Hurriedly rushing into the auditorium for the grand event of the annual festival of my college, I banged into him and all the papers from the file in my hand lay strewn on the floor. I apologetically looked into his eyes for the mayhem I had created but the friendly smile on his face relaxed me a bit.Both of us started collecting the papers from the floor and as I put them into the file, he gently asked if I was okay. His genuine concern and affable smile comforted me and I left for the podium after saying thank you to him.
I gasped for breath and took the mike in my hand to address the audience and welcome the judges of the event. I started introducing the participants of the event one by one and invited them on stage to present their arguments on the topic of debate. As I called out the fourth participant, he started walking towards the stage confidently. He politely yet firmly put forth his views on the topic, vehemently opposing the opponent and logically appreciating the facts of other participants. Everyone, including me, listened to him with rapt attention and he received thunderous applause for his self-composed poem to substantiate his lucid arguments. I was amazed by his rational thought process and bold outlook towards life and the issues plaguing us, as reflected in his debate. For the rest of the event my eyes remained fixed to that one face in the crowd and we exchanged quite a few glances. Now it was the time to announce the winners and I knew someone had already won not just the debate competition but even my throbbing heart. Both of us walked towards the judges with enthusiasm, he to collect his trophy and I to congratulate him personally. There was bridling joy clearly visible on my face as we got clicked together with the judges. The event ended but that affable smile left some indelible memories for me to cherish.
In the hustle and bustle of the three day long festival, with more than ten technical and cultural events a day, I being the convener of the festival got busy with smooth organization of other events. A few days after the fest, I received a call from an unknown number. A gentle voice that seemed familiar, asked me when could he collect the certificates of the debate competition. As I tried to recollect the winners, the voice seemed to come alive as I could actually visualize him and I started smiling incessantly even long after the call was over.
The very next day he came to the college to collect his certificate and I got a chance to spend some time with him. I started praising his articulate view points and excellent oratory skills. He complimented me for meticulous organization of the festival and my sweet voice. I blushed. We talked about college, exams and everything we could, realizing hours later that we have been talking for so long. He escorted me to the metro station where we both boarded trains in different directions. There was a little sadness on my face as I bid goodbye to him. Since that day, we have been in touch. We exchanged messages, emails and occasional phone calls too. Somewhere deep within I knew he has become someone very dear to me and I have started loving him, but I never discussed about my feelings with him.
One fine day, he called me up to bid adieu as he was leaving the country to settle abroad. Tears started rolling down my cheeks and I felt as if he was leaving me forever. I did not say anything to him and wished him all the best for his future endeavors as I did not want him to be sad while going.
Now he is happily settled in the States and sometimes drops me e-mails to know about my well-being. I love him a lot but still do not have the courage to open my heart to him, probably waiting for the right time to do so.Even today, I fondly remember how I met my loved one and bitter- sweet memories of love, happiness, pain and longing engross me.
