Playing the matchmaker

I was working. I was at my desk working on a complicated report that I had to deliver on the next day. I was engrossed in my work, when I was disturbed by a colleague, Medha, "what are you doing?"

"I have this report," I pointed at the screen having no time to look at her and explain further.

"So you are busy?" She asked.

"Was that not obvious?" I thought to myself but replied, "yeah".

"Okay, I wanted to speak with you about something. Nothing urgent. I will check with you later," she said and left.

That was very unlike her. She generally continues while I work. I could not understand why she behaved this way. But the work was not allowing me to think further. I decided to concentrate on my work.

Two days later when I had delivered the report, I decided to check with Medha. She asked me to have coffee.

While having coffee, she asked me, "okay tell me. Are you single?"

I was taken aback by that question. I managed to say, "yes, I am".

"Are you seeing anyone? Or dating?" She probed.

I was confused, unable to understand where the conversation was going but replied, "nope, nothing of that sort".

"Are your parents searching?" She was little hesitant too.

"Yes, they are. Why are you asking these questions, Medha?" I fired back, keeping my voice and temper low.

Medha unlocked her phone and opened a photo. She passed the phone to me and asked, "what do you think?"

It was a photo of a young man wearing a business suit. But I still had no idea what was going on.

With a confused mind and tone I asked, "what do I think about what?"

"About him. What do you say? Do you like him?" She made the puppy dog eyes, while she waited for my response.

"Like him on what basis? He is a stranger to me," I was losing my patience. I could not believe I had wasted my precious coffee break time on such futile conversation.

"Oh you know him. He is my brother. You met him on my wedding day. Ever since that time he always asks about you," she was grinning from ear to ear while telling me about her brother.

I was quiet. I felt like I was stuck in an uncomfortable situation. I had no words or patience to carry on with this conversation.

"I think you both are perfect for each other. He really wants to meet you. I too want to see you together. So should I tell him you will meet him at the cafe tomorrow?" Medha asked.

My head was spinning. I was not ready for this conversation. I could not imagine that my friend was setting me up with her brother. I felt like my airways were closing up. But I had to speak, "no Medha, I am not meeting him. I do not ever want to discuss this again. Do not try to act like a matchmaker. Let's just be friends and nothing more".

Medha looked shocked. She was staring with wide eyes. Her disappointment quickly turned into anger, "I was thinking about your future. Do you know what you have been losing? You are so ungrateful. My brother will get a better girl than you. He is a gem. You stay where you are," she slammed her mug on the table and left.

After that day, we never spoke.