The Waiting

                                                                                                                    7/7/17
                                                                                                                    Time: 1932
                                                                                                                    Place: Aizawl

It was a rainy and overcast Saturday in July, the clocks chiming eighteen. With a steaming cup of black coffee in hand, I gazed at the clouds, unaware that this evening would become one of the most pivotal moments of my life. I found myself at my aunt's house for dinner, the rain drizzling outside. I lingered, waiting for it to subside as I needed to ride my motorcycle back home. Along the way, I had plans to visit a friend.

As the rain intensified and the clouds grew angrier, it seemed as though nature conspired against my plans. Feeling the need to appease the elements, I hastily started the engine and embarked on my journey. However, the rain soon became so heavy that I was forced to take shelter momentarily. By the time I reached my destination, I was drenched—literally soaked to the bone. 😊 I found myself unsure of the exact location of my friend's house, prompting me to call him. To my relief, his sister answered and informed me that she was already en route to pick me up.

In the dimness cast by the streetlights, I discerned a figure about 50 yards away. As she drew nearer, her silhouette revealed a woman, standing at about 5 foot 5, her long reddish-brown hair catching the faint illumination. "Is that her?" I wondered aloud. As she approached, the streetlights accentuated her features, momentarily rendering me speechless. In that instant, the true essence of "stunning" dawned upon me, leaving me momentarily spellbound. My heart seemed to skip a beat as if suspended in time, my consciousness momentarily adrift. When awareness returned, I found myself gaping at her, my mouth agape in disbelief. Sensing her confusion, as we were strangers to each other, I grappled with the dilemma of what to say or do next. Despite my legs trembling with nerves, I resolved to take the initiative as a gentleman. As I approached her, my mouth opened, but my mind failed to conjure any coherent words, leaving me chuckling awkwardly, feeling utterly foolish. To my relief, she responded with a giggle and a gentle direction, "This way." Her voice, reminiscent of what I could only imagine as angelic, stirred something within me, captivating my senses.

I followed her lead, grateful for the towel she offered to dry myself off. She led me to my friend's room, where I found him momentarily present before he had to depart downstairs for an errand, leaving me in his company. As we waited for his return, the enchanting woman remained with me, offering her companionship. Through our conversation, I learned that she was, in fact, my friend's older sister—a delightful surprise. In those moments, I found myself silently pleading for my friend's delay, relishing the opportunity to continue our exchange.

It was during our conversation that I discovered her passions—she was an avid reader, a dedicated teacher, and harbored a deep affection for children. Her demeanor was consistently warm, her smile a constant presence. While some may dispute the notion of love at first sight, what I experienced felt undeniably akin to an instant connection, perhaps even a crush at first sight.

Regardless of classification, I couldn't deny the rapid acceleration of my heartbeat, the slight tremble in my hands, or the sudden loss for words that overcame me in her presence. Such feelings hadn't stirred within me since 1969. And so, without hesitation, I embraced the notion of harboring affections for this remarkable, captivating woman.

Since my friend couldnot come back (what are the chances, right?), with all the courage in me, I said “Do you wanna grab a cup of coffee someday?”, she was, I could tell, a lil bit shocked, and she nodded her head..

“Why not?

“ahh.. mm.. thanks” (what the fudge did I just say)

“like.. when?”

“I don’t know, whenever you want, maybe now?” (whenever you want followed by maybe now, I hate myself)

“Now? What about ben?”

“Oh ben, lemme give him a call” ( yes I know, I totally forgot about him, what a good friend am I)

Ben returned, apologizing profusely for leaving me with a stranger due to his spat with his girlfriend. Assuring him that there was no rush and that I was actually enjoying the company of "the stranger," he sounded visibly relieved, continuing to apologize. Little did he know, I was having the time of my life.

So, that evening marked the beginning of my journey with this beautiful woman. Despite what my friends said about it being just a crush, I didn't concern myself with the future. What mattered was the present—she made me happy, I liked her, and (hoping) she liked me. That was all that mattered.

Reflecting as I write this, I realize that life is full of ups and downs. Mistakes happen, and challenges arise, but it's human nature to fight back. Sometimes, the best course of action is simply to wait. When one door of happiness closes, another one opens.

Cheers to embracing the present moment and seizing the happiness it brings.