Valentine’s Day Special | First Love | First Heartbreak | Forever Goodbye

Let me take you back a few years. I was in my mid-twenties at that time, while she was in her early twenties. Both of us got a chance to study together. Classes went well. Commerce classes meant lots of gupshup (gossip) around final accounts, debit, credit, and trial balance. Though we were initially reluctant to talk to each other, most people who know me closely already know how introverted and shy I am — just the opposite of how I am on social media, where I am quite vocal and speak in an unequivocal tone whenever my voice matters.

Best Moments In College

A few of my male friends helped me get acquainted with her. She was a little shy too, but gradually, within a few months, we gelled well, knowing that both of us would be together for the next three years pursuing a B.Com degree. Small talk began taking time; it turned into long conversations and eventually became a bit personal too. Even at that stage, we were quite reserved, but the hesitation was no longer there. For now, let’s call her Penelope (of course, that was not her real name, and I don’t want to reveal it either). And I am quite sure she is not reading this!

From my interactions with her, I felt Penelope was intelligent. She was studious, shy, and a bit reserved, yet quite popular among friends. I enjoyed being in her company. We were a happy group of six or seven soon-to-be commerce graduates, roaming across the college campus and always on time for lectures. Our friendship grew stronger, but I felt there was something special between Penelope and me. She wouldn’t hesitate to call me late at night for notes.

Friendship & Love

With the passage of time, our friendship only grew stronger. Eventually, all of us completed our graduation within the stipulated time and with good marks. And you won’t believe who called me at 11:15 p.m. on the D-day to announce that she had graduated with first-class honors in B.Com. I was the first person to know.

“You know what… I successfully completed my graduation with first-class marks. I am the happiest person right now, and you are the first one I’ve shared this news with,” Penelope said.

I was excited and happy for her — and for myself too, as I had also scored well — but after saying, “Many congratulations,” I lost my words.

The very next morning, we met at college. Our other friends were there too. It was a fun moment. We celebrated and discussed our convocation right then and there.

Once we were out of college, we were still friends, but definitely the intensity was not the same. Our priority had been our exams and studies, which were now done. Penelope moved ahead with her career plans while I started searching for a new job. Interestingly, no matter how close she was to me, she never shared her future plans.

Then we got an opportunity to work together at a reputed MNC for a few months. I can tell you how that first day — which was again February 14th — felt either fortunate or embarrassing for both of us. I joined later, and when the team leader introduced me to the department, I was startled to find Penelope — the shy, cute girl — in her professional avatar.

Those few months at the office were some of the best moments until the day came when she confided in me. It was the evening that was supposed to be her last day at the office.

A Good Bye with A Twist

While leaving, she said, “I love you… but I don’t need to hear your answer or feelings. I am moving to Luxembourg forever.”

Lo and behold, for the first time, a girl proposed to me — and there I was, the same introverted, shy guy who couldn’t even say thank you or anything else. I stood there, rock solid. The overthinker in me cursed the moment and said to myself, “If you were going away from me, then why did you even propose? What does it even mean? What should I do with it? Is it heartbreak or something soothing to the heart? Because at the end of the day, I had also started liking her, though it was very immature, to say the least.”

After that day, we never met again.

Now, tell me, why did she do it?

(Disclaimer: As told by Williamson to this author)