

“As always. Can we order one tiramisu, please? The beautiful Signorina is full, unfortunately.”

The waiter looked at Trisha. “Ooh, that is not good. You should come back for the tiramisu. We are open for lunch. So one tiramisu to share, it is.”

“With two spoons, please,” Trisha quickly added.

The waiter nodded. “No problem, signorina,” he said with a straight face.

A Moment to Reflect

“I had a wonderful night, Trisha. When are you flying back?”

“Friday. I start work on Monday.”

Luca filled the empty glasses with wine. “I am flying back on Thursday to see my family. I have an important dinner with one of our clients tomorrow, which I unfortunately cannot reschedule. I’d rather spend my evening with… you.” He took a sip of wine and smiled at Trisha.

Trisha blushed and swallowed. “Clients do pay the bills.”

“Yes, they do. They pay the bills.” He looked at her and scratched his cheek. “I had a wonderful evening, and I hope we can stay in touch. Do you want a coffee or anything else?”

Trisha shook her head. “No, thank you.”

Luca waved at the waiter and signaled for the bill. “Excuse me, I have to go to the men’s room.”

Trisha nodded. She quickly checked her phone for messages. Much to her surprise, there was a message from Sid.
I am looking forward to having lunch with you next week.
Sid.

Trisha smiled at her phone and pressed her lips. She felt like a schoolgirl who had received a note from the boy she liked. Trisha put her phone in her bag and sipped from her water. She hadn’t touched the glass of wine Luca had poured for her.

An Unexpected Goodbye

When Luca returned, he looked at her. “You look very pretty when you are smiling.” Luca didn’t sit down but kept standing. “Shall we go?”

“I think we should wait for the bill before we can leave.” Trisha looked at Luca in disbelief.

“It is taken care of,” he said with a charming smile.

“Ooh… but I am more than happy to split the bill.”

He gave her a big grin. “Thank you for the offer. But it is my treat. Shall we go?”

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Apr
2024

Part 42: “London’s Love Affair: Luca and Trisha’s Dinner Date Delight”

categories: Trisha's Life - Weekly Column, Uncategorized

As planned, Luca picked Trisha up at the Tube Station near her hotel at eight o’clock in the evening. Despite her initial reservations, she found Luca waiting for her with a tired yet welcoming smile. His slim-fit blue suit and slightly unbuttoned pale blue shirt gave him an elegant charm.

Trisha wore her favorite black lace embroidery dress and comfortable black leather ankle-strap sandals instead of her packed high heels. A red shawl completed her ensemble, adding a touch of elegance. The possibility of a dinner date hadn’t crossed her mind until now.

“You look beautiful,” Luca remarked with a genuine smile.

Blushing slightly, Trisha replied softly, “Thank you.”

With the restaurant just a short walk away, they casually talked about London’s sights and sounds. Upon their arrival, Luca courteously held the door open for Trisha and smiled at her.

“You smell wonderful,” Luca said while she went into the restaurant.

“Thank you,” Trisha mumbled. She felt anxiety coming up. Did she make the right choice to go to dinner with Luca, a man she had just met on the plain? Trisha tried to breathe calmly, but her heart was still racing, as if it would pop out of her body anytime.

They were greeted by the waiter, who greeted Luca warmly and expressed concern over his appearance.

“You look tired, Luca.” Is everything okay?

Luca shrugged it off. “I had a late-night meeting yesterday.”

The waiter raised his eyebrows. “You work all day and night; how can one think in the evening? You have to look after yourself. Work is good, but you must relax, too, Luca. If you don’t relax, how can you work? But now you are here, no work, just relaxation.”

Luca nodded. “You said it right.”

Trisha looked around. The ambiance was modern with subtle Italian touches, reflected in the red-checked napkins adorning the tables.

As they settled at their table, the waiter returned with complimentary Bellinis and appetizers, a gesture of hospitality reserved for Luca’s familiarity with the establishment.

“For you and the beautiful lady and to a wonderful night,” he said in a cheery Italian accent. “This is on the house.” He smiled as he looked at both of them and walked away.

Impressed by the spread, Trisha couldn’t help but smile. “This looks so fresh and smells lovely.”

 “I travel a lot, but this place is home away from home. Italian food and some wine are needed to forget the busy schedule ahead the next day. But I have to say I have never received any complimentary treats. Luca paused and gave Trisha her glass. “To a wonderful evening with a beautiful woman. Then he looked concerned. “I am sorry, I just assumed you drink alcohol; if you don’t, we can order something else.”

Trisha smiled. “I do drink alcohol once in a while; I am not a big drinker, though.”

Their conversation flowed more comfortably as they sampled the delicious appetizers. Luca recommended the bruschetta with grilled tomatoes, which Trisha found delightful. Soon, the waiter returned with the menu, and Trisha settled on a pasta dish.  

“In Italy, we have 10-course dinners; we should do that some other time”, referencing Italian dining customs. “You should take another dish, a secondi, Trisha.”

Trisha’s eyes widened. “I don’t think I could eat a 10-course meal”.

Luca chuckled. “We will start at noon and finish at midnight. What better way to get to know each other better?

Trisha stared at the menu, pretending she hadn’t heard Luca’s words. “Grilled salmon sounds lovely,” she said as she closed the menu.

Once again, Trisha felt that all-too-familiar flutter of anxiety sneaking up on her like an unexpected guest crashing a party. Amidst the jittery excitement bubbling within her, a sprinkle of self-doubt floated, curious to see what the evening would bring. Wrapped in a cloak of vulnerability, she couldn’t help but keep her guard up, even as Luca’s charm tempted her to let it slip. Balancing on the tightrope between intrigue and skepticism, she ventured into the unknown with a dash of hopefulness and a pinch of caution, ready to see where the night might lead.

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Jan
2024

Part 37: “Trisha’s London Adventure”

categories: Trisha's Life - Weekly Column, Uncategorized

Trisha couldn’t get the conversation with her cousins out of her head. How could she find her sparkle back? It was easier said than done. She knew she would not find it if she cooped herself up in the house and emerged to work. “You need to do something, Trisha. Something that can bring back the sparkle you are missing.”  She said to herself.

Since it was a beautiful day, Trisha decided to sit on her terrace. She left work on time and was now surfing the internet, trying to figure out how to find her sparkle back. She had written all the options down and was now staring at her screen. She read out loud:

– Resign and travel the world for a year

– Stay at an ashram in India

– A walking holiday through the French Pyrenees

– A road trip through America

– Climbing the Kilimanjaro

– Take a city trip to a European destination like London or Paris.

Trisha put her laptop on the coffee table and made herself comfortable. She looked at the list and decided to take the least adventurous one, a city trip to London.

“No need to take giant steps, Trisha. Take it slow,” she said, trying to convince herself.

#

Trisha handed Andy the files she was working on. “You can call me if anything comes up.”

Andy looked at her. “As a boss, I demand you get your bag and leave. I don’t want to see or hear from you till your holiday is over.” Andy looked at her with a serious expression on his face. “How do I sound like a real boss, don’t I?”

“Do I really have to answer that? I just wanted to tell you about that …”

Andy held his hand up. “Now go and leave me alone. I can manage without you. Although you think I can’t. It is summer; business is slow, so go and enjoy Trisha. You deserve it. Enjoy your holiday. Have some wine, meet some new people, and get… Well, I better not say it before you sue me.”

“Thank you, Andy, this means a lot to me.” She gathered her belongings, said goodbye to Andy, and walked out the door. The weather was sunny, and she wondered how the weather in London would be.

She saw a familiar face waving at her as she walked towards the metro. She couldn’t believe her eyes. What was Karan doing here? Was he now stalking her?

“What a coincidence, Trisha, to see you here?” He raised his eyebrows. “You look lovely as always. Those heels really add at least 10 cm to your height.” He took a step back. “You look good. Have you lost weight?” He looked curious at Trisha.

Trisha forced a smile. “Karan, I have to go. ”She paused, then blurted out. “I have a date”. Trisha noticed the surprised look on Karan’s face.

“You are going on a date?” He said as if he couldn’t believe what Trisha was saying. “Does this date have a name? I…I want to make sure that you are safe.” He said in a jealous voice, wanting to sound confident.

“Yes, Karan. I am going on a date, and yes, this date has a name.” Trisha rolled her eyes. “Karan, you have your life, and I have mine. That is what happens when people separate. Now, if you will excuse me.”

“So what did you say his name was again?” Jealousy had now overtaken his voice.

Trisha sighed deeply and walked past Karan without saying a word when Karan grabbed her wrist. “Please, Trisha, don’t date another man. The thought of you going on a date with another man, I cannot bear it.”

Trisha’s eyes filled with anger, and she pulled her wrist from his hand. “Don’t you dare to touch me again, Karan! Get your act together, Karan, and move on! And leave me alone!” She walked as fast as she could to the metro, not looking back.

Trisha had managed to get a seat on the metro. She watched the people going off and on the train when her phone started to ring. She took her phone out of her purse. It was Karan. She declined the call and blocked his number. How could she find her sparkle when Karan didn’t leave her alone?

 


Oct
2023

Part 35: “Surprise at the Door: Trisha’s Journey of Closure”

categories: Trisha's Life - Weekly Column, Uncategorized

Trisha inhaled deeply, unwilling to waste any more of her precious time on this. With a decisive click, she ended the call and gracefully exited her bed.

Her terrace welcomed her warmly, bathed in the morning sun’s embrace. Balancing her breakfast on a tray, she stepped outside. Settling into the plush lounge couch, she indulged in her eggs, her mind wandering back to the enchanting events of the previous night.

After the last bite, she gave in to the idea of a quick nap. Just as her eyelids began to droop, a sudden ring of the doorbell disrupted the peace. She waited, hoping the visitor would decide to disappear into the quiet of the day. The doorbell chimed again, more insistent this time, and irritation started to creep in since she wasn’t expecting anyone.

Unexpected Visit from Karan

Slowly, she made her way to the front door, annoyed at the intrusion on her Sunday solitude. Another doorbell ring prompted her to peer through the peephole; her curiosity was piqued. To her astonishment, there stood Karan, grinning and holding a bouquet of roses above his head.

She recalled that he’d never brought her flowers during their time together, except for the bridal bouquet on their wedding day. Now, he was at her doorstep with an unexpected gift.

Staring in disbelief, she remained silent, hoping he’d take the hint and depart. But the doorbell pierced the air once more. Karan’s voice reached her through the door, gentle and pleading.

“Trisha, come on, I know you’re in there.”

With a resigned sigh, she unlatched the door, leaving the chain securely in place. “What is it, Karan?”

A hint of nostalgia flickered in his eyes as he gazed beyond her into the house. “You look tired, Princess, but still beautiful.”

Trisha arched an eyebrow. “Why are you here?”

“I thought I’d surprise you and bring you these.” He displayed the bouquet, hastily acquired from the supermarket. Trisha sighed, skepticism in her eyes.

“It’s the thought that counts,” he added quickly. “Come on, Trisha, please open the door.”

“Karan, go away and leave me alone, please.” She shut the door and peered through the peephole.

Closure and Moving Forward

“Come on, Trisha. Please open the door. I miss you, I miss you.”

Reluctantly, she removed the chain and opened the door. “Karan, don’t make a fool of yourself. It’s over between us. We’ll never have a future together.”

She paused for a moment, her eyes locking onto his. “I was your Princess once, but I’m not anymore. Those days are gone. You had your chance, and you blew it… big time. When you cheated on me, remember? You didn’t think about your princess then, did you? You didn’t think about my feelings, did you? You made me feel worthless.”

Karan’s guilt-ridden eyes pleaded for forgiveness, but she silenced him with a firm tone.

“You know, when I threw you out of the house, I kept asking myself why, why, why? I couldn’t fathom why you treated me that way. We had a wonderful life together—or so I thought. But you didn’t see it that way because of that ….. And now that she’s left you, you think you can come crawling back? It doesn’t work like that, Karan. I felt terrible after our breakup, but not anymore. I realized you have no place in my life. Our journey has ended forever.”


Jan
2023

Part 29: “If only you weren’t married…”

categories: Trisha's Life - Weekly Column, Uncategorized

Trisha’s head was spinning. She tried to keep her tears back. It would be rude to refuse him, wouldn’t it? Besides, what else was there to do? She kept quiet and nodded, afraid that Sid might hear that she was on the edge of crying. They both walked side by side to the dance floor. Sid put his hand on her upper back and took her right hand. Trisha put her hand on his shoulders. His perfume smelled masculine and sweet, which made her heart beat faster. She could feel his hand on her back which gave her a tingly feeling. She felt butterflies in her stomach and forgot all about her tears. 

“You are a great dancer, Trisha,” Sid looked into her eyes.

 “Thank you,” she said in a soft voice. She noticed that his eyes were calm and gentle. His smile was to die for, and his eyes sparkled.

From the corner of her eyes, Trisha noticed Jen staring at them. She didn’t look amused. Trisha could see the fire in the woman’s eyes which gave her the chills. Jen pressed her perfectly painted red lips together and looked away, giving her a side-eye. The song ended, and Sid thanked Trisha for the dance. She smiled at him, and they both walked back to their table. Trisha excused herself and walked towards the lady’s room. She needed to be alone. When Trisha entered the lady’s room, she was glad to find out that no one was there. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. “Get a hold of yourself, Trisha,” said her inner voice. She opened the tap and washed her hands with cold water, hoping it would calm her.

 She strolled back and saw Jen standing beside Sid. “Sid darling, I would love to dance with you,” she said in a sulking tone, pushing her breast forward. Sid leaned backward and then stood up. He did not look amused. Trisha could hear that Jen had too much wine. She looked at Peter, who looked embarrassed at his wife.

Sid gave her a broad smile. “If only you weren’t married. I don’t dance with a married woman who doesn’t belong to my inner circle. I am sorry, Jen.”

Jen’s head turned red, but she quickly recomposed herself. “You truly are a gentleman! We don’t see many of your species around. If you all will excuse me,” she said with a forced smile.

“Jen, darling, shall we get going?”

Jen looked at her husband with a doting smile “the party has just started, darling! I know people your age need to get to bed early, but I want to enjoy life. After all, I am still young.”

Pete nodded and took a sip from his water. He looked small, although he was a big man. Trisha felt sorry for the way Jen treated Pete. She couldn’t help herself thinking whether Jen loved Pete or did she marry him for money. “Don’t go there,” said her inner voice “he is a grown man. He knows what he is doing.”

“That is what you get when you marry a younger beautiful woman. There comes a time that you are too old to keep up with them. But I wouldn’t miss her for the world. She is my Jen!” He said to no one in particular.

“Can I get you something to drink?” Fan’s husband looked at Pete. “They have an open bar,” he said with a smile.

“Could you get me a whiskey on the rocks? I could use one now.”

Fan’s husband nodded and looked around “anyone cares for a drink?”

“Girls, I need to go to use the girl’s room. Are you coming with me?” Fan looked at her friends.

“This baby is pushing at my blather. I am coming with you. But I can’t walk fast. My feet have swollen up. “I can’t wait till I can wear heels again.”

“I will join you,” said Trisha and looked at Meera. “Are you ok?”

When they returned from the lady’s room, the three decided to see what the dessert buffet offered.

Meera walked past the buffet, her brown eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “This is what I call mouth-watering. I wish the buffet were next to ours so I could sample it all. I cannot heap up my plate, can I? It will look like I am being greedy, don’t you think so? Besides, I am a lady.” She looked at her friends, who both agreed with a nod and a smile. They both knew that Meera didn’t care what others thought of her.

“Aren’t you having anything,”? Meera looked at Trisha’s plate, which had one small piece of chocolate brownie on it. “Trish, grab some more food for me. I am going to our table. I need to eat this now.”

Trisha looked amused at Meera, who looked pleased with her plate.

 “But what do you want?” Trisha looked confused at the buffet.

“I am not picky. You choose my baby is feeling hungry. Let’s go! Trisha will catch up. I need to eat! My mouth is watering. Ooh, Trisha, I want two éclairs; pick the big ones.” She looked at her plate. Her eyes were filled with joy. “See you in a bit.”

Trisha did as Meera had asked her to do. She filled up her plate and put two big éclairs on her plate. Then she heard a woman’s voice.

“Someone is hungry today.”


Dec
2022

Part 28: “These Are Certainly Not Worker’s Hands.”

categories: Trisha's Life - Weekly Column, Uncategorized

“I missed you,” said Jen to Sid in a soft voice. “My, my, aren’t your hands soft? These are certainly not worker’s hands.” She looked flirtish at Sid and pressed her red lips together.

“I think I have a phone call.” He reached for his phone in the pocket of his trouser, freeing his hand. He stared at the screen with a surprised face. He seemed to be distracted. Was it because of the missed call or because of Jen? The three could tell that Sid felt uncomfortable by Jen’s behaviour.  

“Is everything ok, Sid?” Jen looked at him like a tigress ready to jump on her prey any minute.

“Yes, everything is ok,” he said and then turned to Trisha. “Can we switch seats, please? I would love to get to know Meera’s husband better.”

Trisha looked surprised. “Of course, we can.” When she stood up, she felt Jen’s eyes fixated on her. She did as if she didn’t notice but could see Jen’s disapproving look.

“Are you leaving me, Sid?” Jen sulked like a little kid.

“Jen, darling, leave that boy alone. He is just switching seats with that pretty lady. Now you can talk to her.”

Jen looked at her husband, her eyes sending him the message to keep his mouth shut. Peter put his hand on top of her hand and looked at his wife with a smile. Jen quickly removed her hand. The entire table, except for Chris and Sid, who were in a deep conversation, noticed how Jen treated her husband. Making them all wonder if she loved her much older husband.

Wedding Couple

The DJ announcing the wedding couples’ first dance drew their attention to the newlyweds. Meera and Fan looked at Trisha and smiled at her. Jen noticed the three friends exchanging glances. She raised her eyebrows and looked curious at Trisha.

“Now join the newlyweds on the dancefloor; let’s give them a night to remember,” the DJ said. Jen reluctantly accepted her husband’s invitation to dance with him and tried to make eye contact with Sid but much to her dislike, he hadn’t noticed.

You look wonderful tonight

Trisha and Sid were the only ones left at their table. Trisha was uncomfortable and stared at the dance floor without saying a word. Her mind wandered off to the day she got married. She scolded herself for her memory of going there once again. Her stomach was in a knot, and she felt alone among 200 people. ” Trisha,” said her inner voice, “why do you keep returning to that question? Why do you torture yourself? What good will it do? You have decided to move on, didn’t you? Why torture yourself? The past is the past. Let it be. See it as a life lesson, a very hard one.”

“You know, I am enjoying myself; it has been a long time since I have allowed myself to do something else besides my work.”

Hearing Sid’s voice made Trisha come back to reality. “Sorry, did you say something?”

“It seems like you were distracted for a second.”

“Yes, I was. I am sorry.”

“It is ok,” said Sid. He watched the wedding guest as they were having a good time on the dance floor.

“Come on, guys! Join the newlyweds on the dance floor! It is time to take it slow,” the DJ said in a flirtatious voice.

Trisha heard Eric Clapton’s ‘You look wonderful tonight,’ filling the air. The song she had danced to on her wedding day. Her then prince had especially requested this song for his princess. Trisha felt choked up and hoped that she wouldn’t start crying.

 ‘You heard what he said.” Sid stood up. “Shall we?” he asked with a big smile.


Nov
2022

Part 26: She looked seductive at Sid…

categories: Trisha's Life - Weekly Column, Uncategorized

“It is my best friend’s sister’s wedding.”

 “Ooh, I see. The groom is a college friend of mine. Unfortunately, we don’t see each other that much anymore.”

Trisha nodded, “I know what you mean. We don’t see each other that much anymore.” She pointed with her head towards her two friends who were talking with each other. Trisha knew who they were talking about, “Mr. Eye Candy,” of course.

She looked seductive at Sid.

“You two know each other,” said Jen as she rudely interrupted their conversation. “I am sorry, I overheard you talking to each other.”

“We do,” said Sid with a charming smile. “What is Jen your relationship with the wedding couple, Jen?”

“I am a gym friend of the bride. I am very honoured to be invited to their wedding.” She looked seductive at Sid.

“Aah, ok.” Sid turned his head and looked at Trisha. “It is wonderful to see you again, Trisha.”

Trisha smiled, not knowing what to say. “It is a small world.”

“Excuse me,” said a waiter. He had two big platters with appetizers in his hand, which he carefully put on the table. “Enjoy,” he said with a genuine smile as he walked away.

“Well, that looks scrumptious, doesn’t it?” Jen moved closer to Sid, “I believe we should tuck in,” as she popped an olive into her mouth. “They plated it with such care; eating it is almost a sin.”

Trisha agreed with Jen; the platter looked scrumptious, stacked with olives, almonds, cheeses, and several pieces of fruit, crackers, and salads. Like the ones, you saw in food magazines.

“You know, Sid,” Jen said in a soft voice but loud enough for Trisha to hear, “watermelon is an aphrodisiac food.”

She looked mischievous at Sid as she took a bite of the watermelon.

“Sweety,” she looked at her husband Peter, who had stacked his plate with several kinds of cheese and crackers. She rolled her eyes. “Peter, you shouldn’t eat that much cheese. It makes you fat.”

Peter looked at his wife. “I know, but these cheeses are too good!” He took a bite of his cracker with a thick slice of cheese. “Besides, I am already married.” He winked at his wife, who rolled her eyes.

Sid took a bite of a cracker with cheese. “You are right, Peter. The cheese is delicious.”

Peter smiled at him and nodded. “See, Jen, that young man agrees with me.”

Jen mumbled something to her herself and looked disgusted at her husband. She put a piece of fig in her mouth and whispered in Sid’s ear, “figs are also aphrodisiacs.”

Trisha watched Jen’s behaviour and wondered if Sid was falling for her charms. She was an attractive woman. There was no doubt about that.

“Trisha, aren’t you having something to eat?”

“I am,” she said as she scooped up some olives and a cracker. She smiled at her friends, who were watching her like a hawk. 

“Is that all you are going to have?” he said surprisedly. “I am starving, I haven’t had the time to have lunch today.”

“I am not that hungry,” Trisha lied.

“Can I get you something to drink then?” Sid nodded. He looked around to see if he could locate a waiter.


Jul
2022

Part 22: “A call from her ex-husband…”

categories: Trisha's Life - Weekly Column, Uncategorized

“No, you go and save the extra money for another holiday. Trisha looked at her mother with a mischievous smile. “Are you really going alone?”

“Don’t be silly.  I cannot handle a man in my life at my age.” Her mother shook her head.

“Your age… how old do you think you are, eighty?”

“Her mother sighed, I am happy just by myself, Trish.” Her mother smiled.  “Can we go shopping sometime soon? I need some new dresses to wear to the dinner on the cruise.”

“I’d loved that. Let me know when. We can make it a mother and daughters day.”

Karan

Two weeks had passed since Trisha decided it was time to make changes to her life.

She was still in bed since it was Saturday. She peeked at her alarm clock.  It was 9 in the morning. Instead of staying in yesterday, as she would usually do she went on a dinner date with her cousin who also happened to be her best friend. Afterwards, they went to a rooftop cocktail bar where they met some friends. Trisha closed her eyes and decided to stay in bed for another half hour.

Just as she wanted to take a bite of her tuna salad sandwich her phone rang. She shook her hair which was still damp from her shower. Since she wasn’t going anywhere today she decided not to blow dry her hair. Besides, it was raining cats and dogs, who wanted to go out in this weather anyway?  

Annoyed she looked at the screen and was astonished about the caller, Karan.  Trisha deleted his number from her phone the day she had decided to change her life. She sighed and reached for her phone. Why was he calling her? What did he want now? She stared at her phone as if it was a magic device. Then she put her phone away and turned on the TV and took a bite of her sandwich.  Her phone started to ring, again. Trisha peeked and saw Karan’s number. She took another deep sigh and picked up the phone.

I want you back…

“Hello,” she said in a blank voice, putting her plate on the coffee table.

“Hi Trisha, how are you doing?”

“You called me to ask how I am doing?” Her voice sounded impatient.

“I stopped by at your apartment yesterday evening, but you weren’t home.”

“So, you are calling me to say that I wasn’t home yesterday? I don’t want anything to do with you, Karan. Stay away from me.”

It was quite on the other end of the line. “I have been a real fool, Trisha! I shouldn’t have done what I have done. Now I know what I lost and it hurts me a lot. We are humans, Trisha, and humans do make mistakes. We are not perfect. Why don’t we go out for a drink like…old friends or maybe new friends? Maybe we can start dating again and patch things up? What do you think?”

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May
2022

Part 20: New Chapter

categories: Trisha's Life - Weekly Column, Uncategorized

“What a nice surprise,” said her mother with a broad smile when she opened
the door. “Hope all is well?” her mother’s said concerned.

“I am doing fine ma, don’t worry about me. I mourned enough and decided to
close the Karan chapter. It is time to move on.” Trisha’s eyes were beaming with
confidence.

“I am so happy for you,” she said and gave her daughter a tight hug. “I am
so happy for you.”

“Enough about me, why are your eyes sparkling? ” Trisha looked curious at
her mother.

Her mother pressed her natural plump limps and laughed. “We should live
every day as if it was our last. It is not mine I read it on Pinterest. Let me
get you some tea and something to eat. You do eat don’t you?”

“Of course, I eat!”

“It seems like you have lost some weight.”

“I know, just trying to shed some pounds. I even joined the gym.”

Her mother raised her eyebrows. “That is good to hear. You are taking
control of your life.” Her mother nodded her head with a big smile.

While her mother was making tea in the kitchen Trisha noticed travel
magazines on the coffee table.

“Are you going on a cruise, mom? Oh yeah, I wanted to ask you something. Why
is Dad’s picture no longer on the dresser?”

“Now you that you no longer live here anymore seeing his picture, I don’t
know I can’t explain. It somehow makes me sad. It reminds me of the few good
years we had. I am a widow longer than I was married. When the time is right I will put
it back.”

“That is what I wanted to talk about.” Her mother came out of the kitchen
with a tray filled with snacks and tea. She nodded towards the coffee table.
“Trish, I am planning on going on early retirement. I have worked long
and hard enough.” She put the tray on the coffee table.”

“That sounds wonderful. How long will you be going?”

“I was thinking of doing a cruise for three months.”

“Three months?” Trisha’s eyes almost popped out of her head. “I am so happy
for you. Finally, you are doing something for yourself. “

“I haven’t booked anything yet, I wanted to discuss it with you first. I
will be gone for three months, will you manage Trish? I mean I know you have
a safety net here with your aunts and grandparents but still I want to make
sure that you are ok.”

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Apr
2022

Part 18: “To the new me…!”

categories: Uncategorized

I called the office. Andy told me you are not feeling well. I wanted to let you know that April is the perfect match for our company.  Call me when you feel better. Sid

It is not a love letter, Trisha, said her inner voice.

Holding the phone to her chest Trisha continued watching. Hugging a phone or Sid are two different things, Trisha. It was her inner voice again. Trisha sighed and put her phone on the coffee table. After a long debate with herself, she picked up the phone and decided to text Sid back.

I am very pleased to hear that. I will call you when I am back at work. For any questions please do not hesitate to contact Andy.  Trisha.

With a big smile, Trisha put her phone on the coffee table. Her stomach was in a knot and a smile appeared on her face.  What if he drops by with a fruit basket or flowers?

Trisha, don’t you start getting things into your head! Why would he be interested in you? What do you have he can’t have?

Ooh shut up, I am just enjoying my moment with Mr. Eye Candy she said out loud.

Change

Trisha, she said in a harsh and loud voice to herself things will be different from now on. No more sulking over Mr. Scumbag! And that is an order! Life is too beautiful to sulk over people who have mistreated you. Why should you put your life on hold? Go and live your life. There is a whole bright world for you to explore. Trisha pressed her lips together and nodded her head.

It felt as if a burden fell off Trisha´s shoulders. Two years of misery, she had put herself into. She felt relieved and enjoyed the moment. Trisha took the chocolate bar from the pity box which was on her coffee table.  To the new me she said as she took a big bite from the bar,  enjoying the sweet melting sensation in her mouth.

The next day Trisha felt rejuvenated. From now on Karan was a closed chapter in her life. She called Andy to tell him that she felt better and would be in the office in two hours. To which Andy put a stop. Trisha, take the day off, I will see you first thing in the morning, if you feel better that is, of course.

Since Andy didn’t want her in  the office for the day she decided to de-clutter her house and remove every item which reminded her of Karan. By the end of the day she had three donation boxes ready to be brought to  the thrift store.

Trisha was on her way home, feeling satisfied that she had her life under control.  It had been a busy week at work, since she had been home for two days.

The encounter

Before she went home Trisha made a quick stop at the supermarket, which was near the train station.

She scanned through the different kinds of pastas in the dry pasta section.  Indecisive of which one to choose, she decided on her usual spiral pasta. Then she walked to the cheese section when she heard a familiar voice calling her name.

Trisha, Trisha?

Trisha froze. Now she knew why she didn’t like coming to this supermarket. Karan’s parents lived in this neighbourhood. Trisha took a deep breath and turned around.

Hi, she said with a smile.

Her ex-mother-in-law looked at her from top to toe.

Hi, Trisha, how are you doing? You look so good, said her mother in law. Her voice gave away that she didn’t like what she was seeing.

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