Food - my one (and only?) love

The problem with good friends is that you can neither lie nor explain the truth to them. So I usually go for the go-between in them – a white lie – a half-truth.

However, I have to admit that it does not work all the time.

It all started with a deceptively simple lunch date with one of my friends, AS, a person (one of the few) who can make me squirm in my seat in her quest for answers.

To finalize a pending treat (I am a sucker for treats for all menial victories against the world) I had chosen a place near home.

Lo behold the opening lines of the conversation:

AS: Chitu (she is one of the few people whom I allow to call me by that nick-name), have you ever fallen in love?

I was too busy wallowing in the depths of my ice-cream (my most beloved flavour) to answer immediately.

AS: (a tad icily) I believe I asked you a question, Chitu.

I finished by ice (albeit a bit noisily I believe) and answered with enthusiasm, “Ya… loads of times.”

AS knew me a too well to fall into this trap. Pat came the answer, “I am not talking about your cats, Chitu,” followed by the most patronizing grin I had ever seen.

I grinned widely before asking “How did you know?”

She put on a resigned expression before repeating her question.

I took my sweet time pondering over the question (anyone Kaun Banega Crorepati?) before admitting “Ummmm…no,” before adding, “not really.”

AS poured her sympathies which she usually reserves for people who are not sailing in the same boat as hers and one which goes by the name of ‘marriage’.

And I did not explain the difference between falling in love and being in love.