Man Who Contains Multitudes

I first met him in this tumultuous world of internet - yes, virtually of course, and it was pure fluke. I meet so many people online, but he was certainly very different. There was definitely something in common, I could feel it. I’d summoned the courage to send him an invite to connect (“summon the courage?” Yes, because there was a fear of rejection). I tried to make ourselves comfortable in that virtual space. He was always there to reply to my texts, but he was never the first one to send a text, never. Finally on one fine evening I asked him if he could meet me in person sometime in Mumbai. He read the message and went offline. I was afraid again, so many what-ifs running through my mind (what if he never replies me back? what if he blocks me?). After the gap of several hours came a reply that he’d be coming to Mumbai in first week of August, and could meet me amidst his busy schedule. I was seriously dancing for joy this time.

The day had come. I had reached an hour before to that plush eatery where we were supposed to see each other for the very first time. I waited for him (this wait wasn’t at all easy), and then I saw him entering, he was wearing a very cute smile, his eyes shining, and everything about him was so loving. He came, we shook hands (I wanted to hug him tightly though) and sat in front of me. I was so lost in his eyes. I spent almost two hours there with him merely being a listening ear. I wanted to share my whole world with him, but couldn't even utter a word out of my mouth, I hated it. He was also not impressed with my reticence, I reckoned, but he did his best to make me comfortable throughout. And then he asked if we could leave. I didn’t want him to leave, I was loving his company so much, I wanted him to stay a little longer, but I couldn’t say anything and gave him a nod of approval. And then to my surprise, he came forward, gave me a nice hug. Tears started welling up behind my eyes, I avoided any eye contact with him. He waved me a good bye and left for good. I’m still here waiting for him in Mumbai, and hoping to meet him again soon.