As they ate, they spoke of inconsequential topics, but he didn't mind at all. It seemed somewhat inappropriate to discuss personal issues, such as their holiday in Goa or their relationship in general during dinner, even though the location of their table meant that practically no one (save for the waiter) would hear them. But there was one very personal thing that Todd couldn't resist saying.
Across the table he reached for her hand. He wasn't prepared for the way she jumped slightly at his touch, but to his relief, she smiled at him.
"I missed you so much, Asha. You have no idea."
Her hand was warm in his and she gave a silent touch of affection by squeezing his hand. "I think I do. If it's anywhere as much as I missed you."
A brief kiss followed.
Their conversation returned to seemingly unimportant topics such as the weather in Seattle compared to the weather in Mumbai but suddenly the topic shifted to Asha's job. It was welcome news to Todd when she told him that she had been able to obtain a management position in a Mumbai call center, working at a major American company that had been outsourced to India. Ironically the company had been based right there in Seattle. In the past, Todd disapproved of outsourcing, but since experiencing it firsthand (and meeting Asha), his views on the subject had changed.
"Mark was a very good manager." She was saying. "He taught me a lot and believed in me, but…"
Todd leaned forward. "But what?"
"Not as good of a manager as you, Todd. No one could be as good as you."
"Well, thank you, Asha. That means a lot to me." Todd could only imagine what had gone through Mark's mind as his supervisor called him into his office to inform him that his department was being outsourced to India. He knew the feeling all too well.
"I made good money there." Asha went on. "And it didn't take long at all to save up enough money for a plane ticket. I was afraid that Mark was going to be angry with me, but he took it very calmly."
"Angry with you? About what? Asha, what happened?"
"When I told him that I had to quit my job."
Todd was floored. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Wait, what? You quit your job? But I thought you were happy there."
"I was happy there. I really enjoyed it and I was able to use a lot of the techniques that you taught us in my work to help the newer employees. I felt… what's the word? Empowered."
He was happy for her, but it was hard to process what she was saying. "I-I don't understand. If you loved your job so much, then why-."
Tears filled her eyes; tears that he could see even in the dim lighting of the restaurant. "I loved my job and I was happy there, but I couldn't stay there any longer, Todd. Not when you're here."
He moved his chair closer to her in an attempt to comforter her by putting his arms around her, but she drew back. His heart sank, but he finally understood her hesitation.
Displays of affection in Asha's part of the world were quickly noticed and immediately frowned upon. He couldn't imagine not being able to hug, kiss or even touch the woman he loved for fear of what others thought or whether or not it was acceptable. But here in Seattle, Washington State, the United States of America, Asha was free to express herself in public in almost any way that she preferred.
The thought made him smile and he hoped in time that she would feel comfortable in doing so.