TONI'S P.O.V

'All the lovers of earth will reunite in the hereafter, only to live on- the life they promised each other'

Love conquers all, they say. But how do we even find love, make vows of staying together when we can barely hold on to ourselves. Every once in a while we lose ourselves, and end up finding the people- who help us find ourselves through their eyes.

I was never fond of love, for whoever I loved left me bearing my own solitude. You may pity me now, but my fate just knows how to find people, all to lose them at the end again.

But my mama said, "Enjoy while it lasts, you will survive the rest." And so I intend on finding her, for not just to cure my loneliness but to actually 'enjoy as long as it is fated to last'.

Khalil's notification pinged on my screen. It was their address, and in a span of around 2 hours I'd make it to them. Until then I pray, all stays at peace. But it didn't. Only after 15 minutes, I was told she eloped the said location, and now as I head towards the town- I might have to improvise onto finding her.

Calling her cell, obviously didn't work. It was raining and the network was horrible. Even if it weren't, I highly doubt she'd answer my call. 

'I hope she's okay.' I thought to myself, as I rode the car as fast yet carefully as I could.

Indeed hope finds a way to its seeker, and I was notified with her last location by Khalil within another 15 minutes. I could tell my heart was at peace, knowing she was safe.

I had another bugging hour of ride before I could see her- finally. But she doesn't even know me, neither is she aware of my arrival nor my face.

You can sense the anxiousness within me, don't you?

Even though I was painfully aware of what her reaction would be, I wanted it to be different. I desperately wanted to meet her, but not like this. I never intended to hurt her or even cause her any harm. But the way things were unfolding, put her at misery- while I was at total blame of it. And I don't deny that, I will make things right.

Those letter I wrote were never meant to reach her or anyone apart from me, but Khalil- he believes progress is made only when effort is put up, and honestly- I am at fault again, I was never ready to put in efforts. And that caused it all. As embarrassed as I am about her reading my letters, I'm also at great tranquility knowing that now she's aware of my intentions.

I was at business, roughly 200kms away from her house, with no intention to return unless for business. But as I said, fate finds its way, and why would I not come running back, at least to have a moment of her presence around me?

I would a thousand times over.

Let me tell you a hysteric story on how I had to ditch meetings, and my car to keep moving without obstacles. I was on an important meeting with the new mergers, and I was full-heartedly invested in it. Until, I checked my phone and I saw the thirst text my acquaintance, David sent to her cell number.

I admit it was fine to call her, and listen her speak, while I stood smiling in the middle of the street last night- however I had to hang up, but texting her those thirst messages was inappropriate and beyond limits. So I did what a normal person would do, which wouldn't make any difference anyway- I deleted the text. But I knew it was already late and its impact must've already been done.

So I immediately rung Amara, who as always didn't receive my call, so I rung Khalil and thank goodness, he did. After he explained me their situation, I heard Amara enter too and immediately that was my cue to leave. And at once, without a thought, I drove away.

Consequence?- We lost the deal, and all the related liability was put upon me. Fine by me. But furthermore, my car broke down mid-highway and there was no repair service centre in meters of span. Not so fine.

Improvise!- I traded my car for a cab, which was completely fueled and fast enough to drive me back town. Stupid, lame? I know but worth it all.

While I pondered nervously, of our first meeting in person, I reached the destination that was sent to me. It was 9 by then, and working crowd dispersed with emptier roads and shops closing, and as it was raining- people wouldn't mind leaving for home earlier.

The clinic, was where I saw her, sitting on the pavement. And at that instant, my adrenalines rushed and I almost squished her to ground, if it weren't for her alertness that saved her from me- again.

She cussed at me, evidently frustrated, and my mind was unable to form a sentence. So I said the most dumbest thing anyone would ever say from a cab, "Get in the car!" Dumb isn't it?

She called me a perv, as anyone would, and I instantly regretted my words.

"What? No, wait." I shouted, as she furiously started to walk away.

I don't trust myself with this car around her, so I climbed down the car, jogging my way to her while she walked faster with her hands crossed around her chest.

"Well, you are fast." I said, and ran ahead of her, stopping just about a few steps ahead and turned around to her face. "Mable, stop." I panted.

She stood dead on her tracks with surprise in her eyes, and I couldn't help smile at the sight of it. Obviously, bad timing. But she stood there staring me, with her eyes narrowing every passing second. It was as though I could hear the screws and nuts, turn and twist, in her head. It was dead silent for a brief moment.

"Are you my fucking stalker?" She shouted at my face, taking me with relief.

'my stalker'

Shoot, no wonder she thinks I'm a creep.

"Uh-"

"Answer me!" she pushed me by my shoulder, demanding an answer.

"Yes, yes!" I replied, shielding myself with my hands.

"Oh, you fucking piece of shit." She yelled, punching my arm, which surprisingly hurt.

But I deserved it.

"You jerk, you idiot, you fool, who do you think you are? Ryan fucking Gosling?" She kept punching as I kept stepping back to defend myself, followed with cries of agony, and I repetitively begged her to stop.

I hit the misplaced brick and stumbled to the ground, while she suddenly stopped, panting with her fists still curled up as she stared down at me with anger.

"Let me explain, please. I beg of you, don't hit me. Please!" I begged from the ground, while she pulled her hair back and I immediately took the opportunity to pick myself up.

You must be wondering how she recognised me, don't you?

Well, I'll let her explain.

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I wanted Toni to introduce himself as it would do justice to his character so this chapter is short, but I promise it gets better!