Before We Knew

I recently put up a story asking you guys what this painting reminded you of. My friend replied- A first date. Until that very moment, I wasn't quite sure what I was going to write about this painting. But her response made it clear. Karun and my first date. Now, mind you, we didn't know we were on a date at the time. We were just two friends meeting. Friends who, as I now realise, made an effort to dress up for each other. I wore my blue culottes and a white top. Karun wore a black V-neck T-shirt and chinos. See, memory serves you so well when it comes to the moments that matter. Karun is a vegetarian. I am a hardcore non-vegetarian. He was the first person I gave up ordering non-vegetarian food with. For those who know me, you'll understand what an ultimate sacrifice that was. We shared a vegetarian pizza that day. Why did I do that? I still don't know. Maybe it was God, with his funny ways and little signs. Was it a sign? Karun certainly took it as one. I had subconsciously given him one. I love Polo. When Karun and I first started going out, he got me some Polo. I devoured the entire thing in five minutes. He was shocked, but he made a mental note to feed me more of them. The way to Pooja's heart is through her stomach, or so they say. Those who know me know that even though I don't eat a lot, I absolutely love good food. Karun noticed these little things about me. He was so sure we were going to end up together. Honestly, I found it a little creepy at the time. I had never encountered that level of preparedness and certainty in my life. It scared me, but it also pushed me to make a decision. Or should I say, accept Karun's decision, since he had already decided for the two of us? And, as always, he was right about us going the distance. Look where we are now. Remember that dialogue, “Pyaar dosti hai?” Today, I understand it. Karun isn't just my partner. He is also my friend. And perhaps that's what this painting is really about.Two friends meeting for a meal, completely unaware of how much that ordinary afternoon would come to mean. Cafe Tonino, A shared pizza, some polo and the beginning of the two of us.