Then he continued in an enthusiastic tone, “ out on the roads, you can now not help but run into intimidating statues of the Chief Minister Mayawati and her idol Dr Ambedkar. Recently, the city has gained quite a fortress-like demeanor with thick walls, I-won’t-budge-an-inch pillars, and parks that make an authoritative statement. You’ll find the manifesto of Mayawati’s party crammed in small print on huge hoardings at traffic lights. And not just one, but three or four hoardings so that drivers in no direction may feel left out. The policemen still bring traffic to a stop when a politician or anyone with a laal-batti atop plays Schumacher on the roads. Gunmen and supporters , hanging on jeeps or in cars discussing important matters of statecraft behind tinted windows.”
I interrupted his non ending praises of his city, saying, “When I come there you can take me around the city and show me everything. His embarrassment gave a full stop to his description.
Then we became more liberal in talks and continuously discussed each and every aspect of life. Probably we understood the positivity of our minds on both sides. It was only when I got a ring from mum that we realized that it was nearing 8 pm and they were to depart by the night train. So we reached home. I think our expressions conveyed to all that we both are agreeable to this proposal. Mum asked me taking me to her room, “Asha dear, are you ok with it? “I just nodded my head and gave her a tight hug, showing my excitement. When we returned to the living room, an atmosphere of excitement prevailed. Congrats were exchanged on both sides.
Reena aunty gifted me with a beautiful dress and two gold coins. Mum had already kept their gifts ready, and handed over one to each of them and a pouch containing 10 gold coins, two for each one of them and four for Rohit. Finally they bid us good bye and dad went to see them off to the station. Rohit and I snatched an opportunity and rushed to my room. We hugged each other tight and he planted a warm small kiss on my right cheek. His first kiss was hot, expressive, and intense. It was now that I realized that I was head on heels in love with him. I think I could call this as love on first sight.