It was raining cats and dogs. I spotted you as soon as I stepped out of my office building. The small waiting area of the bus stop was full of all kind of people. You were standing in open and getting soaked with fast pouring water. I could see people getting amused with your continuous struggle with an umbrella which had refused to open. You were looking embarrassed. I knew you a little bit. You worked in an insurance company which had its offices on 8th floor of the building. Our office was on second floor and I often saw you standing on the bus stop which was right below my window. I hurriedly walked up to you and covered you with my large colorful umbrella. You did not utter a word and we kept standing there till your bus arrived. You climbed up the bus and looked back for a second. Your golden wet hair had covered half of your face but I was able a catch a glimpse of a grateful smile. You disappeared in the bus and I got stranded in my own world of loneliness.
I spent that night dreaming about you. You were beautiful. You were gorgeous. Your pearly eyes gleamed like shining stars. High cheekbones had transformed your face into an oval shaped montage. Your ample lips were juicy red just like a blooming rose. Every treacherous curve of your body generated musical notes of its own. You were a living Cleopatra of your time. The way you looked back at me with an exquisite smile on your face had earned me a purple heart. I started planning to win your love. Foundation had been laid.
Next day, I was at bus stop right in time for you to arrive. Our eyes met. You smiled and stood beside me. Your unique body scent was making my mind swirl. I wanted to say something but my lips were sealed. My heart forgot to beat. Time flew and your bus arrived. People hurried to get on the bus and you got pushed into me. You instantly said: “Sorry.” The sweet mellifluous melody in your voice was breathtaking. I was an idol spell bound in your presence. Your hand touched mine. An electrifying sensation travelled through my spine. My soul was reincarnated. I picked up my head and saw you sitting on the window seat looking at me from corner of your left eye. My arm got lifted up and my blessed hand swayed automatically. You hid your small laugh with your red dupatta and waved back at me. Citadel of my love began to take its shape.
I was basically a self-made man and a shy person. I was even hesitant in interacting with female staff working in my office. You on the other hand were still a stranger to me. I had been reluctant to give you my contact number up till now. I was in fact worried more about your reputation than mine. Few days passed. Your interest in me was clearly increasing. That night I promised myself to give you my number. I put my business card in every pocket of my next day’s dress with a concrete plan to hand it over to you tomorrow at bus station, under all circumstances.
Following day in the office was just like any other day till I had to go to Karachi in emergency from the afternoon flight. It took me complete one week to get our stuff cleared from Customs Authority at Port Qasim. Those seven days were very busy but the nights were hard to pass. Every single night I sat in front of the ocean and talked to you. I knew you must be wondering about me. I knew you must be looking around for me. Your beautiful eyes must be anxious and concerned. Your heart must be pondering for me. You just have to be patient, my love. You have to wait for few more days. I promise you that I will come soon and take away all your pains. I will give you everything you ever desired. I will make you princess of my heart. Wait for me.
On the eight’s day, I was back in Lahore. It was getting difficult for me to pass the time. I got out of the office at 4 and went down to the bus station. There was still one hour for you to come. This will certainly be the last one hour of our agony. I will take you away with me and will never let you wreck yourself in the buses again. You deserve a much better life. I passed the remaining time looking at the flying birds and trolling vehicles. The nauseating diesel fume did not bother me anymore. People were now emerging from our office building. The bus station was getting crowded. I was standing at our usual spot. My eyes were fixated at the alley. At the exact time, you appeared with an office colleague who went to the other side and you kept walking towards me. You saw me from the distance and I saw your face lit up. Your eyes sparkled. Every step which you were taking increased my heartbeat. You were getting closer and the card in my hand was getting crushed. I suddenly made a decision and threw it away. I no longer needed to give you my phone number. I planned to take you away with me. You were only few steps away from me when a motorbike stopped in front of you. You hopped on its back and threw your arm around the rider’s waist. You looked back at me with a triumphant smile. The bike sped away.
Castle of my dreams fell apart in pieces. You couldn’t wait for few days. And why should you have waited? I did not make any promises. Words were never spoken. Eyes can mislead. Smiles can fake emotions. You were justified. You had found your love. Dejectedly, I walked back to my Audi in the parking lot.
Written By: Nadeem Alam : 7 May 2019
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