I matched with this guy on Hinge after he commented on my prompt about loving men who can actually hold a conversation.
He was 28, worked in IT, lived with a flatmate in Gurgaon, and had the most ordinary profile imaginable. One picture at a friend's wedding, one at a café, one terrible gym selfie.
We spoke for five days before meeting. Nothing extraordinary. Just memes, voice notes, and the occasional message asking whether I'd eaten.
Our first date was supposed to be one drink at a café in Cyber Hub. I almost cancelled because I'd had a terrible day at work and didn't feel like spending ₹800 on someone who might turn out to be boring.
He arrived in a black shirt, slightly sweaty from running across the parking lot, and apologised for being late.
Somehow, that made him more attractive than any perfectly edited profile picture could have.
We ordered coffee. Then fries. Then another coffee because neither of us wanted to leave.
We talked about our terrible managers, our parents asking when we'd get married, and how both of us had secretly downloaded dating apps after telling our friends we were perfectly happy being single.
Around 10 PM, he asked if I'd like to go for a drive.
I hesitated. I barely knew him, and I wasn't about to get into a stranger's car just because he had nice eyes. He understood immediately and suggested we walk around the busy market instead.
That was the first thing I genuinely liked about him.
We walked for another hour, holding hands occasionally. At one point, he stopped and asked if he could kiss me.
I said yes.
The kiss was much better than I expected. We both laughed afterward because my nose bumped into his.
By midnight, I was sitting in an auto, smiling at my phone while he texted me to let him know when I reached home.
I reached at 1:40 AM.
My mother was asleep. My phone had twelve notifications from my best friend demanding a full report.
The next morning, he sent me a message.
"Coffee next weekend? I'll try not to assault your nose this time."
We've been dating for four months.
The funny part? We still haven't gone to an expensive restaurant. Most of our dates involve food, long walks, and trying to find somewhere quiet enough to talk.
I used to think a hot date meant someone making a grand gesture.
Now I think it's someone who makes you feel wanted without making you feel unsafe.