Oru Deivam Thantha Athisiyam: Part 1

"Hi Sanjay, my name is Sindhu and I am a third year chemical engineering student. The question I would like to ask is, who your role model is sir?" asked a young girl among the crowd who attended to hear my talk at Sunway University.

"My role model is Mr. Arun Pandian." I answered instinctively. "I'm sorry sir, who is Arun Pandian? I have not heard of his name before." said the girl as the audience sat in silence. I could see some of the student frantically googling the name Arun Pandian to know who he is."

"Arun Pandian is my father and he is the best role model I ever had." I said. The crowd erupted into thunders claps. "Who I am today is because of him and that is why he is my greatest role model I ever had." I said

I took in a couple more questions before ending my session with the students. It was a talk organised by the university to get successful people in the community to speak to them on the topic "Following your passion leads to success."

As I was about to leave the hall, Sindhu came up to me to speak to me again. "Hi sir, my name is Sindhu and I was the girl who asked the question just now about your role model." Sindhu was a girl with an average height who dressed up like a typical studious engineering student. She wore a blue long sleeves shirt tucked into a black colour skirt and was wearing a pair of glasses.

"Yes Sindhu, how can I help you?" I said. "Sir, I was very impressed with your answer just now. We live in an age whereby we idolize people like Bill Gates, Elon Musk or Tony Fernandes and you answered so calmly without a doubt in your mind that your father is your biggest role model." Said Sindu.

"Well thank you Sindhu. Yes there are many successful people in the world but those people never helped me shape up to be the man I am today. That was all because of my dad. That's why he will always be my number one role model." I said with full of pride speaking about my father.

"Sir, on my free time I write blogs and now I am very keen to write about you sir. After today's talk I really look up to you. Could I get an hour of your time sir someday to speak to you more about yourself and your father so that I could write a post about the both of you." asked Sindhu.

"I have an hour now Sindhu, if you are up for it. We can go for a drive and you can ask me what you want. If you have your notebook and pen we can do it now. What do you say?" I asked. "Sure sir why not?" she answered excitedly 

During my drive with Sindhu, I told her a little background about my father and what kind of a person he is until we stopped by a park nearby the house I used to stay when I was young. It was the park I used to go and play when I was a little boy. Nice green view with a playground and a lane to walk and jog. It is indeed a lovely place to wind down after a tiring day.

"This park holds so many beautiful memory of me when I was young Sindhu. I feel this is the best place for me to talk about dad and myself. Get your notebook ready to write everything down. Being at this park today Sindhu brings back so many beautiful memories and I remember like it was just yesterday, although it has been 25 years since that day." I said to Sindhu who was eager to pen down my thoughts

I was walking back from kindergarten with my mum that day while holding her hand when she told me. "Pa, later Meena Aunty's family will be coming to the house with their son Rajesh. Be a good boy ok Sanjay. Don't be naughty naughty all pa. Share your toys with Rajesh ok and don't fight with him." Said Amma to which I said "Ok Amma."

Well guess what, I did the complete opposite of what Amma asked me to do. Nevertheless I was polite to Meena Aunty and her husband, but to her son Rajesh I wasn't. I told him I couldn't give him any of my toys. I would beat him if he tried to take my toys. 

I was so used growing up alone so much so that everything at home is usually for me and for me alone. I never had to share. And now here comes some kid trying to take my toys. No way was I going to let that happen.

Amma scolded me and told me to give my toys to him but I just refused to do it and I remembered that look on her face. She was angry at me, and felt embarrassed on the way her little boy is behaving. 

"I am so sorry Meena. Sanjay is usually not like this. I don't know why he is doing like this today." said Amma. Laughed Meena Aunty before saying "That's ok Shobana. Sanjay is a small boy and is not used to sharing his toys, that's all."

And that was how it went the whole day. Amma wasn't happy with me and she was waiting for Appa to come back to tell him what happened. I remember being so frighten thinking I was going to get whacking because of this. I told Amma I was sleepy and wanted to sleep early but she caught my act. She knew I was trying to escape seeing Appa about this whole incident.

Appa wasn't the cool type of dad you would see in movies today. He wouldn't joke much with us. He was more of the serious type of father. Yet he was loving and caring in his own way. I have always loved the way he would carry me to bed when I fall asleep in the hall. Sometimes I would just pretend to be asleep so that he would carry me to bed and tuck me in.

It was 9 p.m. by the time Appa reached home. He quickly took his shower and by the time he came out, Amma had already put the rice on his plate and waited for him on the dining table. Amma would always wait for Appa to come home and eat together with him.

It was during dinner where Amma told him the whole incident. I was very convinced that tonight I was in for a beating. Appa just heard the whole incident quietly and continued eating as if nothing happened. I breathe a huge sigh of relief and went to sleep happily later that night.

The next day was a Saturday and that is always my favorite day of the week. No need to touch the books and a day filled by watching cartoons on TV. The evening meant going to the park to play in the playground. Usually it will be Amma who brings me to the park, but this time Appa said he will bring me to the park.

I didn't mind much as long I got to go the park and play. I held his hand and walked excitedly to the park while asking Appa to up the pace. We got there and he let me to go and play with the other kids. While I was playing Appa was casually conversing with some of the neighbors who brought their kids to the park too.

After an hour plus there, Appa called me over. He told me it is getting late and we should go back home to which I obliged. During the walk home Appa said, "I heard what happened between you and Rajesh yesterday. Why Sanjay didn't you share your toys? You have plenty of it." My head was down while I walked quietly.

"Sanjay, when I ask you a question, I want you to look at me and answer it. Tell me why you didn't share your toys?" asked Appa in a sterner manner. "No Appa, this is all my toys. How if Rajesh takes back all the toys then I won't have anything to play it then. Rajesh should bring his own toys Appa." I answered

"Sanjay, my boy. Rajesh was a guest to our house. You don't bring your toys to other people's house correct? That's why Rajesh never bring his toys. When someone comes to your house, you should share with them your toys." said Appa.

He continued by saying "You know Sanjay, when Appa was your age, I didn't have any toys. We didn't have much money so Appa didn't have any toys. Do you remember Appa's friend Uncle David? When we were young, Uncle David used to be my neighbor. Uncle David used to have a lot of toys and he will share the toys with Appa every evening and play. That is how Uncle David and I became friends."

"Sharing helps you make friends Sanjay. Not everybody has everything Sanjay. That is why it is important to share, so that everyone can have it. Plus everyone will say what a good little boy Sanjay is for sharing his toys. When you share Sanjay, you will also feel good and happy and next time if you need anything, people will also share with you." said Appa.

"Ok Appa, next time I will share my things." I said. We continued walking back home. This story has had such a powerful impact on me to the point I remember the details of the story so well. It has been one of the best advice I have ever received in my life and that is why my father is my greatest role model.

This story didn't just end here. The following Monday, while walking back from kindergarten I told Amma that I am very hungry and she asked how come because she did pack me a proper meal to eat during break time.

"No Amma, Kishore's food dropped down during break time. He was very hungry, so I gave him my food. It is good to share Amma." I said calmly. "You what? Who is Kishore?" asked my mother clearly in shocked.

"Owh Kishore is my new friend. We became friends after I shared my food with him. I am hungry now Amma, can you buy me something to eat?" Amma laughed and said "Sanjay when Appa told you to share things, he didn't mean for you to give everything to people and you have nothing. That is not what Appa meant."

"For example instead of giving all your food to Kishore, you should give him half and you eat half. That way both of you can eat and won't be hungry.. You need to share not give everything pa." Amma said before continuing "I am very proud of you Sanjay, you are a very good boy. I have already cooked at home, you can eat once we reach home." 

"25 years later thinking of this story in the same playground where it all happened also reminds me that Amma still loves telling this story during functions about my very first experience of sharing things. What Appa told me that day has help shaped me to be the man I am today. It was this story which instilled the sharing value in me and even played a role in me deciding my career." I told Sindhu.

"Wow sir that is such a beautiful memory you have. I am starting to understand why you look up to him as your role model sir." Said Sindhu who was clearly moved. "Thank you Sindhu, my dad Arun Pandian is a great man in his own ways." I said.

"So sir tell me more about how you picked this line of work as your career? It is not something common to see someone from an Indian background family enter a different career. It is usually engineering, doctor or law. How did you manage to pick something else?. How did your family take it?" asked a very curious Sindhu.

"There is actually a very beautiful story behind how all of that happened. Rather than telling that story here, let's drive down to this small life shop nearby here and I will tell you all about it. These guys serves one of the best roti canai you would ever eat." I said

"Sure sir let's go. I am very eager to hear this chapter of your life." said Sindhu.

Boys! Start doing these 3 things for your woman

It worries me when I see how boys today show their love. They seem to have built their life around Facebook & Instagram. From the process of finding a girl, to talking to her up to coupling up with her seems to be done via social media. Call me old fashion because I think its crap.

Boys today need to step up their game and start treating this girls like how real woman should be treated by a man. Romance is still in the air and a little chivalry could just spice up your relationship a little more. Here are some pointers

1. Send her a bouquet.

Stop sending her rose emoji on WhatsApp and start sending her a bouquet. No, not for her birthday or anniversary. You don't need a special occasion to do something nice for her.  It is fine even if its a normal Wednesday afternoon, just call up a florist and have them send a bouquet to her. Write a nice beautiful message and have it sent to her.

You would be surprised how such simple random gesture would go on to make her day. Most woman likes flowers while some might like a nugget or chocolate bouquet. Know what you woman likes and just trying send her one. You would thank me later

2. Cook for her

Try cooking for her. It is ok if you don't know how to cook. It doesn't need to be anything fancy or great. It is ok even if it doesn't taste good. If the effort that counts. Let it be a simple sandwich or fried rice, just give it a try. 

Cook something for her and take her out for a picnic or just dine at home and watch a movie with her. In fact the both of you could try cooking together a meal and that would spice up your relationship too.

3. Write a love letter.

This is my personal favorite. You can write long WhatsApp messages or Facebook post but nothing beats a good old love letter. Go to a book store, get a nice beautiful paper and take the night to write her a beautiful love letter. 

Express how you feel for her, tell her why she is amazing & tell her how blessed you are to have her. Don't let bad handwriting stop you from doing it. Give it to her and tell her to read it once she is home. Trust me she will love you more after that. A love letter is such a beautiful and pure thing. 

It is not about writing to the world about how much you love her, but it is about writing to that one person and expressing why she means the world to you. Art is such a beautiful expression. Do it this for her.

Un Azhagiya Punnagai: Part 4 The Finale

Click Here To View Part 1

Click Here To View Part 2

Click Here To View Part 3

If you are lost in a jungle and there was 2 paths in front of you which path would you pick? You don't know where both paths would end. The path on the left looks more built and stable while the path on the right seems to be a little more dangerous. Which would you pick? This is where I am today. The path on the left represents Vaishnavi and on the right represents Thila. Now I have to make a decision and pick a path.

A lot of things has been running on my mind ever since meeting Thila again. Couple of months ago I wasn't looking forward to be dating anyone, let alone think about having a relationship. To quote a line from Forrest Gump "Mama said life was like a box of chocolate. You never know what you're gonna get" would be perfect to sum how things has changed so much in my life.

For the next one week I couldn't be my usual self with the both of them. I tried not to speak much to both of them and avoiding going out with them citing work as a reason. In all honesty it was the guilt that was killing me. By going out with both of them, I felt as if I was cheating on them. I felt I was the bad guy here, but I just couldn't decide who should be the one I pick to date and pursue something beautiful.

Eventually I made my decision. I took the whole week to think it through and I listened to my heart. I picked her. I know she would be the right person for me. They both are amazing in their own way but I picked her and now I need to think of a way of telling it to her. I want it to be in a way she will always remember it

The next morning I called Thila, "Hi Thila. Good morning." "Hi Varun, morning. Been a couple of days since you called. Is everything ok there with you?" she asked. "Yes Thila, I have been good. Yeah everything is fine, was a little tied down with work but that's normal." I said. "That's good to hear. Aren't you working today Varun?" she asked.

"Yeah I am. Actually I called to ask you out this weekend. Do you have any plans this Saturday? Could we do brunch?" I asked nervously. "Hmm Saturday? Yeah I am free. Sure, we can meet for brunch. Where do you have in mind and what time shall I be there?" she asked. "Cool! I'll text you the location and time later. I got to go now. Have a good day ma." I said and canceled the call.

I felt like it was forever for Saturday to arrive. Time felt like it was intentionally ticking slowly to lengthen my anxiety in telling her I would like to date her officially. Finally Saturday arrived and I had no idea how many different shirts and hair styles I tried that morning. I was trying to look at my best when I tell it to her. I got ready and headed to the cafe to meet Thila for brunch. I was very nervous indeed.

I reached the cafe and Thila was already seated there while reading her book. She was wearing a white sleeveless blouse and a blue jeans. Her hair was tied to a bun. She saw me and greeted me with a smile. She just looks so amazing when she smiles. Her smiles and her eyes and she looks is something shoots me to a different reality.

"Hi Varun! How was the drive here? Was the traffic back?" she asked. I smiled "No Thila traffic was good. Have you ordered Thila?" I asked. "Not yet, was waiting for you. Jom lets order now." she said. I was going through the menu anxiously. I didn't want to order anything. I was just trying to buy some time. I had a surprised for her planned and was waiting for it to arrive.

"Are you okey Varun? You seem very edgy. Are you going to order anything? I think I am going to get the pancakes." She said. "Yeah sure go ahead. Just give me a couple more minutes Thila." I said while looking over my shoulders.

"Are you waiting for someone Varun?" asked Thila. "Yeah kinda Thila, just give me a couple more minutes." I said. There was an awkward silence between us. She was confused with the way I was today while I was waiting for the surprise to arrive.

Moments later, the surprise came. A guy dressed in a black shirt tucked into his jeans holding a bouquet walked towards our table. "Hi Thila, how are you?" said a familiar voice to Thila. "Khartick? What are you doing here? What is going on here Varun?" she said in an angry tone. So many emotions and thoughts was running through Thila's mind. She was shocked, confused and angry all at the same time.

"Thila let me explain." I said. "I met Khartick a couple of days ago. We spoke about many things and in the process he told me about the circumstances surrounding him leading to him calling off the engagement. I think you should hear him out Thila. You guys clearly make a good pair and I hope things can go back to how it used to be between you both." I explained.

Thila just sat in silence. Too many things for her to process in such a short time. "Thila, I know all of these comes as a shock to you, but if you give me once chance to explain everything and then you can decide." said Khartick. "Fine." she said.

It was during time that Vaishnavi walked in towards us. "Ah Vaishnavi you are just on time." I greeted here. "Vaishanavi, this are my friends, Thila and Khartick. Guys this is Vaishnavi, the girl I am dating." I introduced them to each other.

Vaishnavi's faced glowed immediately. This is the first time I am introducing her as my date. She understood that this was my way of telling her that I want to date her exclusively. She just smiled and said "Nice to meet you. So Varun shall we leave now then? We have a movie to catch." The pair just greeted her with a smile as there was a lot of tension in the air among the pair.

"So guys I am going to leave you guys here and I hope you guys do talk things out and work it. Would love to see you guys together. Take care Thila and good luck Khartick. You are going to need lots of that." I said that and started walking away from them while holding Vaishnavi's hand. She had an amazing smile on her knowing now that we are officially dating each other

~The End~

3 Types Of Women I Look Up To

In the spirit of International Women's Day, which is traditionally celebrated on the 8th of March as adopted by the United Nations, I've decided to write this piece today. This article goes in tribute to the many wonderful women who has crossed in my life and inspired me. If I could classify these women who has left an impact in my life, I would classify them into the following three types

1. Single Mom

Single mom are the real superhero in my eyes. I've never fully understood the struggles and challenges of a single mother, until my own mom became a single mother 5 years ago after dad passed away.

Ever since that, every time I came across any single mom, I am able to see the struggles and triumphs of a single mother. Women today are more independent than those from 10 years ago. They tend to be more dependent to the husband as he is the sole bread winner of the family. 

Thus when the husband passes away or chooses to divorce the wife, and when the wife has to take care of the kids all by herself it becomes a monumental challenge. They are willing to stretch themselves, work extra hours just to provide a decent living for the kids. They would think ten times to spend ten bucks for themselves but wouldn't hesitate to spend for the wellbeing of their kids.

You are indeed a real superhero single mom!!!! Lots of respects and love for you :)

2. Passionate, Driven And Goal Orientated Women

I instantly admire women who has this three traits. In fact I believe every individual regardless of gender should have this 3 traits. When I look ladies around my age, this three features attracts me the most.

When a lady is passionate in the job she does, she would turn out to be someone confident and carries herself so well. Together with a driven character, she would be someone who is gritty and would work her way to success. She isn't a pushover and is a strong individual.

A lady who is goal orientated is someone who is able to visualize the bigger picture, She has the ability to see how things will work out in the future and also knows the effort she needs to put in to succeed. She has the end goal in mind. 

That is something I look up to and try built within myself too!

3. Feminist, not Feminazi

I have so much of respect for feminist but absolutely zero respect for feminazi. Below is simple difference between the both

A feminist fights for the real important things which needs to be address in a proper manner. A feminazi on the other hand is nothing more than a spoil brat who is constantly whining about how unfair their life is when actually they have a very nice beautiful life. They think the world is against them when in reality that isn't the case.

A feminist knows how to articulate her points in a decent and professional manner. She knows how to conduct herself and is bold in raising her points. She is not afraid to speak her mind and is confident when she does so. More importantly she is someone who is mature.

I have had the pleasure of meeting many women who falls under this three category throughout my life, and to the other ladies out there who falls under this three category I dedicate this post to you. I am lucky to have a job which drives empowerment and is looking forward to drive further women empowerment!

Un Azhagiya Punnagai: Part 3

Link to Part 1

Link to Part 2

A new day, a new start. Two days ago, I met this lady who has the most beautiful smile I have ever seen. I had an immediate affection towards her and sent her a bouquet to ask her out on a date. Yesterday I got to know that this amazing lady was already engaged and today I have to move on from her thoughts and hope for something amazing to happen soon.

A year and half has passed on from the time I found out that Thila was engaged. There has been a lot of ups and downs that took place in the last 18 months. 10 months ago, my dad passed away due to heart attack. I hit an all-time low after his loss.

Staying alone in KL away from my family did no favors to help me move on from the loss of my dad. I was slowly slipping into depression without me realizing it. I had trouble sleeping at night, loss of appetite and I started avoiding people as much as possible. I would go to office, get my job done without talking to people much and then return home to be alone.

One morning when I came to office, there was a bar of Snickers on my table with a note that says,

"TO: VARUN

SMILE MORE WHEN YOU WALK AROUND OFFICE

FROM: MS. X"

I don't know why, but something about that note made me smile. It was perhaps the first time I smiled in the last few months. Thank you Ms. X, thank you for making me smile after a long time. I got curious wanting to know who Ms. X could be. The first person came to mind was Ms. Nisha. She has always been very caring towards me.

"Boss, are you Ms .X?" I asked. "Ms what? What are you talking about Varun?" questioned Ms Nisha. "No boss, there was a chocolate on my table this morning with a note which says it was from Ms. X. I just thought that it was from you boss." I said. "Haha Varun dear, I am way too old to be sending you chocolates under a mysterious name. That wasn't me. Maybe you should ask Vaishnavi" said Ms. Nisha

"Vaishnavi? But why her? I haven't really spoke to her that much." I said curiously. "Haha how naive are you Varun? Just try asking if it was her Varun." said Ms. Nisha calmly. I was curious to know, so I approached Vaishnavi at her table.

She sits about three tables away from me on my right. It was a Friday and Vaishnavi usually wears punjabi suits on Friday. Today she wore a sweet pink punjabi suit, with a little pottu on forehead and a light pink lipstick. I've got to admit she is one of the most beautiful person in the office.

I approached her and asked in a little serious tone "Hi Vaishnavi, was this note and chocolate bar from you?" she hesitated a little for a while, I guess she was taken aback by my sudden approach. "Yes Varun,it was from me. You haven't been smiling much lately and I understand why. You look good when you smile Varun, maybe it's time you start doing that more." she said.

I liked the way she answered me and I smiled while saying "Haha thanks Vaishnavi. Thanks for reminding me to smile again. It worked. I am smiling now. Thank you once again. Do you have any plans today after work Vaishnavi? Would like to go for a cup of coffee after work?" I asked.

"Sure Varun. Let's do coffee after work today. Got to admit, it is a little surprising that this is coming from you after months of shunning all of us away. This is good Varun, more smiles like this moving on." said Vaishnavi with a smile.

We met up that evening and soon enough it started becoming a regular thing. We started doing lunch together during weekdays and would spend time on the weekend going for movies and hanging out together at cafes or some fun activities.

Two months later, on a Saturday we were having lunch at Burger King in Sunway Pyramid right after watching Star Wars: Rogue One. "There is no better villain than Darth Vader. He is the bomb! I had goosebumps watching those final scenes. So much joy watching Vader on the big screen!" I said clearly being in awe over Lord Vader.

"Ya ya you and your Darth Vader la. Never ending story. I don't know why you love these villains so much Varun." she said in annoyance. "Varun, I've got something to ask you. Do you mind me asking?" she asked. "Yeah of course Vaishu, you know you can ask me anything" I said while getting a bite of my favorite French Chicken Burger.

"Where do you see this going Varun? Are we just good friends or are we dating? I am at a stage in my life where I would like to have more clarity about my future Varun." she asked. "

Erm Vaishnavi, I don't really have an answer for you. You are really a nice person. I like you very much and I am so comfortable around you. Are we good friends? Yes of course we are. Are we dating? I don't know Vaishu. Maybe we are, maybe we aren't. I don't have a label to it" I said.

"Well Varun, why don't you take some time to think about it? Let me know where you want this to head. If friends it is, I am very much happy to be an excellent friend to you. But to me, I would love to walk beside you in a path where we are dating and there is a future to it. Take a couple of days Varun to think about it. I am not pressuring you, I just need some clarity on my future. I've got to go now Varun. I'll call you later at night OK? You have a birthday function to attend tonight right? I'll call you once you are done Varun." she said and with that she took her handbag, gave me a hug and started to head back home.

After she left, I finished up my meal and started heading home too. I wanted to get a quick nap before heading out for my friend's son fifth year birthday function. During the drive back I couldn't help to think about the questions Vaishnavi asked.

I do like her very much. I am so at ease with her. Dating her wouldn't really change much from where we are today, because we are kind of practically dating each other now but not exclusively. Do I want to pursue a relationship just yet? I don't know yet, but if I do, she would make an amazing partner. With that thought coming to an end, I reached home and brushed away that question.

It was 8.00 p.m. when I reached the birthday function. Hidayu and I have been friends since university days and today she was celebrating her son, Mohammad Daniel's birthday. I had to go or else she wouldn't forgive me. It was a very noisy party filled with lots of kids and I am not someone who likes to hang out in a noisy environment. I passed the present to Daniel and wished him, while Hidayu was happy that I was able to make it to the function. She directed me to the place where the food was served.

I told myself let's call this an early night, it was a kid's party rather than one for adults. I took a couple of the dishes from the place where the food was served and sat down at a nearby table. As I was halfway into my meal, someone from the back asked me "Hi you are Varun right, remember me?"

I turned to see who it was and I just froze for a moment. "Thila? Thila what are you doing here? I am shocked." I said. "Haha yeah it is me. The birthday boy's dad is my manager actually. That is why I am here. It is so good to see you Varun. How are you doing? Let me grab my dinner and join you if that's ok" she asked.

"Erm yeah I'm doing good. Sure sure go ahead take your meal and join me here." I answered. We didn't speak much while eating with me mainly still in a state of shock after seeing Thila. It has been more than a year since the whole bouquet incident took place. Yet I couldn't help myself from catching glimpse of her smile. When I look into her eyes and sees her smile, it is such a magical feeling.

"Varun, the party seems a little boring for adults and noisy too. Do you wanna go for coffee or maybe a drive to somewhere? I feeling like bumming this party but don't want to head home just yet." she asked. "Yeah sure, I am a little bored here too." I answered. "Do you mind if you drive and send me home later? I didn't drive today Varun." Thila asked. "Sure thing, I'll drop you home." I said.

The next couple of hours was perhaps the most beautiful moment I've ever experienced in my life. We drove to a cafe nearby to have cakes and hot chocolates. We played some board games while having our dessert. That was followed by a drive down to the Morib Beach, whereby we spoke and spoke and spoke under the moonlight while walking at the beach.

For once I forgot about everything that was happening around me and I was living in the moment with Thila beside me, yet the thought of her being engaged bugged me a lot and spending time with her late night. I didn't want to ask if her fiancee was OK with it. I just didn't want to ruin this beautiful memory, because I may never get this opportunity again. I was truly happy in the moment.

It was getting late and I told Thila that it's time I send her back and call it a day. As much as I didn't want this moment to end, I knew it was getting late and I had to send her home. I drove her home and parked in front of her house and walked her to her doorstep. "Thank you Varun. It was really wonderful spending time with you. Had a really good time Varun." she said. "Pleasure is mine Thila, I had a great time too. You should go in, it's getting late." I said.

"Yeah, before I go in Varun, there is something I would like tell you. Been wanting to say it to you all night but I don't know why I didn't so I am doing it now. I know you've been wondering why am I spending time with you tonight after telling you last year that I was engaged and wouldn't be contacting you again. Actually Varun, Khartick and I broke up about a year ago. Khartick was going through a rough patch and called the engagement off. I didn't want it to end Varun. I told him that we can work it out together as a team if he allowed me in. He refused it and wanted to call off the engagement. We were supposed to get married eight months ago. Both our families didn't take the news well and things turned very ugly and ended on a sour note between our parents." she said

"I was heartbroken Varun. I was very sure he was the one for me. Ever since that happened, I have been trying to pick up the broken pieces and build myself again. It has been really tough. I haven't dated anyone since the engagement was called off. Today when I saw you, I remembered about the whole bouquet thing. You are a nice guy Varun. I wasn't sure if I should come and speak to you or not today or just hide away. I didn't know why I actually came and spoke to you, but I am glad that I did it. You made me smile genuinely for the first in over a year. Thank you so much Varun. We should do this again Varun. I still have your number, I will give you a call one of these days and maybe we can meet up over dinner. Thank you Varun for today. It was really good to be out there again." said Thila, and she hugged me before going inside

And there I was frozen, not knowing what has just hit me. Was I dreaming, or did that really just happened? I didn't know how to react to that. I was happy that she is single now but at the same time I was sad because she lost the love of her life. What did she mean when she said lets meet up for dinner? Does she wants to go out with me because I am a good friend or is it a date? Oh my god I am so confused right now. Bottom line is she is single and that is good news. Looks like I will be seeing her over dinner in a couple of days and that's fantastic.

Never had I thought that this would be a possibility. I had almost deleted the whole chapter of me sending her bouquet of out my mind and now this happened. Maybe, just maybe things might turn out well between us, but I also need to remember that she is still not fully over her ex fiancee. I have no idea how to approach this yet but I'll figure something out.

As I was walking back to my car filled with joy and smiles, I received a text message. "That's fast, I just dropped her home, and she is already texting me. That's a good sign." I thought to myself. The messaged reads "I guess you are not home yet Varun. Must be a fun party. I am going to sleep now, Sweet dreams Varun. Drop me a text once you are safely home." it was from Vaishnavi. Then it hit me. There is Thila & Vaishnavi. One of them is my first real crush and the other is someone who I am so comfortable with. What do I do now guys!?