The Odd Meaning

Hungry as ever, I was anxious to eat something. I always had a notion that the city of Lahore would have some worthy restaurants; and maybe Fri-Chicks was the right scene. It was more of a look-alike to McDonalds but had reasonable food and more lavishing site - in comparison.

Rushing through the stairs just waiting to get into the mood - I opened the door, and noticed her eyes looking upon me; taking a notorious approach, I looked back at her. I couldn’t resist, as the eye contact remained for scarcely any second; I suspect. My stomach awaked me where I should suppose to be - as I told my friends to find a spot to eat while I get the order.

I was in the queue waiting to order food; she was also there with a bunch of kids. While the kids seemed to know exactly what they wanted; she looked indecisive. She appeared to have an alluring personality; elegant dress-up and a charming face. Without doubt, a turn-on for me.

I felt that I should talk to her. Maybe she wanted the same. Never good at pick up lines, I knew the best way off would be to say something ordinary. ‘Maybe a comment on her dress’ - cheesy, I would never go for that line, especially if I were a girl. I seemed to be talking to myself, convincing and disheartening. I knew I would come up with something better. So finally I decided to have a go at it. Maybe it was all ludicrous, but I wanted to talk.

Time to talk - as I could see her approaching towards me. I knew this is the right moment. I looked at her; she glanced as well.

“Yes, No, …. Yes”. My Mind was bantering around with me. She came close and walked by, while I just stood there and watched the moment lapse away from me. I knew I can’t let it down now. So I closed my eyes, took a deep breathe and I turned. I walked towards her and in a gutsy way, I said,

“Excuse me”

She turned and eagerly said, “Yes?”

That’s all she had to say and my mind started to whirl around with words, anticipating to come out. Maybe it took around two seconds to reply, but felt like eternity to me.

“Nice dress”, I said it - the stupid dress line.

I felt alleviated, albeit I knew it was a trite thing to say; maybe she had the same thought. But with an ambiguous smile and surprise, she said:

“Thanks”

I kept standing there with a subdued face, looking entirely idiotic - mouth opened, but words didn't seem to come out. So she turned and started to walk in her direction.

I wanted to be a rebel especially against the odds. I knew I wasn't getting anywhere and was rather getting pettish about the whole situation. But I guess, part of me wanted the folly situation to proceed. So, I caught up again with her.

“Hey, I don’t know, but ... you're pretty”

She looked flattered, rather stunned. I made a fool out of myself; I could see it on her face too. She appeared to remain speechless, so I continued;

“I know it sounds ridiculous, but I was thinking if we can keep in touch; ah ... phone number?”

Couldn't image the last time I was so desperate to get a girls number. There was something unique about her; and I wasn’t ashamed of getting embarrassed. Maybe there are certain moments in life that cannot be explained because they don't have a meaning to it.

It was time to take it or, leave it. I knew she didn't buy the whole phone thing. So I went on,

“Look, I understand! If you don’t want it to happen, you can just turn around and pretend, nothing happened ... you know”

So she turned and never looked back, as I kept standing there, watching her go. Just like that, everything came to an end. I looked around and saw that everything was calm. Yet, all these people fare on such paths, rather - meaningless moments. I turned around to get back into the queue, even though, the hunger wasn't there anymore.

Maybe every moment of it was meaningless, but all of it - had a meaning. Maybe I had to walk on such paths. Maybe, just to tell a story; Maybe!