Athira and Ayushi have a love story in which the Yellow Line Metro and Taba Chake played a crucial role. Read on to know how the cancellation of LSR’s Fest led to the inception of their relationship.
Saanjh- You are in the same college, but how exactly did you both meet each other?
Athira: We were in the same Generic Elective (GE) class in college and had matched on Tinder a couple of times, so we knew each other since our first year. We also worked for Tarang as photography team members in our first year, but it wasn’t until a year later that we started talking. One day we decided to hang out after class and it was amazing how well we got along! I just wish we had done it sooner.
Ayushi: I think we just instantly clicked. We were friends for a while before we started dating!
Hridika- How did DU play cupid in your love story?
Ayushi: LSR is what brought us together! We knew of each other’s existence being in the same GE class. What actually brought us together was LSR’s annual fest Tarang.
Athira: Yeah, we never really talked despite matching on tinder – we were so awkward! Finally, in the second year, we started working together for Tarang. When it was cancelled and we got to know the artist lineup for the cultural nights, we just got so upset. I sent Ayushi a song by Taba Chake, one of the artists and we eventually couldn’t stop talking!
Saanjh- Do you think your journey would’ve been different if you were in some other college or university?
Athira: Yes. LSR is a safe space for people from our community, also when it comes to understanding one’s sexuality and gender. We would have probably been more hesitant if it wasn’t. We can freely be together without raising eyebrows and without fear. The moment we stepped out of our campus, we used to be more careful.
Ayushi: Definitely. LSR is where I learned to be myself and accept my identity. It is where we can openly be together without any fear. If we were in a college not as accepting as this one, our story would have involved a lot more of hiding ourselves and a lot less confidence to talk about our relationship on a platform like the one you are providing to us.
Image Credits: Athira and Ayushi
Hridika- As a couple what are your go-to hangout places, in or around the campus?
Athira: We loved hanging out at the terrace of our college building, it is a lovely quiet spot. Even lying on the lawns during winters with our college dogs was nice.
Ayushi: Yeah, before the pandemic happened, we would spend most of our time just chilling on the terrace or smoking in the back park!
Saanjh- What is your ‘ideal date,’ as a couple?
Athira: One of the favourite dates we went on, was chilling at Humayun’s Tomb in the evening. It’s one of the best spots in South Campus.
Ayushi: (laughter) Our dozens of date ideas never materialized because the pandemic happened soon after we started dating. We don’t have much near our college but a date at the cafe ‘Dalgrak’ at the Korean Culture Centre followed by a nice long walk in the back park would be wonderful.
Hridika- Did travel play an important role in your love story?
Athira: Even before we got together, we used to hang out after all our classes ended and take the metro back together. Ayushi usually gets off at Central Secretariat but ever since we started dating, she stayed with me till Rajiv Chowk. In the metro, we went from friends who used to joke with each other to hold hands all the time.
Ayushi: Yes! Metro rides with Athira were the best. We would wait for the other to get free from classes or society work and then leave for the metro station together. We just loved to chat and gaze into each other’s eyes. The station at which we had to part ways always came too soon.
This interview is a part of our Love – Aaj Aur Kal at Delhi University project, read our entire series by clicking here.
Featured Image Credits : Athira and Ayushi
Saanjh Shekhar
Hridika Rao
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