I Was A Bollywood Buff And Expected My Life To Be Filmy, But…

Being filmy is in our blood, isn’t it? At least with me, it’s the exact same case. Films are all I lived for, especially during my teen days. Every movie irrespective of how much of a hit or a miss it was, I’d always end up watching the first day, the first show of it. Standing in those endless queues or buying a ticket in the black market gave me an adrenaline rush. These days, we have the über fancy multiplex theatres where we watch movies in the lap of luxury. But, being the Bollywood buff that I am, I still prefer the local theatres where people start whistling and showering flowers as soon as their favorite actor appears on the screen. It’s a vivid but definitely a maddening experience altogether.

My life revolves around these Bollywood characters the most. And, I somehow could connect with the character of Anjali in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai which was essayed by the ever-jovial Kajol. I grew up like a tomboy, being the only child to my parents; my dad always bought me up like his son. So, if Y’all have watched this movie which revolves around the story of a love triangle, Anjali was never any guy. If you’re wondering why? Well, the answer was obvious — she never dressed up pretty. All she wore was a jersey shirt with a pair of jeans and donned the look with sneakers and occasionally even a cap. She was loved by all the guys in her college (not the love-love way) it was more of like guys considered her to be one among them. Nevertheless, she enjoyed the company better than the attention.

I used to relate a lot to her character. Even I had many boy-friends than girl-friends in my life. I don’t really know I somehow connected more with guys than the girls. Also, I preferred playing basketball after college, and even on weekends when my friends would be busy partying. I had convinced myself that all guys will only be friends with me and nothing more. But, at the end of the day, I was a girl at heart. I did have my share of crushes too. But, never did I make an effort to express my interest in any guy. I had the fear that I’d be rejected like Anjali was in the movie, I’ll be hurt like her and will have to escape from everyone and begin a fresh life. I’d made peace with the fact that I would be a ‘loner’ for life.

I continued to live the same way. I finished my college, landed a job at a reputed multinational company. And, one rainy evening changed my life forever. It was monsoon, and we had ethnic day celebrations at the office and I was dressed up in a salwaar kameez. It had started pouring. And, as I waited in the two-wheeler parking area for the rain to stop ( so that I could remove my bike, a bullet), a guy approached me. He introduced himself to me, his name was Rahul (I know, filmy right?). He was a manager at my company, but we’d never crossed paths before as we both were from different buildings. We hit it off instantly because of obvious reasons, my tomboy nature!

We kept meeting for lunch every single day. He even joined my biker’s community. And thanks to the community’s weekend rides, we started hanging out on weekends as well. Everyone around told me that he is the one for you. I never gave those comments any importance. All I was think was that how could anyone be attracted to a girl like me. Remember, I’m like Anjali from that movie?

But, Rahul was a really nice lad. He loved himself the most and in my head, I’m thinking, “That’s the secret to happiness in life. Love yourself and don’t expect anything out of others. You are sufficient.”

It was January 2017 now, a new year had begun. Rahul and I decided to go on a two-day trip to a nearby hill station. It was the first long ride of the year for both of us. So, on a Friday morning, we both set off on our respective bikes. It was a beautiful ride with a picturesque view of the hills. I was in awe, literally. We were left with just another 150 Km out of 480 Km to reach the destination when I lost control of my bike at a steep curve and fell. Rahul was behind me and he immediately stopped and ran towards me. Thanks to the biking gear, I wasn’t hurt much, just a few bruises here and there.

When I looked at Rahul, he was horrified, it seemed as though he’d lost his voice and was in shock. All he uttered was, “You’re such an idiot” and hugged me tightly. It was at that moment, I realized that Rahul truly had feelings for me. I did not know how to react to this. My bike needed some repair, so we left it at a nearby garage and continued the journey on his bike. On reaching the destination, the very same night as we warmed our bodies around the campfire, Rahul went down on his knees and asked me out. I was shocked that a guy had just proposed to me. I thought I was Anjali from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, how on earth could this even be happening!

After a few hours of thinking, I told him a big yes. The smile that Rahul had on his face was the purest form of expression I’d ever seen in a while. Love happened to me at the right time. And my story was nothing like the Bollywood drama I’d imagined it to be. It’s been a year now and we’re happy and going strong.

Have you ever related your life to a Bollywood character like me? Do leave your answers in the comments below.

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