Stories about PRIYANKA'S I met through dating app's: Part 3
While the first two experiences I shared were ordinary and a waste of time, there was another one that truly stood out.
After moving to Thane from Pune for a new job, I decided to try my luck with dating apps again, hoping a change of place might bring a change of fortune. And boy, oh boy, it did. Within days, I started receiving likes. The profiles seemed more vibrant and more interesting, and unlike Pune, the matches came quickly.
I’ve always been good with words, so starting a conversation wasn’t really a problem. I met wonderful people, like Rishika, who was exploring her sexuality, and Prajakta, who helped me revamp my profile with tips and bio suggestions.
And then, finally, came Priyanka.
It was a Sunday morning when I got the notification: “Matched with Priyanka!” Her name alone sparked something in me—more so because of the history I’ve had with it. Her profile picture was captivating: dusky skin, a petite frame, and a smile that radiated confidence.
I sent a simple “Hi” to start, but I knew I had to stand out. So, I added:
"I know you’re probably getting a lot of ‘Hi’ or ‘Hello’ messages, maybe even some cheesy pickup lines. Mine isn’t extraordinary. But I can be extraordinary!"
To my delight, she replied, “Can’t stop laughing!” and that broke the ice.
We chatted for hours, exchanged numbers, and eventually switched to a video call. She was sharp, funny, and relatable. We talked about work, our quirks, and random bits of life.
When I mentioned being a tea lover, she casually brought up a tea shop near her building. I teased, “So, when are you inviting me for tea?” She smiled and said, “Soon.” And we ended the call with a newfound excitement.
Later that day, a message pinged on my phone—her address, with a time: 5:00 p.m.
Excitement surged through me. I got ready, grabbed a box of chocolates and essentials (because my bio promised, “Tell me the time and place, and I’ll show up with chocolates”), and headed over to her place.
When I arrived, she welcomed me at the door, prettier than I’d imagined. She had changed from casual clothes into a chic one-piece dress.
We sat in her room—me on the edge of the bed, and her engrossed in her laptop. She was a workaholic, as she mentioned her recent promotion while we talked, but noticing my slight irritation, she closed her laptop and gave me her full attention.
Our conversation flowed naturally. We talked about past relationships. She shared her recent breakup, and though I didn’t have any relationship experience to share, she laughed at my awkward dating stories.
At one point, as I sat there gazing at the ceiling, lost in thought, she noticed and asked, "What’s on your mind?”
I hesitated before blurting out, “I can’t look at you—your smile is disarming, and it’s making me feel weak. I can’t look down either.. because, well, your legs aren’t helping.”
She laughed. I was stunned by my own boldness, especially given my introverted nature. To shift the mood, I suggested quickly to watch a stand-up comedy.
She hadn’t watched Bassi before, so we shared headphones and watched his special together.
It was sunset by the time the video was about to end. She got up, walked to the window, and closed the curtains.
Though our eyes met briefly, I stayed silent, anxious about what might happen next. She returned to the bed, but this time, she paused the video and locked the screen.
There was a moment of quiet before she reached out her hand. I flinched slightly, surprised, and she smiled, saying, “Relax, I’m just trying to hold your hand.”
Her touch was electric. It was the first time I’d experienced such an intimate connection.
The handshake was soon followed by a tight, warm hug as we embraced each other.
As we held each other, her lips brushed against my ear, and in a voice soft yet commanding, she whispered, “Kiss me.”
A shiver ran down my spine. I broke the hug and leaned in. She, being the more experienced one, carried it forward.
We kissed, cuddled, and shared a level of closeness I hadn’t thought possible.
We spent considerable time together, and it was soothing to experience that kind of intimacy.
While the experience was memorable, it also brought me clarity on some points:
1) There was a contrasting change in the admiration we felt for each other after we made out; our actions reflected so, making me realize how hookups can feel hollow without proper aftercare.
2) While the experience felt like something out of a romantic novel, it made me realize how much effort and emotional investment these fleeting moments demand.
3) If we are fixated on something and invest too much time and energy in it, the universe will conspire to make it happen.
4) Communication is the key. After that Sunday, I didn't text Priyanka at all for three weeks, but when I finally did, she ghosted me.