 
Met At Harrow

A True Love Story

By Kimti Vaghasia
Text copyright © 2015 Kimti Vaghasia

All Right Reserved
Preface

London, the witness of everything new I did in my life. Be it the first time I started living an independent life, or the first salary I earned to send back home, or the first step into a pub or the first drinks of my life. London saw me growing up. And so, it saw me falling in love.

Like any other girl of my age, I was waiting for someone to step a foot in my life. Someone real and true. Someone beyond my dreams. Someone who loved me with everything he had.

He was around me all the time. But as they say, you don't see the good till you haven't seen the bad. After five long years, some wrong ventures, heartbreaks, misunderstandings, sparks of jealousy, distances and an entirely new country, my wait was over. I finally saw him...
Table of Content

How I started

Meeting Unwanted

Stumbled Upon

Catching and Chasing

Grocery Shopping

Left his Touch

Arranged Meeting

Enjoying New Company

Some one got Jealous

Playing Games

In Desperate Need

Thank You Chat

Important lesson

New Work Floor

Night shifts at Work

Girls Talk

Visit to the Travel Agent

Mind Joggling

Victoria Sponge

Family Shopping

Answer time

Chickpeas Curry

Badly Brushed

Christmas Drinks

Something Missing

Surprise Comeback

Visiting my Store

Parents Involved

Truth cannot Hide

Feelings on Rise

Just Proposed Me

On Visiting my Family

Meeting in the garden

Pleasing my Parents

Visiting his Town Alone

Decision Pending

Special Day

Back to the UK

Manchester Job

Moved with Me

The Dream Job

Moving to New place

New journey started

Distance Increased

Surprise Visit

The Europe Tour

Living Together

Preplanning Started

Days before

Countdown Begins

Joy Fading Slowly

Almost Done

Finally in Peace

Family

About the Author
How I started

Currently I am living in the world, which I started building when I was teen. From age 14, just when I started understanding out side world better, every night before I could fall asleep, I used to create imaginary world, in which I was adding characters, some events of life and myself. In my imagination, everything was running the way I wanted it to be, which used to give me immense amount of joy. Majority night I used to think about same topic, which was my life with my special one. The idea of that particular topic came from the movies. 'Silly me', I think.

But now when I see my life, which is exactly like I crafted before 14-15 years ago, I really get amazed. I know it's really hard to believe but it's very true. Being adult, I found that the mind is very powerful and can bring imaginary things in your life when you strongly feel for it.

I was born in Gujarat, India and by the age of 18, my life was toned by Indian culture and religion. Some cultural rules had positive effects, but majority of them I followed unwillingly. Actually I am not alone in that world. There are still thousands like me, who are making decisions under those rules. No body can help it, not even my parents, because we all are a part of the traditional community. Never mind, I got used to by now.

But in all that I had one big dream. I wanted to go abroad after college, no matter what. One day I got curious and went to one famous astrologer of my city, to know about my luck to go abroad, but she denied completely. She said that she could not see any thing, which could ever fulfill my dream. But my hope and imagination was bigger then her prediction. I strongly wanted to prove her wrong. So I started exploring all available options and diverted my effort in that direction only.

I wanted to go to USA, but even giving exams twice my score was little less for application to be in chosen universities. Next available option was to go to UK. Exams were very easy compare to USA ones. I easily scored more then enough and also got admission in one UK College. Maybe my fortune did not wanted me to go to USA as it had something planned for me in the UK.

All these, my making of imaginary world, culture and my dream slowly accumulated to design different colors in my love-story and influenced my decision-making at many points. It's a sweet simple story of my life. Have a happy reading time!
Meeting Unwanted

Almost 2 months from my first arrival to the UK, November 2006. It was sunny wintery morning. Having coffee in my hand, I tried to stay warm while I was waiting for a bus towards Watford at Harrow bus station, London. 8am, peak office hours. My bus was late that day; I was eagerly waiting, as I didn't wish to see that tomato red 'latecomers not allowed' look on my manager's face. Waiting enough for the bus, when I thought my manager would go haywire, I thought better to call her and inform about my possible delay. Just when I dialled her number, my eyes fell on a guy, our eyes met and he gave me a smile. I didn't return his smile.

I stealthily noticed him while I was talking to my manager. A guy with good height and built, charming little beard, and an attractive jacket.

I finished with my call. I though that I was mistaken, maybe he was smiling to somebody else. But then he started walking towards me. Next thing I noticed was that guy standing next to me and asked, "Are you from GECG Collage, India?"

What? Shocked and surprised, not expecting anybody to meet like that, words stopped in my throat. Finally managing to speak, "Yes I was, but how do you know that?"

He replied with inviting smile, "I was in that college too, I am your old college mate".

Bluntly I said, "Really, but I have never seen you before!"

"I was in same year as yours and I have seen you many times with other girls standing near Library", he replied.

"Well, I never seen you in 4 years of my study", I replied immediately with a firm voice, attempting to make him stop talking.

Strongly hating that situation, I tried to end conversation there. Why I hated? Well, I did not want to be in touch with any body from my previous college in the UK. The reason being, I was a naughty teen in college days, who did not care about reputation and was known in college for some wrong reasons. But there he was, blabbering about my college and reminding me of the unwanted. I still remembered his widely opened eyes, were delighted to see someone known thousands miles away from home country, in the UK.

People started moving, when bus arrived. Ignoring him behind, I started moving ahead, tried to get on the bus quickly as possible and hoped that he would leave me alone. Sitting on the first floor while bus moving makes me sick, silly sickness since childhood, so I had to sit downstairs. On noticing empty seat, I rushed to it and thought he might go upstairs with his friends. But unfortunately he waved his friends saying that he was going to sit with me. I got annoyed but couldn't help it.

Grabbing another opportunity, he started again with his unfinished chat. In one-hour bus journey, he reminded me a whole college time and my friends. He claimed to know few of my old friends. I tried not to involve much in that conversation but he still kept on taking. I felt this strong desire to tape his mouth shut; his talk was driving me crazy. I was hoping that he would read my expression at some point but alas!

Just when I was about to reach at my peak of being annoyed, that unwilling talk suddenly turned interesting. He managed to get my interest on one topic that was his current part-time job in the UK. We both were students in the UK and our part-time jobs were on same bus route. But his job was paying more for similar job I was doing already. My girly mind started its calculation straightaway. Top up money would give me extra opportunity to pamper my self. So I decided to utilize my meeting, I requested him to get me a job at his place.

With a big smile, he promised me that he would try. But his stop arrived and he had to go. We forgot to exchange our phone numbers, may be I didn't even want to.
Stumbled Upon

Few months passed, I almost forgot about him and his job promise. I hardly saw him again. We were actually playing hide and sick with each other. We both had different reasons to ignore each other at that point. But I wasn't aware about his reason then.

I was working at fast food shop, which was at Watford High Street. One day, I reached early then my work time. I thought to utilize time in window-shopping; I can never get tired of it. Wondering around, my eyes stopped on one lovey dress. I was just checking how it would look on me in the mirror and I saw him, through the mirror. He was far behind me, checking mans clothing. I quickly hid my self behind the cloth rail and slowly got out from the store. That was a narrow escape. Phew! I did not know why I was hiding from him, may be because of his never ending talks the previous time.

After sneaking out quickly, I started walking towards my work. Seeing him again, his last conversation was going though my mind. Suddenly it reminded me his promise, when he said that he would help me get a job at his place. I thought to go back and ask him, but my conscience stopped me. I couldn't be so selfish. So I dropped the plan of going back.

But after few weeks my perception of selfishness proved to be wrong. This time opposite happened. We stumble upon again at Harrow bus station. I was going home. Decided not to be rude, I gave him a smile. But that was his turn to be rude, I guess; he started looking away from me, pretending he did not see me. I couldn't figure out why he was behaving like that. He kept on talking to his friends like nothing happened. I was sure that he didn't saw me hiding from him in that store last time, so there was nothing wrong that I did that he knew about. Never mind, my bus arrived and I left. I was a little shocked for a while, but who cared, I hardly knew him at that point.

That kept on going for another few weeks. But one day, even after ignoring each other at station, we had to come forward to get on the bus as we both were travelling in the same direction. It was busy morning time and people were rushing to get on the bus. Seats were occupying quickly. He was ahead of me, and he managed to get his seat downstairs.

By the time my turn arrived to find a seat, it was all occupied. Unfortunately, I had to stand. Bus started moving and unexpectedly, he called me. I looked back thinking he was calling someone else. Then he said with angry face that he was calling me only. I still didn't moved; I did not understand why he was calling me. I gave him a strange look. So he shouted again and said that he was calling me to sit at his place. I was stunned when he said that and could not understand why he was doing that. I didn't want to be rude and so I went there and he kindly offered me his seat.

Gratified by his kindness, I asked, "Why? Its your seat".

His reply left me speechless for sometime, "I was ahead, so I manage to get this seat for you. Its 45 minutes journey, you will need this".

Amazed by his behavior, I said, "You should not bother about me, I am used to standing in long journey".

People started noticing our little argument, so politely he said, "Listen, I am going upstairs. Before some one else gets this seat, you better sit down. I know you cannot sit upstairs".

I got speechless. Before I could say any thing or thank him, he left to go upstairs. I sat down, but he left me wondering. It had been nearly 4 months when we met first time and he still remembered that I get sick when I sit upstairs. It was really kind of him to reserve a seat for me like that.

But then why was he ignoring me before and now, suddenly turned to be helpful. I did not intent to give him much importance but he was worth thinking about that day. It was sure that he wasn't ignoring me intentionally. There had to be some reason.

As usual my stop arrived first and I got off. I felt awkward to go up and thank him, so I didn't.
Catching and Chasing

The Harrow bus station was like our unwanted meeting place. Now let me tell you little about surrounding stations, as it played little part in this chapter. Between Harrow-Wealdstone station to Bushy station, there was a national rail running and interesting part was that, those 2 stations did not have barriers at that time. Eventually, people could travel free between those stations. Of course, it was illegal and chances to get caught sometime. But it was quicker route, so I was using it in emergency.

Once it was big sports event at Wembley stadium. All roads around Wembley were really busy. Completely forgot about that event, I left for work at the usual time. Luckily, I got my first bus on time to Harrow station, but it was hardly moving because of traffic. Making lazy moves, bus finally reached to harrow station half and hour late for my next bus to Watford.

Just when my bus was turning to harrow station I saw bus for Watford already at the station. Fortunately that bus was late too. Normally bus driver doesn't open door until bus stops at the station, so I could not get off quickly to catch next one. It was really close. I was praying to catch it. Watford bus was about to finish with loading, and my bus opened the door. I started running for it, but driver of Watford bus closed the door. I requested him from out side to open the door, but he gave me 'Don't care' look and did not open the door. He wasn't even middle of the road. That stubborn driver!

Bus started moving. That was only reminding me my boss's red pepper face to me on reaching late. I was watching bus going, and then suddenly I saw him in that bus. My desperate look pushed him to go to driver. I saw him telling something to him, but driver did not stop. It felt like he requested to open the door for me. Unfortunately, I still miss the bus. I was furious. That rude man could open the door but he did not. I felt to take revenge.

It reminded me to take illegal way to Watford. So I planned to take that free journey of train to Bushy and catch same bus again. That way I would get an opportunity to tell that driver how rude he was.

I went to train station and got the train to Bushy. After reaching there, I waited for same bus to arrive. And it came. With no choice, driver had to open the door that time. I told him loudly how rude he was. He looked at me like he was glowing to blow, but he kept quiet. I felt relaxed after that. My mission was accomplished. Everybody in the bus was staring at me. Then my eye fell on him again.

He smiled and showed me the seat next to him. I gladly accepted.

With a surprised look, he said, "I really cannot believe what you just did. How did you manage to get here?"

With surprise I asked, "Don't you know about Train to Bushy route?"

He replied, "I know but it's expensive to come by train, isn't it?"

So I told him in detail about that route. He was amazed to hear about free journey. He said that even knowing that, he would never come by that route and rather preferred to be late.

I replied smartly, "I enjoy things like this. I was angry with driver and I had to tell him off. So I chose emergency way. Its not a big deal".

I was one who just made illegal journey but he looked scared as if he did that. He said, "You know, you sound really crazy, if you get caught, you will be paying fine".

I had to explain him about my calculative risk, so I did, "Yes I know maximum fine is £25 pound, but I have already used that route plenty of times. So if I divide £25 with numbers of journey, its still cheaper!"

On hearing that, he couldn't stop laughing and said, "You are unbelievable! But I would still never do that".

I still kept firm about my view and said, "Then it's your choice but I don't mind sometimes".

Before we could talk anything more, my stop arrived. Bushy station is just few stops before Watford High-street station.

He said with lovely smile, "Ok take care and enjoy your self".

"Yes I will, but thank for reserving a sit for me last time and thank you for kind request to driver for me today", I replied with gratitude.

I smiled and got off. He was being like my Bus stop friend, meeting me around Bus stops all the time.
Grocery Shopping

We made exception that day not meeting around bus stop. We both used to live near Ealing road, Wembley. On that road, only Asian Gujarati people occupied the houses and shops. It's full of Indian grocery shops and Indian fast food stalls.

Now let me tell you little about my friends. I came to UK for study with 2 of my friends. Three of us were very supportive to each other. Slowly we added other 3 friends in our group. Then we were 6 girls leaving together and sharing three-bed house taken on rent in Alperton, London.

We were really good friends at that time, but now I lost contact with some of them. Never mind, we had good time together. We all belonged to different community, so we used to enjoy cooking different varieties of foods. To make life easier, we divided house jobs, so no body would be doing same job every time.

Now it was me and my friend's turn to do grocery shopping. We used to do our shopping from that Ealing road shops too. List was big, so we divided our list and started separately. We got trolley and started filling it up.

Shop was very narrow to move around with trolley. Suddenly I realised that I had a trolley with wonky wheels. I just tried to push it a little and bang! I hit some one with it. He shouted out loud, fell down on the floor and all snacks bags fell on him.

We did not see each other. I got scared and without any delay, I rushed to help him.

I sat next to him and started picking up the bags when I saw him. Yes it was my bus stop friend. We were both surprised to see each other like that.

Full of confusion he asked, "You? Did you just hit me with that trolley?"

I started stammering, "Yea....s....sorry!"

With pain, he started shouting loudly on me, "Are you being crazy again or what? Were you playing with trolleys? Are you taking some kind of revenge with me, the way you did with that poor Bus driver? If I got injured I would not be able to work many days and I cannot afford that".

He was exaggerating the incidence, "Yes I was playing, and I enjoyed a lot after hitting you!" and I stopped helping him, but he was still lying on the floor.

I tried to stand up, but my leg got caught under bottom shelf and I slipped and fell over him. He shouted loudly as I fell on his chest. In pain he screamed again, "Are you going to kill me now?"

I tried to get up quickly. But my hand kept sliding on snacks bags. I tried to hold his shoulder to get up, but my hair was screening my face. As I was tucking my hair behind, unexpectedly he stopped me doing that and suddenly there was no pain on his face and he was smiling, as if nothing had happened.

He gently swept his fingers in my hair and tucked it behind my ears. It felt like time was stopped for a while. We kept looking at each other. Then I realised that he would be in pain, so I tried to get up again but he got tight grip on me. He was in altogether a different world, so I woke him up and said angrily, "Hello! Come back here and let go of me".

All of a sudden he realised the situation. Every body was looking at us and some of them were laughing.

He apologized and he loosened his grip.

My friend arrived there too. She helped us to get up, and we quickly started tiding up. Shopkeeper came to us and asked us to pay for the damage of snacks bags. We got worried. We knew that it was going to be a big amount, and then abruptly it reminded me something.

I told shopkeeper that it was his fault. He did not checked trollies before letting customers using it. I told him that we would make complain against his bad keeping of trolleys and shelves, and we got injured in his shop. He got scared and after thinking for a while he let us go without any payments.

We paid for our shopping and left the shop. After coming out three of us could not stop laughing and he said, "You are really out of your mind doing all those crazy things. You really managed to scared that shop keeper".

I replied, "Yes I had to save ourselves from paying that huge amount!". With cheeky smile he said, "Whatever but I enjoyed it!" I still remembered his face while he was saying that, full of joy and no sign of any injury.

My friends did not ask anything in front of him. After he went, she immediately asked if I knew him. I lied.
Left his Touch

I soon forgot about that grocery shop incident. That evening we were watching some romantic Bollywood movie.

In the movie, the hero was in bad shape, lost his girlfriend and business. He was roaming around aimlessly. Suddenly he met a girl. She unintentionally changed his life in few month times and gave him new direction. Hero fell in love with her but she did not realise it. After few more events she finally fell in love too and they got engaged.

Then my friends started comparing their lives with that and started sharing about their experience with their boy friends.

One of my friends who already had long relation said, "My boyfriend was my neighbor and he was struggling to find a job for a long time. After few weeks we met, he found a job he always wanted, so he believed that I brought a good fortune for him".

Another friend said, "My boyfriend was a scholar and we were in same college, so I used to go to him to learn some subjects. And he always used to guide me and we fell in love, so in my case he gave me direction for my study and career".

Then she added after deep breath, "I still remember my first kiss, we were studying and suddenly he got hold of me and kissed me".

All of the sudden, that kissing part changed the direction of the talk. They started talking about their first kiss and their feelings. On hearing that it reminded me about grocery shop incident and my bus stop friend, when he held of me tightly and did not let me get up. I did not know why but I was feeling his touch while he was tucking my hair behind. The way he was looking at me, I felt like a sharp arrow piercing thought me. I could still hear his deep breathing. Unintentionally, that moment left his mark on me.

I wanted to tell my friend's about that feeling but I couldn't. I knew that if I would tell them about him, they would start thinking in that direction unnecessarily. I didn't want that. I wasn't so sure yet.

All I knew was that the bus stop guy left his touch on me that day.
Arranged Meeting

Meanwhile, far back in India, my parents where checking marriage proposal for me. In my community as soon as you turn 22, you start getting marriage proposal from families belong to same community. So my parents got one for me as well. The guy was in London too. But family was in India. He was 5 years older then me and was in full time work with settled statues in the UK.

I would never go for arrange marriage proposal but that guy was settled in London since long time and with his age I though he would be mature enough, so I decided to give it a go and meet him.

My parents gave me his number, but I did not wish to call him first. Next day I was going home and was waiting for the bus at Harrow bus stop. He called me then and introduced himself. I was little surprise to hear from him. He sounded very sophisticated.

He asked me to meet straightaway and I could not deny. He requested me to wait at the bus stop and he was coming to pick me up.

When he reached there, he asked me what I was wearing and on noticing me, he got out of his car and called me towards him.

First thing I noticed was his height; he was 6 feet tall and slim. It was about 6.30 pm, he was coming straight from work, so he was in formal dress. He looked very presentable. He smiled and asked me to sit.

After sitting in his car, he asked, "Do you know any place were we can sit peace fully and talk?"

I replied, "No, I don't know because I never had this kind of meeting before in the UK".

He looked at me strangely and he said, "Did you had in India?"

I knew what he meant, so I replied with smile, "Yes I met many guys in India but not for marriage meeting!"

He gave strange look again, like he was judging me. I was happy to see him but I started feeling bit awkward. After considering many options, we end up at McDonald's near by.

At least we reached somewhere. I felt like I was dragging my self with him. I wasn't sure that McDonald was peaceful place but we got seats to sit at least.

Casually he asked what I would like to have, hot or cold drink, as if that was the only options available there.

I replied like I was flattered by his kindness, "Yes I like Latte with 4 sugars please".

He brought latte but forgot sugars. I wasn't sure but I felt as if he was doing me some kind of favour. There was no politeness at all. I was getting really uncomfortable with him, but then.... he might have read expressions of my face and started being friendly. He started with casual talks about my day, my job etc. I felt slightly better. We started chatting about our lives in London. He said that he studied in London University and was working as an accountant in central London. He sounded very career oriented and focused person. He was just started being appealing to me, but then he got my nerves again.

He said, "If you don't mind I would like to tell you something!"

Curiously I said, "Yes go on".

We were on arranged marriage meeting and wanted to know each other. I expect him to tell me about his like and dislike but something different happened.

He actually told me one Hollywood movie story about some husband and wife. It almost took about half and hour to hear full story. All the time I wondered how that movie was connected to us. I could not wait for him to finish and he asked, "What do you think about that wife's decision?"

I got blank, did not know what to say. I missed some parts of his boring story. But I had to reply something.

After thinking for a while, I just said, "Yes, Wife's decision was right". I prayed that he would end this topic. But alas!

"Ok...But why do you think so?"

Now I had no answer for him! Inside I was blaming my parents for putting me in that situation. I was thinking how to skip his question. It would look bad if I would have told him truth that I did not hear him properly. I was just wondering what to say and some one called me. I turned and someone gave his surprise appearance, it was him, my bus stop friend. I was never so happy to see him before.

He came to me and said, "Hi, I hope I have not disturb you. I came here with my friends and saw you".

I said, "No you haven't, we are fine". I was happy with his interruption as he managed to changed topic for a while. I introduced them to each other.

But, that accountant looked bit grumpy and said, "Actually we were talking on something when you came". My bus stop friend sensed that he did not like him there, so he excused us and left quickly.

He sounded very skeptical and asked, "Do you have many friends here?"

I replied, "No, only few".

He said with deep sound, "Humm, ok. No worries. So why do you think wife's decision was right?"

Damn it! I was again due to answer him, I felt like I was giving some exam. I failed to find any excuse. But things were in my favour and his phone rang. He was talking for a while. I thought it's a good opportunity to find a way to get out of it. So I texted my friend at home to call me immediately and she did.

I answered phone, listened for a while and said, "Oh you not feeling well. Do you want me to come home? Don't worry I will be home soon".

I told him that I had to go home as soon as possible as my friend was not feeling well. He said that he could help me to take my friend to the doctor. But I denied by saying, "We will not find doctor at this time, and it's no emergency. I just need to be by her side. Sorry but I have to go". I apologized to him for going like that. But he insisted to drop me home.

I took a deep breath after reaching home. I was relived because I did not have answer for his stupid questions. I could not understand how can you judge someone by telling story and asking questions. I found him really weird person. But before leaving he was insisted on meeting again and was going to call me later.

I calmly gave it a thought. He had very good educational background and apart from that story part he was not that bad, so I decided to meet him again and would try to know him better. Some time it's hard to judge someone only with one meeting.
Enjoying New Company

Suddenly our landlord decided to increase our rent by 20%, for the property where we 6 friends used to live and share. We decided not to pay extra and find some similar property nearby. We all were on tight budget and could not afford to pay more, so we all started looking for another one. Within two weeks, we found very good place and we decided to shift there at the end of the month.

I did talk with to that accountant once on phone but we could not meet, as I was busy finding new place. Then I did not hear from him for few weeks but suddenly he showed his new side to me. He called me one day and started being over friendly. He said that he was busy at work, so could not be in touch with me. He wanted to meet again, so we met but I was worried that if he would ask about that Hollywood movie again.

But luckily he didn't. Thank god for that! When he found out that we were shifting, he kindly offered his help. He came with his car and shifted all luggage for us. He impressed my friends and me. Every body started liking him as a good person.

He managed to change my perception towards him. All of the sudden, he was different person then I met him first time. I found it bit strange but I tried to focus on his good part, as he was showing efforts to make relation.

One day he phoned me in the morning while I was just leaving for grocery shopping with other 2 friends. He had his day off that day and wanted to join us. And again he offered to carry shopping in his car. We did not deny, as it would make our shopping lot easier.

He came and helped us with all heavy lifting. He was really being friendly and polite; we decided to invite him for a lunch that afternoon because he helped us so much and he happily accepted our proposal. Precisely he knew what he needed to say to impress everyone that day.

We met few times after that. We became good friends and I also started liking him. Once he asked about my previous relationship and I told him the truth. I also asked him same question casually but he said that he never had one. I thought that he was asking because he wanted to make our relation stronger. We also discussed what kind of qualities we expect in our partner. Our talk was slowly getting interesting.

There were some ups and downs with his behavior, but overall, he was being nice and helpful. So I tried to avoid negative thoughts I had for him. I willingly gave it a try.
Some one got Jealous

One day I finished with my work at Watford and was waiting for a bus. But it was little delayed that day. Suddenly I got a call from him, that accountant, he said, " Hey, Where are you right now?"

With surprise I replied, "I am fine. I am at the bus stop, just finished my work. Why are you asking?"

He replied, "I also finished my work and driving. Are you at Watford bus station?"

"Yes I am? I said. "But why?"

"Ok wait there, I am near by and coming to pick you up".

I Okayed, but kept wondering about the reason for his surprise visit. Then it reminded me that we had dinner plan first time that evening, but I completely forgot about that. I was about to inform my friends and from nowhere, I saw my bus stop friend coming towards bus stop. He saw me from far and smiled. I actually did not see him after we met at McDonald's, just when I met that accountant first time. He came to me and asked how I was doing.

He surprised me too, being at that bus stop. So I asked, "How come you are at this stop?"

He said that he was there for some shopping. He went to look for me at the fast-food shop where I was working. But I had left. So he was hoping to catch me at bus stop.

Before few weeks, he was ignoring me, and now he was out looking for me. What the hell did this guy want? His behavior was puzzled me.

I did not say anything, just gave him strange look. Then he asked again, "Please don't mind me asking, was that your boy friend at McDonald's? He did not look happy to see me".

Defending that accountant side, I replied, "No he is my good friend. He is ok, just sometimes he gets off track".

He could not stop inquiring and asked again, "Are you sure? Because I did not feel that. He looked like a strange man".

I got bit angry on hearing that and said, "I don't need your opinion on that. He is fine and he is accountant in central London".

He said, "Ok, so you mean accountants can't behave strange!"

I did not know why, though I was arguing with him, inside I wanted to believe him. Just then, that accountant arrived and saw both of us talking. After a formal good-bye to my bus stop friend, I went with that accountant in his car. After sitting down, I looked at him through the mirror. The way he was looking seemed like he did not like me leaving with this guy.

Then that accountant asked me, "Do you both work together? You and that guy".

I replied casually, "No.... we hardly know each other, I always find him around bus stops as we both work in same direction".

He sounded like he did not believe me and said, "really? Then why he was giving me a look when I picked you up? Wasn't he the same guy I met at McDonald's?"

My eyebrows went up on hearing that. I reply immediately, "Yes, he was same guy. But I don't know about any look, I did not see that".

He looked at me angrily. I kept quite. But I also got little annoyed. Then After thinking for a while, he said, "Do you mind if I ask some one to join us for the dinner?" suddenly his tone changed.

"Ok if you wish. By the way who is that?" I asked curiously as it was all about us having dinner together.

"You will know soon" he replied. Then he texted someone.

He took me to some apartment parking. Then he called someone to come downstairs. After few minute, one young lady came down. I was really surprised to see her. She was British girl of my age. They hugged and kissed each other. He introduced me first. Then he introduced her by saying that she was her close friend. I was shocked to hear that because he never told me about her. I thought that he might want to make me jealous. Realising his intension, I tried to look calm and instead of showing jealousy, I started ignoring it.

To be honest, it was all out of my imagination. Without my opinion, he decided to go to some English restaurant to show more preference towards her. His show kept on going even stronger. They sat together and I sat on other side of table. She was continuously holding his hand and was staying close to him. She even decide what they both going to eat. I started feeling very awkward.

It was a boring menu for me, but I had to order something. When order arrived, she started eating from his plate and he did not mind that at all. They started ignoring me completely. I failed to understand his intention, as I never show him like that before. It started suffocating me and was totally embarrassing for me. I decided to get out from there.

I texted my friend to call me, so I can make some excuse. And everything went according to plan; I manage to leave without having whole dinner. I preferred to go by bus then going with him that day. He did not even ask me what was the emergency.

But I felt relaxed, after coming out of that restaurant. I could breathe again. I started thinking about whole incident and I decided to ask him about what was actually running in his mind the whole time. Did he really behave like that only to make me jealous? If yes, the he was sick and if no, then he was cheap.

But I clearly made my decision for him that day. I cannot spend my life with any body like him. I was hurt, because I did not expect any thing like that from him. In fact, I expected him to be mature by his age but his sudden mood swings left me thinking for a while about him. I told my friends as well and they were really shocked too.

I always thought that men find women hard to understand. But this time I was failing to understand men. First that Bus stop friend was acting strangely by his hide and seek games. And now this accountant. Time should tell!
Playing Games

After that weird episode with that accountant, I did not hear from him the next day. I did not bother to call him either as I was angry. But after few days he called. He started talking casually, as if nothing happened.

Then after while he asked about why I left early that day. I told him frankly that I felt really awkward about their behavior and thus left early.

He did not like me saying that and he said with attitude, "What do you think? Only you can have a friend. She is my very good friend and I really care about her".

Strongly I replied, "Ok that's fine with me, then I don't think we should waste time knowing each other as its no longer necessary".

Immediately he asked, "What do you mean by that?"

I replied, "I don't think we can be together".

Angrily he said, "Oh, so you will decide that now". Then suddenly his tone changed and he said, "I knew you would say that".

I got bit surprise to hear that, so I asked, "What you talking about?"

He said, "I know there is something between you and that guy at bus stop. Now you got perfect excuse to end our relation".

I got furious to hear that. I could not believe he said that. So I replied, "It's nothing like you and your friend. I am not blind. What ever you wanted to show me that day, you succeeded in it. But I don't feel to give any more explanation to you about my friends. You have always been narrow minded about my friends and I ignored it so far. Not any more. Good luck with your so called friend".

He did not expect me to say that. Before he could say anything I cut down his phone.

His words did hurt me. He was proving to be cheap minded person. I did not expect him to be like that at all. I was disturbed for long time. I really did not expect to hear from him after that.

But that evening, he kept calling me few times but I did not answered. Then he stopped after while. About one hour later, I received text massage from him saying that he was out side my house and wanted to meet me once. I got really shocked and confused about his move.

I thought I should meet him once to clear out everything. So I went to meet him. But he surprised me again. He had bought flowers for me with a sorry note on it. That's what he though could make up for his deed. I realised his intention before he opened his mouth.

Whenever he put efforts to maintain our relation, it always looked a fake, because his facial expression never matched his action. Initially I was falling for it but not now. I decided to stay calm and there he said sorry again. But there was nothing, which could change my mind towards him.

But he was really determined to convince me and he also told me truth that he did all that because he wanted to make me jealous. I was bit happy because he accepted his fault at the end. He requested to continue as a friend at least. Because he apologized, I had no trouble with that.

After he left, I kept thinking for a while about him. There was something, which was bothering me all the time. I did not understand why he was compromising with his self-respect to be my friend. It was too good to be true. I felt like he was playing some game. But I decided not to give him much preference, and carry on normally with my life.
In Desperate Need

Meanwhile, my situation was changing at work place. I stared losing my working hours, as my manager wanted to save his money and started getting his own family to help him out in the shop. I had to keep up with my working hours to pay my rent and traveling cost.

Travelling in London Tubes is very expensive. But I had to go by train as I was doing Computer Network Engineering course in one of the central London Institute.

I started looking for another job, which could provide me guaranteed working hours. I was in desperate need of new job. That accountant knew my situation as I had told him once. He told me that he would be worried for my job and asked me to tell him, when I find one. I did not have a time to think about him, so I just ignored that matter for a while.

I did applied for few jobs, but it did not fit in my schedule. Looking out of the bus window, after few stops, my eyes stopped at some one. That was him, my bus stop friend. He was getting into the bus.

As we had little argument last time about that accountant, I pretended that I didn't see him. Next thing I knew was, he was sitting next to me.

He said "Hello".

With fake surprise, I replied, "Hi, oh you here".

He started with general talks. I thought that as he was being so friendly, I just asked him about his promise that he made when we met first time before 7 months. So I asked him, "Do you remember your promise you did about job at your place when we met first time?"

He took a deep breath and after few seconds of thinking he said, "Yes Indeed. I did remember my promise, I am glad you asked. I am able to help you now. I was hiding from you before few months because I was not in position to help you at that time. But now I have good relation with my manager and he will listen to my request".

I was happy to hear that and I said, "Oh that's great if you can help".

He said, "I was actually thinking to ask you about that when I met you last time but you was in hurry to go with your so called 'Accountant friend'".

He wanted to show some attitude, because he knew that I was in need that time and I would request him more.

So I replied with attitude too, "That's fine if you don't want to help me, I will find something else".

He replied immediately, "Listen, I haven't denied. I will arrange something soon".

I was happy to hear that. I thanked him in advanced. We carried on chatting till his stop arrived. But this time I remembered to exchange our phone numbers, because I needed to contact him the

In few days, I had call from a retail shop where he was working. He managed to arrange interview for me. I was so happy, I called him to say thank you for arranging interview in short period of time. He kindly gave me some tips about how retail store operates and what kind of questions can be asked in the interview. I started some preparation for it and passed interview nicely. Within a week, I offered new job and was about to start in few days time. Everything happened very quickly.
Thank You Chat

With his help, I got my new job. So I felt to thank you him personally. He was also willing to meet me and he knew one coffee shop near his place in Sudbury Hill so we met there.

I reached early, was waiting for a while and I saw him crossing the road. There he was, wearing a dark blue T-shirt and jeans, he looked very happy and handsome that day. I asked him for the reason behind his smile. He said he did not expect me to ask him out first. I got shocked, so straightaway I clarified reason for our meeting that it was only a thank you coffee in return for his help.

"Ok, not bad at all for this time" he said.

"Please don't get me wrong but I consider you as a friend" I firmly replied.

"Its my pleasure to be your friend" he replied with flirting gesture.

To be honest I was bit angry at his behavior at that point but I did not showed him that as my purpose to meet him was different. I thought I will make some excuse and will leave early.

We ordered 2 latte and we started talking general. I asked him about his reasons of being in the UK.

He said "I am doing Master's in Electrical Engineering from Greenwich University and also working part-time".

Immediately I ask him "How do you manage both? I am finding it really hard to keep up".

"I am also struggling but have no choice. I have to manage my finance strongly; I can't depend on my family because they have lots of responsibilities" He replied.

"Please don't mind me asking, do you have big family?" I asked curiously.

"Not too big, got 2 elder sisters and both are married but still got lots to manage", he said.

He asked me about my family. So I told him that I am an elder sister and my mum also has lots of expectation from me. My younger sister is very clever and always been scorer in majority of fields. So that's sets bar high for me, even though she is my younger sister.

It was being bit interesting to know about each other. We chatted about like and dislike, personal preferences, and about future thoughts. We had conversation about parents, culture and community where we belong.

He told me that he belonged to small town and middle class family. His mother is a schoolteacher and father has retired from work. They both worked hard to give him and his sisters a good life, so he respects them a lot. He also added that his mother is a strong lady, true religious person and never gave up in hard time of family, so he would never do anything that would hurt her.

At that point he seemed bit hesitated. I could not figure out why. I thought it's just me being silly, so I ignored that feeling. We didn't realise the time while talking. It almost had been an hour.

I completely forgot that I was angry with him at certain point. But I must say he sounded very determine person and was clear about his future goals. He earned his trust level and I was comfortable talking to him. I also made a good friend and work mate then.

With happy smile, we said good-bye to each other and departed for home.
Important lesson

I was relaxed as job worry was finished and in few days I would be starting my new part-time job. I thought to inform that accountant about my new job as he insisted last time when we spoke.

It was about lunchtime, I thought to call him as he might be in lunch break too, but he did not answer my call. I tried few times but no reply from him at all. So I just left a text massage and told him about new job place.

But I did not hear from him at all. I guessed something was definitely wrong with him. His behavior was always surprising for me, so I did not bother about him that much.

Finally in the evening, he called me. He said angrily that I lied to him and that's why he did not feel to answer my calls. I did not understand what he was talking about, so I asked.

Then he said, "I saw you with that guy, your so called bus stop friend at coffee shop in Sudbury Hill. One of my uncle lives that way. You said you hardly knew him, then how come you are always with him."

My eyes got wide open to hear that. I thought that's only I expect from him. Instead of getting angry I stayed calm. I felt like he found excuse, which he was looking for, since long time. He wanted me to look bad while ending our relation. I wanted to be clear with him, so I explained him that I went there to thank him as he helped me get a job, which I needed desperately.

I knew he wasn't convinced, but I did not cared about his thinking any more. I did not wish to explain him any thing, he did not deserve that. I cut down his phone again. I did not hear from him after that day.

I was upset for few days, not because I was dying to marry him, but because I wasted my time with him unnecessarily. I knew that his cheap mentality would break our relation anyway in the future; it was better to end early. But I felt a little insulted.

At that time I realise that spending time with some one is very crucial before taking marriage decision. He was a sick man. I was happy that I went for a coffee with my bus stop friend and that meeting showed that accountant's real face again. I was relieved and learnt a good lessen about relationships.
New Work Floor

I successfully erased that accountant's chapter from my diary. After few days I joined my new work place. It was very big 2-floored retail store with various departments. I was used to working in small shops but that was huge for me. I would just get tired walking around. It had staff room upstairs all the way at back, so every time it was a big journey visit the washroom. My training started straight away. I started learning about different departments and till system. I got busy in settling down at new place.

Staff was good and helped me when I got stuck at many points. I made new friends. Time was passing quickly and I didn't realise that it had been almost a month. But that whole time I never saw him, my bus stop friend. I was eager to share my new experience with him. Surprisingly I never heard from him, after that day when we met at coffee shop.

I wondered what happen to him, did he leave work or what. Tried to call him on his phone but got no reply. I got curious, so I asked other staff about him. Then his mystery got reveled, I found out that he started doing night shifts at work. I realised that's why I never saw him in my working hours. I though he must be busy studying and working, might not had time to get in touch. I hoped to catch up with him one day.

Once I was working in my department and we had announcement about staff meeting. Finally, I bumped across him almost after 2 months, in the meeting.

I was happy to see him. I had so much to share about my new work. But he only said 'hello' and went pass me. He was behaving like a stranger. He got a chair far from me, with his other friends, as if he wanted to keep distance between us.

But I did not wanted make up my mind about him because he helped me with that job. While he was talking to his friends, he looked at me few times but did not say anything. Just when I tried to talk, he was starting looking away from me. I was confused and could not focus on a staff meeting at all.

At the end of meeting every body was going for a hot drink. So we queued up. I couldn't stop my self and went to him again. I just wanted to be friendly.

I politely asked "How are you doing? You must be busy these days, isn't it?"

He had to open his mouth then, "Yes, I was very busy. Are you settling down fine?"

Finally he sounded known. With smile I said, "Yes I am enjoying this new job, thanks to you"

He said, "That's good. I am happy for you. Actually, I will catch up with you later, I got some work" and he went from there, before I could say anything.

He left from work before me without saying good-bye.

I thought he might wanted it to be that way. After reaching home, I couldn't sleep whole night. It wasn't like I fell in love with him. But I wanted to know why he was acting strangely. I chose not to complain if I meet him again and decided to be normal.

Staff meeting incident was running in my mind for few days, but then my exams were coming in couple of weeks and so I got busy with that and I forgot all about that.
Night shifts at Work

I got busy reading for few months. I finished my exam and was hoping to get good result. To focus on exams I took some time off from work. As my exams were finished, I thought to work some extra hours to make up with my lost hours. I requested manager to give me some extra work, so I can full fill my requirements. Also I was planning to visit my family in India, so I could buy some nice gifts for them.

According to manager the only option I had, was to do few night shifts at work. That way I would get a higher pay hourly and will get continuous working hours. So I agreed on that.

At that point I did not know that my decision of doing those few night shifts would change my life forever. These night shifts actually created some unwanted opportunities, which actually gave me fruitful result in long term.

On my first night shift we have no restriction on uniform. We could wear comfortable cloths and we have longer breaks too. I decided to wear pink top that day as it was more comfortable.

I logged in for my night shift and started doing allocated work assigned by my manager. Our task was to shift whole department from one place to another. Work like shifting shelves, rails and goods. Manager said that there would be 6 people doing that task. I could see 4 other staff with me, so where was 6th one. After a while I saw tall cage coming out of the stock room. Some one was pushing it from back. That was him.

At that point we both were slightly stunned on seeing each other. But we just carried on normally. No talk, no smile.

We got busy with work. In our staff that night we were 3 girls and 3 boys.

Few hours passed, we were removing shelves and putting it in to the cage, so we can roll it to new place. He was doing something else.

I was working with another staff friend, we didn't realise that cage got really heavy to be pushed and we were struggling. Suddenly he came there and started pushing the cage himself. After shifting it, he straightaway went back to his work. Didn't even let me thank him.

His behavior again started puzzling me. But I tried to ignore that.

In few hours, it was a time for a break. We all went for a break together. We were sitting in lounge. Our eyes were catching each other at some point but we didn't talk. To avoid me easily, he started playing games on his phone. I could read his intension and did not bother him at all.

There was a guy who tried to be friendly with me. I knew he was flirty with all the girls at work. But some one did not like us talking and kept looking at me while playing games on his phone. After finishing break every body started going back to work. Found me alone, he came to me and told angrily not to talk to that naughty guy and left.

I was disgusted. That was the only time he spoke to me. Finally, it was 6am and we finished our work. 4 of us, including him, started walking towards bus stop. He was still maintaining his distance from me. We all shared same bus to Harrow and then took different path to home.

That was the end of our first night shift. What a night! How can anybody get change so much? I felt very bad because of his rude behavior. I did not wanted to face him again. But I had 2 more night shifts due and I could not deny it, because it was me who asked for it to my manager.

After tiresome work, I fell asleep straightaway reaching home and slept till late afternoon. In the evening, it was a time for second night shift.

I was dragging my self to work. Night shift started as usual. It was same staff as last night. He was same with arrogant face for me. On that day I was wearing gray top.

In few hours it was break time again. We all sat the way we did the previous. That naughty guy again started talking to me and someone started looking at me angrily. But I did not know why, I felt to make him more jealous and kept on taking to that naughty guy.

I was really enjoying that, and then one of my friends opened her big snack box. She bought some Indian snacks for all of us. She was a very good cook, so she wanted us to try her food. It was 'Dhokla', (very famous Gujarati snack) and we absolutely loved it. I must say she actually managed to change angry man's mood with her food; he left his phone and started talking.

He said "After a long time I had such a nice food. I miss India now".

Another guy from India said, "Yes that's true, In India you always find delicious food easily. But here when you live as paying guest, you have to eat what you get, not much choice".

Angry man who was finally smiling said, "Yes, that's true. I miss Indian food a lot. I am fond of a good food".

My friend who bought food said, "Yes being a Gujarati, I always had 'Dhokla' cooked majority time".

Patel is a widely known Gujarati Indian Community. But 'Patels' community is sub divided into 2 major parts.

1) There is one part, in which people have their last name as 'Patel', so they easily recognized as 'Patels'.

2) There is another one, which has many different last names, all under same 'Patels' community.

Now when my friend started topic about Gujaratis and food, I joined conversation there.

With smile I said, "My mother also cooked 'Dhokla' quite often. We Patels usually cook yellow colored 'Dhokla' but these whites are also delicious".

He suddenly got triggered by my talk and asked me strangely, "What? Are you 'Patel'?"

I said with big surprise "Yes I am".

He asked again "Are you 'Patel' too??"

I got irritated as he was asking same question again and again. I replied with strong voice, "Yes I am Patel, why you asking?"

He smiled to me and said, "Nothing". He sounded extremely happy and relaxed at that point.

Now he belonged to community who has a last name as 'Patel', but I belonged to the latter. My last name was different, but I belong to 'Patels' too. But when we talked about our family names at coffee shop, we did not talked details. He might have made some assumption about my community at that time.

We finished our break and were back to shop's floor. While we were working we needed some extra shelves to finish that department. Someone has to go and get those shelves from Stock room and it was my turn.

That stock room was on far end of big shop. It was dingy looking even with lights on and bit scary. I really did not wanted to go on my own.

I asked my friend who bought snacks, "Can you please come with me to stock room as I am afraid to go alone?"

She said, "Oh ok I will but can you please wait till I finish what I am doing?"

I replied, "Ok I'll wait".

Then he came from nowhere and said with kind gesture, "I will come with you if you scared".

I was totally surprised to hear that. He was not even talking to me before a break. Suddenly what happened to him and came forward with out even asking to lend his help.

I kept thinking, so he said again "Come on, we need to finish work, I am coming with you".

I had no choice so I went with him, he was walking ahead of me and said, "Don't worry, I have always worked in stock room, it might seems bit scary but I am with you"

'Oh so you are with me now, how did that happen?' I uttered silently.

We reached to stockroom. I had only been there few times, since I was working there. So I started finding empty shelving in large room. He already found cage for me to load shelves in it.

He came back after few minutes and said, "Oh you haven't found shelving yet, come I will show you".

He not only found shelves for me but helped me to load them as well. He was being extremely nice and was smiling while talking. He tried to be funny at few points as well. I had seen that kind of look before when he first came to coffee shop. But of course he was completely lost for few months until that break.

We came back to shop floor and finished all work. Clock ticked 6 am; finally we finished with second night shift. After talking bags, we started walking towards bus stop. Bus arrived and 4 of us got on board including him.

I normally used to sit with my friend, who bought Indian snacks that day. But she said she wanted to sit on upper deck, so I let her to go and sat downstairs.

He also sent his friend to upstairs, like he did very first time when we met before 11 months. He came to me and said, "Do you mind if I sit with you?"

What else could I say, I just said like I didn't care, "Yes, if you wish".

As he was being very close, I could not stop my self, asking him for the reason about his rudeness early on.

He said, "It wasn't like I was being rude but I had something in my mind, so was busy thinking".

I asked, "How can person be so busy thinking all the time, that he completely ignores its surroundings?"

He cleverly ended that topic by replying, "Trust me I was just thinking about my study".

I knew that he was lying. I also knew that something changed in his mind after that break. I almost knew but I wanted to hear from him. Because of his behavior I tried not to get much involve with him. He normally decides things him self and immediately acts on it. He did not even consider how people would feel about it, so I decided to make him realise that, at that point. I started talking to my friend on phone, completely ignored him and kept on talking till his stop arrived. He got down and waved me good-bye.

That was relief for me. I felt satisfied. I did not have any night shift that evening. Next day I got text massage from him saying, how I was doing. I don't know why but I kind of expect that text. I knew he would contact me. I replied saying I was fine, but bit busy. I wanted to ignore him as much as he did. He replied me saying he would see me in night shift.

That evening I had my last night shift of that week. I was already feeling tired of doing it and was planning not to do anymore in future.

With clocked-in, I started my third night shift. Our task was to mark down old goods and moving it on to clearance department. I had never done that task before, so I needed someone to teach me first. He came forward and said, "Don't worry I will teach you" just as if he was master of it.

He showed me a small hand machine, which was tracking bar codes. With few clicks, it produced new price down label. It looked so easy while he was doing it. I though I could do it too. He gave me big cloths rail and asked me to start. But I got stuck with that 'clicking button' part. He showed me again and slowly I got on track with that machine. He kept coming after a while and was checking that I was doing all right.

That whole time he was being very polite and caring. He told me to give him a call if I got stuck again.

After an hour, he was going to get a coffee and he asked me too. First I said, "Yes", but then I realised, the coffee machine operates on change and I did not had one. So I said, "No you go ahead, I don't have a change".

He said with little smile, "Don't worry I have change, ill buy you one". So he did. He came back with coffee in his hand with 4 little sugar packs. He did remember from that coffee shop meeting that I take 4 sugars with a coffee.

So I said with surprise, "Oh You remembered!"

Smartly he replied, "Yes I always remembers everything about you, even though I don't mention". After saying that, he straight went back to his work.

I could see his body language was changing while talking to me. I was getting lots of hints from his behavior, but I closed my eyes toward it and started doing my work.

In few hours, it was 2 am and break time again. We all went for a break. There, a new topic started about visiting family in India. It was October 2007. He said that he was planning to go in early January to enjoy kite-flying festival that he loved most. He asked me about my plan. I was also going in January but I did not wanted to tell him that. Our terms finished around January, so it was ideal for everybody to visit their families in January.

Time was up. I was feeling extremely tired that night as I never did so many night shifts in row. Everybody gone back to work, but I was feeling bit lazy. I hid my self in toilet for while, so no one would see me sitting doing nothing. I came out after a while and started marking down goods before anybody could notice.

He came to me, concerned, "Are you ok?"

I replied lazily, "Yes I am fine".

He sound worried for me and said, "Are you sure, because you don't look fine".

With deep breath I said, "Yes you are right, I am tired and feeling very sleepy".

Kindly he said, "Should I get a fizzy drink, that will give you some energy".

I immediately replied, "No, you don't worry, I will manage my self". I requested him to go.

After few minutes, he was back with drink in his hand. I could not believe my eyes, I really wanted one but was feeling lazy to walk all the way to drink machine in staff room. He threw drink can towards me and insisted me to drink.

After that drink, I felt better and finished work. I kept looking at the clock, longing for it to turn 6. Finally it was a time to go home. I fell a sleep in the bus. His stop arrived and he woke me up gently and said, "Wake up now, otherwise you will miss your stop". That was really sweet of him.

After reaching home, I slept the whole day, warning my friends not to make any noise.
Girls Talk

One of my friends came back from work around 7 pm and I was still sleeping, so she woke me up. I got fresh up and we prepared dinner together.

After dinner we were watching a movie on TV. Suddenly I had text on my phone. That was his text saying, "Hope I did not wake you up. Just wanted to know if you were feeling ok?"

Wow, he really bothered to ask. But I did not reply him, so one of my friends asked, "Who is it?"

I said, "That's him, he wants to know how I am doing".

My friends knew that how we met and how he helped me to get a new job. I especially talked about him when his rude behavior was bothering me a bit before exams. But they did not know about our latest episode of night shifts at work.

They were interested to know, when he started talking to me again. So they turned TV off and asked me to tell all in details.

We were typical girls, gets excited when new boys chapters starts. I told them its nothing from my side as I only consider him as a good friend. They said his behavior was changing towards me and he was being caring, so he must be having something in his mind. I told them that his behavior is not stable, so I should not think too much about him. I would never know his next move.

One of my friends said that I should at least reply to his text. I should not avoid him like he did before. Asked me to forget about all that and just reply in simple word. So I did.

I texted him, "Yes I am feeling good after long hour sleep".

He replied back, "That's great, but don't do any more night shift, its bit hard for girls".

I felt not to reply him at that point. My friends were agreed with me too. I didn't get text from him that night after that.

We started watching TV again, suddenly one of my friend said, "If he is finished with his Master's study in UK then he has good future prospect, you should think about that, if he likes you".

I said, "Yes that's true that he has good future prospect. He is very determining to settle down in UK, he told me all about this when we met at the coffee shop. But only thing bothering me was his disappearance after that".

One of my friends guessed and said, "He must be involved with some one else and might had a break up with her, so you might be a good option for him now".

I said, "Oh I never thought that way, that's awful, if that's true". I did not have any kind of love break up at that time but similar recently happened because of that accountant. So I could not imagine him in that situation.

Another friend said from her experience as she was elder among all of us, "Boys don't let go of girls that easily, you said he was nice with you at coffee shop then he could at least text you once at some point just to say hello. But he did not do that at all, and on top of that ignored you. If I would be you I would never consider him".

Then friend who started first, replied to that, "But it's changed now, he is being very nice and caring for you. As he is well educated and determine person, you should definitely consider him and he is good looking, isn't it?"

What would I say to them? Yes, He was being nice lately and was good looking and was educated too, so was that enough to consider some one as a boy friend?

All my friends just started fighting with each other on that topic. I could not believe their reaction to that. Finally I told them that I did not want to think any think at that point and asked them to stop there.
Visit to the Travel Agent

We had friendly chat few time on phone. But I never met him as I stopped doing night shifts at work. He started texting me 'Good night' and 'Good morning' every day like he wanted to inform me that he remembered me everyday. That went for few weeks.

November was already started and I had to book my tickets as soon as possible before Christmas. So I started looking for best fare.

One of my friends was working for one airways company, she gave few dates and price. I still wanted to compare with other providers. So I personally decided to meet some travel agents.

That evening I had a call from him after 2 weeks and we started talking general. I felt like he wanted to say something but was struggling a bit. After a while, he said that he missed me and wanted to see me once. He requested to meet next day

I lost my words, didn't know what to say. I thought to make some excuse, so I told him about my appointment with agent next day. Curiously he asked that why I needed agent?

Then I realised, I not suppose to tell him about my visit to India, because he also planned to go in same time. I am very bad in hiding things. I always try to remember what not to say and then I end up saying same thing first.

I couldn't lie, so I told him that it was a travel agent.

He asked with surprise, "Please don't mind me asking, but are you going some where??"

I replied, "I am also planning to go to India in January".

He asked with curiosity, "Really? But you said you did not have any plan when I asked".

I got stuck with my lie, so I said, "I just decided to go yesterday, and I am comparing dates and far with different agents".

He said, "If you don't mind then can I join you on that process, as I haven't booked my tickets yet".

I always find hard to say "No" to any one, and always end up saying, "Yes" instead.

We decided to meet at Alperton train station about 10am next day. Our appointment time was 11am. We were going to Hounslow train station and then it was 20 min walk to the travel agent's office.

He was on time at station. On seeing me he could not stop expressing himself. He said, "Oh, You look as gorgeous as always. So how you been?"

I relied with little smile, "Thank you, I have been busy". After checking time, I added, "I hope we get a train on time. So...How have you been lately?"

He took a deep breath, looked into my eyes and said, "How I could be?? I have been busy too, but I couldn't focus on things properly. I don't know why! I felt like something missing" and he started blushing.

I looked at him strangely and suddenly I heard train coming. May be that gave me excuse not to reply. We got on the train. It was about 40 minutes to reach there. "Are you going to Hounslow first time?" he asked.

"Yes, never needed to go that way. Have you been there before?" I said.

"Yes I have, actually retail shop where we are working has another branch there, so I have done few night shifts there. My brother is also working there." He said.

"Oh, You have brother here in the UK as well?" With surprise I asked.

"Its my cousin elder brother, he helped a lot settling down in the UK. He came 2 years before me. So he helped me finding job and accommodation. We and other few boys living as paying guest with one Indian couple." He said.

"It's really nice of your brother to help you here. You are kind of luck that way. I struggled a lot finding part time job here. One of my friends knew few people here, so they showed us around. Also helped us finding initial accommodation", I said.

"Yes my brother is nice, I have another cousin elder brother. He helped him too. Because I found job as soon as I came to UK, I could pay for my monthly installments of student loan in India. So I had to work in nights to manage all." He sounded really hard working.

"What? Are you paying for your own study? It must be hard for you. I am only working to pay my living cost here, not paying for study. My parents are managing that." I said.

Giving detail explanation of his position, he said, "I am belongs to middle class family. My parents managed 2 sisters' wedding. My father is retired and my mother is still working to pay for our living expenses. So I could not create burden on them. They already managed to get me a student loan in impossible circumstances. Once I will get a job here, I will be able to give them peaceful life without any worries of money".

Wow, I did not imagine that. He was really responsible, hard-working and honest person. He managed to create more respect towards him. He did not sounded like he was complaining for his situation but showed lots of courage and determination.

While talking our time passed quickly. Our station arrived and we got off. We started walking towards office and we reached there on time. We met the agent, he gave us few dates and fares. We both discussed our dates, he was going early January and I was going late. We did not booked tickets, as we wanted to compare with other agents too.

We finished with that and we started walking back. Our way was going through Hounslow high street. I smelled mouthwatering smell from restaurants and it made me hungry. Before I could say anything he took my words and said, "Lets eat some where, I am very hungry".

I said, "Oh, I am starving as well. What should we eat?"

He replied, "Lets eat cheese pastry. I know one shop, they make it really good. Do you like cheese?"

I replied with huge smile, "Oh, I love cheese and cakes"

He asked, "Really? What kind of cakes you like?"

I replied immediately, "My favorite one is 'Victoria Sponge', but I don't see any cake shop here, so lets go for cheese pastry for now".

And we both went to that shop. I must say it was delicious. He finished quickly before me. I was slow eater. I was going messy as I was trying to finish it quickly. So politely he said, "Don't worry, I can wait. You better sit down and eat. I will get you some tissue".

I sat down. While I was eating he was looking at me. So I asked, "What are you looking?"

He said, "Seeing you enjoying it, but you got food sticking on your chicks" he came forward and gently wiped it off.

I did not know how to react. So I finished with it quickly and we started walking again. Suddenly I saw some nice dresses on one shop window. I stopped and looked, he said with smile, "You can go inside and do your girly shopping. I will wait".

He was being too good and kindly waited for me out side. I was actually checking his patience. I came out after 20 minutes. He was still standing smiling. It was like nothing was bothering him from my end.

We reached the station, got a train and started journey back to the home. We did not talk much in the train, he was finding topics but I was just ignoring it. I did not know why I was doing that, but may be his behavior was bothering me a bit. I was feeling anxious because I wasn't being pampered like that since long time, especially from a guy.

After reaching, I was about to say good-bye and with delightful face he said, "I had very nice day after a long time, Thank you for that. I better let you go now but you take care of your self. Also let me know when you book your tickets to India".

With smile I said, "Ok" and started walking towards home.
Mind Joggling

I could not stop thinking about him on my way. Every thing happened was going through my mind one after another. We were together for almost four hours. I haven't had that kind of feeling since long time. His voice was still playing in my mind. His face with sweet cheeky smile was appearing in front of my eyes. As much as I tried to stop thinking about him, I was end up thinking more about him.

I reached home, I wasn't carrying anything in my hand and so, with surprise my friend asked, "Did you not bring milk?"

"Oh god, I completely forgot about it, sorry I will get it now", I replied and I started walking towards the store. I did not notice my friend was saying something.

She ran to me and said, "What's wrong with you, I told you to wait because I am coming with you".

"Really sorry, I was just...." I stopped saying any thing at that point.

"What? Are you ok? You seems bit lost," with curiosity she said.

"No I am fine, was just missing my family a bit" I cleverly replied to divert her mind.

"Oh! You went to meet travel agent today, what he said?" she asked.

I had not told any of my friends that I was going with him to meet travel agent, because they all might start giving their opinion straight away.

I did not give much details of my trip to the agent. We bought milk and came back home. We cooked dinner together as always.

I was still thinking of him and with excitement I just said with smile, "Oh you guys must try Cheese Pastry at Hounslow high street, its really nice".

One of my friends seemed surprised and asked, "Ok... yes we will try but why you look so happy? Only pastry can't be a reason for that!"

I realised what I did; I did not wanted to talk about my trip, as my clever friends will catch things quickly.

After little thinking I replied, "I am smiling because you know how much I love cheese!"

She did not say anything and we peacefully finished cooking.

I was bit tired and I went to bed early. It was about 9 pm. But I could not sleep. I was smiling to my self and was acting weirdly. Why I wasn't sharing anything to my friends? Why I could not stop thinking about him? Day before I was not prepared to give much importance to him, so what had changed now?

My mind was joggling inside. One part reminded me of his ignorance towards me and another about his pamper. What was true? What made him ignore me at some point? I decided not to pay much attention to him till I don't find the reason behind everything.

So finally I reached to conclusion that if I hear from him again and he behave like he behaved on Hounslow trip, then I would ask him reason straight away. If he doesn't answer then I would stop talking to him forever. Because I hate when people play games and don't be themselves.
Victoria Sponge

After that day, we had little chat through text massages. That weekend I was working in day shift. I did not expect him to be at work as he always did night shifts. I started my work as normal and I was busy working in my department. There somebody tapped on my shoulders from back, I turned and that was him.

"What are you doing here?" with big surprise I said.

"I am working as you" He replied casually.

"But I have never seen you in day shifts before!" I asked curiously.

"Yes, I don't work much in the day shift but some one got sick at work and manager asked me to fill in. So I did. I knew that I would find you here. It will be pleasant working" he happily replied and went back to his department.

While working we crossed each other many times walking around departments. All the time he gave me that cheeky smile. He always found an excuse to help me, no matter what it is. I thought that I would definitely ask him that day about his reasons of ignoring me early on, whenever I would have an opportunity.

After few hours he came to me and said, "Oh you still working, you don't want to take a break?"

I replied, "Yes...actually I was about to ask manager for that, but why you asking?"

"I am asking because I got something for you and I left it in the staff room." He said.

"What is it? " he made me curious.

"I got something which you love. I hope you like it", he replied with lovely smile.

I took manager's permission and eagerly went for a break. He came to staff room and showed me pink box. I wondered what that was. Well, that was a 'Victoria Sponge' cake from Marks and Spencer shop. I loved it. I was surprised that he remembered.

He said, "What you waiting for? I have bought specially for you".

I couldn't jump to eat it straightaway as it would look odd, but on seeing that cake I really wanted to do that. I still wanted to look calm, so I said, "oh really, why did you bother?"

He replied with lovely smile, "Actually, you might have not remembered but it's been almost a year since we met first time at Harrow bus stop. I wanted to celebrate this time as its defiantly special for me. You told me other day you loved cake, so I bought this for you. I hope you like it."

I was touched by his words. Never imagine that coming. It was really amazing feeling, I was lost for a while. I kept looking at him with surprise.

Then he said, "What are you thinking? Start eating!"

I loved that cake so much, I went for it and stopped thinking anything else.

It was a big cake and he only had a little, so I asked, "Why you are not eating?"

He replied, "Actually I am not that keen on cakes, but you enjoy my side."

He was again looking at me while I was eating. So I asked, "What you looking?"

He said, "I am pleased that you liked it, I am happy to see you enjoying and it made my day".

I again got paused when he said that. I did not know what to say.

Then he added, "I finished with my shift now, I got some work at home, so I will take you leave but you enjoy. I will catch up with you later. Take care of your self".

He said good-bye and went. Everything happened so quickly I could not express anything.

I started eating again and then suddenly I realised that I forgot to ask him about his ignorance, it was good opportunity today as he was being too good again. Hopefully next time.
Family Shopping

Few days later, I was having tea in the morning and I realised that I did not hear from him after that cake day. I even forgot to say 'thank you' for it.

So I showed my gratitude in text massage and send it.

He called me straight away and said, "Good to hear from you, I was actually thinking about you".

"Really, what you were thinking?

He said, "I just got my ticket booked for 2nd January to visit India. I was about to inform you. Have you got your confirmed?"

I said, "No, Not yet, my friend who works for Airways Company will eventually book for me. I have decided to go with her company, as they will allow me extra 10 kg weight to take for no extra cost. I am going to India first time since I have been here, so need to buy lots of gifts and chocolates for every one. Extra weight would help".

He said, "Oh that's great, I need to do lots of shopping for my family too. Can you help me with that please?"

I just texted him initially to say thanks but then I got stuck in 'Yes-No' again. With denying disability, I end up saying 'Yes'.

We decided to meet at the shopping centre next day. He described about his whole family and choices. It was a long list, gifts for parents, 2 married elder sisters, their children, brother-in-laws, aunts, uncles and 4 cousins. I felt like we never gone a finish shopping in a day.

But we managed to do a lot that day. I was walking ahead of him and suddenly he said, "Do you mind if I take your photo. Trust me it will always be with me. At least allow me for that please".

I did not stop walking. But he shouted loud and asked me to stop. I turned and he took my photo straight away. I got angry and tried to grab his phone. We were fighting a bit, and his phone fell on the street. Pretending to be angry he said, "Are you going to break my phone or what?"

I replied, "Yes, I will till you will not delete my photo".

He said that he only pretended to take my photo. He showed me his phone and there wasn't any photo of mine. I really had to believe him then. I was convinced and he said, "let me give you a treat today, you helped me a lot and I really appreciate that. I will take you to one South Indian Restaurant, they are really famous for their food".

With little surprise I asked, "How do you always know about good food providers?"

He replied smartly, "Well I love food and can't compromise with that. I have good source of informer too. But we will go there only if you like South Indian food too, otherwise I got some other options as well"

I was really hungry and also got tempted by his food offer, so I agreed and we went to that restaurant. It was near Ealing Road. We ordered 2 'Dosa' (it's a famous South Indian dish). That was really a tasty 'Dosa'; we both enjoyed it.

He said, "You are a good eater, you look slim but got good appetite. I am glad because I am food lover and we both can enjoy together every time".

Just what, I wanted to hear, I guess. Yes, it was true that I am a big eater and I was also enjoying food with him as our choices were matching on food. I did not know why but I was actually having good time with him. We were almost finished and someone called me. I turned and saw my friend, one of the 6 friends.

I never told about that meeting or any previous one to any of my roommates.

Being naughty she said in front of him," Is he that guy who you met at the Bus stop and he avoided you for a while?" She was the one who told me not to consider him at all.

I got speechless. I did not know what to say. Then she added, "don't worry, you enjoy your food, I will speak to you at home". And she peacefully left. She sounded like my mother while saying that.

He immediately asked, "Who was she and what was she talking about 'Avoiding'?"

I thought it was a good opportunity to ask him for that reason of ignoring me, as he already started that topic.

So I said, "She was my room mate. She knows how we met and you helped me get a job. "

He asked again, "Ok that's fine but what is all about 'Avoiding' thing?"

I replied, "Do you remember that you avoided me lots of times at work place after I joined. And I never hear from you after that meeting at coffee shop. Why did you do that? I know there was definitely something going in your mind. I don't know what made you suddenly turned towards me."

He looked stunned like he did not have an answer for me. He replied, "Oh you still thinking of that, it was nothing like avoiding"

Immediately I said, "Please don't lie now ".

After thinking for a while he said, "I had some issue with my study so I was worried, could not talk to any one about it, so it was just that".

That seemed very convincing answer but I knew it was something else, because he got suddenly triggered after that night shift break at work.

He kept denying every time I asked, so I got angry.

I got up and said, "Ok if you don't want to tell me then it's your choice, but I am making my choice. I don't want to be your friend any more. I am going home now".

He tried to stop me, but I didn't. I got furious and went home. He tried to call me on phone many time but I didn't answer.

My friend whom I met at restaurant already told others about me. They were all waiting for me at home. As soon as reached I told them not to ask me anything, as I was already disturbed. They understood after seeing my face and didn't ask any further questions.

He kept on calling many times, but I didn't answered at all. Then it stopped for few hours. Just before I was going to bed and I got text from him. Saying, "Can you please meet me once and I will tell you every thing?"

I replied immediately, "Are you sure about that, because I don't want to waste my time?"

"Yes I will for sure", he said.

He asked me to meet at same coffee shop were we met before.
Answer time

I was eager to know, so I agreed. Just before I was leaving to meet him, I got text from him, saying, "Can you please wear that pink top, which you had on, on first night shift!"

Wow, he wasn't even talking to me that night but he did notice my cloths. I was surprised with that. I did not know why but I did wear that pink top that day.

I reached there and he was already there waiting. He smiled and said, "You look pretty in pink".

I try not to get flatter on that and said, "Please don't forget why I have agreed to met you today".

"Yes I do remember, please have a seat for me, should I order latte for you?" he asked.

"Yes, of course", I replied formally and he ordered latte for both of us.

After deep breath he said, "Actually I really liked you when I met you first time at the bus stop and I don't know since when I got feelings for you".

My eyes got wider on hearing that. With surprise I asked, "What?"

So he added, "Yes I liked you a lot but then I stopped for some reason".

I said angrily," I don't understand what you are saying, can you please explain and stop puzzling me".

He said, " Sorry, I did not mean to confuse you. It's about my family, I respect them a lot and I would not do any thing against their will".

"What did you do against their will?" I asked curiously.

He replied, "It's actually a long story. Once upon a time I fell in love with a girl of my town. But she belonged to different 'cast' (Different community then 'Patels'). So my family stopped us there as they would never allow us to get married with a girl from different cast. They loved me but they requested me to end that relationship. But I didn't agree to that. After few days I found that she was just playing with my feelings and she had already found someone else. I was sad. I went against my family for her and she didn't even deserve my love. On that day I decided that I would not do anything against their will as they are my well wishers and I promised my family that similar situation will not rise again".

"Ok, but how do I fit in, in all that?" I asked.

He said, "You remember when we met here last time, we talked about our family background. At that point you told me your last name. I thought that you are not 'Patel'. I really liked you but I thought about my promise to my family."

I was shocked hearing all this, couldn't say anything.

There he added, "I thought I had to stop with you there. It would create another issue in my family. But by then I already helped you get a job at my place. I was going to see you quite often then and that way I would never able to stop thinking about you. So I started doing night shifts. But there were few times, where you came in front of me. I did not know how to react, so I though if I ignore you then that way you will stop talking to me as well. But on that night shift you said you are 'Patel'. Trust me, I was over the moon on hearing that. I could not believe myself that I avoided you unnecessarily".

"You are out of your mind! You could have just asked me," I said.

"Come on, how can I ask you about your cast. It would be offending", he said. But then he said, "May be that way I could have spend more time with you by now, I agree that I was being stupid, Sorry".

I had few sips of coffee. I didn't say anything, so he asked impatiently, "Now I have told you everything. No secret any more, so tell me do you like me?"

I coughed a little and said, "Yes you are my good friend".

"That's it, only friend. I am sorry that I hurt you", he said with poor face.

"It wasn't hurting, it was insulting. For this whole time I had lots of thought about you, but your ignorance at that point, created bad impression. I don't know how I will forget all that." I said with attitude.

"I am sorry, and please tell me what can I do to make up for that?" He asked kindly.

"I don't know, you have been nice lately, but how can I be so sure that you will not change your mind again if you found some thing new about me. " I replied and asked.

"Does it matter that much now? I accept my fault. I like you and I tried a lot to fill for my mistake. If you want to end here then do it. " He replied angrily.

"Hey, its my turn to be angry. You cannot talk to me like that", I said.

We did not talk for few minutes. Then He apologised again. And said, "If you only wants to be my friend, then I'll accept that. As you wish, if that makes you happy then I don't have any problem to be your good friend." He said.

"Ok then we are good friends. Actually, I need to go for grocery shopping before I go home, so ill talk to you later" I said.

He took a deep breath and said, "No problem madam. I will call you later. I am sitting here for a while. But I will see you soon".

He sat there and I left.

Bus stop was just opposite to coffee shop; he kept looking at me till I got on the bus. He waved me good-bye and with sign he said that he would call me.

I waved too and got on the bus.

I started thinking about what he said. I knew, that he would say that. I understood by his behavior before a long time that he liked me but it was shocking to know about this cast thing. I was angry initially when I found but to be honest it would be same in my family too. They would never allow me to get married out of cast. There would definitely be some resistance. I know, it unbelievable but true for traditional Indian family.

I kept on thinking and decided that it's nothing wrong in being good friend as he had been honest with me lately. I let our friendship decide our future and suddenly there my phone rang.

I answered and it was my friend, who worked for Airways Company. She said my tickets got conformed for 16th January. That was great news. I started thinking about shopping and what left to get for my family.
Chickpeas Curry

Christmas was approaching. Streets and trees were lightened everywhere. Lots of sales were starting. So I got busy in Christmas bargain.

It's been a week since I met him last time. I only spoke to him once, after that meeting. One day I finished some shopping and was waiting for a bus to home at Wembley Central Station. It was the busiest station, being on the main road. There my phone ranged. I answered and it was his call.

He sounded very intense and said, "Now that's enough, tell me where you are, I am coming there."

With surprise I asked, "What? Are you ok? Why you are talking like that?"

Suddenly he started laughing and replied, "Sorry if I scared you. I was just kidding. It's been long I haven't seen you my dear. Now tell me where are you?"

I wasn't prepared to meet him, so I lied, "I am in bus and just reached home"

The he said, "Oh really. Turn around".

Who did I see? It was him. He caught me at the bus stop.

He said, "I was here for some work and I saw you. So you are at home!" and started laughing, "Lets go together, if you don't mind!"

I was shocked to see him, so could not say anything. We both got on the bus. There wasn't any sits available. So we had to stand holding bars. It was so pack that every body was falling on each other while bus was moving. He stood next to me and like he was protecting me. That was first time when he came that close to me. I was getting bit nervous; there I noticed his black leather jacket closely.

I said, "This jacket looks nice on you".

Being honest he said, "Oh you liked it, but its not mine, its my friend's".

I didn't know why, but I liked its honesty. Suddenly my friend phoned me. She asked me to get some onion on way home as she was cooking some special dish called "Chick peas curry". I told him that I needed to get off at next stop as my friend was cooking that dish.

He said, "Oh I love chick peas curry, haven't had since long time".

I thought what to say him now. My friend did not know that we were being good friends and he liked me.

Then he said, "That's ok if you don't want to invite me".

I got confused, "No its nothing like that. You can join us for a dinner to night".

I was going to take him first time to my place. I though it was going to be a great episode, him and my friends. So I texted my friends and informed about him. Also requested them not to ask anything in front of him. We bought onions and reached home. He kindly lifted onion bag for me all the way to home.

One of my friends opened the door and she welcomed him. They were prepared. Other 2 friends were inside watching TV and 2 were cooking. I introduced him to every one. Suddenly he got very nervous. So I asked him slowly, "Are you ok?"

He said, "I never saw these many girls together at one place and all smiling at me." After a while he tried to make an excuse, "Actually it reminded me some work. I will have curry some other day".

I told him not to worry, but he was willing to go. But my friends did not let him go and forced him to stay. They were being cheeky too and wanted to tease him.

He couldn't deny. My friends started asking him questions about how we started being friends with each other and all. They were all pulling his leg. He was getting even more nervous then.

I asked to god to help me that night. I knew once he left, I will be facing lots of questions from my friends.

Finally, curry was ready and we finished with dinner. He really enjoyed it and thanked everyone for their hospitality. Suddenly his brother rang and asked for his help, so he had to go. Suddenly I noticed his phone, it was different phone then other day, when he took my photo. I thought to walk with him to the bus stop and ask him about that phone.

While walking unexpectedly he said, "I love....".

I replied with shock, "What?"

He said, "Don't worry, I mean I loved chickpeas curry today".

With relief I said, "Oh ok, I am glad that you liked".

Then he said, "But I was more happy to see you today".

I replied, "Ok bye, I need to go back as my friends will be waiting" and I started walking back. I turned once and he was still looking at me. I started walking even quickly.

After reaching home, I realised that I forgot to ask him about his phone. His talks drive me crazy and I always get lost. But I knew I had to face my friends then. It was going to be questions time now. I had to tell everything in detail at that time. So I did. Some of them complained that I did not shared all that but they were my friends, understood me at the end.

They asked me about my feelings towards him. I told them that we been good friends lately and I might liked him too. I started trusting him a little as there were many occasions he had been really caring and honest with me. I also told them that he already shared his feeling for me that he really liked me, but I was only being friendly.

They were convinced with me and that was happy ending of the question session. I was tired, went to bed. He normally texted me every night but strangely he did not texted me that night. I wonder why, so I texted him 'Good night' but I had no reply for him. I thought may be he was already slept. Thinking about him, I slipped into dreams.
Badly Brushed

I did not hear from him next few days, that wasn't like him. After a few days I got call from his brother. He introduced himself and said that some street boys had beaten them for the money, on the day when he came to my place for a dinner.

His brother wasn't hurt much but he was badly brushed and had little fracture on his arm. He asked his brother to call me and inform. I got really worried on hearing that. I decided to go and meet him. So I took his address, bought some flowers and went to see him.

His brother opened the door and with welcoming smile he said, "Hello, Please come in. So it's you he was talking about all the time. My brother will be happy to see you".

Then, he told everything in detail, whatever happened with them that night.

After he left from my place, he went to meet his brother for some work. They both were coming back to home and it was dark in the evening. Some street boys attacked them from the back for their wallets and phone. His brother ran from there but they caught him, he tried to fight but they were many, so he ended up being badly injured. They took his phone and wallet.

I felt so bad. I was thinking that may be he changed his mind for me and that's why he wasn't texting or calling me for few days. But poor him, he wasn't well at all. I felt guilty.

After I hear his story in detail, I felt to see him straightaway. He was in bed laid down. His one eye was badly bruised; arm was swollen and had compression band on. I was shocked to see him like that. He slowly opened his eyes, saw me and smiled.

I said with angrily, "Why you tried to be hero and fought, you should just given them your wallet and phone like your brother did".

He smiled, completely ignored what I was talking and said, "I will get better now, since I saw you".

"Oh come on, don't tried to be smart" I replied.

He said, "I missed you, thank you very much for coming. Can you please be with me for a while if you not in hurry".

I was so sad seeing him like that, so I could not refuse.

"Does your family know about this?", curiously I asked.

"No I asked my brother not to tell anything to them, they will get worried unnecessarily", He said.

"I think you are right. It will be better that way. Are you managing your self all right at home?", I asked.

He replied, "Yes I just need to be careful with my arm, else it's fine"

"What about your food?", asked again as I was concerned.

"A couple with whom we living as paying guest, they does all cooking for us, But they always try to save money and provide us cheap food. We can't cook so we have to put up with what we get." he said silently.

"That's awful, you are paying for living, so they shouldn't be doing this, specially being Indian as well", I said. I was very angry on hearing that.

Since we been in London, we expect Indian people to help other Indians, but it's never been like that. They are the one who always pull you back. I heard so many Incidents like that, where they always try to take advantage of people's weakness.

I also had trouble when we were paying guests initially but then we managed to get rented house. We enjoyed cooking food our selves. He was badly injured, so I could not asked him to fight for it.

I though if I can send him nutritious food for few days will be good for him. So I told him that I was willing to send food.

With surprise he said, "Really, you will cook for me?"

"Don't think too much, I am only cooking until you get better" I replied with attitude.

With lovely smile he said, "I will eat any thing you give. It will be my pleasure". But then he said, "I will manage, don't bother too much as you must have many things to do".

"Don't be silly, I can mange. You must let me do it. I am not going to listen any thing, I will bring you food from this evening", I said firmly.

"Ok as you wish" he replied.

I said, "Now you rest and I will see you in the evening".

He smiled and said, "Thanks again for coming, I already started feeling better".

After saying good-bye, I left.

I came home and told my friend about it. They all felt sorry for him too. They did not mind me cooking for him. I cooked vegetable soup and fried rice for him and packed it up.

I was about to leave and he rang me. He asked me not to visit him in the evening, as it got really deserted in evening, where he lived. So he requested his brother to collect meal for him from my place.

I was feeling good as I could help him with something. I took his new number and called him before going to bed. He said he really enjoyed food and thanked me for that. I also requested him not to end up in that kind of fighting situation in future if he could help it.

We chatted for a while. Before ending conversation he said, "I will definitely going to have sweet dream today".

"Ok then have a sweet dreams as you need it. Keep well and good night", with smile I replied.
Christmas Drinks

I cooked for him for few days, and met him few time. His eyes where getting better. But he needed to keep his armband for a while.

It was a Christmas day. There were 7 boys living with him as a paying guest and other 6 were joining them. They all decided to collect £10 each and buy drinks from it. So they bought all kind of drinks, lots of wine and bears. His fridge was full with drinks.

That night, they all got heavily drunk, almost finished all drinks they bought. He was drunk too. And yes, he called me in that condition.

It was about 11pm, I was very sleepy, but I answered and he said, "Where are you, I missed you a lot".

I judged from his sound that he was drunk. Still I asked, "Are you drunk?"

He replied, "Yes we all are drunk". Then he told me all about that drink party in bits.

I requested him to sleep, but he kept on saying that he wanted to meet me that night.

I got angry and said, "Please put phone down and we will talk tomorrow".

He started begging, "Please talk to me for a while as I missed you a lot. At least I get to hear you voice".

Then he came back to same question again. He said, "Did you miss me?"

I replied angrily, "No, not at all, I was busy".

He said with stumbling voice, "Don't lie, I know you missed me and I know you like me too".

I replied immediately, "I liked you as a good friend".

He was really drunk and kept repeating himself, "Good friend...good friend only!" silent for a while and he said, "Then why you got worried when I was hurt".

"I would be worried for any of my friends, if something like that would happen", I replied firmly.

"Ok lets keep it that way my dear, but I never liked any one the way I like you. I think I feel lot more for you. Why do I feel like that?" crazily, he went on.

I did not know what to say. So I did not reply. So he said, "You are not in hurry. Take your time but at least be my friend forever. Please, Please, Please!"

I thought saying yes would end that conversation quickly, so I said, "Ok I will, but if you like me then please listen to me. You need rest. So, please go to bed"

He said, "Ok as you say my dear. Good-bye, but I miss you".

Finally he put phone down and I could peacefully go to bed then.

But he left me thinking. I tried to control my feelings as I did not wanted to rush to any decision. I wanted to give more time before I can decide any thing serious. But, did I really have a time then?
Something Missing

He called me next day and said sorry for his behavior for previous night. He requested me to forgive him. I asked him not to call me if he gets drunk again in future.

But he made another request again. He said, "My arm still hurts, can you please help me packing my bags? My brothers are not good with that; they will just dump everything in the bags. You are the only one I can ask, Will you help me?"

I knew that his arm his only excuse to meet me. But he kept on bagging and gave me many reasons that he couldn't pack himself. I had to say 'yes' in the end. Even knowing everything, I was still enjoying falling in his tricks. May be because no body made that much effort to meet me before and he always made me feel special.

I took his sisters' shopping with me, which he asked me to do earlier. I found some lovely handbags for them.

He loved handbags I got for his sisters. Then he showed me his room. He had all his shopping laid on his bed. He was sharing his room with other 2 mates, and they all didn't bother to keep it clean.

Looking at so much of dirt, I could not stop myself from asking, "Why are you boys so dirty? You don't seem to put any effort to keep it clean and tidy".

He said with cheeky smile again, "Because we don't have girlfriends in our lives to come and see this. So we don't bother".

On hearing that I decided to carry on with packing and not to ask him any thing else. Because I knew in which direction all talk would go!

He told me what all he had brought for whom, so I packed it accordingly in separate bags. It took almost an hour. It took me so long because he kept forgetting things and added them later on. He was really making me angry then. He was delaying it as much as I tried to pack it quickly, like he never wanted me to go home.

Finally we were nearly finished with packing. Suddenly with different tone he said, "I will be in India next week this time. I am eager to meet my family but I am feeling like something is missing here".

I pretend not to hear what he said and carried on with packing. I asked, "Have you got anything else to go in the bags? Please think again and give me now".

He came close to me and grabbed my hand. With strong voice he said, "Did you really not hear what I said or you just avoiding me?"

I asked him to leave my hand and said, "Please I don't want to talk about this. Let me finish what I am doing".

He gave a strong look and left my hand. After a while he said, "Ok, I am sorry, I will not do that again".

I did not say anything; luckily his brother was back from work and came to us to say 'Hello' to me. He thanked me to help him packing. He didn't say anything in front of his brother.

When I was leaving, he said, "Let me walk you to the bus stop please".

We started walking and all of the sudden it started raining. We did not have umbrella and no nearest place to shelter, so we got wet. Bus stop was near so I started walking quickly. But then he stopped me. The rain was pouring. My hair was getting wet. He came close to me and slowly swept his finger in my hair and tucked it back. He put his hand on my cheek.

His touch felt really calm, for the moment I did not feel rain. I just wanted to be with him. Before I could say something, he was flurried with emotions and said, "Please let me say what I want to say. I will miss you a lot. Please come quickly. I can't wait for 2 weeks for you to come. I was excited to meet my family but I am not feeling that joy any more. I don't know how I will manage without seeing you for that long".

I was feeling extremely nervous on hearing that. I lost my words. We were very close to the bus stop and I saw bus coming. I started running for it. I got on the bus quickly. He was standing out side, looking at me. His eyes were full of sadness, but then he smiled and wave me good-bye.

I was happy to see him smiling. I took a deep breath. After reaching home, I was really disturbed for a long time, thinking about what happened. One of my friends was at home, she noticed me and said, "Is there any thing you want to tell me about?"

I just said No. But I was feeling anxious and felt like I was missing my beats. I was unable to figure out what I wanted that time. But he definitely got some room in my life unexpectedly. I knew answer but was not ready to except it. I decided to speak to my friend, so I went back to her and told her everything.

She was stunned after hearing all that. So she asked me, "If you like him then why don't you tell him?"

I replied, "I like him but what he feels for me is clearly more then liking. You should have seen him while he was telling me all that. I clearly know what he wants but I don't know what I want. How do I know that he is the one?" I was shaking while saying that.

She asked again, "I can understand what you feeling. What if he will propose you? How you going to react on that? From this occasion I can tell you that its not long that he will propose you, so you better get your answers ready for him".

"Please don't create more problem for me, I haven't handle this one yet. Just tell me how do I talk to him till he is here in the UK", I said.

"Well he is going to India day after tomorrow, just one day more. Nicely tell him happy journey, so he will be in peace too. He will be busy once he reaches India. So don't worry about it." She said.

I though myself, "Yes its true. Once he is gone, I will have enough time to think about him".

His flight was on 2nd January in the morning about 9.30am. Night before I called him and said happily, "Have a happy journey to India. Enjoy every moment with your family and make a most of it".

He replied, "Ok as you say but I will call you when I am on the flight".

Next day, He called me just before flight was leaving and said, "Ok dear. Take care of your self while I am not here. I am not going to miss you".

I got confused with what he just said.

Then he added, "I am not going to miss you because I can never stop thinking about you. Take care. Bye".

That was our last talk just before he flew to India.
Surprise Comeback

He used to send me funny jokes and his updates in text massages; I missed all that for few days. I suddenly felt like it was very quite around me.

One day I was sitting and watching TV, I got one local text massage from unknown number. It said, "Hi there, hope you doing good. I missed you since long time. If you are free to talk, then can I call you?"

I thought it was him but how could he send me local massage as he would be in India. So I replied, "Are you in UK or India?"

Reply I got on my question was, "Well I had no plan to go to India! I was busy working here".

I got confused. Why he was saying all that as he did call me while he was on plane to India. I kept thinking for a while. I thought to check that massage again. And I was stunned when I looked at number's last digit. It was that accountant's number. Since we stopped talking to each other, I deleted his number from my phone. But I still did not wanted to believe that's him, so I asked, "Who are you?"

He replied, "Hey, I know you are angry with me as I did not believed you last time regarding your bus stop friend, but now I realised my mistake. Can we be friend again?"

That reply conformed that it was that accountant. I was angry, so I did not reply to him. But after a while he called me. I did not answer.

Then he called me again, I thought I had to make things clear and talk to him once. So I answered. He said politely, "Hi, Listen before you say anything, I am sorry. Can we meet once?"

I really did not care and said, "I left you behind and I have no room for any kind of relationship with you".

He started begging, "I know it was my fault. I just want to give one chance to our friendship".

Firmly I said, "I don't think that our way of thinking matches, so I don't see any hope in our friendship either".

I put my phone down after saying that. I thought how dare he called me again. But he did not call again that day. I was in peace then.
Visiting my Store

After couple of days, I was at work. I was working in women accessory department. I was busy tidying up handbags and some said, "Hi".

I turned around and it was that accountant. I could not believe my eyes. He said, "Hope I haven't disturbed you".

"How come are you here?" immediately I asked.

"To meet you", He said.

"I am not interested in meeting you any more, so I am requesting you to go please", I requested politely.

But being stubborn he said, "I am not going anywhere until you agree to meet me".

I wanted him to go as soon as possible, so I just said, "Ok I will meet you after work".

He started waiting out side my store in his car. After work, I decided to meet him once as he was waiting for long time. Before he could say anything I told him, "I agreed to meet you because I wanted you to go from there. Please don't expect anything else".

He persisted, "Can we have a coffee together please! Just last one. I will not force you after that".

Without showing any deep interest, I said, "Ok last one".

We went to nearest coffee shop. He ordered a latte for me and got me 2 sugars. I thought he did not even remember how many sugars I have with latte. I didn't bother to tell him that.

He said, "I am sorry the way I behaved. I should have trusted you. I know it was my fault. What can I do to make up for my mistake?".

He kept on apologising to me,, so I could not be rude to him any more. But I still asked him that what made him think about me again.

I replied, "So now you realised your mistake? How come?"

Poorly he said, "I realised it before along time but did not had courage to speak to you".

I was still not convinced, I knew that he was hiding something, because he always been good in acting. Whenever he spoke nicely, you could see lots of effort behind it, but whenever he behaved rude, it sounded normal of him. What a selfish man! I was only having friendly chat, so did not cared.

He asked me how my family was doing and all. I told him that I was going to India soon. He was bit surprise to hear that. I wanted to show some attitude, so I told him that I was going to India to check some arranged marriage proposals.

He seemed bit scared to hear that. Politely he said, "If I would have known then I would have come with you".

He asked me for how many days I was going for and what were my other plans. He requested me to meet his parents in India. He said that they really liked me. I just behaved nicely and wanted to go home, did not cared what he was saying. We talked for a while and he insisted to drop me home. I could not deny much, but one of my friends saw him while he was dropping me.

After he left, she asked me straight away that what I was doing with him. I told her everything in detail and she was satisfied. They cared for me, so they deserved answers.

In the evening when I was having dinner, another friend curiously asked that what did I think about that accountant and was I going to continue talking to him.

I told her clearly that he had no importance in my life, so did not wanted to talk about him at all. She understood and did not asked me again.
Parents Involved

Next day my parents called me and asked me about him, that accountant. I was surprise to hear that. I asked them how did they know that I met him. They said that his parents told them, as he was willing to take our relationship to the next stage and they were ready for our marriage.

It was like a bombshell to hear that. I thought he knew that I did not think about him that way and he already talked to his parents about me, so I called him straight away. I asked him that why he involved parents, as we had no discussion of getting married. He said that he wanted to meet personally and talk about that. So we decided to meet again.

On meeting he said, "My parents wanted to know what I thought about you, so I just told them that we are together again ".

Without any delay I said, "Excuse me but you are thinking too much and I haven't decided anything yet".

He said, "You told me that you going to India for marriage proposal, so I had to rush. You can decide now".

I was shocked to hear that. So I told him clearly, "I only consider you as someone I know, and without intention of getting marry at any point".

He held my hand and said, "Please, don't be like that. I know you liked me. I lost you before; don't want to take any chance now. I really like you". He was really being awkward to handle.

When he touched me, I did not feel any thing towards him. I wanted to go home and he was willing to drop me again. He tried to pursue me a lot while driving. I was really disturbed by that incident.

My parents called me again that evening and insisted me to take positive decision about him saying that he was good guy with good education and job. They also said that he belonged to good family and had good reputation in community. My parents were really happy with that proposal. First time I could not decided whom to listen, my heart or my mind or my parents.

I thought my parents would be happy if I choose to marry him. I loved my parents, so did not wanted to hurt them. I kept thinking whole night. Next day I had to start work in the evening about 4pm. I need to clear my mind about him, so I called that accountant. He asked me to have a lunch with him. I thought being with him I could decide that how did I really felt for him, so I agreed to meet him.
Truth cannot Hide

He took me to the same English restaurant where we went with his girlfriend; I thought he would take me somewhere else. I did not say anything about his choice; I did not want to create more issue. I just decided to go with the flow. But again, he did not ask me what I liked, he said, "We only got few vegetarian option, I know one dish, lets eat that". It was like he did not want me to open my mouth.

When I met him last 2 times, he behaved like he was dying for me. But this time he had some attitude, like he had a confidant that I was going to marry him. He wasn't talking much and I did not wanted to start first.

After a while, with attitude he asked, "So did you speak to your parents? They really like me, don't they?"

I really had to open his eyes, so I said, "yes, I did spoke to them, but they left decision on me, because I am the one who was getting married, right?"

Then he was tried to be funny unnecessarily and with naughty smile said, "Oh really, so your parents let you decide. Great!" he sounded very insulting.

I was annoyed. Before I could say anything, waiter brought our dishes, and that food was really not appealing to me and on top of that he was again being weird. I did not know why but it suddenly reminded me about my bus stop friend, as he always remembered what do I like and then acted accordingly.

I was just about to eat and he said, "Wait, you don't eat that way". It was boiled veg I was about to pick it up.

I asked, "What do you mean?"

He said, "You are really don't know, you should eat with the folk". He was really showing off. I did not like that but I thought to finish eating the way he was saying.

The food he ordered had a potato mash, some boiled vegetable, bread and tasteless curry. I thought to add some salt, as I was not used to eating that kind of food. It was tasteless, but I had to eat a little.

While I was eating, I got little potato mash out side my mouth. He told me angrily, "Come wipe your face! how are you eating!"

I wanted to slap him but I could not. It again reminded me my friend, when he politely wiped my face when we had cheese pastry at Hounslow high street. Thinking about that brought smile on my face.

So he asked, "Why are you smiling, did you like food?"

You bet. What do I say? With fake smile I said, "This food is mind blowing". Finally after a while, we finished with lunch.

He wasn't talking anything significant and I wished to come to the point, so I asked him why he was rushing for marriage decision and not taking his time. He said that he liked me and he did not felt necessary to know anything else. But he got annoyed when I told him this, "Yes I know you like me, but what makes you think that we can go long together? I am actually struggling to find that reason."

After thinking he replied, "What ever problem you have, we can sort out after engagement. We will have plenty of time then. I am also planning to visit India while you are there and we can get engage then. Lets close this chapter for now".

I did not expect that kind of answer, so I said, "I don't think you are understanding what I want to say. But I cannot rush for this matter".

He got really angry on hearing that and said, "How can you be so arrogant? I am not dying to marry you either, but it's my parents who wanted me to get married and forced me to get back to you".

I got shocked to hear that. Unbelievable. I knew that there was some fishy. After a while he realised what he said. Then suddenly he changed his sound and said, "Listen, I do like you and I see perfect partner in you. I am agree to what our parents are thinking for us is good for our future, so I want to obey them".

I knew that he was playing game again. I wanted to take a break, so I made an excuse to go to toilet. He was waiting for me at the table. While I was coming back from toilet, I hear him talking on the phone to somebody. I thought it was his mother.

But I got huge shock after hearing what he was talking about me. I only heard a part of it where he was saying, "how can you be so sure? She is really arrogant and what if she did not bring any wealth with her. Then marring her will be useless".

Then he added after listening his mother, "I am really wasting my time with her mom. Why don't you find something else for me".

Again he listened and said, "ok...ok...I understand that she is the only option so far".

I was lost for a while. Could not believe him talking like that about me to his mother. I felt really insulted and unimportant. But then I thought what he was saying is the product of his cheap mind and his parents' upbringing.

That was it. With out informing him, I left from there. He kept ringing me but I did not answer. I did not want to talk to him anymore. I sent him last text massage, saying that I heard all his talk to his mother and wished him good luck for his wife search, because I would tell about his truth in our community.

I didn't know why but I was really happy, not sad. I felt like huge load was taken off from my head. I immediately told my parents about him and they were shocked as well and they decide to investigate in community. But they believed me at that point. They never talked about that matter after that. They were relived, because we found out his truth early.

That was the end of that accountant's chapter from my life forever but I did not know that new chapter was already started in India with out my full awareness.
Feelings on Rise

I was working that evening, so I started journey in that direction. I did not know why but I missed my bus stop friend a lot that day. Arrival of that accountant made me realise my true feelings towards my bus stop friend. At every step he proved to be the best. He cared for me like I was little baby.

I was feeling over the moon, thinking about him. I could not stop smiling, and I felt like nothing was bothering me anymore. I wanted to dance and sing loudly. Remembering his voice was like music to my ear. I felt his first touch when we had a fall in the grocery shop. I was feeling rain, which was pouring on the day when I packed his bag. He was always happy on seeing me happy. I was desperate to talk to him that day. But then I thought he must be busy with his family.

Sadly he was not around when I wanted to be with him, I reached to my work and I started as usual. I went to lounge to put my bags in the locker. I was bit hungry as I did not eat enough in the lunchtime. One of my work mates had her birthday; a day before and she bought huge cake for every one and left in the lounge to eat.

I saw it and it reminded me that Victoria Sponge cake, he bought for me to celebrate our first meeting. He really gave me happy surprise that day. But that was a chocolate cake on the table; I took small piece. While I was eating, I felt like, he was watching me eating again. I felt his presence with me for a while but unfortunately; he was in India at that time.

My manager came to me and asked me to fill some empty space on the shelves with goods from the stock room. I went to stockroom and it was dark as always. I thought if he would be there and then he would have helped me without asking. I brought cage my self and started loading it. Pushed it all the way to my department. I was so tired after a while. Suddenly I imagined seeing him with fizzy drink cane for me, to help me energize. I deeply wished for it to be true.

I was seeing him at each and every step that day at my work. I felt like he would just come in front of me and surprise me, like he did when I was waiting for a bus at Wembley Central.

But I knew that it was not going to be true. I finished my work and started walking towards my bus stop. I could not stop thinking about him, reaching at the bus stop reminded me our first meeting and how we he become my close friends.

It reminded me his last word before going to India, when he said that he would never stop thinking about me.
Just Proposed Me

But he forgot me. Or I thought so. Silly me! How could I complain about that; he had obvious reason. I had to make up my mind.

It was about 10.45pm. I was still in the bus, was reaching near to my home and my phone rang. It was Indian phone number. I was stunned for a while, and I kept staring at my phone. I thought that it cannot be him as it would be midnight in India. I was lost for a while. Then some in the bus, called me and said loudly, "Are you going to answer that or not?" I realised where I was and immediately answered the phone and it was him. Yes, It was his voice. For a while, I thought it was a dream. So I asked, "Is this really you?"

He said, "Yes, Why? Did you not expect my call?"

I was so happy to hear from him. I replied, "No it's not like that. I was actually thinking about you and you called. That's why".

He said with smile in his voice, "Really, you missed me. I missed you all the time but got little busy with family".

I said, "No that's ok. I can understand".

But then I realised the time and asked, "How did you managed to call me at this time, it must be 2.30pm in the night there. Why are you not sleeping yet?"

"Because I missed you, I though you must be free, so I waited to call you at this time" he replied.

"I am in the bus, just finished work. How's your family doing? Did they like their gifts?" curiously asked.

"Oh yes, they all loved it. My sister knew that it couldn't be my choices. She asked me that who did those shopping for her", he said.

"What did you say?" I asked again.

"I told them that some one special did these shopping. They asked me a lot about you", He said.

"So what did you tell them about me?" I kept asking as I was getting bit excited to know.

"Actually my brother-in-law is very good friend of mine. He always catches me when I am acting different. So he caught me this time as well. He ordered me to tell him everything in details. So I told him that I really liked you and feels a lot for you", he replied.

"What? You told them that. You cannot talk about me. What they will think!" I said.

"Why does it bothers you so much, you only consider me a good friend, isn't it?" he asked with attitude.

"Yes, I still consider you as a good friend", I was being cheeky too.

"Forget everything. Tell me first how many times did you thought about me in these days?" he asked again with deep voice.

"Yes I did think about you, I was thinking that you must be happy being with your family", I replied like it did not bother me that much.

"You are lying, I know you thought more then that!" he said.

"No I did not", I replied. Decided to tease him a little.

"Ok but I will not lie this time. I had enough of this. Let me tell you truth that I love you. Will you marry me?" he asked it so simply!

'Did he really just say that?' I could not believe what happened! I lost my words. I was silent for few seconds. Then he said, "Hello, are you still there?"

"Yes I am listening", slowly I said.

"Then tell me what you think?" he asked.

"I don't know... I don't know what to say! b...but we cannot talk on the phone for matter like this", I started stammering a bit.

I knew that he might say something, but did not think about that. I thought that he was loosing his mind in the mid night, as he did not slept.

That morning I rejected one proposal and I got new one by night. Every thing happened so quickly than I though. I knew that he was not like that accountant at all, but already had one bad experience that day, did not wanted to rush again.

I kept thinking so he said, "Ok don't worry. Take your time, but I have opened my heart to you. I am proposing you now because my family is already finding good partner for me, but I have already found one. I cannot afford to loose you, I love you and I want to marry you. I feel great when I am with. I feel fulfilled when I am with you. Together we can do better. I am sorry if I have hurt you at any point. Hoping to get positive response from you as well".

His words were pleasantly hitting me in my heart. I had to tell him truth and I said, "I do really like you but I still need some time to think".

He said, "Ok love take care, and take your time. Missed you a lot. Unfortunately I have to let you go, I will call you after few days. I love you. Bye".

First time some one shared his feeling like that to me. I wanted to trust him that he loved me truly. I was happily surprised so could not say anything, but I knew that he was best among all I ever met.

I rushed to my home. Could not wait to tell my friends about that. Lots of things happened in one day. In the morning when I left home I was thinking to accept accountant's marriage proposal but now, someone else more deserving took his place.

My friends got shocked on hearing all that. They got really angry on that accountant and his family. They all agreed that family like his was nuisance in Indian culture.

But they were happily surprised when I told them about new proposal from my bus stop friend. I told them unlike accountant he sounded very promising on phone while he was proposing me. I also told them that first time I could not stop thinking about him in whole day and he proposed me in the evening. Some telepathy happened that day may be. My thoughts managed to reach all the way to India. How lovely!

My friends could not stop giving me their opinion; I welcomed those, as I desperately needed that time. One of my friends said that I should not agree on anything at that time. She said, "As you are going to India as well in a week's time then you should get more details about him and his family yourself". She was right thinking that way after that accountant's episode.

Another friend asked, "Do you love him too? You should decide that first before anything. You are saying that you was missing him whole day, then that's a sign that you might love him". She was right too, because there was no point to check family before knowing that I loved him or not.

I thought to my self, ' Did I really love him?' That was true that I really wanted to be with him that day and was getting used with him being around. I was already feeling safe and confortable with him. He was being straightforward with his approach and was not playing games. I did not know why but I really wanted to believe that no one could be better then him.

Then another friend said, "I know he never said that he loves you before but from his behavior you knew that he loved you, didn't you? He had been honest with you and proposed you straight away. If I would be you then I would say 'Yes'. I would accept his love".

And she added on that, "Do you remember when you had a bad cold one day, and you went to meet him. You were looking funny that day as you were sneezing all the time, your hair was messy but still he didn't cared about your look. He was still caring for you and was walking by your side. I have known many men who always go by looks. Clearly he is not one of them. He still liked you when you looked so bad."

They all gave their honest opinion. I needed to consider something. I just could not decide but then my friend's suggestion to delay it till I go to India sounded better at that time. That would give me a week thinking time.

One day I was passing by that coffee shop where we had 'thank you' chat first time. It reminded me, that day he told me that he was planning to go to Australia, but because of less finance available he only had a choice to come to the UK. I thought that it could be our fortune to meet in the UK, because I was also planning to go to USA but I end up in the UK too. Was that just co-incidence or planned by our fortune?

He did phone me after few days as he promised, and asked what I thought. I told him to wait till I reach India and would tell him face to face. I also told him that before we decide anything, I wanted him to know about my family in detail. He agreed on that and said he couldn't wait to meet me. He took my India's contact number and happily gave me space I needed.
On Visiting my Family

It was almost 9 hours journey to India by flight. I continuously thought about him. He was really serious about me. He did not waste time and proposed me straight away. From his point of view he knew what he was doing. In last three months he managed to drive me even close to him.

It reminded me my friend's word at that time, "Marry someone who loves you, not who you love. That way you will be always cared and loved for ever". I thought if every thing goes smoothly in families, then there was no obligation between us.

I reached India, was extremely happy to see my parents and sister after almost one and half year. My younger sister was eagerly waiting for me and her gifts. It felt so peaceful after reaching home.

When you are with your parents all the time, you don't realise their importance. After living far from them for a long time, I realised their love even more. My mum cooked my favorite food and my father could not stop pampering me. My sister, who used to fight with me a lot, started sharing things peace fully. It felt like, I was in heaven. But I already started worrying that I had to go away from that love in 4 weeks time again.

That evening when I reached to India, I had call from him. He was happy for me that I reached safely. He also said that he would only meet if I wanted, he would not force me at all. So I thought I was not in hurry but had to rush at the end. He was already in India for 2 weeks and due to go back in 2 weeks time, so we were together in India for 2 weeks only.

In our community, girls normally get marry around age of 23. And I was already 23. So my father was also finding good partner for me before I go back, he already managed to get few photographs to show me for arrange marriage. They were also checking family's background twice before bringing it to me.

Even being in community my parents were open minded; they never forced me with anything. But they always said, that getting married in community is better as you always know their way of living and can adjust easily.

When my father showed me those photos I realised that I should give a first thought to proposal I already have, as it was more promising and known. I thought to call him that day. We decided to meet and he was coming with his best friend and his girl friend.
Meeting in the garden

4 of us met at the famous garden of Ahmedabad, called the Law garden. He introduced me with his friend and his friend's girl friend. We all talked for a while and then they went alone for their meeting, gave us private time to talk. He said that he couldn't believe that I was in front of his eyes. Holding my hand he said that what ever my answer would be, he would accept that because he loved me.

Before I could express my love, I wanted him to know all about my family in detail. Like him, I also respect my parent's decision and would not do anything against their will. I really liked him, so did not wanted to surprise him later on.

I decided to start with my mother as she always influenced me. I told him that my mother is very dominant lady and majority of decisions, I took in my life, was to make her happy. My mother was suffering with mental health and whole family always tries to do things, which she likes. So that way she doesn't rely on medications as much. But she always had one fair complain about my father. My father is very simple man and he always let go off things. He never believed in fight for rights. So my father's brothers always took advantage of his kind nature. My mother had to fight for his rights and he could never take a stand for her.

So She always told me one thing, "If you are going to do Love Marriage then please find a person who can fight for his rights himself."

But on other side she respects my father for his well education. He grew up in small village and studied harder. Because of his good job he was able to bring my mother in the big city and gave us good life. My father is very clever with his work and he is very respected at his job. So she wanted that ability in my partner too.

I told him about that and he asked, "What do you really think of me? Do you see any of those abilities in me? "

I kept thinking for a while and did not say anything. I was teasing him. So he said, "Come on, you came to meet me, so I believe that you must have seen something in me". That was proving that he was clever indeed.

I replied, "We been close friends for a while. I can definitely see that you are very determine person and has clear future goal. In last three months, you always managed to keep my interest towards you and kind of influenced my decision at certain points. From that I can say you may have ability to fight when you needed".

He said with little anger, "May be? No I can definitely fight when I know what I am doing is right. If you don't love me then its fine, I will kindly accept that for now but I would not let go of you that easily. You need to give me fair reasons for not liking me".

I tried to calm him down and said, "Listen I really like you and you have created feelings in my heart for you. I do feel safe and comfortable when you around. But here you have to convince my parents for me. I can take you my home to meet my parents and they will decide for me."

"Ok I will do that for you. I am confident to impress your family. So when you taking me home?" he asked immediately.

"If you free tomorrow then you are most welcome. I will inform them today about you. I am sure they will agree to meet you for my happiness", I said and smiled.

We did chatted for a while and it was time to go home. I was about to leave from there and he stopped me. He said, "You haven't told me yet".

I pretend not to know what he was talking about and asked, "What?" but I knew that he was talking about those 3 words, 'I Love you'.

Being impatient, he said, "You know 'what'?"

With a smile I said, "Will say that when you convince my parents" and I left. He smiled and left too.
Pleasing my Parents

I told my parents about him and they happily agreed to meet him. My mother cooked snacks for him. He reached to my home on time. My father opened the door. He kindly said hello to my father. My mother came out, saw him and went back in the kitchen. She did not say anything.

He sat down and started talking. My father asked him about his family and about his major subject of study. My father is an Electrical engineer and he was studying Masters in Electrical engineering in the UK. That immediately took my father's interest towards him. They talked half and hour about their subject of interest.

My mother said to me, "I never saw your father talking for that long. Because he don't like involving in general talk. But that young man managed to talk to him so he must be smart."

I was happy on hearing that. I gave him sigh that he was doing well. My mother came out and talked to him for a while, and then she bought snacks she cooked for him. He was clever and immediately started praising her food. He managed to keep their interest in him for the long time.

My parents asked about his future plans and he showed more interest in living in the UK after finding job. Then my mother asked counter question about his ability to find a job. At that point he promised my parents that after reaching UK, he would find a good job in 3 months' time at any cost. His confidant and courage impressed my parents.

He was living far from me on 2-hours journey, in small town called Kapadvanj. And he was travelling back same day. So he kindly took my parents leave. I told him that I would call him later in the night. We could not talk much in front of my parents, so he left from there.

After he went, I discussed with my parents' about their thought for him. They liked him and his career path but my mother wanted to meet his family first. She showed some resistance towards him and told something to my father privately.

That night I called him. He was relived after meeting my parents. I told him that he managed to please my father, but my mother was only partially please. He said he was coming back to my city in few days, will do something then.

After 2 days, my mother was going in someone's marriage party with her other friends, so she was dressed up nicely. She was wearing amber color 'Sari'. He came back that day and was going to meet me at my home. But before me, he managed to meet my mother on stairs.

He said, "Oh you looking gorgeous in amber 'Sari', you looking like an elder sister, not mother". My mother was very pleased on hearing that. I saw that and asked him was he was doing. He said he did not wanted to miss any opportunity to please my mum.

After taking my parents permission, we went out together. That time I knew one ice cream parlour; to decide next step we sat there couple of hours. He was really amazed to hear that I was missing him at work on the day he proposed me, and did not believe me. I told him about that accountant too and the way he kept coming in my life. He got real shock when I told him that, that I was meeting accountant under arranged marriage proposal. My cheeky boy said that he wanted to thank him personally for being bad boy; otherwise I might not have realised his feelings.

Then curiously he asked me that what did I found after comparing him with that accountant. I told him that I liked being pampered and he always remembered little things of mine, like how many sugars I have with coffee, my favorite cake and that I feel sick sitting on upper deck in the bus. He said that if he would knew early on about that then, he would have carried a small notebook with him. But trust me he did remember lot more things about me then I mentioned here, which I found later on.

All of a sudden, with serious face he told me that he hid something from me. I got nerves, but he started laughing and showed me his phone screen. It was my photo, which he took when I was with him doing his family shopping in mall. After a while I realise that he had 2 phones that day and showed me different phone when I asked him to delete it. Really played me that day. How could I ask him to delete it again!

Slowly it was a time to go home. He was happy to welcome my parents to meet his parents' next day, but I thought to ask my parents first before deciding. That night he was going to stay at his uncle' place in my city as it was bit late to go back.

We were about to go and with radiant smile, he asked me to say those three words but I wanted to check his patients for a while, so I replied with a smile only and left quickly. Being annoyed he shouted loud and said that, next time he would do something, which would make me say those worlds ultimately. I still remembered his face, very annoyed but happy.
Visiting his Town Alone

Next day, I woke up and I did not know why but I wanted to meet his family first myself without my parents. I shared my thought to my mother. She always gave my sister and me freedom, as we never misused it. She was happy to send me there.

I asked him to take me to his town. He liked my idea too. He discussed that meeting with his elder sister and brother-in-law, they both always been very supportive to him, so they immediately agreed on his request. They drove to my city to pick me up with him in their car.

I was getting ready for my trip, couldn't decide what to wear. I never wore traditional wear, because I wasn't comfortable in those. So I thought that I should not put on anything which I am not used to, should just be me as I am. That way I would know what his family thinks of my way of living.

He belonged to small traditional town, where majority of people are still holding old traditions and little superstitious. My mother was concerned with that part as I always lived in the big city. Keeping this matter on the side, I just decided to meet his family.

His sister was wearing modern cloths. I felt like she wanted to represent her modern thought. I felt bit better on seeing her. We started our journey to his town. On our way, I got friendly with her. She told me that she ran a beauty parlour business herself. That showed that she wasn't like typical housewife. His brother-in-law was very energetic and positive person, and he was driving force for him in our case. I did not feel at all that I was meeting him first time. They both gave me little confidence to meet rest of the family.

I never visited his town before, so on reaching I started looking around. Seeing his town, it reminded me my father's town. Only my family lived in the city but my cousins belonged to small town where my father grew up. So I found his town similar to my father's hometown.

We reached his home. First I saw his mother, she came out on hearing sound of car. She looked very calm and inviting. His younger sister came out next with her 2 kids. She started staring me top to bottom, noticing everything I was wearing. I started feeling bit nervous as I was facing that kind of situation first time. But they kindly welcomed me with smile. I wasn't talking much as I did not know what to say. His 2 cute little nieces sat next to me as if they wanted to be my friends.

His younger sister, who made me nervous initially, started talking to me general stuff and praised my hair. She asked me to get freshened up and made me feel like home. She showed me his whole house. I felt like his sisters already accepted me. While talking, she told me that simultaneously doing all home duties, she was helping out in her husband's business. His both sisters seemed very hard working ladies, just like him.

But His mother hid herself in kitchen. And his father was not home, I thought might be he was not interested to meet me. To be honest, I was bit worried about his father. I did not know why I was feeling so anxious about his parents' view for me. It was a situation, where I was trying to make sense of everything.

Suddenly auto rickshaw arrived and his father joined us as well. There, he was angry looking old man. He sat down and opened his question book. He asked me questions about my family and me. I replied to everything nicely and felt bit better after all conversation went smoothly. Being naughty his father said, "So it was you with whom my son was talking in the mid night". I felt really shy on hearing that. He started smiling and lightened the environment. Felt like half a battle was conquered then.

Then his mother asked me to join her in the kitchen, she wanted to talk to me alone. Politely she asked if I was feeling ok, might be she sensed my nervousness. To make me comfortable, she told me that even though they all belonged to small town, they were not rigid people. She said that she always given freedom to their children and she would consider me like her daughter too. She sounded very open minded, as she was teacher. She gave me some snacks and tea. I loved that snacks, it was 'Dhokla' again. But I would look crazy eating a lot on first meeting, so I only had a little.

I started feeling very positive about his family, as everyone was very active and friendly. His father was retired, but he was helping out his elder son-in-law in his shop every day.

I happily took their leave and planned my journey back to home. I was going back in the bus. He did not want me to go alone in the bus, so he took his parents' permission and came to drop me all the way to my home in the bus. That was really sweet of him and we needed that private time to plan next strategy.

I told him about my positive experience with his family and he was very pleased to hear that. It was getting dark and chilly; it was winter in India. He held me to keep me worm. I peacefully kept my head on his shoulder. Before I could realise, we reached Ahmedabad. Time flew when I was with him!

He dropped me safely at my home and he went to his uncle's place. My parents asked me about my visit. I told them all in detail. My mother was really pleased on hearing that they were open-minded family. My mother wanted to talk his mother next day.

She rang her and talked for quite a long time. His mother also shared his family's ups n down, did not hide anything. She also praised his son saying that he had always been courageous and very good at study. My mother also shared about our family more in detail. They both were happy talking with each other and his mother invited us for a lunch next day to his town.

She accepted that invitation, as she also wanted to visit his town once before taking any decision. That way she could personally check their way of leaving and then decide if I could fit in there.

Now in that accountant's case, we had been lucky to find out about his families thinking early on. My parents did some investigation about his family and my point was proven about them. So they did not wanted to make same mistake again.
Decision Pending

I woke up early next day as it was going to be big day of my life. I did not know why but I wished to wear something traditional that day. We all got dressed up nicely and started our journey to his town.

His whole family was ready to welcome us. On reaching, my mother immediately said that they got really nice house. He was wearing black shirt, which he bought newly for that occasion. He was looking handsome in black.

His sisters tried to make me comfortable; as they knew that I was feeling very shy. We all had a lunch prepared by his mother. Our family really enjoyed food and everybody was happy meeting each other. They liked our family too. Everything was running smoothly.

My mother was satisfied after meeting his mother and his family personally. Being teacher she was very busy woman but still was organised her home very nicely. My mother always prefers cleanliness at any cost. So all in all she found good points to get impressed and after talking to my father they were happy to take decision in my favour. It is very important to go along with both families because that way you will have their support and blessings at every step. With family like ours it was not a big trouble, because they both were receptive.

Both families wanted to take next step after one very important ritual and pre requisite step of marriage decision. Before they could decide for engagement, they wanted to match our birth-chart with Vedic astrology and match result would decide for marriage future. These days it could be done by computer software program, otherwise we would needed an expert for that.

It was almost evening by the time they decided to match birth-charts and we could not find any person with that software because not every one uses that kind of software on daily basis. So we needed to wait next day, when my father goes to work. He had access to that kind software program at work.

But the whole night, we were worried and could not stop thinking about it. Our future was relayed on that.

Well, Birth-chart is created by expert using birthdate and birth time. There were 36 different kinds of score to get. If it is lower then 18 then it considers not to be good score for our marriage. We might not get on well in the future with each other. And our family would hesitate a little for marriage decision. Matching birth-chart before engagement is very common procedure in Hindu culture and this ritual was highly accepted.

We were tensed about our score. But it turned into celebration time. We were made for each other and god has written our birth-chart accordingly. We scored 28 points from all different categories. It was a best score any body could get. We thought its god wishes too. Our families were happy to go for next step, which was engagement.

They decided to do a small engagement ceremony before he returned to UK. My parents insisted to do that at our home. His family was welcomed with his close families.
Special Day

I could not believe that I was going to engage him that quickly, but it's always like that in Indian culture. Families were finding partner for both of us, so they felt safe to engage us and fix the alliance while we were there. I really loved him but I could not digest the speed of things happening around me. So I called him and shared my nervousness to him. I still remember his word.

He said, "what is happening is only formalities but I have already gave you promise to love and protect you whole my life". That was his words, which clamed me down.

And we exchanged rings and got engaged on 8th February 2008. We did not have enough time to arrange and call every one; so there were only few close guests on ceremony to give us blessing. On tenth day I came to India, I was engaged to him, a guy I met at the bus stop before a year. We all were very happy that day.

After engagement he wanted to meet me privately, because I haven't told him "I love you" yet. He was loosing his patients. My neighbor friend was really nice, she understood that and she arranged that meeting for us. We had only 10-15 minutes privately before anybody could notice. We sat down and after taking deep breath he said, "I could not believe that you are mine forever now". And he came forward to hug me.

I felt very shy, so turn on other side. He grabbed me and pulled me close to him. I was so nervous; I closed my eyes and next thing I felt was his kiss.

He kissed my forehead, then my eyes, slowly moved to my cheeks and before I could realised anything his soft fluffy lips melted with mine. It was magical, like we never wanted to come out of it. I felt both calm and intense that I never felt before that moment. It still gives me goose bumps thinking about it.

Slowly he whispered in my ears, "I will not let go of you until you tell me those words, and I will not stop kissing you."

He kept kissing me all over my face. Immediately I said, "I love you".

He laughed and said, "If I had known that earlier, this way you are going to tell me 'I love you', then I would have done this before a long time". I pushed him back and came back to my place. That moment was really exciting and mind blowing. I could still feel that kiss, while I am writing this.

We silently came back unnoticed and lunch was being served. We were hungry too; we were served food in my room with all sisters. They all get on very well with each other. My sister took many photos with her future brother-in-law.

Then it was a time for another ritual. Couple, who got engaged, always has to eat one piece of sweet from every one. Can you imagine how many sweet we had to eat that day? It was very common ritual and we had no chance of skipping it. Indian sweet is full of fat and sugars. No body could eat more then 3 but we had almost 10 each that day, that was it, no more, but every one was enjoying force-feeding. To be honest we never heard any body died on that ritual, so it was fun going through that.

With every one happy, other engagement ceremony was finished. After small departure ceremony they kindly left for their town with him. My parents were very happy that day because everything was fulfilled very nicely.

That evening he called and said that he forget to tell me something very important. I wondered what it could be. He also said that he wanted to share it on that particular day only.

So eagerly I asked what was that. He said, "Did you remember we were roaming around for the shopping for my family before I came to India? Well, there was a small version of Eiffel tower in that shopping mall for the display and you said that it is your dream to go to Paris one day. So now I want to give a promise that I will take you there by end of this year".

Wow, I was amazed when he said that. He always remembered every small talk we had. I wasn't even much involved with him that time but he proved that he truly loved me then.

I could only said, "I love you" in return. But truth was I loved him even more. He always knew what to say to make me happy and always been on top of everything. I wished that I could play my part bit better then.
Back to the UK

It was a time for him to go back, his family was very sad. I tried to calm them down by saying that I would take care of him while I am there. We all went to see him off at airport. He told me privately that he could not wait to see me in the UK and he left for the flight.

On reaching he called me and informed that he reached safely. But he got busy straight away. He got his results and scored well. Without wasting his time, he started applying for new field job to keep up with his promise, he made to my parents. Whenever we talked, he sent regards to my family.

Things started changing slowly. In those 15 days, he was busy and I hardly talked to him for the long time but I realised his importance even more in my life that I never felt before. I was getting used to with his romantic talk and I was missing that a lot.

Only 4 days left for me to go back as well. It was 14th February, our first valentine day, but he was far from me. We managed to talk on the phone but I wanted to buy something special for him. I bought big red soft toy heart for him, because he had one big heart just like that for me. I missed him a lot that day, my sister could not see me sad, so she planned family dinner in restaurant that day to divert my mind.

Finally my day arrived to go back. It was very sad atmosphere in my house too. But my parents were relieved because they believed that I found good life partner. His parents came to meet me before I left. His sisters called me too to wish me good life ahead.

My family got bigger after engagement. His mother cooked me some snacks to take with me for both of us. I forgot to mention that his mother is very good cook. Since that day she always sent big couriers of foods to us.

I said final good-bye to my family and left for the flight. Saying good bye and not able to see them for almost a year is always been painful process, especially when you live so far from them and can't afford to visit them that often.

I got my seat and my back journey started. My visit was 28 days long but so many things happened in that time, was remarkable. A sorrow of leaving family behind was replaced by a joy of meeting some one special.

Some of my friends didn't get details of how we got engaged, so I knew that they would complain about that. Every thing happened so quickly, I really never had a time to tell any one about it.

On reaching I switched on UK phone, and before my friends, I wanted to inform him that I reached. So I called him. He was looking forward to see me but while talking I could hear my friend's voice in back ground. He told me that they all were coming together to pick me up.

I was pushing my luggage trolley to go out quickly as possible. I was so eager to meet him. He saw me from far and rushed to me. We had big hug on meeting. I could still feel that sensation. I was lost, I felt like world was stopped for a while. I was feeling so cozy in his arms. Then my friends woke me up and said, "Oh you don't need us any more as you found your special one"! They started kidding with me.

We started walking towards cab, he pushed my language trolley for me.

We informed my family that I reached safely and he came to pick me up.

While walking he said, "Are you really here? Why you looking so different?"

I asked, "I am same, what is different?"

He said, "Actually, I see lots of love falling from your eyes for me which was little missing before, how come?"

I replied with smile, "You absence made me relies your love for me even more".

He came to my place and we talked for along time. Everything was changed by that time. My friends started giving him lots of respect and we all had dinner together that evening.

Before leaving he said that he would call me. After hug and kiss, he left.
Manchester Job

Next few weeks he was busy with his job search. Before engagement, he promised my family that he would find a good job in 3 months time. It was not like my family would break our alliance but he want to stand up for his words and wanted to prove himself. One month passed already, he did not get any job interview.

He was stressed for a while, but did not give up. I tried to assure as well. He always tried to look happy in front of me. Meanwhile he got a call for one job interview that was out of London in Manchester.

He started preparation for that. He asked me to go with him for the mental support. We also planed to do some sight seeing after his interview. As planed we left together that morning. We reached to his interview location on time. His interview gone well but they did not say any thing straight away and asked him to wait for their call in few days time.

He was feeling positive about interview result. That interview boosted his confident and he did not worry about its out come. He was looking very happy. We were very close to Manchester City Centre. Then he said, "Ok dear, main part is done, now I am all yours. What can I do for you?"

I was happy to see smile on my prince charming's face that day. I said, "We will do whatever makes you happier."

Then we both heard a sound of cruise horn. Far we saw Manchester City Cruise. Then he said, "Are you thinking what I am thinking now?"

I replied, "Are you thinking to go for cruise tour?"

He said, "Yes if you would like".

We both loved that idea as we came to Manchester first time that day. But when we reached to the ticket counter, we found out that we were late for the tour timing. But the guy at the counter suggested taking Open Bus Tour instead.

We actually loved that idea too, as it would be more flexible as well. So we walked to the nearest station. While we were waiting for the bus, he asked me to wait there and he went somewhere. After a while I saw bus approaching, but he still did not come back. I got worried. Bus reached to the stop and suddenly he came and said, "Hop on, what you waiting for!"

He had 2 ice cream cones in his hand. We got on. He said, "I know you cannot sit upstairs but can you try? If you feel sick, then we will come downstairs. At least you can try to over come your sickness".

He gave me confident, so we went upstairs. Then I asked him about why he got so late getting ice creams. He said that he did not found Banana Flavor ice cream that I like, so he ran to the next shop for my choice. I could not believe that he did that for me. He always remembers my favorites, and manages to surprise me.

I loved that ice cream, he said, "I ran to see this smile on your face. My effort got well paid".

I just felt to kiss him when he said that, so I did. But because I was eating ice cream, I made his cheeks dirty with my lips. He did not get angry at all, but he said, "Lets take photo like this, as it's my first ice cream kiss".

We enjoyed sight seeing a lot. That was our first long trip together. We took lots of photos, majority of mine as he was taking photos for me. I almost forgot about my sickness. I still remember that I was so happy with him that I could never imagine before.

We had return train that evening. We did not realise how quickly that day passed. After reaching London, it was bit late for me to go home alone. So he dropped me all the way to home. He did not have a car that time but he was full with love for me, so I did not want anything else. On reaching home, we had hugged; he kissed me on fore head and asked me not to worry for him. He promised me to handle himself in that job search phase. But he knew I would still worry for him.

I asked him to call his brother at bus stop, because it was not safe in dark. Also asked him to call me on reaching home. He did just the way I requested. Lying on the bed, I was thinking about lovely time we had together, and slipped into dreams.

I told my friends about our trip next day, they all enjoyed listening specially that ice cream kiss part. He phoned me and said that he would be busy that day with one new job application, which he found from one of his classmate. And it was a perfect job he was looking for since long time.

I also scored well and was thinking to take further study. So I started looking for some course in London. I also got busy making my applications. Whole day passed quickly, in the evening he called me again.

He said that he got a job offer from Manchester based firm, but it wasn't like the way he thought. The salary was less and they would not provide initial accommodation expenses. He had to call them back next day about his decision for that job.

He asked me for my suggestion, as he was confused a bit. After lots of discussion he decided that it's not worth to shift all the way to Manchester for that much salary. He was more optimistic with his new job application, one he was applying for in the morning. May be because it was more matching to his criteria.

Next day he called that Manchester based firm and refused for their job offer. He was confident to get better then that. We did not know how good was that decision at that point.

He did not hear about any new job interviews in next few days. So he started getting worried again. We met at our usual coffee shop, which was being our meeting point then. I spoke to his family that day, while I was with him. They were happy to know that I was supporting him in that phase.

After taking to his mother, he was bit relaxed. He decided to utilize free time in gathering more knowledge about his field and that would also help him in future interview. He sounded like he had a plan again. He was calm and confident again. I was happy to go home then.

I got on the bus and he gave me flying kiss and waved me good-bye.
Moved with Me

It always takes a while to find a good job, so we both continued working at our part-time retail job for expenses. He was living with 6 boys and a couple sharing a whole house. Only one of his room mate had studied full time like him in the UK. Others were in full time hourly retail jobs.

Now I am mentioning all these because when he came first time in the UK, everybody told him that he was wasting money on his study, as he would not get a job. They said that they never heard any body like him getting well-paid professional job in the big firm that easily. They were discouraging him from the day he came to the UK. So when they saw him struggling for the job, they all started with that talk again and were proving their point of view to be right. They told him that he would never have a good job and he should not waste time in finding one.

Instead of inspiring him, they wanted him to get on with full time hourly retail work. But he was clever enough not to listen to them, because he knew clearly what he was doing. When he told me about all that, I got really angry with them.

I thought to do something about it. One of my friends got married with his boy friend by that time, so he was leaving with us too and they had their own room. So then we had one box room empty. I thought if I could convince him and my friends then he could stay in that box room and share house with us and leave that uninspiring people forever. His brothers were good but they were many others pulling him back.

My friends were convinced with me as we were already engaged and were going to marry soon. It was a time to convince him. He was happy to hear that I wanted him to move with us, but then he said that he was upset for his elder brother. His brother was married for almost 2 years but had trouble with his wife's visa, so she could not come to the UK till further processes get done.

He said his brother helped him settling down in the UK initially and did not let him struggle for support he needed. He was being good elder brother, so he did not wanted to leave him till his wife arrived. But I requested him to talk to his brother once. So he did and being nice elder brother he understood his request. Finally he was then moving with us.

I went to his place to pack up his belonging. But trust me, it was not a room, it was like a junkyard. He was sharing room with 2 other people. One of them was extremely dirty and after chewing tobacco he was spiting around his own bed. It was gross. The last time I went to his place, was to do his packing for his trip to India, but it was not that bad. But by this time it was as bed as it could be.

My dearest lover never had a time to wash his cloths, so it was stacking up. I cannot explain how bad they were leaving, I was glad to bring him out of that dirt. I did not wanted to touch anything, I put on gloves and just dumped everything in his bag. Only his brother was home when we were leaving. He helped us to load bags in the taxi. And wished happy life together.

We really felt for his brother that day. Seeing us together, he was missing his wife a lot. We had to go as taxi driver was waiting, he gave his brother a hug and we left for my place.

He got grand welcome from my friends. My friend's husband was there too. He also welcomed my boyfriend saying that he would have a company between so many girls.

First thing I did was to put his cloths for washing. He helped me with everything. I was happy because I did not need to wait for his calls and he would be near me majority times. And of course, I could keep an eye on him too.

We set up his room. It was like a party that day. We went out for dinner together, all 6 friends and 2 boys. We went for a pizza. We enjoyed a lot that evening.

After reaching home, it was a time to go to bed. We were sleeping in different room, so I went to see him for a minute in his room. I was over the moon that day, being with him. After goodnight kiss, we went to bed. Had really peaceful sleep that night.
The Dream Job

I was tired a bit, so I woke up late next morning. He was already up and was surfing on his laptop. He asked me to get fresh quickly. He had some news to share with me and he looked very happy. I wondered what it could be. I finished quickly and asked him.

He said that I bought good luck for him. I did not understand, so I asked for a reason. He said that he got a job interview in one company in Kent, which was after 15 days. It was a job that he was looking for. It was a big American firm and salary in description was very good too. I was so much happy for him on hearing that.

As we were busy a day before, he did not had a time to check his emails. After he moved to my place, he received that interview email. So he believed that I was lucky for him.

Without wasting his time, he started his preparation. He did not want to loose that job opportunity at all. For next 15 days, he only wanted to focus on that. He locked himself in his room for preparation.

My friends were taking care of him while I was working and he really appreciated their help. I didn't even try to disturb him. But he wasn't even eating and drinking on time. It felt like he was already getting busy before the job.

He wanted me to go with him on interview day as always. Before few days we booked ticket to Minster, Kent with national rail. He wanted to look best on his interview; he decided to wear a white shirt with the suit. We were getting ready for the trip.

Interview day arrived quickly. After prayer, he quickly spoke to his mother for blessing. He always told me that he worked hard but never got expected result. With that job, he wanted to change it forever.

Even with advanced preparation, something had to go wrong. The white shirt he was going to wear suddenly had a dirt spot in front. We had no time to buy another one or clean it. Luckily, my friend's husband, who was living with us, offered his white shirt to him. It was relief when it fitted him perfectly. We could not thank you him enough that day.

We took national rain from the Victoria Train Station. That was first time we were travelling to Kent. According to train timing, we were supposed to reach two hours early then interview time. Having extra time, we were just relaxed on the journey. But things were not straight forward as we thought, all of the sudden some incident happened on the track, which delayed our journey by almost 30 minutes.

We stayed calm and thought we still had more than enough time. We had to change train once, and we were new to that train station. We left first train and but we couldn't find another train platform. Station was full with people. While looking around, we found notice board with our destination on it, but from another platform and train was about to leave. We ran for it, but unfortunately we missed it. We did not know that god was favoring us or not that day.

Next train was after half and hour. Now with new time we would reach just before 30 minutes then interview time. He was really getting worried, I tried to clam him down by saying that his effort would not be in vain and asked him to have patience.

Finally our train arrived, we got on board again and started another trip. After 6 stations our stop arrived. When we came out, we found a small station in the village. It wasn't busy at all as previous once.

We were the only one getting off at that station. I asked him again that he was sure that his American company was near by, because there was no sign like that. I started getting nerves then. We thought we would find a taxi to that company, out side the station, but there was no taxi around.

It was only 30 minutes left. Just when we started thinking, we saw one man loading garden waste at the back of his car. We thought to go and ask him about that company. We show its address to that gentleman. He said that he was also going in that direction and could drop us there.

It was just what we wanted. He was so kind that he dropped us all the way to its gate. We were so happy and relieved that finally we managed to reach there 20 minutes early. We could not thank that gentleman enough. It felt like he was send by the god to rescue us.

The receptionist marked his entry and asked us to wait. He took a deep breath and had a little sip of water. After few minute, he called in. I wished him good luck and he went for the interview.

I was waiting out side. After 25-30 minutes, he came out with one lady. She was handshaking and congratulating him. He was smiling to her.

He came to me and hugged me. Immediately I asked about the job. He was extremely happy, I knew that he got the job, but I wanted to hear from him once. He asked me to go out side first with him.

We came out and he said, "I got it my love. I got the job. I am going to start from next month and they offered me better salary then I thought. They were so happy with my first interview, that they did not want second one and offered me job straight away. They also going to provide three weeks initial stay in hotel while I can find accommodation."

Finally his efforts paid off, I was so happy for him that I cannot explain. He got a job in three months time, just as he promised to my parents. I kissed him and immediately asked him to inform families. They all were happy for us. We informed my friends too.

That receptionist called a taxi for us to go back to the station. We still couldn't digest that he got that job, but he was a clever man. Him getting a job was first settled step to our relationship together. He reminded me his promise that he would take care of me forever. We could not stop kissing each other and then we hear a train coming.

We phoned my friend not to cook that day, and it was going to be a party time. While reaching back to the Victoria Station, we thought to buy something for my friend's husband who gave him a shirt that morning. So we bought office wear for him.

We reached home and every body was waiting for us to congratulate. We got ready to go out for party. We had a lot of fun. That restaurant had dance floor, so we all girls went for the dance. That was the first time he saw me dancing. I love dancing, especially when I am very happy. He was happy to see me dancing; he said he never saw me like that before.

It was about 11pm; we came home and had a peaceful sleep that day. That was a wonderful day for both of us. That job was a first stepping-stone for him towards his career path.
Moving to New place

He had 2 weeks before joining date. He only managed to live with us for about 15 days and was going to shift to Kent. I was happy for him but on other side, I was sad because he was going to live far from me. I tried not to show him that, otherwise he would worry for me.

Even thought his company was providing for his initial 3 weeks accommodation, he wanted to find place before that, so he can focus on his work and do not have to worry about finding accommodation later. So on Internet we started looking for a small rented flat for him. We short-listed few properties and phoned estate agent for that. But that agent asked us to come and see them first. We planned to visit nearest town to his work call Margate. Living in that town would be cheaper compare to surrounding town.

First time we were going to Margate. Getting out from the train station, the first thing we noticed was a lovely beach. We loved that place. Alongside there was a Margate high street. After living so long in London that was first time we felt like we were close to nature. It was picture perfect.

Living there would be very cheap, compared to London. We met estate agent and saw few properties. All cheaper properties were already gone and he could not afford expensive one at that stage. Almost half a day passed like that, but we could not find any. We had to find something before we went back, as it would be expensive to come back again. We asked agent to call us if he could find anything by evening and thought to roam around in that town while waiting. On seeing one Indian restaurant, a smile came on our face. But time was running out and there was no call from agent. Just when we were planning to go back, estate agent called us and informed about some property. It was in budget and he was happy to show us straightaway.

Finally, we found a small flat for him. Luckily, previous tenant left all necessary furniture for free. After finishing all formalities, we decided to go to the beach to enjoy surrounding for a while. The sound of waves and mild wind felt soul purifying. We took many photographs for the memory of our first trip to that town.

After a while it started feeling cold, he asked me to wait again at the beach and he went somewhere, like he did last time at Manchester. I hoped that he would not get an ice cream again, as it was already little cold there. After a while he came back with a box of hot potato chips. It was perfect; hot chips in cold weather. We had a lovely time.

After coming back, next day we went out to shop his new office wear. We bought almost 10 shirts and 6 trousers. He said that being man he wouldn't bother about washing clothes quickly, so for the safety he wanted extra wears. I knew what he meant by that because I packed his bags when he moved with us.

We bought shoes, socks, ties and perfumes. You name it and we bought it. Many things I had to remind him, like laptop bag and some easy lunch packs. Almost 2 days went in his shopping. We still had few things left to buy.

On third day, we were in one store. I was walking ahead of him and was reminding him about what all was left to buy. Suddenly he stopped me, pulled me towards him and said, "I am seeing you since few days. You wanted to keep yourself busy with shopping all the time. Not even giving me a chance to talk to you anything else. Please you have to say what you are feeling. I can see something is bothering you".

What could I say then, I was upset that he was leaving in few days. But I did not want to tell him that as he was going for good reason and might lose his focus. I wanted to keep it to myself, but I failed. He said that he would not do any shopping until I told him the reason.

I still kept mute, but my eyes started dripping. I could not help myself stop crying. He hugged me and said, "I know why you are crying. I am not happy either but you know I have to go for us, for our better future. You have to be strong, my love".

After wiping my tears, I said, "I know dear, you don't have to tell me that. I am already trying but it will take a while to get used to this. Whenever I will miss you, I will think about the time we spent together".

He said, "I want you to be with me every weekend. Don't take any work on weekend and come to see me".

We supported each other and sorted out those feelings. I started feeling much better after talking to him. I hugged him and wasn't leaving him, so he said, "My dear I know you love me, but look around where we are".

Suddenly I realised that we were in store. So I got hold of myself and could not stop laughing. I felt like he passed me some energy. It was Thursday and he was moving to Margate on Saturday. He was starting job on the following Monday.

I prepared few days' food for him, so he did not need to worry about it in starting. It was all ready for him to go. With fake smile, I let him go and I got busy working. I was worried and prayed to god to help him till he gets settled down.
New journey started

After reaching he called me and said he got keys of that flat. He also cleaned his flat as I told him to do. And kept food in the fridge. He obeyed what I explained to him. It gave me little relief, that he started managing himself. He also set up little temple in his flat as guided by his mother.

I wished him good start on Monday morning. He did prayers and got blessing from both parents. I had ironed all his cloths before he left, so it was all ready for him. I was eager to hear from him, after first day of his work. It was about 8 pm and he called me. He said that he had a good day at work, made new friends too. Some of them were Indian, and living just like him on their own. He sounded like he got a company of people there.

He said that he already had his dinner. He was feeling little tired and was going to bed early. After sending love to each other, I left him in a peace.

He used to call me almost every evening after work. I was waiting to go there on Saturday morning. I got busy with my study too.

Day passed and it was a Saturday. I got ready for him, he left me a gift, which I found after he went. He left it with my friend for a surprise. He bought me a pink dress, which he asked me to wear when I was going to meet him. I loved his gift and could not wait to put it on. I was very excited to meet him.

He came to pick me up at train station. We had a huge hug and he could not stop kissing me. He praised my look and we started walking to his flat.

He just opened the door for me and it was another surprise for me waiting. Everything was looking neat and tidy. I thought how he managed to keep that clean. I asked him and he said he would tell me later. It did not take me a long to find out reality.

I went in kitchen to make tea for both of us and I found dirty pans in cupboard. He said he tried but could not clean it properly. Next I found cloths stuffed in washing machine, unwashed. I got really angry with him.

He said that he was waiting for me to show him again how to do it. He was spoiled mama's boys, never had to do anything himself when he was at home in India. Still was finding hard to manage. Almost half day went doing cleaning for him and sort out his kitchen, he did helped me where he could.

I was planning to cook fresh food that day for both of us, but he was sorry that I had to do all that work for him. I did not mind because I was little prepared for that. But he insisted to have a pizza that day, he knew that I love it. We watched Hollywood action movie and enjoyed pizza. I was staying there that night and was coming back next day.

I asked him to tell me about his work and friends. He said that he made 2 very good friends. They both belonged to India and were really cooperative with him. All his other work mates were nice too. He was feeling more confident about his work then.

He explained to me that with new salary he could payoff his study loan in 6 months' time. We did some future planning and it was almost 2 am. I did not know when I fall a sleep, while talking to him. In the morning when I woke up, I was sleeping in his bed and he was sleeping peacefully in living room sofa.

He was still sleeping. I was so happy that he kept his boundary. It's a big deal not to get too close before marriage, according to Indian culture. I went near him and just felt to kiss him while he was sleeping.

I got close to his lips and just before I was about to kiss him, he opened his eyes and he kissed me. That was a perfect start for that morning.

We got ready and he showed me around his new town. Time was running so quickly and it was time for me to go back already. With heavy heart he dropped me to the station. He asked me to inform him after reaching London.

We decided to meet every alternate weekend instead every weekend to save money for our future. He also started getting food tiffin from one Indian family, which he found from his work colleague. I did not needed to worry about his meals then. Initially it was going smoothly but....
Distance Increased

Thing started changing quickly. When he started newly, he used to call me every evening, but after 2 months it became once every 3-4 days. He started getting busier at work and started working late evenings. He was alone so did not bother to come home on time. He focused very much in his career.

He said that he would get paid extra if he chooses to work on Saturdays, so he added extra day to work. So we were unable to meet on weekend even. Almost 6 months passed like that, he easily got permanent at work. But distance between us was getting bigger. I never complained him, as I knew he had many responsibilities. I kept it to myself.

One evening I could not stop crying, my friend came to me and asked if I was ok. She asked me to share my pain with her. I opened my heart, told her that I was missing him a lot, but he never had a time for me. I also told her that I understood his situation that he had to work but he forgot me completely. Whenever he called me it felt like he was doing formality. He was only talking about his job and his plans at work.

She suggested me to talk to him once about that matter. I decided to wait for an opportunity to do so. One day he called me to give good news that his company did his 5 years work permit, so he did not need to worry about extending visas any more. He sounded extremely happy that day, so I decided not to ruin his happiness by complaining. We haven't met since three months, so I was hoping that he would invite me there or he would come to London to meet me, as he was so happy. But nothing like that happened.

After few days he called again and said that he was going to do some work related course, paid by his company. He was going to be busy studying on weekend even. His job was getting all priorities, I got angry and I reacted. I cut down his phone. He called back straight and said it might happen because of poor phone line. He failed to recognize my intension at all. I just wished him good luck for his new study and calmly ended our talk.

I could not focus on anything that day. I was having dinner and one of my friends asked me about him. I told them that his company did his work permit and also spending money on his study. My friends got really happy for both of us, but I did not look happy.

So she said, "It's not easy to get settled down in the UK and getting Visa status right. Normally people spend lots of money for that, but in your case it's getting done for a free because your boy friend's hard work. So you should be happy for him".

She managed to open my eyes, I realised that he was not ignoring me but he wanted our future secure in the UK. I decide not to complain and support him. I knew that he wasn't cheating on me. I was little relaxed after talking to her; she really helped me to understand.

Sometime even knowing right thing, its bit hard to follow that route because when heart is in charge, it doesn't let mind take over. After controlling my frustration, I decided to give him some space. I still wanted to tell him at some point that how I felt when he never had time for me.
Surprise Visit

Another month passed like that. One day he called me and asked me to take time off for one whole week on the dates he gave me. I asked him for the reason and he said that he wanted to be with me whole week. That was totally unexpected. I was dying to hear that from him since long time. How could I deny, I immediately scheduled time off in that week.

I eagerly waited for that week to come. It was Monday, and he called me. Asked me to come and meet him at central London with my passport. I was bit shocked to hear from him, especially in the weekday. He requested me not to ask him anything. I met him at one central London train station. I was meeting him after 4 months, but it felt like years passed. He had a little beard. He was in office wear and he looked really handsome that day.

He hugged me and whispered in my ears that, "I love you, and you know that right?"

I decided to tease him and said, "No you don't, you got married to your work".

After talking a deep breath, he said, "I waited to hear that since long time, but you never complained. I know that I haven't been as I promised lately but I want to treat you with something. Lets go for now, we need to reach somewhere on time".

I kept asking but he did not say anything. He took me to some Visa office and then he said that he wanted to take me on the Europe tour in the week, when we arranged time off.

I was happily surprised. He said that he already planned it since long time. He wanted to give me surprise but because of visa purpose he had to tell me early. I really did not expect that and I was in heaven to hear that.

We finished with the tourist visa application. Then he said, "As I have already taken day off, why not spent time together? I am not in hurry to go back." It seemed like he took my words. He looked really different that day, he sounded very mature and molded person.

He said that his friend suggested one lovely place to sit. He took me to some restaurant alongside river Thames. It was amazing and peaceful. We sat outside. It was little cold but it felt worm with him. We sat there for few hours and talked. I was eager to tell his about my study and my life. He kept calm and listened to what I had to say. He kept looking at me like he wanted to fill me in his eyes.

Suddenly rain started drizzling. He wanted to go inside but I stopped him. I wanted to enjoy rain, as I was holding on to my feelings since long time. I felt very calm and relaxed that day may be because I found out again that he hadn't forgotten me and still loved me.

I was looking up in the sky; he suddenly got hold of me and kissed me. It felt like that kiss touched my soul that day. It was refreshing and energetic, even better than first kiss. What a day!

His surprise visit, felt like a dream. But he had to go back. Before he left he told me that after getting visa; he would finish booking process for the Europe tour. I felt satisfy that day, and with happy smile I let him go.

I came home and shared my happiness to my friends because they really helped me understand when I was helpless. They all were happy for me.
The Europe Tour

After getting visa, he conformed our trip to the agents. He asked me to prepare for our Europe tour. He sent me money to do shopping for both of us for the trip. He always loved my choice for him and he was confidant that I would do better.

I took my parents permission as well, because we were going to be together for whole week. They had a great trust on me, so just asked me to enjoy my days.

His parents were happy too, because his family always lived on tight budget, so he never had good holidays. His job changed his family's fortune. He paid off all kinds of loans and started giving good life to his parents as he always wanted. He also managed to send costly gifts like mobile phones to his married sisters, brother-in-laws, nephew and nieces. He did his part nicely. So they all were happy for us and wanted him to enjoy as well.

He came to London a night before we were due to go for the trip. We were all ready to go next day. We were going on the coach with other families. We got on board and left for Dover, from there we went on channel train to Calais.

The first on the trip was Brussels city and Atomium. He borrowed expensive camera from his friend, which was taking quality photos. He was only clicking my photos and said that he wanted all on his office desk. I did not mind, as I loved my photo taken by him.

It was an amazing time together. Next place we saw was Germany Black Forest. It had breath taking views surrounded by lakes, rivers and waterfalls. We saw verity of Cuckoo clocks with heavy price tags too.

We were looking around and I saw a path going into the forest. I asked him to go for a walk that way. He stopped me saying that it might not be a good idea but I insisted. He agreed to my request and we started walking. After 20 minutes, it felt bit darker and scary. I thought to go back and I turned but he wasn't there behind me. I got really scared and was about to cry, he realized that and came out quickly. He was hiding. I shouted on him and said that I would have died with heart attack. He kept silent and just hugged me tightly to calm me down and told me not to say those words again. He was really sorry and promised me not to do that ever. We walked back quickly. It was quite an experience in the woods, I must say.

I was still bit upset. To cheer me up, he bought a small Cuckoo clock for me and asked me to put it up when we have our first home together. It really changed my direction of thinking. For the moment, I started building dreams about our future home. It was great feeling thinking about first home.

After night stay in the hotel, we went to Switzerland at the banks of Lake Lucerne. We enjoyed Swiss chocolates, some of them were very expensive, so I did not wanted to try but he sweetly said that he was earning for me and did not wanted me to compromise. I loved when he said that and he bought me a big box.

Trust me that chocolates' taste is still in my mouth, they were really mind blowing. I never had such a delicious sweets. I couldn't stop eating. He took my photograph while I was eating. He said that he would show it to our future kids and would say that their mother was going crazy for the sweets. That was a really sweet memory.

It was just perfect time for us. He was with me all the time and there was no room for any complains. Our next hotel was near Mt. Titlis. It had a panoramic view from the room balcony. We felt like we were in real heaven, But it was getting cold standing in the balcony. He came close and wrapped me in his arm from the back. It was like a dream, from which we never wanted to come out.

For a high Alpine experience, we went to the Mt. Titlis next day. We took a ride on cable cars to go all the way up. We witness the scenery change from green meadows and scenic lakes to snow clad mountains. It was freezing up there, but we kept playing in the snow. We used to run in the shops to get worm and after a while, went back in the snow again. It was fun. We were being kids again.

That afternoon we proceed to the lakeside city of Geneva, we saw the English Gardens "Jardin Des Anglais", which is picture perfect place. Next day we visited remaining places of Geneva like Brunswick Monument, the Palais De Nations, the European Headquarters of the UNO, the Red Cross Museum and the Botanical Gardens. We were so tired that day, fall a sleep straight away.

In the morning I was still sleeping, he slowly woke me up saying that it was a time for my dream place. I quickly opened my eye, realizing what he meant. Last but not the list, it was a time for Paris. He did promised me on the Engagement day that he would take me there and I was very excited to see Eiffel Tower. I quickly got ready and we left to visit one of the most famous cities of the world.

While we reached there, the first glimpse of Eiffel tower was really grand. It was really huge then I thought. I rushed to get closer and he was running behind me. He made a sweet complain that the first time on the trip I forgot him. We got tickets to go on the top of the Eiffel Tower. From every floor, the view was getting even better. From the top, it was breath-taking to look around. I was so happy with him that he bought me there; I just could not stop kissing him in front of other people. Of course, we took plenty photos there. Our kiss was the memory of the first trip to Paris together.

That was it, that was my interest in Paris, but he liked to visit museums and churches. He was more interested to see Mona-Lisa, so we visited Louvre Museum. What do I say, it is one of the largest museums, and I got really tired walking around. But I must say, it did worth it.

Next day, we went for city cruise; we had a better view of the city. It was lightly raining that day. Whenever it rains, I felt like our relation was getting flourished. That was our last day on the trip; I was already feeling sad when we were on cruise. I started thinking about him going back to his work, leaving me alone, but I knew what ever he was doing that was for our future. He recognized my face changing and understood everything.

So hugged me and said, "Lets get married".

Just what I wanted to hear! It brought smile on my face and I replied, "Really, I wished if we could marry tomorrow". I knew that was not possible.

It was Saturday. We were booked to come back in the cruise to Dover. He was getting off there and was going by train to Margate. Our path was different from there. It was really heart breaking, we really did not wanted to get separate after lovely week together. But we had to.

I did not cry in front of him but I just could not stop after he left. He called me and he knew I would be crying. He asked me to be strong. He suggested me to move with him in living relationship after I finish my course.

Of course, it would be big deal for someone who belonged to Indian culture. But we found a way to convince our parents. I was bit happy after talking to him. I came home and my friends were waiting to hear about my trip in detail, they were little jealous but happy for me.
Life Depend on Visa

In my family I was an elder daughter and he was the only son in his family too. According to our culture, we had to give grand ceremony for our marriage. It would be about 1000 people visiting from all over the state. So we could not get marry with out our family and they were far from us.

But we found a way for convincing our parents for live-in relation. It was this. My student visa expiry. It was finishing at the end of the course, which meant that I had to go back to India after that. But on other end, he had his work permit done by his company already, so only after marrying him I could apply for dependent visa and could stay together.

We knew that our family could not arrange grand wedding in two months time. So we decided to do court marriage first and traditional one later on. That way we would be legally married and I could apply for dependent visa too. Yes we had to get married twice. Traditional marriage was only to respect our family and culture.

But there could be a problem with dependent visa too. His elder brother's wife waited almost 2 years for visa to be approved. She got rejected twice. It was not straightforward process. We could be separated for long time too.

Keeping worry aside, we decided to go back to India after my exams for my Visa application. After coming back from Europe tour, we informed our family about our planning. They were shocked about court marriage, but they had to agree because of my visa purpose and also they could not arrange for traditional marriage in such a short time. But we could not tell them about our plan of living relationship. We did not wanted to shock them all together.

He had three weeks holiday left at work, so booked it all to go to India in January 2009. It is always expensive to visit family, because apart from trip, you have to buy lots of gifts and sweets. I already met all of his family, so I nearly knew what they would like. His sister directly called me and gave me her list of shopping. His mother is very sweet and she never demands anything. She is happy when his family is happy.

I got busy with our planning to go to India. After few months my exams were coming too, so I had to focus on that first.

After few months, I finished with my exams and we were prepared to go. Just like a last time I was doing his final packing. He only needed to prepare visa documents, which was our main purpose of the trip. That time we were going together, so 9 hours journey would not be boring.

There were two families waiting for both of us at that time at the airport. My parents were happier to see him more then me. I felt like he was taking all attention, I got happily jealous. We took blessing of all elderlies in both families. We were happily separated for few days.

It was more relaxing for every one then last time. His sister phoned me on next day and said that they loved my shopping again. I was pleased to hear that. After few days, he was coming to my city and was going to stay with us. My sister was very eager to spent time with his future brother-in-law. I did not have any brother, so my parents were seeing him as their own son. He was enjoying being pampered.

Now we need to start our preparation for my visa as soon as possible, because if I did not received result in three weeks time then I would not be able to go back with him. But before that we were needed to do court marriage. We got appointment and we all departed for our first marriage. We signed in presence of 2 witness and we were legally married then. Every body congratulated us and we were happy as we finished with first step towards our future together.

Next thing was to take visa appointment. By the time we got appointment, our first week was already finished. Then we only had 2 week for the target to complete. With all documents we successfully finished application process. It was a waiting game then.

He was willing to take me to stay with his family for a week. His mother convinced my mother to send me his place. Why need to convince? Because that court marriage was declared only between 2 families. We could not tell whole community because they would not understand situation and would think wrongly. We belong to typical Indian culture.

His parents came to pick me up with him. By that time I was officially married to him and so his mother did little welcome prayer before I could enter in his house. It was a kind of ritual people always do to welcome new arrivals. It was really a great feeling to get welcomed like that. I was really enjoying everything, as it was my turn to get pampered. His sisters were great; they did not let me do any kind of housework. My mother-in-law kept feeding me with goodies. Oh, I really loved that time.

Next day we were going for the trip to visit famous temple in the neighbor town. It was necessary to take blessing. My mother-in-law is very strict religious lady and she always followed all the rules written in the religious books. She never forced her family with those rules, but only given kind advice to follow. He is like his mother, very determine and strong person.

I was actually more enjoying my father-in-law's company, because I found him very easy going and modern personality. We used to get on very well. He always treated me like his own daughter. I did not realise how quickly my week passed, but there was still no news about my visa.

As last week started, we were getting worried. Last 2 weeks happiness was slowly fading with visa worry. It was nothing in our hand. To divert our mind, we decided to go on few days trip, together with both parents. We booked small van and packed lots of food for the trip. My sister was studying, so she decided to stay home. For three days we really enjoyed with both parents.

Now it was only 2 days left to go back and there was no sign of visa. I was really worried then. Nothing could divert my attention. We were coming back from our trip and my mother-in-law saw worry on my face. She knew why I was worrying. Nobody actually showed but everybody was worrying for us. She just asked me to pray to the God as keep calm. We were just near to my city and my sister rang. I answered immediately. She gave the great news that she received courier and my dependent visa was approved. That meant we could go back together.

It was the celebration time, but our families were sad because we were leaving again. But we had to go. With every visit they were getting used to as well. Bags were packed with lots of goodies again and after taking elderlies blessing, we got on board. But we were due to come back that year.
Living Together

After coming back he was starting his job next day. So he had to go to Margate straight from the airport. But I was going to join him soon, so I was not sad. We could not tell our family that we were planning to stay together. We were legally married but for them, that was only for the visa purpose; we had to maintain distance till we get traditionally married.

But we had to take permission as soon as possible. After few days, I called my mother and told her our planning. She had a big shock to hear that, then I explained that we going to have traditional marriage soon, so it would not make a big difference to our life. After lots of effort, I managed to convince her. He also spoke to his family and after detail explanation; they were agreed too. They understood that we loved each other, and were living in the UK, so it would not matter that much.

We could have stayed together without informing our families and they would never knew, but that would be dishonest and disrespectful. And we could never do that.

Soon, I was moving with him and we would need lot more stuff then he needed alone. Because I loved cooking and in Margate we could not find Indian grocery food that cheap as it was easily available in Wembley. He decided to pick me up with his work mate friend and his car.

That weekend, he came. He got shocked on seeing my grocery shopping. He thought that I was going crazy. But when I told him that it was six months grocery, then he clamed down a bit. He realised that we would not be able to come to London every month for shopping.

My friends and I were sad because I was leaving them. Without their support I would not be able to come that far. But they were happy as I was starting my new life. With smile they wished me good luck and we started our journey back to Margate.

After reaching home, we got busy with cleaning and shorting out things, which took one whole day. We were extremely happy to be together. On Monday he was going to work, but I reminded him to come home early, as he had someone waiting at home then.

It was all like a dream come true. There was no worry of getting separated anymore. He came home on time and dinner was ready for him. He said that this was the first time he was happy coming home after work. He always loved the food that I cooked. We both were fond of food, so could not compromise with that.

We had no TV or cable connection that time. Only source of entertainment was Laptop and Internet connection. We both were lover of Hollywood movies, so we were watching one every evening online. Every weekend we were enjoying take away food and walk along the beach. We loved time together.

We settled down well and I started looking for my job. But I faced one problem. Margate and surrounding areas were all small towns and villages. Only city near by was Canterbury and then Maidstone. To find field job, I had to travel almost 2- 3 hours each way and I wasn't driving at that time. It would become very expensive to go by train every day, compare to proposed initial salary. There were hardly few big firms like his company near by.

There were no starter jobs available around. I was really getting depressed being home all the time. I missed my friend's company. I did not know what to do then and which way to go.

He realised my situation and explained me that I should not worry about earning and should only do work if I wished. We were going to Indian again, for traditional marriage by end of that year, so he asked me to do any available job near by in free time and could continue with study. After coming back from India, we decided to move somewhere in middle where we both could reach to work with less travelling. That was a plan for that time.

I started doing new part-time job available near by in free time and started exploring area. That way I was not getting bore at home all the time. Few months passed like that. I made new friends too. I found that Asian people from Sri Lanka and India owned majority small shops called 'off license'; people who moved to UK from Kenya. It was new world for me. Still I hardly used to see any Indian around. First time I was coming close to proper British culture and people.

I found that they were more friendly and co-operative then I thought. I started enjoying new surrounding and work environment. It was whole new experience for me. When I was depressed, I was feeling that I came to lost corner of the world but soon it felt like I was born there.

Months passed very quickly. We started our planning for marriage. He was funding wedding himself, so I insisted to control our unnecessary spending that year. It was always me who was spending, so I promised him not to do that, but he always said that time never comes back for any one, so we should do which makes us happy.

I still did not wanted to create burden on him, so I started saving myself without informing him. I started walking instead of taking bus to work and to grocery store. That would save £20 every week those days. I started cooking at home on weekends and stopped watching movies outside. Another £20 saved per week. I started doing extra hours at work too.

I always looked happy, other wise he would get angry. I was getting tired sometimes but I enjoyed, as I was being more responsible. He used to help me when we had heavy lifting. I explained him that by walking we could enjoy surroundings and could do window-shopping. Some how I found a ways to convince him that I wasn't compromising.

All these times, there were few occasions, where we came very close to each other, but it did not matter as we were getting married in few months time only.
Preplanning Started

Our parent started their preparation as well. My parents needed to book marriage hall, caterers, decorators and huge amount of shopping to do. Needed to send invitations to all family living at far away. It was big list and they were already geared up.

My parents were getting little worried and nervous, as it was first marriage in my family. My mother is very good with bargaining, she always enjoyed that and saved us lots of money too. My father is opposite, so he always accepted given quotes and then my parents end up fighting. There were lots of hot and cold situation, where I needed to calm them down over the phone many times. I always had been good with that, of course with help of my younger sister. We had no physical help from my cousins or from uncles. They were hopeless. So my parents had to arrange and manage everything themselves and they tried their best. Here I am talking about 900 guest and whole 3-4 days ceremony.

On other end, he had 2 elder sisters, their husbands and cousins for help. His elder brother-in-law, one who helped us getting engaged, is really best in handling crisis situations. He always managed to find solution, because he had lots of contacts in town and near by city. And his parents had experience of marrying 2 elder sisters. So they knew how to manage well from their end.

They used to call us to get our opinions on many things. Being in the UK, we had to be available over the phone all the time; because you never know what our parents were arranging that particular day. Initially, it was happy time arranging marriage but when time arrived to utilize those arrangement it did not went as we had expected.

From our side, we had to book holidays in time, because we needed one whole month off from work, which was hard to get, especially for him, because he was in full time permanent job. But we managed to get approval from our managers without any fuss. He always been very hard working at work, always gone extra miles when needed and hardly took any day off being sick, so he managed to achieve his manager's trust. We needed to do some expensive shopping for our family because it was a marriage time and could not compromise.

We were excited for our marriage, because it was going to be fun and celebration in whole family. We got our bags packed and took a flight to India third time after coming to UK. Before we left, we got lots of wishes from our friends staying in UK.
Days before

Our marriage was booked for 18th November 2009. That date was also decided by expert person- a Hindu priest, just like our matching of birth-charts. If priest sees the time not good for marriage, we could not get married until time is right. They derives particulate time and date according to Hindu astrology.

We were reaching India on 1st of November. But we had little trouble on reaching Delhi Airport, India. Because of our marriage trip, we had expensive gifts like phones and electronic item in our baggage. You hardly get caught on that, all my friends had bought many things before but that was not our time. We end up paying duties on them, which eventually cost us more. So that was not a good start towards marriage journey. We got really upset with that but we convinced our self not to think negative.

After talking domestic flight to Ahmedabad, we landed safely on hometown. We saw our family eagerly waiting for us. We took parents blessing; just like the last time he was going with his parents and I was with mine.

Straightaway I started with my part, which could not be done without my physical presence. My parents had already booked one big hall for 2 days ceremony. My mother showed me all her shopping she did so far. After few days, his mother and elder sister were coming to my city to buy me marriage dress. It is a ritual to get marriage dress from groom's side. So with my mother, four of us left for a hunt for a marriage dress for me.

After going through numerous shops, we found one dress material but not a dress. I really loved it, but it would take a week to turn it into the marriage dress, as tailor was busy. So we still could not finish with that chapter. I was happy with the proposed look of my dress and I was hoping it to be the way I thought. But I must say that tailor gave me huge shock when dress was ready to collect later on. His mother and sister stayed the night at his uncle's home after finishing with shopping and were travelling back next day.

He called me that evening to find out how the shopping went, but I was sleeping already. So he left text message for me and asked me to just relax about dress as he already loved me and his love was not dependant on my look. I read that message in the morning. I felt great ad wished I could hug him then.

Next thing on the list was to find a beauty parlour to get my make up done on all days till the wedding day. That was not hard as we were living in a big city, so we were confident about the one we found. That parlour lady had a good history of wedding day make-ups. She showed us many photos of her work. So I was happy to find her. Even though I knew he did not care about my look, but it was me who wanted to look great on wedding day. Of course, its all girls' dream time. My mother and sister also decided to get their make up done from her.

Third thing was to get my beauty treatment done before wedding; one of my uncle's daughters was going to handle that. She was good at beauty treatments, so that was fixed easily with her. We also booked a 'mehendi' (temporary tattoo) master to do mehendi on my hands and legs, which is a famous ritual in Hindu marriage and was my favorite part too. Actually, all the females in family get mehendi done on their hands on occasions such as marriages.

Fourth thing was to buy gifts for my sister-in-laws and their children. We were buying a Sari for them and it was going to be my choice. I chose modern look sari for them than a traditional one. I was hoping that they would like it.

Initially I was confident with everything but slowly I started getting unexpected result from everyone, even with the people I never thought. I can confidently say that the Indian marriages are mostly driven by community then actually people getting married. Main essence of everything is all about what other people thought. No one cares what actually the people getting married think.

My mother always tried to save money on everything, so it was very hard to get payments from her hand. She always believed on saving money and not spending crazily like some people do on marriages, but I felt like some time she forgets the boundaries where she could stop on doing bargain. I could not fight with her, as she was not mentally strong. She was like that because she struggled a lot for many years on money matters after marrying my father. Though we were in very good condition by the time me and my sister got older, she was still holding on to the habits of the past.

So it was bit hard to handle my mother in all that phase, she loved me and she was getting worried for my future. She knew that he was the only source of income in his family, so she wanted to save money for us, for our future. I always explained her that we would never need her money for us because we were already enjoying with what we got and would built on that. But being mother she could not help herself not being worried unnecessarily.
Countdown Begins

It was a time to pick up my wedding dress. I was really excited for that. I went to that shop and that guy gave me a bag. I thought it was little heavy. I was about to sign that I received the dress and guy brought another bag. That was mine too. I thought why there were 2 heavy bags, where I ordered only one dress! Then I found that because of many layers of material underneath, the whole dress got really heavy in weight then I could imagine. It was a 3-part dress, and they packed it in 2 separate bags. I got huge shock because I was not used to wearing heavy tradition dresses and there was no way I could manage it on my wedding. But it was expensive material so I could not asked to change it to my mother or my mother-in-law. With few days left I could not do any thing about it and just had to accept it as it is. That was my first shock, few more were waiting to come.

I was also going for beauty treatment same day and I was confident that my uncle's daughter would do it nicely, but she fell a sick and sent her assistant. I got really nervous after seeing her; I thought I could not take any chances, as it was my wedding approaching. But again I had no choice apart from accepting her and could not complain to any one. My sister was being really supportive in that phase in claiming me down. I love her, we have 8 years age difference between us but she was already mature and was my only true mate in those situations.

My beauty treatment went fine with out any complain. So that chapter finally ended peacefully. Few close families started coming already and started helping my parents. There were only 2-3 people who honestly helped my parents in managing everything.

Next day I was having my mehendi done. I had to sit for almost 3-4 hours till she could finish tattooing on my arms and legs. I was exhausted and fell asleep straight away. It was our engagement day next day.

I forgot to mention something here. Actually, We were going to engaged again in front of whole family and guests' day before marriage. Yes we had to do that again too, because of stupid community. I honestly believed that we did not need that but we had to do it for our parents' happiness. It was kind of declaration to all far families, so they would not complain that we did not invited them on engagement. Yes, it is an Indian culture and unwillingly we had to be part of it.
Joy Fading Slowly

Engagement time was 5pm. It was day before wedding day. My family thought they all would be ready by that time to welcome in-laws family. It is a great deal to welcome them, because if we would miss that then it would be bit insulting for them. I was at parlour getting ready, and it was around 4.30pm when I got a call from him, saying that they would reach to destination hall soon. It was like a bombshell because I knew that my parents might not be ready for their welcome.

I informed my parents straightaway about their arrival and was hoping that everything would go smoothly. I did not know what happened about welcome event till evening. After a while I was ready and was happy with my look, really felt special. But my perception of being happy did not last long.

When I reached to engagement hall, everybody was waiting for me, and I thought that's ok because it was my day. All ring ceremony went fine and we had dance party in the evening. Till then I did not have a time to talk to him personally. I thought he was quiet because of people around but then I found that he was actually angry with my family and me, because my parents were late in welcoming his family. Of course, we had no help from cousins or uncles, my parents were late. In-laws' families were already there helping themselves. His elder sister was furious with anger, but I did not see all that coming at all. That was it. I did not expect that from anyone. First time he was angry and complaining to me about my family. I never saw him like that before.

I realized that I had to manage my wedding myself, as that mistake could not happen again on wedding day. My joy was over then. I just felt to finish with that formality. I was badly stressed and worried night before getting married. I really hate writing this part but its worth to know that how stressful Indian marriages can be. I was praying for everything to go nicely next day. That evening I realised that no matter how much some one loves you, their decision is always dependant on some one else's. That includes my parents, him and his family. I was really upset, suddenly that night my father-in-law called me.

He said, "I called you not to get worried about what my son and daughter told you. You don't worry about anything and in marriages things like this could happen and please don't let yourself stressed with anything. Don't worry my dear". I was really touched by his word. Although the welcome event went bad in front of his family, my father-in-law still cared about me. Then later I found that my mother-in-law actually asked him to call me. I felt blessed again to have parents like them. I was little relieved after that.
Almost Done

I could not sleep properly whole night because of immense amount of stress. Next day I had to fast till we get married traditionally in the evening. That means I could only have fruit and milk till evening. But I wasn't even in mood even for that.

My parents and me had some prayers to do in the morning with priest, but I was dosing during prayers. My mother realised that and asked me to sleep for a while. I did not eat anything that afternoon and we went to get ready early at beauty parlour for wedding; my mother, my sister and me.

My mother got ready early and left for other preparation. My parents were ready that day and did not want to make any mistakes. I asked my sister to stay with me. But then it was a time for my first shocking surprise. That lady who was doing my make-up, asked me to lie down and relax. I could not see what she was applying on my face. After one hour she asked me to look in the mirror when she was finished with my make up.

I got shocked because I was looking horrible. The make-up was really dark and heavy looking. That lady explained that normally in marriages people needed heavy make up to look good in the photos. But I was still not convinced with her reasons but she already took long time to do my makeup, so there was no time left to start again. I still needed to put on my dress and hairstyle. I lost my interest and I begged to god to make at least one thing straight on my special time

My sister calmed me down saying I was looking great. I knew she was being nice. Dress was already very heavy to be carried and I dragged myself to marriage hall. On entering, everyone was staring at me. One of my cousin sister came to me and said that I looked great. I felt bit better then.

I had to wait in the room until other ritual finished. I was eager to know how welcome event went that day, so I asked my parents. I found that everything went better than I thought and in-laws were happy. Finally I was really happy and I wanted to go to washroom as I was bit relaxed. It was funny because with that heavy dress I needed someone to come with me and hold my dress. Unwillingly my sister had to come with me. I had to go because that was my only chance, it was almost 2-3 hours ritual till the end of marriage and I could not go anywhere once it starts.

Finally it was my turn to walk to the marriage stage. We had a special chair in front of each other. He looked at me and slowly he said, "Have you decided to scare me?"

I thought what was he talking about as he was complaining to me day before, so that was the only thing in my mind. So I asked him for the reason.

He said that I was looking scary with that make-up. Before I could reply to him, I saw few of his college friends staring at me very strangely. Of course, we were in same college in India before. He must have told our story, 'the way he found me at the bus stop' to his college friends and they were kind of looking at me like, they wanted to recognize me being in the same college. It was really funny.

When they got time, they came to him and asked him that he was sure about me being in same college, because they did not recognize me at all. Then he explained them that I was looking different in that make-up.

Everything went on really smoothly than I expected. Everyone was happy. No complaints at all. Our ritual finished nicely and it was feast time for everybody.

I was really hungry then. We had a special table for us with all close ones. But I could not eat crazily in front of everyone. Lots of photos and video were being taken in whole ceremony.

Finally it was time for me to go to my in-laws house. My parents were sad, because I belonged to someone else then. After some crying session and final departing ritual, I left in car with my husband and in-laws. Our wedding peacefully ended there. I was officially and traditionally married to him.

But story did not end here, that was starting of new life there. Life that was different than I thought.

My mother-in-law welcomed me in her house with small ritual. His both sisters helped me getting comfortable, as they both knew that I was worn out by rituals and needed help to get changed. They both had really been kind that day and took me to my bedroom.

How was our first night? We were tired and fell asleep straightaway, did not have energy to talk even. You can imagine how are night would have been!
Finally in Peace

I had to wake up early again, because there was a reception ceremony next day. My family with other close families were travelling to his town to join in that reception as well. So I had to get ready once again, but that time I was simply dressed with minimal makeup. I wanted to look simple.

My elder sister-in-law helped me once again with that. My family arrived and my in-laws welcomed them. The reception ceremony began with some mantras and rituals. Everybody enjoyed lunch and we got lots of gifts on both days.

It was really peaceful that day. I was nearly reaching to the end of all ceremony happily. He was also sorry for his behavior on engagement day and he also blamed his stress for getting angry. I believed him, because he had never been like that before.

We were going back to the UK after a week of getting married. So we were leaving everyone once again. I felt really homely with his family. His sisters were caring too and they did not let me do any heavy work at all. They were pampering me again. He loved me as always.

Finally it was time to travel back to UK. Families were sad again, but they gave us lots of blessings. With heavy heart we left for the flight. During long journey, we thought that even though we both loved each other, in order to be together, we had to perform and go through so many rituals for families' happiness. Because they live in the community and to be respectable they had to respect community's thinking.

Never mind, we finished with it. We landed safely in the UK and started our life together once again with lots of love. Many years passed, there were many ups and downs with families on both sides. We tried best to keep balance between them, but we knew that every one is different and when more then one person is involved, complications are bound to start.

There were many occasions where our relation got challenged but we tried our best. But his attitude changed on arrival of someone. And accordingly I had to change my self for the good. Unexpected situations changed our direction completely!
Family

We worked hard towards our goals. First goal was to buy our own house in the UK. We did not see night or day and continuously worked to earn enough money for our first home deposit. I never wanted to have kids in rented flat. Because I believed that we should only have kids when we are capable of giving them good life and when we are independent.

Finally in September 2011, we successfully bought our 2-bedroom flat at a tranquil location called Palm Bay in Thanet. It has nearest quintessentially British beach called Botany bay. We loved living there.

Someone who changed his attitude was arrival of our lovely daughter, in August, 2012. She is his carbon copy, everything just like him. They forget me whenever they are together. We gave her 'Name in English, but not an English name'. Skye!

Our life changed completely after she was born. She is now 3 years old, and we never knew how quickly our time passed. Whenever we see her, it reflects our love. To be a good mother of my daughter, I started doing things, which I never thought I could do.

He is even better day-by-day. He always encouraged me for right thing, never biased with his decision, always supported me whenever I needed badly.

He progressed in his job, we settled in Kent, UK permanently. As our daughter grew, she needed separate garden to play. To happily fulfill her demand, we bought a house nearby and moved again towards more settled life in the UK. She has always been our priority over job and remaining family.

When I look back and think about how actually our journey started before 9 years, it really amazes me. We never regret our decision of being together. I really feel blessed to find someone like him, who loved me more than my parents. Now I truly believe that whatever happens, it only happens for good.

As its said, "We lived happily ever after".
About the Author

Kimti Vaghasia was born and brought up in a city called Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. She was surrounded by communities with different lifestyle rules, which molded her life for early 20 years. Now she believes that she is free from those religious and cultural rules but still she have some effects on her. She is not a full time writer but she believes that her experience is valuable and unique, which worth writing about.

"Met At Harrow" is her first book. It reflects that how she had to follow those rules in majorities of decisions she made in her journey to find a true love. She was inspired to write this book by her amazing life events, which brought a great deal of change in her way of thinking. She gave direction to her passion by this book. Readers will feel her life and will also inspire them to find true love, like she found her. It was fascinating for her and now its time to fascinate whole world.

From her experience, she said, "the journey to find a true love is always a bumpy ride, but there is always a new dawn if you are ready to move ahead even after unpleasant breakups. Your belief will find you a new direction."

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