A romantic gesture on a late-night train has culminated in a surprise marriage proposal exactly one year later, turning an ordinary commuter service into the setting for a lifelong commitment.
From a Chance Encounter to a Planned Proposal
Steve Higgs, 56, first met Payal Pandya, 49, on the 23:09 London Northwestern Railway (LNR) service from Euston to Milton Keynes in November 2024. Their meeting occurred when Steve, having been out with friends, offered his seat to Payal. The pair struck up a conversation during the short journey, with Payal mentioning a recent first date that hadn't gone well. Despite speaking for only around twenty minutes, Steve felt a strong connection.
"I knew I wanted to see her again," Steve recalled. Payal explained that shortly after she disembarked at her local station in Harrow, Steve had found her dating profile and sent a message. Their first official date was arranged soon after, beginning their relationship.
The Anniversary Surprise on the 23:09 Service
To mark the one-year anniversary of their fateful meeting, the couple decided to recreate the journey. Following an evening out in London, they boarded the same 23:09 LNR service on the November anniversary. Unbeknownst to Payal, Steve had orchestrated an elaborate plan with the train operator.
With the customer relations team privy to the scheme, the train guard made a special announcement hinting at an upcoming event. This was Steve's cue to drop to one knee and pop the question, much to the delight of fellow passengers. Payal, of course, said 'Yes'.
"We always joke that the 23:09 LNR service marks our 'encounter-versary'," said Payal. "I can't believe Steve asked me to marry him on that same service and managed to get the conductor involved without me knowing!"
Planning a Future Together
The newly engaged couple, who currently live separately, plan to move in together next year. They hope to tie the knot in the summer and settle down with their two dogs, Bruno the Italian greyhound and Zen the cavapoo.
Jonny Wiseman from London Northwestern Railway commented on the unique request: "When Steve got in touch with our customer relations team, we knew we had to help with his request for a special announcement. I want to say a huge congratulations to them both and that we wish them the very best for their future together."
This heartwarming story proves that sometimes, the most ordinary parts of daily life—like a commute home—can lead to the most extraordinary beginnings.
