# Question: So how did you know he was the one?

# M: I didn't, at least not in the way that people do. I met him at a time I was not actively searching for love, and he made me realise that this was what I wanted, no, needed, all along

I've always been an overachiever. And I like me that way. My mom always tells me to take life easy, at a steadier (slower) pace. I did for a while, but then I found voids in my life that I didn't know how to fill. So I turned back to the familiar_work. My career.

My career has always been important to me. Right from secondary school when I knew I wanted to be a lawyer, I made sure I was at the top of my class always, and I took that to the University, where I had a perfect CGPA every session.

In Uni, I would get questions from colleagues and juniors about how I did it, my study and daily routine and all that. I could see them mentally backing away when they got answers which, of course were not the answers they sought. I had few friends, didn't attend any social event or parties, had a rigid study schedule that I stuck to, and I hardly had any free time that did not involve me doing something academically beneficial.

I spent my 5 years of University that way. And then ditto for my year in law school, where I specialised in criminal law.

After law school, due to my excellent academic record and high marks at my final law school exam, a number of high-end firms wanted to hire me. I was overwhelmed, but I ended up choosing Jay, Peter and co. I planned to work for a year or two, then for my Masters. I had my life all planned out. Or so I thought.

The questions began to come. From my parents, relatives and close friends. Why don't you have a man? When are you going to get married?

Not surprisingly, I didn't have answers for them. It was not just something I had put in the picture, or maybe it was there, but in the background that you had to focus to make it out.

I put all my attention and time to my career, and I began to rise, steadily, steadily. Every few weeks, I'd get an invitation. Mary one is getting married, Zainab is getting engaged, Michael is throwing a party for his babe, Tomi is having a a baby shower. So many invitations. I didn't really feel left out, but at such events, I'd notice random details, like this one staring at their partner when they weren't looking, or a random touch that would make them gaze into each other's eyes, a private joke and so much more. I'd get all gooey and be so happy for them.

I love love. I've always loved love, and I still love love. My friends tease me when I get all mushy after a particular book hits hard, but that's just how I am.

So you may ask, why didn't I love then? I could excuse it with my default_work, but now I know that you can never be too busy for love.

Let's skip to the juicy part. The day I met him. And because he's just the best, he has sweetly agreed to narrate too. Thanks, B!

# M

Our first meeting wasn't really any "boy-meets-girl", "love-at-first-sight" story. Across my office is a coffee shop, where I go for lunch almost daily. I always take my latest read along so I can catch up, during that hour.

I was on my lunch break as usual, reading "Americanah" by Chimamanda Adichie. I had a court appearance in a few hours but I was unbothered, because I had spent most of the previous day prepping.

A guy comes up to me. Hi, he says. I raise my head up. "Hi".

"Can I sit?"

"Yeah, sure"

"Thanks"

He pulls out a chair. " So you're reading Chimamanda today"

"Today?" I raise an eyebrow

"Yes. You come here a lot, and you're always with a book".

"Not that I'm stalking or anything", he hastily adds with a slight chuckle.

I wasn't really interested in the conversation at first, because I wasn't seeking company, but I didn't want to be rude so I engaged him.

"I find lunch to be a refreshing time to read. A break from the reality that is my workplace"

"Cool. We have the same tastes in books actually. I've read most of the books you come in with, and today, when you came in with Chimamanda, one of my absolute favorites, I just had to come up to you".

"The day you came in with 'the fault in our stars', I wanted to approach you, but I had to leave early".

"Are you for real? Woww". That was about the only thing I could say

For the next 30 minutes, we engaged in a lively conversation about books, our favourite authors, book plugs, genres. A glance at my phone got me gaping when I saw the time. I had 15 mins left before my break ended. I told B(we had introduced ourselves during the conversation sometime) that I had to go, and we promised to continue the conversation another time.

I walked back to my office in a daze. This was not how I pictured my lunch today. The best feeling is meeting someone that likes books as much as you, and reads the same books as you.

# B

She wore blue. The first time I saw her, she was wearing a navy blue suit. I remember the colour well, because I recall thinking how nice it went with her skin colour. Her very light skin, a shade away from being an 'afin'.

My first thought was that "she must be a lawyer". And I turned out to be right. It wasn't even about the suit she wore, she just gave out this vibe, this madam lawyer vibe.

She had ordered already, so she went to a table at the back(which I would notice that she went to all the time), and set her food tray down. Then she opened her carry on and took out a book. Paper towns by John Green. I didn't think much of it, after all a lot of people read books.

She read and ate simultaneously, and I liked the way her feelings showed on her face.

We finished our lunch at about the same time and she put her book back and stood up to leave.

I had gone to the coffee shop that day on a friend's recommendation, and I wasn't intending to go the next day, but when it was time for lunch, I found myself headed there, subconsciously hoping that I would see her again.

She arrived at the same time. She went to order, then took her tray to the same place, brought out a book. I guessed she was done with paper towns, because she brought out "unbidden". I couldn't stop staring at her, the way she laughed at something funny, furrowed her brow at something she didn't like, and at one point, dropped the book and gazed at the ceiling.

She finished her lunch, and left again.

I went the next day, and the next, and every weekday after that. She was always there, always with a book. I wanted to approach her, but as the coward I am, I didn't.

The closest I got was following her one day after lunch, where I found out where she worked.

I kept on like this, until I couldn't any longer. I had to talk to her.

She had intrigued me and now she had webbed her place into my heart, unknowingly.

I didn't know her, but I liked her already. Because she loved books. Crazy?

She says I'm crazy. Yeah M, only for you.

# M

After that day, we always ate lunch together. Sometimes we would just talk, and sometimes he would bring a book too, and we would read. We developed a close friendship, and I told my girls about this friend of mine that loves books. Because I was constantly talking about him, they began to tease me about having a crush. I brushed it off, because he was my "book-buddy", and I didn't think of him that way. But there were times I found myself wanting him to laugh again, just so I could hear his smooth, deep laughter again. Or wanting to hold his hand to see how it would feel. That's normal yeah?

# B

The more we talked and I got to know her, the more I liked her. Apart from liking books, she had this crazy sense of humour that always had me holding my stomach. And from what I had seen of her interactions with others, she was really selfless and always ready to help. And her beauty, mannn.

She had brown eyes and long, dark lashes. Intense eyes that seemed like they could see the depths of your soul.

Heart shaped lips that I found myself wondering how mine on them would feel.

Her voice, her smile, her laughter, her fingers, the way she walked, everything about her was special.

(She don turn me to poet)

# M

Why do I want to talk to him all the time? Why do I find myself staring at him? Why do I want to tell him everything about my day? Why is he always in my head? Why am I imagining what a hug from him would feel like? Helppp!

# B

Some people can always tell you the exact time they fell in love. I can't. As they say, it's the little things. I found myself saying or doing things just to make her laugh. I shared things that I wouldn't share with others. I counted every second that I was not with her. Writing bad poetry about how I feel

I read this paragraph somewhere

"And then your person. That person you always look forward to see. That person makes you feel special, like you're the only one. Talks to you about anything and everything, even the silliest things. Cares about your feelings, makes you laugh till your cheeks ache and you're holding the sides of your stomach. Cheers you up and gives you random hugs. Makes you want to be a better person. Encourages and supports you.

Defends you when you're right, and encourages you to do the right thing when you're wrong"

I realised that M had become MY person. I needed her in my life. I wanted her to know what she meant to me.

Problem? I wasn't sure she felt the same. Sure there were times I thought maybe... But other times I felt she just saw me as a friend.

# M

"I want to call you mine M, and tell the world that you're mine. I want memories with you. I want to build a world with you. I need you, in more ways you can imagine M"

(Flips, dances, screams out in joy, removes wig)

He wants me. He likes me.

He likes me?

#####

Is it possible to be this happy without exploding? Where has this bliss been all my life? So this is what you people enjoy?

To have someone that is yours, wholly yours. To find a missing piece of yourself, completing you in a way that you never knew was possible. To feel like you've arrived home, after ages of wandering. To be wrapped in a hug, warm and secure. You know it's a roller coaster, with ups and downs and twists and turns, but you know you'll not be alone.

# M

After I introduced B to my parents, my mom started planning our wedding. I keep shaking my head at her, but I understand her enthusiasm. My friends think B is the best thing since ice-cream. B is worth everything. Being with B is like a puzzle coming together, finally making sense.

# M

We're in a crowded room, but it's like we're alone. I have eyes for only you, and everything fades into the background when I look at you.

We're having an argument. You're trying to be calm but I'm not making it easy. I start to cry because I don't want to feel this way. I don't want to fight with you. I'm still crying. You sit beside me and put your arms around me. I lean against you and I tell you I love you. We stay in that position for a long time.

We're on a couch. It hardly contains us. I'm half atop you. Our feet are intertwined. My face is on your chest. I can hear your heartbeat. I want to stay like this forever.

I'm sad. You try to cheer me up by cooking my favorite food. You're a terrible cook and the food turns out horrible. I take a bite and I try not to grimace. You catch my eyes and we both start laughing. We laugh till our ribs ache. We go out for ice cream later, hand in hand, and I tease you all the way.

We're with friends. They tell us that we're so cringey. You make a silly face at me. I'm so in love with you, it hurts.

I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to wake up to you everyday. I want to have your babies. I want to be your everything. I want to wipe your tears when you cry, and I want to share your joy when you laugh.

# B

This still feels surreal. I am so blessed. I'm grateful for you M

# M

It's crazy how you don't know you've been needing something, until it comes to you, and you know, with certainty, that this is IT.

I believed that there was no space in my life for love. Funny...at the end of the day, we all want love. We just may not know it.