Snowbound Hearts - 2

It's Monday morning, and my day has started quite well. I finished my morning run, came home to a perfect steaming breakfast with my favorite coffee. The best part, winter is here and it's cool out. I am ready with my scarf wrapped around my neck and favorite boots on, ready to head to the office.

It's 7:10 am, yet the bus is nowhere in sight. While I am waiting for the bus, I remember last winter, about the good times, and although it's been a year, I still remember that day and wonder. But then, I am excited for the days ahead, since Christmas is just around the corner.

Not a usual day for me but I am definitely running late today. Finally, I reach the office to catch up on the motivating but rather gruelling Monday schedule and calls.

My colleague who has been waiting patiently for me to be free, comes to my desk with flyers. She suggests some party events :

She : Hey, check out these amazing Winter events happening around the town! We should totally go to one of them!

Me : What? No way! I'm not really in the mood for parties.

She : Come on, it's December! The holiday season is here, and we can't just stay cooped up in the office all day. Let's do something different for a change!

Me : I'm good, thanks. Besides, I don't think I would fit with those events.

She : That's because you always say no to everything! I'm making a bet that you do something different this Christmas.

Me : Fine, you've got me. Let's go.

She : That's the spirit!

The party event is a day later.

I have come to the office early to wind up my work and leave on time. As the dusk settles, my colleague and I get ready and leave.

We have reached the venue;  the room is filled with buzzing cheer, soft music, and a festive vibe in the air.  Guests swarm the venue; on one side there's a food counter, while on the other drinks are flowing and people are snapping pictures.

My colleague disappeared, saying she will be back in a few minutes, so I try to blend into the party atmosphere. Now, she is back and we try some good food, have drinks and dance. It's late so we plan to leave.

Just as we are about to head out, I notice a familiar face, and wonder if it's party buzz or the Christmas spirit playing tricks on me.

I know him!

Before I can step forward to talk to him, his friend drags him onto the dance floor. I step back.

While leaving, I hear a voice, "Hey!"

We look at each other while the music is settling softly in the background.

He says, "Are you trying to slip out of the party? "

I answer, "No, I just saw someone having a great time. By the way, you remembered!

He says, "Yes, I did". Maybe, you didn't?

Looking into his eyes, I whisper, "Maybe not.."

We talk for sometime. He says, "I was here for a few days on vacation but today, I am leaving. If you don't mind, Can I ask your number? I will text you once I reach back home.

I say, yes! And we exchange numbers. He leaves in a hurry.

It's been a week since we met but he hasn't texted yet. I also get busy with work, to check in.

But this morning, a text message flashed on my phone, "Hey, how are you?"

I, who have been eternally waiting for his text, take a deep breath, and act cool and respond, "Hey, I am doing good. How have you been?"

He says, "All great! I am planning to visit next week. Would you like to catch up?"

I look at my week schedule and sigh!

I reply, "I am a bit swamped with work and have some plans but we can meet on Sunday."

We decide to meet on Sunday evening at the same Cafe.

The DAY!

The day finally arrived. I am excited and anxious while my brain shouting "You have got this!" I get ready and leave.

Walking to the Cafe, I rehearse every possible line and scenario, only to have them disappear at the right moment.

I reach the Cafe and look around for him.

There he is, charming and gentle as always.

He pulls out my chair gently and says, "You made it!" We order coffee, laugh and talk about his work trip and a lot more.

While leaving the cafe, we plan to walk. The day subsiding slowly and two of us going with the flow, not thinking about anything.

As perfect date as it could be.

He drops me home with a Goodbye hug. While leaving, he says, "It was nice to see you."

With a feeling of warmth, I say, "I had a great time too".

I will be around for a while, let's meet again, He says.

I nod and say, "Sure".

Two days later, while leaving from the office, I get a text message from him -

Hey, can we meet at the Cafe?

I was anyway planning to go to the Cafe to grab some hot chocolate so I text back -

Hey, just left from the office, see you in half an hour.

We reach the Cafe. When our eyes meet, we walk towards each other.

Looking into my eyes and holding my hands,

He says, "I don't know if you feel the same but from the time we have met, I can't think of anything more than us together. I don't know if this can work with distance but if I ask you, will you be onboard with me in this?"

I feel overwhelmed, I get close to him and hug him, and say,

"What took you so long to realize?"

It's a yes!

He says,

Under the Mistletoe,

Here we are, then why not!

Love always finds you!