*Raj, 26, is a hair stylist in a small salon in West Delhi. He shared his story with Partners for Law in Development India (PLD).
Love at first sight?
It was a usual busy Friday evening at work. I walked in and noticed this coy girl – a newcomer, trying hard to adjust to her new job and settle down. She had recently joined work. Ours was a small salon. Everyone was friendly with each other and there was quite a bit of casual interaction.
I am an open, direct and outspoken. My friends say I am Mr Charming.
Her name was *Anjali. She was the shy kind, kept mostly to herself and her work. Maybe that’s exactly what attracted me and I soon realised I had quite started to like her. I knew what I had to do next.
Snooping on her profile
I dug out her Facebook profile and snooped on her to find out whatever I could. I wanted to know everything about her life – where she lived, where she went, what she liked to eat, who her friends were, etc.
I started planning my breaks to match with hers. Sometimes I also roped in some of my friends at the salon to help me spend time with Anjali and get close to her.
Hear Raj’s story in his own words as he shares his story with Partners for Law in Development India.
Our first ‘date’
It took two months before Anjali finally agreed to go out with me. We went to a nearby mall in Rajouri Garden. I was obviously excited. Finally, this was my moment! We sat down and before I could utter a word, she said, ‘Let’s be friends only’.
I was stumped! She continued, ‘Look, we work together, anything beyond casual friendship can get very uncomfortable’.
I was shocked. I had never been snubbed before, not even once, and I didn’t know how to react. I said nothing.
Tried my luck again
I felt she did not understand me and was also too shy so decided to lay off and give her some space. The next day at work we both acted as if nothing had happened. After a while, I tried my luck again and this time she quit her job!
I found out from some friends that she had joined another salon somewhere in Karol Bagh. Not only did she quit, but she also made sure she filed a complaint before she left.
I was hauled up by my boss. He asked me if Anjali had ever objected to my advances. Now that I think of it, she did ask me to back off a couple of times, but honestly, I don’t think she ever meant it!
No second chance
How can I be accused of being a stalker and harassing her? I tried explaining things to my boss. I tried telling him these little fights and misunderstandings happen between lovers.
I thought we were a couple.
What left me shocked was that Anjali did not even give me a chance to say anything or explain my actions. Anyway, I feel it’s not about me, I feel she is the closed kind.
*Names have been changed to protect the identity and the person in the video/photo is an actor.
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