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So here’s how it began:
He was Via Via Via — “someone’s relative’s neighbor’s son.” Honestly, not someone I’d put on my guest list. But as the universe loves a good plot twist, he landed in Mumbai and decided he must meet me.

He called and said, “I’d love to see you.”
I, being the polite lady with grace (and a strong urge to say no), replied, “Sure, sure, come!”

We fixed the spot: under the indicator at the station. That way, if I felt like pretending I didn’t recognize him, I still had the chance to escape.
But alas, I knew the guy. By face.

We met. I kept it brief. Brunch and bounce—that was my plan.
I said, “Let’s eat something, Baba.” (See? I even threw in a cute nickname. I deserved an Oscar. 😀)
We ate. I made up some “important” work, waved him a cheerful goodbye, and left, thinking I’d dodged a cosmic bullet.

Fast forward an hour.
I’m at the bus stop. Who’s there? Mr. You-Can’t-Escape-Me.
I blinked. “Where are you going, Baba?”
He said the name of an area.
My area.
I said, “Oh, I stay there too.”

We ended up on the same bus. I tried not to cry. 😀
I casually asked, “Which street?”
He said, “Temple Lane.”
I said, “Oh, wow. Same-same!” (Inside, I was screaming 😳)

We walked together. One lane. Two strangers. One overly persistent destiny.
As we walked, we passed my building. I pointed and said, “This is mine.”
He said, “I’m just a few buildings ahead in a PG.”

At this point, I had two options:

1. Run.
2. Be a civilized adult and invite him home.

So I invited him.
He came. He stayed. He chatted.
He… stayed some more. And thus, a five-minute brunch turned into a full-day episode of Destiny’s Favorite Jokes.

Moral of the story?
If God wants to teach you patience, He won’t send you a problem.
He’ll send a neighbor’s cousin’s son who just won’t leave.

You may think you’re in control—but darling, you’re not.
You’re just a beautifully dressed puppet in high heels, walking to the tune of divine comedy.

Thank you and good luck avoiding your own Via Via Via. 😄

Shailaja Pathak