Well, at the least the aunties sitting in front of me are smiling and nodding — so that must mean I’m doing something right. I wish they would have warmed me prior to this meeting “treat this arranged marriage meeting like a job interview… for the permanent position of son in law.”

[Alright, quick food break to show that I am not an ungrateful kid that lives in Amreeka.]

And we’re back to the questioning by the Uncle: Where did you study? Where is that? What did you study? Where was your job? What was your title? How much did you make? Why did you leave? What are you doing now? Do you have plans of coming back to India? etc.

And from the corner of my eye, another girl appears with a tray of tea. Is this… “her”? She’s rather big, as in she wouldn’t fit in a regulations size row-boat. Perhaps she’s another auntie, or the sister, or a family friend or the maid. Well, she just sat down next to me, but on the complete opposite end of the couch, so she’s definitely not the maid.

More questions: Will you go back to school? How will you pay for it? What is your favorite subject? How often do you come to India? My nephew studies in New York, do you know him? How much money will you make after school?

[Alright, time to finally take a sip of this tea and shift my body position so I can check out my potential future permanent roommate.]

“Can give us a tour of the house?” asks my Aunt. “Oh yes of course!” He answers. And everyone promptly exits the room, with tea in hand, except for myself and my potential flatmate who won’t split rent with me.

“You have a really nice house here, and the food is wonderful” I says.She smiles and nods, but doesn’t continue the conversation, instead she’s starring towards the floor.

[There are no awkward silences between friends, right? Alright, time for another sip of the tea… A couple of sips later, and I finish the tea]

An Auntie (her Mom) comes into the room to check in on our conversation. Noting the silence, she says [Translated to English] “You should talk to each other, no?” as she’s picking up the empty tea cup and handing me a glass of water. “Yes Auntie” I says, and continue to drink the water. “In Hindi” she responds, while looking at her daughter, and exits the room.

[Oh snaps! My slumber party buddy doesn’t even speak English! And I’m all out of water!]

– Don Mega.