So it’s a typical afternoon, I am sitting in Domino's with a friend/colleague at lunch break. We are discussing about the new project that had come by our team that week.
It’s then that I see him walk in. His face turns into a big smile as he catches my eye and I involuntarily return the favour. It is so embarrassing that I am unable to recognize him and he’s walking towards me. He looks so familiar, yet no bells ring in my head. When he’s almost about to approach me, it suddenly flashes to me. Of course, I know him. My friend is staring at me, confused by my mixed reactions. As he comes and stands in front of me, I involuntarily blurt out “S” and my friend looks up to see him.
A train full of memories takes me back to high school. Back then, I used to be a very reserved girl surrounded by just three close friends and a lot of books. But like every other high school girl, I too had a crush. A secret crush. Yes, that was him. S was quite a popular guy who used to be surrounded with his cheer-leader type of girlfriends. He had a lot of attitude which made him even more attractive. But he also had a soft and sensible side which I adored the most. I was obviously not brave enough to confess my feelings to him, so I would just stare at him and he would look me from the corner of his eye. He probably knew about it.
I remember how excited and nervous I used to get at the same time when he used to be around. We did spend some time together studying, playing chess, texting, even fighting once.
It all seems like such a long time ago. So much had happened since then and here he stands in front of me after six years. I am completely lost in thoughts and I have no idea what expression I have on my face.
“Hi, how are you?” he says interrupting my thoughts, probably thinking why I haven’t said anything.
“I am good, how are you? Long time!” I manage to say, finally breaking the silence and I introduce him to my friend.
We then exchange general information about what we are up to these days and if are in touch with anyone from high school, etc, etc. As we were talking, I can't help but realize how much he has changed. His looks have definitely changed with all the beard and mustache making him look manly, as opposed to the chocolate boy I had crush on in high school. Besides that, the way he talks, his behavior, everything seems different. It is so weird. Am I really talking to the same person?
Our conversation too seems so serious without a tinge of humour. And the worst part, I have changed too. This little encounter with my past makes me realize that. I am no longer nervous to talk to him and I am definitely over my crush. I so want to act the same way I did in high school, but also I don’t at the same time.
After having spoken to me, he goes and sits at a different table with his friends. I tell my friend all about him once he’s away and she too shares some of her high school experiences. After having finished our lunch we decide to head back to work.
As we cross his table, I give him a quick stare and he looks me from the corner of his eye just like the way back in high school. ‘Old habits die hard’, I think to myself. He too has a smile on his face like he’s thinking the same thing. We exchange quick smiles before I head out of the door.
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