Hesitation. Doubts. Qualms. These three words always accompany every single interaction they have. Still, something kept them both in each other's thoughts. Constantly.
Even though it's been 5 years since they met.
Until today.
He was finally visiting her. 5 years later. Her little corner of the world. Where she has dreamed a million dreams. At least half of them had him in them.
She has a hard time picking just few spots to visit in the 2 hours that he can spend here. Because she wants to retrace every step she has taken in the last 18 years, but this time with him. Show him all her favorite haunts and see him love them as she does.
She still remembers the shy and quiet pride with which he showed her his favorite place. Now she wanted to do that. Take him everywhere and make his mark so that after he leaves, she can live in those places with his shadow.
But. Just 2 hours.
"I can't believe how fast 2 hours can go", he smiled ruefully.
"I'm glad we made the most of it", she smiled back.
She didn't have enough time - she never will when the time is with him . But she achieved at least a bit of what she set out to do. She had taken him to her favorite beach - knowing beaches are his happy place too, the library where she lounges, the cafe where everyone knows her, the restaurant which serves the best chicken made just like she knew he would enjoy, the musical she knew he would be interested in, and now ending at her favorite rooftop bar.
Only a short time left before he has to leave.
They lean over the parapet watching the city rushing by below them.
The easy camaraderie of the day is coming now to a stilted rhythm. Though their conversations always felt like there were more words unsaid than uttered, the flow usually doesn't stop . But the farewells always have stumbles and stammers. Why is she hesitant? What doubts does he have? Neither can say.
5 years have given her some courage though. She feels him looking at her and she turns to him. Leans in. He pulls back, doubtfully and slowly. She sighs. He is unsure and looks at her questioningly. Refusing to believe what she clearly shows.
She looks away and says "am I getting this wrong?"
"What?", he is still afraid to hope.
She was quiet, trying to gather the words. "When I visited you, you asked your sister to come stay with us. Why?"
He clearly didn't expect this. He was thrown. "Err... 5 years ago? Because... Because I thought you'll be more comfortable if another girl was there"
She is holding the railing tight, trying to get the words out without breaking, "who else but you can make me comfortable?"
He heard what he wanted to hear.
He pulls her close in one sweep and lets his mouth hover over hers.
"Really?"
"Really"
Kisses her resolutely. She melts. Without breaking the kiss, she runs her hand through his hair, the thick locks hugging her back. Exploring every single strand, especially the tiny ones above his ear.
"Oh I've always wanted to do that", she sighs when they're done. Not moving her hand. Looking longingly at his hair.
He looks amused, " THAT'S what you wanted to do?", he chuckles.
"Among other things", she sparkles mischievously.
Doubts - gone!
Hesitation - none!
Qualms - nil!
