AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Are you going to try and get me a husband?” joked Reeva.
Her new kaki nodded seriously. “I have many options. You just need to tell me what you like.”
Reeva laughed. She’d always loved the idea of having a traditional Indian relative set her up with someone—it seemed so much easier than having to do it all herself. Her mum had been appalled when Reeva had mentioned this to her in a low post-Rakesh moment: “We’re modern Indians, Reeva! Can’t you just go on Hinge like everyone else?” It was typical that the first opportunity she’d had for a traditional setup had appeared just when she was still basking in how great her lcb was. But beggars couldn’t be choosers.
“Well,” said Reeva, hoping Nick would find all this as funny as she did. And if he didn’t, at least she’d be left with a backup boyfriend. “I do know exactly what I want. I need someone intelligent—they don’t need to have a first in their degree or anything, but natural intelligence would be good. As would a degree. Also, emotional intelligence. I’ve done too much work on myself to date someone who can’t talk about their feelings. And a good sense of humor, obviously. You know, someone open.”
Kavita Kaki nodded in spirited agreement. “Yes, yes, I have many men like this. What else?”
“Wow. Okay. Um, someone kind, please. That should probably be top of the list, actually. Oh, and handsome would be great. Oh, sorry, hang on.” She was interrupted by Leela and another woman she’d never met before—a smart, well-dressed Indian woman wearing a white blazer and loafers.
“Reeva, we just wanted to pay our respects,” said Leela, with tears in her eyes. “We’re so sorry.”
“Oh, I know you are,” cried Reeva. “Please, you don’t have to pay your respects. I know you’re grieving too. I hope you’re both coming to the house afterward?”
“Yes, thanks so much,” said the unnamed woman, holding Leela’s arm. “We’ll leave you to it. Come on, Leela, let’s sit down.”
Reeva stood up to make space for them to slip past her in the pew. As she did so, Kavita Kaki cried out in shock.
“What is it?” asked Reeva, leaning down toward her. “Are you okay?”
“It’s just... you didn’t tell me. Oh, now I won’t be able to find you someone. No more options. Maybe... no. Not even Mahesh.”
Reeva looked confused. “What’s happening? I don’t understand.”
“You’re too tall!” cried Kavita Kaki. “At least five feet eight. How can I find a good Gujarati boy who is taller than you and meets your requirements? It’s too hard.”
Reeva smiled mischievously. “I’m five feet nine.”
“Hai ram!”
“Kavita Kaki, do you know Leela?” asked Reeva. “My dad’s... friend.”
“Of course. Everyone knows Leela.”
“They do?”
“Yes! And her...good friend.”
“Her friend?” Reeva was no longer sure if they were referring to her dad or the woman beside her.
“Hergood friend.” Kavita Kaki turned and gave a meaningful glance to the woman in the blazer at the other end of the pew. “Sinu.”
“Who is Sinu? I’ve never met her before.”
Kavita Kaki sighed impatiently. “She is Leela’sgood friend.For many years.”
Reeva frowned in confusion. “Okay. So they’re friends?”
“They’regood friends,” repeated Kavita Kaki.
Reeva gasped. “Wait, like... But, isn’t Leelagood friendswith my dad?”
“No, no, they’re just good friends,” said Kavita Kaki with zero emphasis. “For many years. Like family.”
“Did Dad have any othergood friends?” asked Reeva.
“No!” Kavita Kaki looked quite shocked by the question. “Your mother was his onlygood friend.”
