I Waited Like It Was a Promise

I thought I woke up that morning.

But when I checked again, I realized I never even slept. Maybe just a few minutes… or maybe not even that.

Still, I got down from the bed, went through all the usual routines — brushed, showered, wore something casual. Felt normal, but inside… everything was different.

I picked up my phone.

A message.

From her.

"Meet in the evening. Serious."

Just two lines. But my heart was already running a full marathon.

I didn't know what she was going to say but some part of me, confidently, foolishly maybe, believed she felt the same way. Maybe she just needed time. Maybe she'd say yes today. Maybe today… was my day.

I spent the whole day lost in thoughts of her.

Imagining her voice.

Imagining her saying "yes."

Imagining… marriages. Kids. Family lunches. Her fighting with me for remote control. Me losing on purpose.

I watched a movie in the afternoon, but ended up daydreaming we were in a duet song. Just me and her. Snowflakes. Tulips. Blushing. Smiling.

And just like that the clock struck.

I didn't waste a second. Just ran out the door with my phone, no second thoughts.

The place we used to meet was past her house, and while walking by, I couldn't help but blush looking at it. That gate. That balcony. That nameplate. It all felt sacred to me.

I reached the spot and sat there. Waiting.

A little girl was playing nearby, laughing and spinning. I smiled.

In my head, I started imagining — what if our daughter looked like her and acted like me? Or maybe the opposite?

She'd be beautiful either way.

Time kept passing.

I picked up a stick lying there and started scribbling on the ground. Doodling her name. Doodling a heart. Typical lover nonsense.

Then I lay down on the bench, looking up at the stars. Counting them. Hoping one would fall so I could wish for her.

Suddenly, I heard a sound behind me.

My heart jumped.

But it wasn't her. Just a cycle passing.

It was already late.

Maybe she got busy?

I told myself, Let's wait a little longer. Just a little more.

I got up. Wandered around. Ate some pani-puri. Laughed with the pani-puri bhaiya, who didn't know I was a broken boy hiding behind a fake smile.

Came back to the same bench.

Lay back down. Still hopeful.

She'll come.

That was my only thought.

Somewhere between the stars and my imagination, I fell asleep.

I woke up with the sound of birds chirping.

Opened my eyes to hitting sunlight.

Checked my phone.

It was the next day.

I had waited the entire night.

She never came.

A strange mix of disappointment and anger started to build in me.

Maybe she had more important things to do. Fine. Even I won't talk to her for some days. She'll feel it. She'll realize.

(Silly me. That was my version of revenge.)

While walking back home, I purposely took different road so I wouldn't pass by her house. I knew if I did, I'd forgive her instantly.

I didn't want to forgive her. Not yet.

That night, I tried to be strong. But… I couldn't hold back anymore.

I messaged her:

"Chandu… it's our last day of holidays. We may not get this time again once college starts. At least tell me which college you're joining."

No reply.

I stared at the screen for a long time.

Then closed my eyes.

My pillow was soaked with tears. My chest was heavy. My mind filled with thoughts I couldn't explain.

But even in that pain… one thing didn't change:

I still admired her.

Maybe that's the difference between love and admiration.

Love waits for replies.

Admiration stays even in silence.