What’s the most awkward thing that happened during a date?
Susmita: I had a real awkward date with a guy who basically tried to please me through messages by saying yes to everything that I did and when we went on a date I realised our likes were all different and he was lying through his teeth. Lying is very awkward. I felt like booking a cab and I did just that.
Sweta: Internally maybe I am feeling nervous and a bit apprehensive about how the person would be but not showing that on the surface... and while maintaining this balance, once I broke two glasses consecutively in a fine dine.
Soumya: We went to Nicco Park, I usually quite enjoy adventure rides. But there is a ride where I was not feeling like trying it. I told her that I can’t do it. I later realised how embarrassing it was because there were kids riding that. And I was actually standing there and booking tickets for the toy train, which I thought would somehow be very sweet.
Sweta: This reminds me of another embarrassing situation. I once fell off a cycle while trying to hold my partner’s hand and ride it!
What’s the best V-Day gift you have received?
Susmita: I got the usual Valentine’s Day gifts like chocolates, roses, cakes, rings, stuffed toys, the typical jing bang. But my favourite was this one boy who was a crazy admirer who had inked my name on his body. A permanent tattoo. Something very touching in permanent love.
Sweta: I will receive the best V-Day gift this year as I will go to see our film Prem Tame with a loved one.
Soumya: SVF and Anindyada have given us the best V-Day gift ever. I think all single people should also come and watch the movie. They will understand why I said so when they get to watch it.
Did you ever get caught or scolded for a secret V-Day plan?
Susmita: Unfortunately I don’t believe in Valentine’s Day surprises or the concept of getting caught. Love is celebrated every day. On Valentine’s Day I take a day off from love.
Soumya: Never. My parents were cool that way (laughs).
Sweta: Not on V-Day but for us the safest option was to celebrate V-Day on any other day but not on that day. So, when I was in school I got a photo frame from a guy who was trying to impress me around V-Day and my mother saw it in my school bag and then I got caught!
What is the stupidest thing you did for love or your crush?
Susmita: Stupidest thing to others but not me is cutting a cake on Hrithik Roshan’s birthday. I’ve been doing it for years and I can’t see myself not doing it in the future.
Soumya: I arranged a date and I took the person to watch a Test match. And unbearably slow batting was happening. We were a little short on cash so couldn’t manage the seats with the shade... the sun was above our head and there was no Internet too. I was enjoying it but many hours later the reality hit me.
Sweta: My love language is very stupid. And since I can’t express emotions and love through words, I have this weird way, where I cook. Even if I have to convince someone who is angry, I cook for them.
Did you ever fix up a random V-Day date for the sake of having a date on that day?
Susmita: No, I believe in falling madly and deeply in love regardless of the outcome.
Sweta: Not really. I cribbed a lot when I came to Calcutta for the first time and I was all alone on V-Day. But on such days the best thing that you can do, that I always do, is to put on a nice rom com and watch it with a tub of ice cream and cry.
Soumya: No, I can’t imagine doing that. One thing you would never do for your crush or partner?
Susmita: Partner is not allowed to encroach on my privacy and has to give me space. There has to be trust. Or else that love is just for Instagram pics.
Sweta: I will try to never make him cry or hurt him.
Soumya: Not bore her. Not engage in small talk because of nervousness. I would rather stay silent because sharing silence is also important.
What is a deal breaker for you in relationships?
Susmita: Anyone who holds my hand before I do is a deal breaker. Rules are simple. I make the rules!
Sweta: If the person is sexist and if political alignment is different.
Soumya: If you want to make it work there cannot be a deal breaker. Even if there are disagreements, you got to work at it till a point you don’t want to work at it at all.
What is the first thing you usually notice about a person you like?
Susmita: I first and always only notice someone’s eyes. Eyes do more talking from the heart than words.
Sweta: The little things. If it is a first date, I see if the person is giving effort or not, putting on a good perfume, not wearing a slipper or half pant. That gives me a good vibe.
Soumya: The person shouldn’t be fake. When the person laughs or smiles to anything I say, I understand if the person is fake or not.
A place you have in mind for a dream blind date.
Susmita: I love mountains and hilly areas. And I love staring at the stars at night. But not for a blind date. Has to be with someone I can trust and love blindly.
Sweta: Spiti Valley.
Soumya: A new home. I always wanted to buy a small house in the hills for a very long time. In Ghoom or Kalimpong. I would want to have a farm around, like a cowboy! There would be a house. I would tell her it is a hotel. I always wanted to have that.
What is a major turn off for you on first dates?
Susmita: Major turn off is anyone who tries to impress me and puts on a mask of being fake. Be real, raw and be you. That’s a turn on.
Sweta: Guys who are really disrespectful to waiters.
Soumya: Asking silly questions about my profession.
Have you ever tried online dating?
Susmita: I’m not interested in another app for love.
Sweta: I was initially against it. But then I gave it a try and understood why I was against it. It is not possible to swipe someone and fall in love. I like when love happens organically.
Soumya: Never. Impossible
What would be the most meaningful V-Day gift that you would be happy to receive?
Susmita: As an animal lover the lion is my favourite animal. I’ve always dreamt that someday I’ll want to hug a lion, which is impossible. So if anyone ever helps me hug a lion (sounds ridiculous I know) it will be a very special gift to me!
Sweta: It is probably a star-gazing place or a movie night on the terrace with a laptop and blanket and favourite food and cold drink.
Soumya: I have actually experienced something close to this at Princep Ghat many years ago. Went out for a boat ride. I would like to go back there once again.
Pictures: Rashbehari Das
Location courtesy: Novotel Kolkata Hotel and Residences