Showdown at the station (Part 3)

I revisited the plan as I was comfortably seated in an auto taking me to the station.

I would buy a rose, meet her at the platform, start with cursory greetings and then when the time is right would kneel and propose to her publicly…”picture perfect” as Roshan had termed it.

“That’s so embarrassing in a public place!” I had retorted.

“Ok, you are the expert” he put in calmly, thus maintaining the sarcastic impact of the line.

The most important part was to stay calm throughout the whole Bollywood stunt, and this was something I could not assure. I always wanted to do it in a different manner, something that was never done before, something that would take her by surprise. I was good at that. But as I was pretty naïve in this matter, I decided not to improvise and stick to the original plan. I had done enough harm to myself and now as Roshan had found me a way, I would surely not swerve from it.

My train of thoughts broke as the auto screeched to a halt. I paid the fare and went in search of the only flower shop in the area. I found none, and ended up asking another vendor about it.

“Wo gaon gaya hai saab, uski maa bimar hai. Ek hafte baad hi lautega.”, he said nonchalantly.

“Nahi nahi aur koi phoolon ka dukan nahi milega aapko….wo sabse nazdiki dukan 4 km dur hai.” was his reply when I inquired further.

Considering the evening traffic, it would take me 45 minutes to come back. I was at my wit’s end as I thought of the consequences. The thought of losing her struck me, I never felt so vulnerable before. I sworn at the flower vendor a couple of times, but finding that it would not help my cause further, reached for my mobile.

I stopped midway. How would he help me in any way? He had already done his part; it was my turn now. The confident me took charge. I don’t give a damn about that flower, it’s too trivial to upset my love plans, I thought. I decided to go ahead without it.

I went inside the station, located the platform and was maneuvering my way towards her compartment. She stood there, with an anxious countenance probably awaiting someone. I went close and hailed her with a smile. She tried hard but could only return an ostensible one.

“Hi”, I said.

She kept looking at me, probably apathetic at the usual introductory greetings. She looked upset, lacked her signature…the smile that had already won me.

“Wow, today you look stunning”, I cajoled. An observation that would make most women beam was met with a solemn smile.

I talked some more, trying to ease the situation, attempting to break the ice without knowing the reason of its formation. She kept quiet.

“You came here to say goodbye?” she asked with a heavy voice.

Something kicked inside as the romantic me came out.  I went inside my pocket, took out my proposal gift, knelt down and just smiled. I took her left hand and pushed the polo mint in her little finger.

I revel from the fact that people call me ‘unpredictable’. It took her a few seconds to register. But when it did, she burst in tears as she gave me a tight hug. I was able to break the ice, finally. I was careful as I went back a few steps at the impact. The last thing you want is to tumble in a public place in a PDA moment. I, having done masters in embarrassment, was an obvious prey to it.

We walked hand in hand on the platform towards the far side door of her compartment. She looked at the ring and beamed proudly.

“A juvenile attempt…”, I smirked.

“It's natural, not the choreographed ones that we usually see couples do. I really loved it, its sooo cute.” she hugged me again.

I mentally apologized to the flower vendor and moreover thanked his mother for perfectly timing her ailment.

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PS:  For the more reasonable guys, it is my duty to inform you of the minute details I keep track of while story-telling. I did not choose the ring finger because :

Firstly, I believe it deserves a more substantial, inedible ring (ideal one).

Secondly, the polo hole would not fit in the ring finger (practical one).