Rule Of Two

 

A cascade of messages floated on the phone along with the office computer competing with reminders of meetings and hundred one tasks from the past, present to the future. How much could one individual do against multiple screens competing for attention?

Finding her bearings weren’t easy with a job change as well a moving to a new city. In a few more days Rhea would go from being unsettled to the level where she didn’t have to scroll city maps for the nearest café. This evening she had been invited to an after work session and that should be the starting point.

The evening proved to be pleasant and connections were made.  Nevertheless familiarity has its own comfort and she thought of calling home. Her mother had crowded the space with a hundred and one enquiries about her day but it was the unexpected message that caught her eye and made her read it twice. It was Manish, a name that had dropped out of her horizon but was so firmly embedded in her high school days. Even now she took a deep breath when she remembered the turbulence of her teenage years. Manish was her senior and not one of those about whom the girls gushed and drooled. He was not an all-rounder but a nerdy achiever, yet unlike many did stretch out a helpful hand. It was the usual time of doubts and dilemmas of admission tests, career choices and of course adolescent angst. Most youngsters felt that parents were too pushy; hearing but not listening and seemingly driven only by the prospects of brilliant results and well known educational institutions. A chance meeting at a quiz had brought them together and Manish had come to her aid with empathy and the guidance that she needed. Colleges followed by careers had cast them adrift and she had occasional news from the school alumni groups.

Manish’s message read, “Will be in your town on a project. Will inform once dates are final.”

“Sure. Let me know.”

Hearing nothing further from Manish, Rhea tucked him away at the back of her mind. A new job needed more time and effort but her social life was important too.  As was sometimes wont, people paired up and she too had become quite close to Neel who was happy go lucky, a part of a jazz group and loved parties. Not only was Rhea learning to appreciate a different kind of music but also getting more involved with Neel.

One of Neel’s friends remarked, “Are Rhea and you getting in to a relationship? “

Neel dodged the question, “Rhea is a comfortable person.”

It was easy to avoid answering a friend’s query but not his own thoughts. Neel knew many girls but none of them had proved to be as attractive as Rhea. He didn’t quite know whether to take it further or just let it continue without any changes. Neel was in the throes of a difficult decision. He hadn’t seriously considered going from steady to a greater commitment. Would it be wise to confide in his friends?  What would be the best solution?  Dating apps wouldn’t help in this case. He had zeroed on the person and wanted to be reassured about his choice. Finally the internet was the best option. One of his friends had referred to a site Matchless Tips The search was confidential and he was comfortable that he didn’t have to discuss or share the information.  If one followed the basic format then there was advice on how to get ahead and build stronger ties. According to the app, it would appear that Neel needed to know more about Rhea’s preferences. There were suggestions about how to be better informed and act accordingly.   There was encouragement to proceed further.

Manish messaged Rhea. “Will be in town for few weeks. When can we meet?”

Not averse to seeing an old friend, Rhea agreed. Manish remembered the unsure Rhea from her schooldays and was pleased that she had turned out to be fun loving as well as charming. Further meetings only confirmed his observations and gradually he developed a deeper interest. Matters of the heart weren’t to be taken lightly and he felt the need for some guidelines. He scrolled through the internet apps and came across Astro Links. He hoped that the answers regarding suitable matches were applicable to modern life. He uploaded Rhea’s particulars and scanned the compatibility scores on a scale of one to hundred. The app had used the data to note Rhea’s favorite foods and colors as well as the fact that she disliked cooking but liked ironing. It was the emotional quotient that appealed to Manish. He believed that as long as her heart was in the right place she could with time, acquire and better her skills. He was confident enough to mention to his mother that he had almost zoomed on the right girl in his life.

Rhea was clueless about the research that was being generated around her. In all honesty she found both Manish and Neel more than likeable and enjoyed their company. In the last few days she had perceived subtle changes and guessed that both the men were interested in more than friendship.  It would be a struggle to choose and one of the two would have to exit the scene.

 Random comments by both of the men strengthened Rhea’s suspicions that there was something in the air.  She sat at her desk and pondered over who would be the right person.

Rhea had let her coffee cool and was deaf to the world around her when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked up to see an unknown face. ”Hello you must be Rhea. I am Neeta the new intern and I was asked to report to you.”

“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. I am caught between a rock and a hard stone.”

Neeta was hesitant, “I hope it isn’t bad news or a personal problem.”

“It can wait. Let us begin with your introduction and work.”

Neeta proved to be quick witted and good natured. She had noticed that Rhea was a bit preoccupied and in the course of her conversation mentioned, “I have a simple solution that helps when I am in a quandary. I call it the rule of two.”

Rhea looked up expectantly and Neeta added, “Pick any two fingers to denote your preferences.  Ask any stranger or a person unaware of the issue to choose between the two. Only you will know the outcome but remember you must be honest and not cheat on yourself.”

It sounded simple and would save  anxiety. Rhea decided on taking a chance and trying it out that very day by enlisting the help of the last person that she saw leaving the office.   The staff member wouldn’t know if it was to opt for the right man or to indulge in an ice cream or a pastry.

Rhea could sense it coming and had no second thoughts, having laid her doubts aside, her choice confirmed previously by a casual flick of a stranger’s finger. After all life was a series of random moves that fate decreed. She had gambled and now would play the match according to the throw of the dice.

Long after all had been said and done, Rhea would laugh though she wouldn’t disclose the secret, “One of my most important choices has been made by using the rule of two. It is the perfect stress buster in my life.”

“I don’t know about Rhea’s methods but believe me the computer is not only a tech tool but a good advisor in many life situations,” added her husband.