For these proud-to-be-free singles, it’s better to be with friends than spend a day with a guy they don’t like much. They have plans with their girlfriends to enjoy the day and make their V-day memorable. Says 18-year-old model Shakshi Sharma, “We are going for a girls’ nightout. Four of us are single and we will have a blast at dinner. This is something we did last year as well. The only difference being we were eight then but four of them found lovers and are with them now.”For a few hopeful romantics, the thought that they may meet the love of their life while partying and mingling with others is making them opt for fancy dinners and dancing. They call it an ice-breaking event, and why not when love is in the air. “We are aware that ours aren’t the only lonely hearts around. Also, luck isn’t going to greet us if we hide. We have seen friends whom we used to call ‘single ready to mingle’ get lucky. So, we are up for a rocking night,” says Neha Sinha, a student at Delhi University.For those flying solo, exchanging gifts and roses is on the to-do list as well. “I love the smile on my friends’ faces as I present them roses and seal it with a kiss. We exchange chocolates and gifts also,” says Linda Thomas, who works with an ad agency. Linda says that she’s also going to pamper herself with an expensive gift. Interestingly, Linda, who broke up with her boyfriend two months back, says that it’s also about “raising a toast to her new found freedom”. She’ll accomplish this by hitting the best pub in town with her girlfriends. “I am not keen on nurturing a broken heart. I would rather be with people who really care for me. I love being in the company of my friends,” she says. So, does it mean that girls no more look to men for a love-filled life? Says Linda, “I dress up for work and get chocolates for my colleagues. I hug my friends. Call up ones I have not caught up with for a long time. On returning home, I get some gifts for my parents. I know this is not parents or friendship day, but the day of love, and I love them the most.”
Fozia Yasin The Asian Age