It was our third date.

It was a Tuesday.

I wrapped up my office, changed myself into a white short kurta and denims, grabbed the car keys, and floored it - headed to the Craft Coffee Experience Center, Ballygunge.

She was at an adjacent Haldiram's, with her mother. Dressed in a beautiful light pink shirt, with a matte glaze. Stunning, as ever.

I couldn't get my eyes off of her, and a few bits of struggle later, we finally placed the order. The pesto pasta was amazing, but what followed made the excitement of the taste buds seem pale.

As we were about to wrap up, she pulls out a chocolate bar from her bag - in a purple paper wrap, it was a bar of date chocolate from The Whole Truth.

Here's why this is significant - I remember telling her in a discussion a few nights ago that I don't like every chocolate that occupies a store shelf, but one brand that sticks out is The Whole Truth - mainly driven by their authentic and natural ingredients, placing them conveniently in the category of honest, health-conscious FMCG brands. She remembered it all and brought it as a surprise when no one expected it. What a gem :)

If you thought that was the end of it, you got another thing coming.

As we got into the car, she reached into her bag for a second time, and pulled out what at first glance felt like a cellophane wrapped triangle. It was a rose.

Beautiful and fragrant. Vibrant. Elegant dark red. It got me on my knees, overwhelmed. Choking on my own happiness.

Questioning myself what I have done to deserve this feeling of elation.

A few choked silences and minimal verbal exchanges later, we drove off into the night.