2 The Woman in Blue

Wang Jun was surprised at the venue of the date. This woman had already defied his expectations from the get go. Things like arranged dates happened at upscale restaurants or lounges, not quaint little cafés that looked like something out of a storybook.

He had no idea what she looked like. His sister had refused to tell him anything but the colour of her clothes. When he'd argued that anyone could be wearing blue there, she'd told him that the venue had been reserved for them to avoid unnecessary interruptions.

He entered the cafe and saw a woman in blue look up. Walking towards her table, he understood why his sister had refused to show him any pictures of this woman. Long wavy hair framing a heart shaped face, olive toned skin offset by a midnight blue top. Yes, he could see why his sister had kept her as a mystery.

Mahiya had been surprised when she saw Wang Jun come in. She was sure he wouldn't come but here he was walking towards her in unhurried steps. His gait reminded her of a tiger, slow but full of confidence. He was tall, a bit over six feet with a wide build. Yes, he would have to go. Tall people were particularly annoying in her experience.

"Good afternoon. I'm Wang Jun." He stood before her with his palm up to take her hand when Mahiya stood up and shook his hand.

Surprise coloured Wang Jun's eyes. 'Well he can be surprised all he wants. No matter how chaste, I'm not about to let a man I don't know kiss the back of hand. Social mores be damned.'

"Good afternoon. I'm Mahiya Sen."

"Have you been here long?" asked Wang Jun as he took a seat.

"No, just a couple of minutes. Would you like to have something?"

"Not yet."

They fell into silence. Mahiya had no idea how to make conversation in such situations. She was never comfortable with strangers. Wang Jun continued to study the woman across him. She was focusing on everything but him. She was nervous and a bit uncomfortable as well. This made him relax a bit. He could work this to his advantage.