💔 She Was an Ideal Match

Written in 2000, re-written with Copilot

I. The Beginning

She was an ideal match—same religion, similar families, same college, same stream, same class, and in future even the same industry. Everything aligned. But… is it fate?

The summer had passed, the college selected, the stream chosen. Was it my good luck that we were in the same class? I was an introvert and I never noticed her at first. It took me more than a semester to even see her—and had it not been for one incident, I might never have noticed her at all.

It was Girls vs Boys—Hum Tum. We were playing anthakshari. The scores fluctuated, but anyone watching could see we were slowly losing our grip. I sat quietly, shy to use my vocals, just listening to the songs.

“Hey Suraj is supporting the girls. See, he doesn’t even hum. Why don’t you join the girls?”

I was embarrassed. But then came a voice—sweet, bold, witty.

“What about you? You’re doing a great job helping us.”

Everyone laughed. She had come to my rescue. That was the moment I noticed her.

II. The Growing Feeling

Days passed. I began observing her. The more I saw, the more I liked. She wasn’t timid like me. She was sweet, smart, active—and beautiful, at least to my eyes.

Beauty is subjective. Another boy might have chosen someone else. But for me, she was perfection. That’s why I thought she was made for me.

But I was a social disaster. I rarely talked to girls—and never really talked to her. I just watched, hoping for a sign.

III. The Missed Moment

Four semesters passed. I was getting braver. I skipped classes, watched movies, played anthakshari. Love was blooming all around. I decided to propose.

Then my best friend told me something shocking—he was in love with her and planned to propose. He was an extrovert, admired by many. I knew I had no chance. And I couldn’t bring myself to compete with him.

So I let go. I made up a story about a girlfriend back home. The proposal failed, but my tale had already taken root.

Later, I learned she would have accepted him—if only he were of the same religion. She had told him her parents wouldn’t approve otherwise. She believed in finding someone her family would accept.

IV. The Years That Passed

Years went by. I matured. I had girlfriends. But I couldn’t forget her.

Marriage plans began circulating at home. I decided to ask for her hand—through my parents. I pinged her and we chatted.

“Howdy?” I typed.
“Doing fine. What about you?” she replied.
“I’m fine.”

“Hey, are you… not marrying?” I asked.

“Yes, actually I’m engaged. It’s a big love story. I’m very happy.”

“Great. I’m also happy for you. Congrats.”

It was finger muscle memory. But my heart had stopped ticking.

V. The Reflection

I should have proposed earlier. She was an ideal match—same religion, similar families, same college, same stream, same class, and in future even the same industry. Everything aligned. But…