I want to introduce someone to you. He is Rahul, our model Salina's friend. What do you think of him? Can he do it?" Madhu asked, looking at me. I didn't understand their intention or what they were talking about.
Harsh came close, removed my glasses, and handed them to Madhu. He started moving around me, forming a rectangle with his fingers like a cameraman framing a shot.
"I promise he will break it. Hey Rahul! Want to work for my modeling agency? I can tell you have a promising future in it," Harsh said in an orotund voice.
"Wow, Rahul! The owner himself is offering you a job. I've never seen him offer anyone except for one," Madhu said happily.
"Please forgive me, but I decline your offer," I said. I was a bit confused, and I wasn't interested in modeling. It seemed too easy to me, and I don't like easy things.
"What?" Madhu said with a shocked expression, as if she had witnessed something unbelievable.
"Can I ask for a reason?" Harsh asked.
"It's a personal thing. You really want to hear it?" I asked.
"Yeah. Maybe after hearing your thoughts, I can change your mind."
"I don't like to be a puppet—moving as a cameraman wants, making poses as he wants, and getting fake credit for my looks when the cameraman is the one working his ass off behind the scenes. So I like to be more like a puppeteer—the one who moves the puppets, the one who really works." I said.
Hearing this, Harsh's face lit up.
"F**k yeah! After so many years, I finally found someone like me!" Harsh shouted loudly with a cheerful voice.
"Two sociopaths," Madhu muttered, handing me back my glasses.
"I have to complete my work now. Hey Rahul, let's talk again after I finish this shoot."
"Yeah, I want to talk to you too," I said.
Madhu left toward Salina, and Harsh went back to adjust the cameras to restart the shoot.
After the shoot wrapped up, the four of us arrived at a restaurant called Western-style Dining. The place was cozy and inviting, with soft lighting and stylish decorations. I guessed the owner used to work in the film industry because the movie posters, old cameras on display, and the lighting all seemed like props from old movies.
The restaurant was busy, but we found a table and sat down. The menu looked delicious, filled with Western-style dishes. I took a seat next to Harsh, with Miss Madhu beside him, and Salina beside her. Harsh told us the food was great and that the place was popular. Looking around, I noticed it was almost full.
We ordered food based on Harsh's recommendations.
The food arrived. I started eating without thinking, at my own pace. I looked at Harsh—he was on the same level as me when it came to food.
"It's good, isn't it?" Harsh asked while chewing.
"Yeah, it's delicious," I said.
"Can you two please consider eating at a normal pace? The food isn't running away! And consider that you're with girls," Madhu complained, looking pale.
"Huh? Calling yourself a girl when you have two kids and you're in your late 20s—"
BAM
"Ow!" Harsh yelped. Apparently Madhu punched his head.
"Hey, don't you know it's bad manners to hit someone while they're eating?" Harsh groaned and continued eating.
"Look who's talking," Madhu muttered, ignoring me and Salina completely.
I looked at Salina—she was feeling awkward.
"Ugh, ugh… umm…" I cleared my throat to get their attention.
"Oh, sorry Rahul and Salina. Please forgive my wife for acting like that," Harsh said.
"Is she your wife? Miss Madhu?" I asked.
"Yeah, and my best friend."
"Can you please eat without talking more, Harsh?" Madhu said angrily, showing him her fist.
"Okay, okay," Harsh said.
We resumed eating in peaceful silence.
After five minutes, Harsh asked me,
"Rahul, do you know about Maslow's hierarchy of needs?"
"Yeah, there are five levels—from basic to advanced.
First: Physiological needs.
Second: Safety.
Third: Love and belonging.
Fourth: Self-esteem.
And fifth: Self-actualization."
"So you know. Good. From the beginning, I had everything—good food, shelter, healthy body, good brain. My life was kind of boring. I always wandered around the city when I was in my… jar. College."
He continued,
"I didn't feel like doing anything in life. I wanted to find my purpose. At the same time, I was curious about the physical relationship between a man and a woman. And you know what? I crossed my line with my best friend—with her permission! I didn't commit a crime okay! I did it because of curiosity. And that's how I got married to my best friend," Harsh said in a monotone voice.
"So… what's that got to do with me?" I asked.
"Nothing. I just felt like sharing my painful memories with you. I can tell you're the same as me," Harsh said seriously. A single drop of water fell from his eyes and ran down his cheek.
"You idiot!"
SMACK
Harsh received another punch.
"Hahahaha!" I laughed. "You're so funny, Harsh."
And thus, lunch came to an end. Harsh paid the bill, and I was about to leave when he called me and gave me his number.
"Call me if you have a change of heart. I'll always wait for you," Harsh said.
"Thanks. I'll call you soon," I replied.
Salina came toward me to say goodbye. From her expression, it seemed like she had more to say, but I didn't ask.
"Yeah, see you on Monday in college. Bye."
And I left for the bus to go home.