One day in love...

"I love you"
I heard the words as a silent whisper. Again , and this time, they convey lots of emotion, strength, care and concern. I opened my eyes. Its pitch dark all around. I glanced around to locate the table clock. The digital timepiece said 3:45 AM. I realized I was dreaming. Dreaming of her. Like all the time. Sometimes with open eyes, sometimes in deep sleep. Sometimes alone, sometimes with the entire world around. I know, I love her too.

I lay on my bed again and tried to sleep. But I kept hearing those words. They have been fixed in my memory for ever. I still remember everything that happened that evening. Its one of the most memorable evenings I have ever had. And everything I think about that evening, fresh love and yearning takes birth. Love that can never be completely expressed. Love that can never be compared. Love that can never be measured. But I am sure, its the purest, deepest and strongest love that one can ever have for another.

It was a pleasant Saturday afternoon when I called her on her mobile phone. The phone shrieked three times before she silenced it. I gathered that she was obviously busy, otherwise I would have heard her melodious voice, "Hello?". She speaks like an angel, like a lovely flower that has just blossomed at dawn. Like a silver spring flowing out of tall rocks. She speaks better than anyone can ever speak. I put my phone back into my pocket and gazed at the sky. The clouds were smiling back at me, asking me to try again. I got the message. I got my phone out and dialed her number. This time, after two rings, she picked up her phone. But before I could say anything, she said, “Honeybun, I am in a meeting. I shall speak to you in half an hour. Is anything urgent, sweetheart?”. I closed my eyes. I could hear myself say “Its ok honey, I am waiting”. She hung up. But I knew she did not want to. I knew she wanted to speak with me. But like everyone else, we are caught up in our own professional lives, and it becomes difficult to live two important lives at the same time.

I finished my coffee and strode out of the café. I saw the streets were relatively empty today. Less of traffic, less honking. I managed to cross the street without waiting. My hands were dug deep into the pockets of my blue denims. My smart white shirt bounced off the soft sunshine in the most magnificent way possible. I just caught a glimpse of myself in a street shop window and smiled. I was looking good, definitely good. I knew she shared the same thought.

My car was parked in the office parking lot, a ten minute walk from my favorite café. I usually visit the café every time I get the chance. Not for the coffee but for the elating view of the seaside that it gives when I am at my favorite table, next to the biggest window of the café, just close to the rear wall. The beige walls of the café gel superbly with the dark brown furniture. The fresh coffee beans in the bowl on the table give the aroma of the world’s best coffee. I can sit here for hours at a stretch and not move at all. But today, I was out in less than ten minutes. I had expected to speak to her.

I tossed a coin to the beggar on the pavement, as I always did. The old man smiled. I smiled back and walked past him. Just when I strode past him, my phone rang. I stopped walking. I took the phone out of my jacket pocket. The number on the caller id made my smile. I pressed green and said “Hi sweetie!”. She smiled. I knew she was showing her perfect teeth and perfect lips. She had the perfect smile. I told her I wanted her to meet me today. She said she was getting free by 4 PM and I could pick her up from office. By this time, I was leaning against the lamppost. A beautiful girl walked past and glanced sideways, smiling at me. I managed a smile and came back to our conversation. I told her I would be there by 4 and we hung up. But not before she said, “Don’t” look at other women the way you look at me.” She knew she did not want a reply to this remark. I did not disappoint her.

I saw my watch. 2:30 PM. Ninety more minutes. I reached my car. My car was a dream. A 2001 model red Corvette. No scratches, no bumps. I handled her with extreme caution when in traffic. On the freeway, she was a wild horse. I guess thats why I loved the freeways. She would catch up 100 miles an hour in less than 8 seconds. The eight cylinders under the bonnet were powerful enough to take me up to 200 miles an hour, but I had never tried that. Patience pays, I always told myself. And of course, every time I put my foot on the gas pedal, I heard her voice, “Darling, you are going to reach no faster than what God has decided. There is no point in driving fast. Please be careful, I love you.”

I got into my car and turned the key. The engine purred to life. The fuel gauge said 90 gallons. Enough for three days at least. I swerved out of the parking lot. John waved me past from the security window. John Ray was a security guard at the firm for eight months now. Tall, well built and muscular, John was a soft person at heart and at tongue. When he spoke, it was hard to imagine that the soft voice was coming from the 300lb John Ray.

I put on the radio. A young lady was crooning with a live band. Country music. My favourite. I could listen to country music for as much as it played. I guess I am not a city man at all. The country keeps calling me back. Maybe someday I might go back to those handsome fields, those calm lakes. Maybe.

I checked my watch. 2:45 AM. Time was passing slower than I expected. I headed straight for the MegaMall. The mall had just come up, after a millionaire bought the dying casino by the beach and transformed it into a 5-storey shopper’s heaven. I knew I had to guy her a gift. But before that, I called the florist and asked him to keep the best possible collection of orchids ready. She loved orchids and I adored the child like look on her face when ever I gave her flowers. Flowers to a flower. I smiled to myself for being such a love lost romantic.

I was stopped by the valet near the gate. He offered to park my car, but I did not want anyone else to handle this beauty. I denied. He gave me a parking spot number and said that the reservation was on the second floor. I drove into the elevator and pressed “2”. The elevator started with a hum. This was one of a kind parking space in the entire city. Four storeys of parking space, with three large elevators enough to accommodate three cars at a time. Three fire escape routes to move out the cars in an emergency. Ten thousand square feet of parking space. And all this was just one tenth of the entire shopping mall. With more than two thousand boutiques, salons and food courts, this place was a small city in itself. Indeed, they meant it when they said “No matter what you want to buy, we have it!”.

I found the parking space assigned to me and parked gracefully. The machine stopped and then went dead with one turn of my key. I locked the doors, set the safety alarms and started walking towards the gates leading to the shopping arena. The attendant greeted me warmly and handed me a map of the mini-city. Quickly, a smartly dressed woman approached me. She was wearing a pink skirt upto her knees and a white graceful top. She wore a sweet smile and her shoulder length hair was tied behind her head. Her lipstick was pink, but it suited her beautifully. The same shade on any other lady would have made me look away. But it suited her fine. She asked me if I was looking for anything in particular. She have me one of her loveliest smiles when she heard jewelry. I guess the word has magic in it for women. Mention it and they are another world. Linda, as her tag mentioned, ushered me into the jewelry section located on the third floor. She introduced me to Mary.

Mary was a short white woman with sharp features. Perfectly done hair, lips, eye-brows, eye-lashes. White skirt stopping three inches above her knees and a maroon top with a V neckline. A string of pearls around her neck and matching earrings. White shoes. I was not sure what I wanted, and Mary knew just what I should buy. She took me to the Diamonds section. The room looked like a grand ballroom. Grand chandeliers, expensive carpets, tall ceilings. 2 cm thick glass boxes with polished pieces of carbon, shining away to glory. Rich women trying out everything they could. Attendants showing one stone after another. And price tags that tore the sky. I wonder if their men knew where their add-on credit cards were being used. I guess a successful man is one who can earn more than his woman can spend.

Mary saw me studying the place and quickly asked me if I had a budget for the purchase. When I shook my head, she looked at me, as if thinking of the perfect product. She then asked me to wait and went over to a counter where all the rich women were drooling over shiny objects. She returned seconds later with two velvet boxes. Then she asked me, “Is she fairer then me?” I smiled and shook my head. I don’t know if that made her happy, but I noticed a different flavor in her smile once I said those words. Strange ways in which women think. We both returned to the boxes she brought along. She opened one of them and turned it towards me. In it was a gold chain with a golden pendant, shaped like two hearts connected in the centre. At the points where the two hearts met, were placed two glittering diamonds, one in each heart. It was good, but I wondered if She would like it. I looked up at Mary and smiled. “Do you like it sir?” she asked. I nodded without a smile. But Mary was used to male customers shopping alone I guess. She promptly opened up the other box. Neatly placed inside it was a fine necklace made up of pearls with two earrings, each having three pearls connected by white gold. It looked good. I instantly thought of her. I remember the last time I gave her a pendant, she had tears in her eyes. I asked Mary to pack this one is the best way she could. She smiled warmly and took my credit card. She directed me towards a waiting lounge and left to complete the payment process.

I had barely settled in the sofa when a waiter materialized out of nowhere. He had all drinks possible in the try he was carrying. Beer, Vodka, Wine, Champagne. I shook my head and said “Thank you”. He smiled politely and disappeared as fast as he had come. Mary was processing the payment and saw me waiting. She smiled when she saw that I noticed her. Mary would be in her early twenties I guess. And I knew all the girls in my area who were in their early twenties. How is it that I did not know Mary? Probably she might have just shifted here, after getting the job. But that no longer mattered. Jenny was on my mind. And she was here to stay, forever.

Mary returned with the box, exquisitely wrapped in soft muslin cloth and tied with a satin ribbon. A dozen fresh roses accompanied the box. I hesitated. Roses don’t go with orchids. I thanked Mary and have her the roses with a smile. She blushed, took the roses and smiled even more. I knew it was time to leave. Jenny’s office was a good twenty minute drive. I looked at my watch. 3:35 PM. Definitely time to leave.

I almost jogged to my car. In less than five minutes, I was on the highway again. A slight wind was blowing. The sky was clear with a cloud here or there. Scanty traffic, soft music, clear sky, great day. I stopped at the florist. Julie recognized my car and came with a basket of orchids, very artistically arranged. “Say Hello to Jenny!” she said and gave me the basket. Julie was in her early fifties. Single mom, she took care of her two teen-aged daughters who were studying law at the University. I usually paid Julie at the end of every month by check, for two reasons. One, I wanted her to come to my office, just a five minute walk from her shop and have coffee with me. Two, she had lost a son when he was very young. Although I had never known him, she once told me that I reminded her of him. I bought flowers from her every week, and sometimes more than once a week. She met Jenny once and told me that she had not seen a woman prettier than her.

When I was barely five minutes from her office, my phone rang. Jenny. She always spoke before I said anything. “Where are you, lovey?” Check your heart” I replied. She smiled and said, “I am almost done. When are you reaching?”
”Less than five minutes.”
”Ok darling”, she said and hung up.
She did not usually talk a lot when used her office number. Prying telephone operators, she explained later.

I parked opposite the Virginia Grand Plaza, home to Virginia Financials. Jenny Fernandes was the CFO, Chief Financial Officer here since the last three years. Having spent ten years here, she knew every inch of the 32,000 square feet complex. I had been inside only on two occasions. And both the times, I had to wait for atleast 20 minutes before I could meet her. So we had decided. We would meet outside her office, away from all the daily dose of financial data, telephone calls, appointments, faxes and of course, nosy secretaries.

Within minutes, I saw a lovely lady get out of the building. Black trousers, black shoes, light blue top, curly hair upto her shoulders, black sunglasses, leather briefcase in one hand and her mobile phone in another, she was making her way down the twenty eight steps that connected the Plaza to the street. Heads turned while she walked and I knew that if she stayed here for more time, there would be a traffic jam. I started the car and made a U-turn. I approached her and stopped. She came close to the door, opened it gently and slid inside. Not a word. She nodded and we took off. When we had crossed the Marine Deck Plaza, about 10 minutes from her office, she asked me to stop for a minute. I was surprised, but did as she told. The instant I parked, she moved from her seat, took my face in her palms and her lips met mine.

I took her in my arms and felt her soft body against mine. She looked at me, smiled naughtily and kissed me again. This time I felt she did not want to stop. Nor did I. Then the storm finally subsided and our lips parted. She fell back into her seat, but her right hand did not leave my shoulder. Well, the extra hours at the gym paid off, I felt. Jenny, the woman of my dreams, the lady who rules my heart.
”How was your day?” I asked.
”Not bad, and infact it just got better!”, she replied. I loved the way we both played Tango with words. She was the perfect match I could ever think of. Large, soft eyes, teasing curly hair, amazing body, a voice like honey and the smile of an angel.
She saw the orchids and instantly smiled. Taking the basket in her lap, she put her phone and bag on the rear seat. She let out a breath and started playing with the flowers. I did not want to break the peace. I did not want her to stop. I knew she was feeling good about meeting me. And I knew that she likes taking her own time. I knew that by now. Finally, she looked at me and saw me looking at her, as always.

”There is something for you. But I want you to guess what it could be. Can you?”
”Is it something to wear?”
”Yes” I replied, my eyes constantly locked with hers.
”Hmm..let me think. You don’t know my size, so it cant be lingerie. You don’t know my finger size, so it cant be a ring. You don’t like shopping for clothes. You are not particularly fond or perfume too. Did you get me a necklace? Or earrings?”

I flushed. Virginia surely has a very good CFO. A lady with a brain that works. How did she know?
”Both” I replied.
She eyes wide open, she help her hand on her open mouth, eyes moist instantly. She could not believe what had happened. I took the box from the rear seat and handed it to her. She pulled the ribbon and the cloth fell open, revealing the velvet box. She looked at me with amazement and excitement. I smiled back and asked her to go on. “Open the box, cupcake.” She smiled like a child who receives a birthday gift from her only friend. She opened the box and saw what was inside. Large tears welled up in her eyes. She closed the box and threw hers arms around me. I put my hands around her and gave her a soft hug. “Take me home please” she said.

I started the car and we headed towards home. We both enjoyed having dinner at home. She did not approve of crowds. She also did not approve of the women who eyed me when we went out. I, for that matter, had no problems with any of these reasons. But I wanted her to know to that she was special to me. We always ordered food at home. As I lived alone in a single storey house, it was always convenient to have dinner, chat, watch a little bit of TV, dance a little and then I would drop her off at home. She lived with her aunt. But I knew little of her past. I did not bother. What I was concerned with was her present and her future with me.

We reached home and I parked the car in the garage. Through a door that led directly from the garage to the kitchen, we entered the house and into the front room. She kept her bag and her gift on the centre table and sat next to me on the sofa. I asked her about the gift.

”You are a charmer, my sweetheart” was her reply.

I winked and she smiled. I could do anything for her smile. She held my hand in hers and rested her head on my shoulder. There were so many occasions where she had not given me a chance to speak, but today was different. I guess a woman prefers to hear sometimes. So I spoke. I told her about my half day at work, issues with a cousin down south, my articles in the newspaper, an award nomination and many other things. She was the best listener I could have ever asked for. Listening is an art, and she was born with it. A good listener always put the speaker in a very comfortable position, acknowledging him at the right time and at times, adding what they could, but never anything more than what is required. Eye-content is very important while listening because some people, me included, like to see someone in the eye when speaking. She knew this and was always careful never to disappoint me. To the best of my memory, she had never disappointed me.

She spoke of her day. She was a good talker too. She said everything she wanted and never gave details beyond necessary. Her twinkling eyes spoke with her and she used gestures to describe everything she could. She always keeps her audience awake and even though she speaks most of the time, she makes it seem like a conversation rather than a lecture. Gifted is what I can say she is.

Just then, her phone rang. We broke out of the tiny spell that love cast upon us. She saw the number and frowned. It was the director from Virginia Financials. Samuel Jefferson was a man she detested, but had to work with. She went to the window and spoke for ten long minutes while I stood by her side, holding her hand. But I knew something was not well. After what seemed like ages, she hung up. Her face hung up too. She looked at me with sad eyes and said “I have to go to office, right now. There is a meeting scheduled in half an hour and I cannot avoid it. Samuel asked me where I was and sent a car for me immediately. I cannot stay here long and will have to leave as soon as the car arrives. I am so sorry my darling.” I held her hands and looked into her warm eyes. I saw the sadness in her eyes and how much she wanted to stay. But then, whats the excitement if everything goes as planned!

She fondly wore the necklace and earrings and looked at me. She looked like a princess. “Next week-end I am taking a holiday from work. We will go some place when I cannot be contacted. I just want you next to me and no one else. Can we go?”
”Absolutely” I assured her.
She smiled back. She gave me a short kiss and a warm hug. We cuddled up on the sofa while she whispered sweet nothings into my ear. I felt I was in the best place on earth.

"Jenny, you are the woman that I cannot live without. You know that. And I want you to know that you are in the cosiest corner of my heart. My heart beats for you. You are the loveliest woman that there can ever be. I cannot thank God enough for giving me you. And I will always cherish this gift. Please stay with me forever. And I will be with you always. Whenever you pray, remember that I pray for you too. Whenever you are sad, remember that I am with you. Whenever you are happy, remember that I am smiling at you. Your love gives me the strength me do everything I want to do. You are the biggest moving force that I have. This force always pushes me ahead and gives me that extra rush of energy that I need to move ahead. Without you I would be a candle in the wind. I need the sheath of your love. Please be mine. I love you more than I can ever say. And even if I tell you my entire life that I love you, I feel I would not have said enough. “

I lifted her off her feet and held her in my arms. She put her arms around my neck and bent forward and kissed me. This was the warmest and cosiest kiss we ever had.
”I am in the fluffiest of clouds. I feel I am flying. And I have the wings of your love. I will always be yours. I love you.”

I put her back on her feet, but not away from me. We heard a car pull up in the driveway. On the bonnet of the Mercedes was a bug “V”. Recognizing it as Jenny’s car, we moved towards the car. When I opened the door, the chauffeur was waiting.

”Martin from Virginia Financials. Mr Samuel has asked me to pick up Ms. Jenny. He said he apologizes for the abrupt change in plans. Will you please come with me? “
Jenny nodded and said she would join him in a minute. Politely, Martin went back to car and waited for her.

She looked at me and smiled and said, “Thank you darling, I had a lovely evening. Although it was short, it was nothing less than the best. I will call you soon. Take care honeybun. I will miss you.”

And she left. and I standing in the doorway, waited till she turned and winked and teased me before entering the car. With a final bye, she got in the car. Martin closed the door and took his seat. Off she went, the woman of my dreams, the love of my life.

I went back to the house and sat on the sofa. I closed my eyes and prayed, “Lord, I love her and she loves me too. Please give us whats best for us. Amen.”