The farewell resonated profoundly within her. She yearned for him to articulate the emotions she craved to hear. Was her affection unrequited? Did he not possess any feelings for her? Or was he possibly encumbered by jealousy over his academic performance, which paled in comparison to hers?
Regardless of the underlying cause, their paths eventually parted at the threshold of their alma mater.
Social media had not yet proliferated to sustain their acquaintance at that time. She never reencountered him, and she was unsuccessful in tracing his whereabouts.
Despite the demands of her busy life, she often found her thoughts drifting to him. His tall and handsome silhouette seemed to linger in her mind’s eye. Occasionally, a strange illusion would surface, making her believe that his rugged voice was calling out to her.
The moments they shared on the bench, tackling challenging mathematical problems, the satisfaction derived from reaching a solution, and the harmonious echoes of their laughter became integral to her treasured memories.
Life continued as it inevitably does. She frequently contemplated whether he remembered her. With a heavy sigh, she often speculated if he might have experienced similar feelings or attempted to discover her whereabouts. Yet, she could not suppress the sporadic emergence of his memories.
True to her name, Vidya excelled in her examinations and attained a distinguished position by age twenty-four.
She possessed everything a young woman might desire: financial stability, professional recognition, and a high societal standing; nonetheless, an inexplicable void lingered in her life.
Discussions about marriage began to surface at home. A peculiar sensation stirred within her. Could she envision a happy married life with another individual while still nurturing feelings for someone else? She was postponing a decision, contemplating encountering him again, perhaps waiting for her.
The centenary celebration of her alma mater serendipitously facilitated their reunion.
He had become remarkably more attractive in the past decade and a half. His smile, more enchanting than before, caught her off guard.
“Hello,” he greeted her, extending his hand. The sparkle in his eyes remained unchanged. His voice bore a more mature tone.
Why did she find it challenging to suppress the blush across her cheeks? She scolded herself internally.
As they endeavored to sustain the conversation, a two-year-old girl approached him with tentative steps, exclaiming, “Dadaaa,” her face radiant with a smile.
“My daughter, Vidya,” he introduced, “And what about your family?” he inquired earnestly.
“I am slightly delayed in my plans. I shall be marrying soon.” She smiled, reassuring herself again as she stood at the very threshold from which they had parted.
Returning to that threshold had imparted significant lessons: he had retained her in his memories, maybe as a very good and caring friend. He had inadvertently taught her that fifteen years was too young to fall in love and that life must continue in its rhythm.
They exchanged their contact numbers!
