No Time for Love (chapter 1)

Raj turns heads as he enters Tamarind in Tribeca. He’s dressed impeccably—his Sunday best—as he takes a seat at his reserved table. He orders a drink and waits. He is 10 minutes early.

Megna gets out of her cab on Hudson Street moments later. She turns even more heads as she walks into the venue, wearing a classy dress with leggings. Immaculate hair and just a touch of makeup. As she enters the restaurant, she sees Raj already sitting there.

"Early!" he says as he stands to let her sit. "I'm genuinely shocked."
"Why?"
"No one is early, ever. Everyone is too cool to be on time."
"What's cool about being late?"
"Exactly."

They order her a drink and appetizers. Raj wastes no time after the waiter leaves.

"Okay, I can see we both value our time so let me just do you the courtesy of not wasting any more of yours. As I sit here today you have to know that I have absolutely no intention of ever getting married. I like to keep my parents happy so when they suggest a date, once in a while, I say yes to make them happy. I have to let them live in the illusion that I am trying to get married. But in reality, as I have said, I have no intentions of doing such a thing. I am sorry if this shocks you and if you feel like this wastes your time. But I really wanted to try this restaurant, the food is supposed to be so good, and I would be happy to pay for our meal. I would also totally understand if you would like to leave now. No hard feelings from my end."

"Makes sense. No, I think I will stay. Good, expensive food is a terrible thing to waste."
"Wonderful! I couldn't agree more. Let's pig out!"

"While we are on the subject of declaring things, I would like to say that the real reason I'm staying here is because..." she leans in, "you're really fucking hot."
"Excuse muaaaa....this coming from a very beautiful woman no less, I do believe I am a little hot and bothered."

"So you think I'm beautiful?"

"Very."

"Well, that's good."
"So, do we just bone now?

Megna bursts out laughing. "No, I don't think so."

"Isn't this a movie? I said my stuff, you think I'm hot, I think you're hot, why are we beating around the bush?"
"So you do have sex?"
"Yeah, obviously."
"Who do you have sex with?"

"I do believe that’s private."

She leans in again. "It took me an hour to get ready for this date. I paid $50 for a cab. These shoes are killing my feet, I knew they would kill my feet, and I wore them anyway. For you, for this date. Don't you think that entitles me to a frank conversation here?"

"Well, when you put it that way.... fine. Ask away."
"Who do you have sex with?"
"Some mix of prostitutes and one-night stands."
"Do you tell them that you don't want anything with them beyond sex? The one-night stands that is."
"I also tell the prostitutes."

"So you never lie or lead anyone on?"
"Sometimes I do because it's hard to say all of this upfront, especially when you get lost in a night."

"Ah. Why don't you want to settle down?"
"I don't see the point. I have everything I want. Enough money to live comfortably, respect of my peers, and all the sex a man could have. Why change that?"

"You don't want children?"
"I always thought I did but I just can't get to the point where it makes sense."

"I'll have your children."

Raj nearly chokes on the piece of chicken tikka he was eating.

"What?!"

"Here's the deal Raj...You basically have all the things I am looking for in a man. You exude success even though you are probably doing just a little bit better than average, but you have a lot of potential and are smart. You are still a child, but I don't really care much about that. I have no intention of fixing you. You are not a bad person. And we have to face the fact that this is an 'arrangement.' So here are my terms. I don't want you to change anything. Fuck your whores. But have children with me. Have a home with me. Provide for me, protect me and our children. That's it, that is all I expect."

"What?!"
"Do you need me to repeat my terms?"
"No I heard them, I just don't know if I believe them."

"Believe them."

She finishes what's left of her drink.

"If you wish to proceed, you know how to contact me. If not, there is no need to reach out."

She gets up, gathers her things, and walks out of the restaurant. Raj can't help but watch her leave as she walks west toward the Hudson River.