When I turned to meet him, I was surprised to see one of the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen in my life.
It was June 24, 2014, summertime and Ramadan at this part of the Earth. I work in a bank, and it was my first day of assignment at a new branch. I was happy and more confident than ever--everything in my life was in place. This particular branch was located in an industrial area, I was sweaty and had some sand in my shoes as I walked into the entrance of the building. I was referred by security to the Assistant Manager, who then brought me to my direct supervisor. When I turned to meet him, I was surprised to see one of the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen in my life.
I was told I will be working with him for the next 30 days, which meant I would be staring into his beautiful eyes everyday for the next month. At first, I tried to play it cool because I didn't want him to know that I thought he was cute or more so, gorgeous.
I tried my best to distance myself, but then I would just fall back in again to those most beautiful eyes. I call him my Aladdin.
As days went by, we would talk about anything and joke around while we were working. He then started to send cute emails, and I would send him cute yellow sticky notes. I felt that we were starting to flirt with each other. I tried my best to distance myself, but then I would just fall back in again to those most beautiful eyes. I call him my Aladdin.
At times, I would catch him looking my way. He says he always wants to see me smile. I didn't know at the time if he was just trying to lead me on, and I didn't want to jump to conclusions. I felt a lot of butterflies in my stomach.
Those 30 days were some of the best of my life. I was so happy because I enjoyed his company a lot. Then came the last day of my assignment in the same branch as his--I felt so sad, and I didn't understand why. Of course, I could still bump into him as we were still working in the same company, but I won't be seeing him everyday anymore. I felt like I didn't want to leave, and I even drew a star on his arm with a pen, I didn't know what else to do. Nothing was said but goodbye.
Life went on for me. I was transferred to another branch. A few days later, I got an email from him. I was ecstatic! He remembered me. We started to chat again. We talked, joked around, and told each other that we missed one another. He said he missed me more than the hair on my head! (English is not his first language)--and I have very thick hair. I thought it was the cutest, “I miss you” ever. We then exchanged phone numbers.
Somewhere in one of our phone conversations, I told him that I liked him. He was cool about it, and told me he liked me too. We met in person and I felt a very strong attraction between us. Needless to say, I fell in love, and I don't really know how despite knowing very little about this person.
Maybe it was those beautiful eyes, that very handsome face of his, or the vulnerability behind his big physique. To me, he was beautiful inside and out. I discovered that he was a person with a good heart and soul, and that we shared a lot of similarities. We both love music. I felt that I didn't need to know everything about him. I just knew that I wanted to be a part of his life, and that I wanted to show him that I love him.
Just like that, the fairytale that was building inside my head ended, and he left me with a broken heart.
One day, without us even starting or trying to build a relationship yet, he told me that we couldn't be together because we were both married. Just like that, the fairytale that was building inside my head ended, and he left me with a broken heart. We both knew our families were more important than what we felt, and in turn, I loved him even more for that.
It was one heartbreak in my life that was very difficult for me. I had to show my family, friends, and colleagues that nothing has changed as no one knew what was happening in my life. I couldn’t shout out to the world that I was in love with another man, and that the same guy also broke my heart by parting with me. I was dying inside.
Fast forward to the present day, and it has been 6 years since. My family’s bond is stronger than ever. My children are happy and smart, and my husband adores me. Somewhere along a marriage, one might fall in love outside of it, but it doesn't mean that it is enough reason to give up on that marriage. That feeling of being in love is just a percentage of all the other reasons, but it is not the only reason. I think writing this and telling the whole world about it, though anonymously, is my peace.
Somewhere along a marriage, one might fall in love outside of it, but it doesn't mean that it is enough reason to give up on that marriage.
I still feel the same way for my Aladdin, and I get to talk to him every now and then. To this day I still don't know what I really was to him. Maybe I was just a mistake, but because I love him, having a broken heart was worth it.
I continue to love him deeply and truly, from afar. With or without conversation, he continues to be a very important part of my life. I miss him every single day of my life, and maybe someday I will understand why some people are not meant to be together. He may not have been meant to stay in my life the way I wanted, but he will be in my heart no matter where I will be.
One day, we will be miles and miles apart from each other as I return to my own country. I want him to know that he will always occupy a special place in my heart, and that he will be in the stories I will be sharing to my grandchildren. Yes, I will continue to live my life, but I will always remember him in my soul--my favorite coincidence, my most beautiful memory.
To my Aladdin, I will forever be your Crazy