You see, Siddharth and I have a small business plan to produce natural, essence-based perfumes and body products for both men and women. It was in hopes of reviving Indian perfumery to its original glory and providing a natural alternative for people who use branded perfumes, which use petroleum and other harmful chemicals that do not suit sensitive skin like mine.
This plan needed large funding, investments, and connections. Having an idea doesn't mean it will be successful. Here's where the problem started between them. You see, Jaya's father was a businessman, a successful businessman. He is the CEO of a family company, Chatterjee Chemicals. Chatterjee Chemicals isn't a small business. It is synonymous with Bengali culture.
Any Bengali family name three to four products they use that are produced by their family business. When I talk about her dad's business, I always think about all those people who underestimate the business capabilities of the Bengali community. Sometimes I wonder what would happen when they realise the ayurvedic medicines they have are made by our community.
Jaya was the sole heiress to Chatterjee Chemicals. After learning about our plan, Jaya's father wanted to invest, but Siddharth couldn't accept it as it was a business venture to gain her family's approval to marry Jaya. As romantic as it may seem, it was also the reason why Jaya and he were not really on speaking terms, and I getting in between them was super uncomfortable.
"Uh-uhmm." Siddharth cleared his throat. "How's Jaya?"
"Good. Dropped her off at the department building just now." I replied.
"How was she?" He asked.
"Happy. She wants me to go on a blind date she arranged." I replied.
"She has got time to arrange for a blind date but not the time to ask how I was." He mumbled.
"Don't pout. It won't work on me."I replied.
"You're cold-hearted. Can't you say something nice to me? At least be nice?" He leaned and pouted.
"You're older than me by three months." I reminded.
Siddharth stood up straight and said, "I miss Jaya."
"Don't lose hope, lover boy. It's just the second year. We still have four more years to go to launch the company." I said, getting ready as the professor entered the lab.
***** ***** ***** *****
I don't know if this was an underlying trick, but I didn't even realise when Maanav and his new girlfriend came in and sat where Siddharth and I used to sit. And by the time I realised, the professor had started the class. I smiled and tied my hair into a tighter bun. Siddharth saw my smile and smiled back, realising I figured out what Manaav had done.
Class ended, and as usual, I was hungry. I washed my hands in the lab sink and went to the lockers. There, Maanav and his girlfriend were standing in front of my locker. Politeness took the best of me as I stood patiently, waiting for them to realise they were at the wrong place and I was standing behind them.
"Maanav, can we go to Cubbon Park today? Let's go to the aquarium." His girlfriend said.
'Cubbon Park? Aquarium? That was our second date.' I thought.
"Why go to the aquarium?" He asked, fiddling with her loose hair.
"'Cause fishes are so cute." She giggled.
'Agh. Cringe.' I cried to myself.
"For that, we don't need to go to the aquarium. I have someone cute enough to look at all night today." Maanav said.
That's it. I was done. Hunger took charge of my body as I gnashed my teeth and said, "Looks like a dejà vû, ye? Still think aquariums are an example of animal cruelty by humans?"
Maanav turned and saw me, and was shocked at my presence. "Hi -"
Before even he could say the pleasantries, I continued, "Damn. Things change so fast these days. I still remember how much I wanted to surprise you with the aquarium date, but your comments still haunt me. I still remember how you said that I took you to a place where fish are kept in such confinement, and it's such a cruel act. You flaunted a petty online petition to me and said, 'These kinds of petitions should not be so underrated. I can't bear to see such a cruel fate for these creatures. I can't believe you feel no remorse when you consume meat.' Ahh. I can't believe it. Oh, by the way, who is she? I know she is not from our department and our year, 'cause I know people from our year."