In November 2024, Steve Higgs was on his way home after getting drinks with friends, when he boarded a train in Euston in the UK. During the ride, he noticed a woman, Payal Pandya, standing nearby on the train and offered her his seat. The couple struck up a conversation, and it was immediately clear to both that they had a connection. Payal mentioned that she had just been on a first date, where sparks had failed to fly. “Although we were only speaking for 20 minutes or so, I knew I wanted to see her again,” said Steve. Shortly after arriving at the train station in Harrow, Payal received a message from Steve and the couple set up their first date. In the year that followed, Payal and Steve continued to date and get to know each other. Meanwhile, Steve made plans to propose to Payal on the same date and same rail line as their first meeting. He contacted the railway company so the train operator would be in on the plans. On the special day, the conductor made a special announcement and Steve got down on one knee. Of course, Payal said yes, but wondered how Steve managed to get the conductor involved without her knowing. The couple plans on marrying next summer.
