[a short story for #120blinddates contest held by ChickLit
update: contest runner-up]

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❝One does not seek love, it should find you all on it's own❞

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       MID-JUNE AND JULY in LA were the months of unusually hot and sticky summer.

        It was an exactly those days─a day when the perspiration would surface on your forehead, your cheeks, the bridge of your nose, and run in rivulets down your face until you became sodden.

       I can feel the loose shirt start to cling to my back in places and there is a slight sting to my eyes─old mascara.

       I don't know how other looks beautiful even when sweating; sweating makes me look like I need someone to dunk me in an ice bath fast, anything to put out the fire in my cheeks.

        It was an usual busy morning. At this early hour the airport is as serene as it ever is. There were plasma screens of arrival and departure times on the wall of the airport. There was a sculpture of a whale with water cascading from its mouth and flowing down it's tail flukes.

           The floors are clean and white, reflecting the early rays and the man-made light the same. People were lined up at the check in desk with suitcases and baggage.

          Returning to home after a week-long business trip is kind of blessing for any working person. Finally, you got yourself a plenty of relaxing time to watch movies sitting lazily on your couch or preparing some special dish for yourself.

        So, that's why currently I'm here for boarding an international flight to the London.

       I settled into a somewhat comfortable seat in arrival lounge for my early flight, and I can hear the familiar caller tune from my iPhone. It was a call from my overly concerned mother. Ugh!

        "Yes, mom" I said picking up the call. "Honey, I suppose you have packed everything; your passport, keys..." came a sweet voice from other side.

      I cut her off, "Mom, for god's sake, you need to stop worrying about these things. I'm twenty-three now."

       "You better don't talk to me like that young lady. How I should not worry about you, all your blind dates are unsuccessful and you don't even pay attention to all these."she exclaimed.

     "I know, mom but I'm fed of all these nuisance. It seems as if I'm desperate or something." I said dismally.

       "Uh, you have another date today, after you will land here. I can't believe this is 121th date."she emphasized the last part dramatically.

         Suddenly I heard a boarding call. I got up and straightened myself as the same male voice blasts through the intercom again:

"This is a final boarding call for passenger Kiera Jones booked on flight 77X. Please proceed to Gate 3 immediately. The final checks are being completed and the captain will order for the doors of the aircraft to close in approximately five minutes time. I repeat. This is the final boarding....."

          Dragging my suitcase in a hurry I started running towards the said gate. I shove through a crowd running as hard as I can. I sighed and exhaled loudly, exhausted due to sudden rush to catch the flight.

          I didn't notice that there was another guy walking towards the gate as well in hurry. We bumped into each other, and I nearly fell, but then he quickly places his hand on my waist and pulls me back up before I could break my backbone. We exchanged 'excuse me' and 'sorry' quickly.

      I get there at the same time as another guy, and the gate is slid shut. Slapping my forehead I cursed underneath my breath.

       "Oh, no, please, please can you open it? Let us in, it's really important." I begged to the gate attendant standing in front of the desk.

        The gate attendant shakes his head. "No can do. You should've been here on time."

      "Please?" the guy cuts in." I really need to get on this flight, and you're not only hanging over one person, but you're hanging over two."
The gate attendant shows no sign of pity, or remorse, or any emotion at all.

        No, he sighs, and says, "The next flight to London is at three."

        I noticed the time on my pearl watch, hanging on my wrist. Its 11:47 A.M only. Approximately two hours full of wastage, I would have been watched a full movie after arriving at my house.

No? You can't cry Kiera...hold yourself.

          I turned to the guy to whom I bumped into before. He was sturdy with dark tousled hair. He was wearing a denim shirt wet with spots of perspiration around his collar and under his arms, perfectly rolled-up sleeves, jeans and shined shoes. Judging by his face, he really needed to catch his flight too.

        "Come on, lets get our ticket for the next flight." I said to him, catching his arm and directing towards the ticket counter.

       "Hey, I can do it myself. I don't need your company." he said grumpily. I let go off his hand and folded my arms over the chest. "Really?"

         "You... You are coming with me. Don't forget we missed this flight together, and we will kill this time together." I said mockingly and flying my hands to sound a bit serious.

        After that we bought our tickets, we had cappuccino in a nearby coffee shop and numerous browsing, window shopping. He was reserved and uptight at first but with some chit-chat and spending time together, he warmed a little.

          I got to know his name is Danny, a young interior designer with a secured and planned future ahead.

         "You're literally outgoing and chill women, I mean who can pretend to buy that jewelry... L-Like it was awesome! What you did back there." he said showing his perfect white teeth, smiling. A dazzling smile which was worth a million, which is pure and vibrant as child's innocence─a sign of bliss.

          We were walking in the sidewalks of the city, looking through mirror window of shops.

               The sidewalk for the most part is smooth concrete, albeit scattered with litter and the debris of the trees. At intervals are the street-lamps, painted in glossy green. I could hear the honks and buzz of cars passing by. People bustling down the streets, traffic stopping and starting once again.

        I looked up, "I know right. I'm usually this outspoken. Every one complains this. I should not drag you here with me after all, we're completely strangers." I said laughing.

         "Oh no, I literally enjoyed, killing time with you was amazing. And I, particularly like extrovert woman. Maybe we are perfect strangers." he said cheerfully, winking at me.

      I looked away, burying the flutter in my stomach and said, "We should get going, don't want to miss this one."

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         After landing in the London, I straightaway showered and started getting ready for the another blind date setup by my mother.

         In the reflection of the mirror, I could see myself: Wearing a flowy floral dress, curly brown hair tucked side wise. A dark-chocolate colored eyes adorned with silver mascara staring right to me, lacking glint of happiness and love.

          Shaking off the gloomy thoughts, I gripped myself to not pay attention about being alone.

Let's get through it.

            The decor had a slightly vintage feel, and two of the four walls were actually ceiling-to-floor windows that let in plenty of light from outside.

          All my anxiety seemed to dissolve progressively as the cozy vibe from the restaurant filled me.

           I walked towards the entrance, gripping the door handle and gently pushing it back.

"Welcome to Café's Royal, how can I help you?" The middle-aged woman smiled to me.

       "Umm... Reservation for two people, a date." I said confidently.

        "Kiera Jones and Danny Dev...right?" she asked. I nodded and was confused to hear the familiar name.

            Reaching towards the tables, I was surprised to see that same guy to whom I bumped in the morning, sitting comfortably wearing a sophisticated outfit looking attractive.

      I pinched my forearms to check whether I was dreaming or sleeping. This cannot be happening.

       "You?! I can't believe my eyes─it's you..." I was barely able to speak, in my shocked state.

     "Oh...yeah, it's me, darling!" he said showing his beautiful smile and winking at me twice in a day.

      I giggled, recovering myself "We meet again, Danny" hitting him on his forearm.

     We ate our dinner, laughing and getting to know each other. He was a really great guy, possessing a strange aura and charming quality which can draws anyone's attention.

        "Did I told you, you are looking gorgeous in this floral dress." he said tugging me towards him.

       "Really? You are looking handsome too, my perfect stranger." I said, laughing while hiding my face in his shoulder.

         Like this we spent, enjoying our time together. I never expected this date to end like this, but then again we don't know what fate hold for us.

           Lastly, a lot of people think they will never find love...or the one person for themselves; until they do. You will never know when it will happen for you because love isn't something you can predict. It will find you on its own.

        Because for someone love can be a long time coming...

⚞ ᪣᪣⚟

a/n:- I hope it didn't got cheesy in the end.
So, this story is written for a contest for celebrating 120K followers of chick lit.

Hope y'all enjoyed reading it. Don't forget to comment below.
Love, akati