The Day When I Actually Got Stood Up!

By Author: Kumar Ram
Total Articles: 40
Comment this article

While I don’t usually plan a date with someone I have only known on social media, this was an adventure I took up on a suggestion. After a series of quick exchanges, we both decided that since we both worked near Connaught Place, we would meet there. She left the choice of the spot with me, mentioning that she has a sweet tooth.
With this information, it became easy for me to pick, and I quickly decided that Brioche Dorée, a French bakery & cafe I frequented would be perfect. I sent her the location of Brioche Bakery & Cafe and we decided to meet on the coming Saturday, at noon. She also seemed excited knowing that it is a bakery. Comfortable with my choice, I finally addressed my anticipations from the date. ‘We can try the Rainbow Rumble cake. I think she will like it.’ I thought and realised I was actually excited about this ‘adventure’ and dozed off.

So, finally it was Saturday morning, and all excited I had put on my favourite jacket and my best pair of shoes. I booked a direct cab to Brioche Dorée and texted her that I was on my way, eager to meet her. She saw my texts but didn’t reply. ...
... “She might be getting ready,” I thought. SInce my cab had arrived, I didn’t have any time to wait. I hopped in the car and was at Brioche Cafe by 11, half an hour early before the time we had picked. I sent her a casual text again, this time she replied saying that she will be about half an hour late. “So now I had an hour to myself before she comes,” I thought, and ordered myself my usual Masala tea and an Almond Croissant, which was pleasantly delivered minutes later. After a couple sips of the homely taste, and a scrumptious bite of the flaky croissant, I was at peace. The soft grey of the chairs at Brioche Dorée and the jazz music playing in the background creates an ambient, relaxing atmosphere. I had eaten two almond croissants by 11.30.
At 11.45, I was wondering if I should text her again or call. However, when I looked at my phone a surprise was already awaiting me. A text from her that she will need about an hour or even more, I had realised that I was being stood up. To curb my anxiety at this realisation, and not to sink in it I decided to get lost in a Very Berry Shake, and to munch away the sadness with one of the trademark square pizzas of Brioche Dorée Bakery & Cafe.

I was in the middle of deciding between Roasted Veg & Olive pizza puff, Artichoke and mushroom ones when I noticed someone familiar sitting across the table; it was an old colleague of mine that I once had a crush on. I didn’t even realise that I was staring directly at her, which she looked up and greeted me with a pretty smile. I smiled back and went towards her table. After a short greeting, I asked her if she came to Brioche Cafe often, to which she replied that it is her go to place whenever she feels like taking a bite. When she asked me why I was there, I mindlessly babbled out all about being stood up. She took a brief pause, burst into a flurry of laughter, and asked me if I have tried the Rainbow Rumble cake, which was her favourite. I laughed at this and felt my latent crush on her become fresh once again. What was about to end up in a personal calamity, ended up being one of the better-spent noons of those days. We both shared a whole Rainbow Rumble. After meeting again for a couple of times at Brioche Dorée, I confessed that I had a crush on her.