You Never Asked
Nau Do Gyarah, 1957. Dev Anand and Kalpana Kartik. Directed by Vijay Anand.
"Hey, thief," The man called as he put on his floppy hat and lit his pipe. The first rays of dawn were starting to shine across the horizon, painting the sky a brilliant orange and pink. With a small smile, he remembered the events of last night - both of them at the well, and their playful banter and teasing. In the midst of all of it, she had nearly forgotten her thirst for water.
"What is it?" The reply came. The thought occurred to him that he had never asked her name, and neither had she asked his name. Still, he believed that she was a thief and would hand her over to the police... after he had paid everything back to her. She didn't seem so serious or concerned about it, though - in fact, she laughed.
Oh well, I guess I am rather funny, He allowed himself a small laugh as he puffed on the pipe, and reflected on something else, a different feeling. He was starting to like her. Not just like her, but be attracted to her. A little bewildered at the thought, the man finished smoking the pipe, and called out in his normal voice to the girl.
"Ready?" A few minutes later, he got his answer as she came, clothed in a pretty dress, a few of his belongings in her hands. With a smile, he rolled up his sleeves, turned the key in the truck, and heard the hum as they were on the road.
"You never did tell me what your name was," She broke the silence after a few minutes, turning her dark brown gaze on him.
"I thought you'd never ask."
"What is it, then?"
"Madan."