Gate Crashing on a Solo Trip

by Siddarth Shrivastava (India)

I didn't expect to find India

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I was sitting in the boo cafe in Pune, it was my last day and after ticking all the places in my to do list I was regretting my additional day stay over there. Something came up in my mind and after acting normal, as I am, I tried to act like I was a travel blogger who was there to capture the cafe and take interview of the owner, just to pass my time and being unknown I wanted to have a conversation with someone. It went well, the owner instructed the staff to cooperate with me and allow me to do the inspection the way I wanted. I was on cloud nine as getting that kind of reception being no one as such was great, more importantly when I was disappointed for my decision, I was feeling recognized and sense of belonging was there. I ordered coffee and two of the people were all around me just to ensure that I am getting what I wanted. Next moment, I realized that there was a girl sitting next to me looking on and off, obviously as girls do. I realized that the way I was been treated there, she must be looking at me with loads of questions in her mind. After loads of efforts and rehearsals in my mind I said "hey" . She was sweet and replied with a smile in her face. With the two minutes of kind of interview I too, I kept quite as I was not sure whether she was in it or not. That sweet girl then did her part by continuing the conversation. That disappointing day was then converting into a perfect one. The next moment, interrupting my fairy tale owner turned up and asked me whether I am done or not. I affirmed and did a gesture like I was about to leave. He left and there was last opportunity for me to formally introduce to that girl but then I realized that the impression on her mind was not something I really was. I passed a smile and left as I didn't want to be the another guy that every girl meets daily asking for her number on meeting once. So I left. I thought it was not about being a gentleman or being something else, it was about me being me and that moment I wanted her number so I ran back. I asked the staff where that girl was, and they said the moment I left, she too left. I was happy more than being sad as I was the gentleman that I wanted to be forever. I left with a sad smile on my face.