The Untold Melody of a First Love: When Hearts Spoke Louder Than Words

                     The Untold Melody of a First Love: When Hearts Spoke Louder Than Words

 In my last blog, I shared the idea that each person's life is a story, rich with experiences, emotions, and turning points. But truly, turning those raw moments into written words requires dedication, time, and a genuine love for the craft. Today, I want to invite you into one such story – a phase in the life of my college friend, Riyas, that still brings a visible blush to his face when he recounts it.

(Note: The names, places, and specific details mentioned in this blog are fictionalized to protect privacy. Any resemblance to real individuals or locations is purely coincidental.)

A Childhood of Comparisons and the Escape to College

Riyas was the second child in his family. His father, a central government employee, worked in Delhi, while his mother, a dedicated government school teacher, couldn't relocate. This meant Riyas grew up under the shadow of his "Padipist" sister, a brilliant student who seemed to effortlessly ace every exam. Riyas, an average student, constantly felt the sting of comparison, especially from his mother.

To escape this constant pressure and the academic "torture" at home, Riyas, after studying in an English medium school, eventually moved away for college. This was his chance at a new beginning, a taste of freedom, and a break from the relentless expectations. He embraced college life, perhaps a little too much, leading to back papers and a stern call from his college to his worried mother. This brought him back home, briefly, to focus on his studies.

The Glimpse That Changed Everything: Shabnam's Arrival

During his school days, Riyas would often wait for his bus, casually observing the world go by. Among the daily sights were Shabnam and her friends, walking to their nearby government school in the village we'll call Mahal. For Riyas, she was just another face in the crowd. He was more interested in spotting other "beautiful girls" on passing buses.

But destiny, as it often does, had a subtle trick up its sleeve. While home for his exams, stressed and seeking relief, Riyas would cycle around. It was during one of these aimless rides, as Shabnam began her degree at a parallel college nearby, that something shifted. He caught a glimpse of her, and this time, her beauty struck him with a profound "Woow!" He wondered why he'd never noticed her before.

From that day on, Riyas's cycle rides became purposeful. He timed them perfectly to coincide with Shabnam's outings, ringing his bell gently as he passed her house. Slowly, Shabnam began to notice him too.

A Bold Move and a Sweet Connection

One day, when Shabnam wasn't outside, Riyas took a bold step. Knowing her brother, Abdu (who was away in Bombay), was a friend, he decided to visit her house. Shabnam's mother, recognizing him as the teacher's son, invited him in. And then, Shabnam appeared, shocked to see Riyas sitting in her living room. A shy smile passed between them, a silent acknowledgment of the budding attraction.

That brief encounter, orchestrated by Riyas's courage and a thirst-quenching glass of squash, laid the groundwork. Shabnam's smile when she explained why she was busy – a positive signal he cherished. Soon, a routine began: the gentle ring of Riyas's cycle bell, Shabnam waiting outside, and shared, fleeting smiles. But there was no real chance to talk, no exchange of numbers.

The Unforeseen Call: A Voice from the Heart

College called Riyas back for exams, severing their routine. He returned home weeks later, to a series of missed calls on his landline. A sweet female voice on the other end, "Hello... did you understand me?" Puzzled, Riyas asked who it was. "We used to see each other a few days back, and then you suddenly disappeared," she replied, expressing concern. It was Shabnam.

His heart swelled. She'd found his number in the yellow pages and, incredibly, had spotted him in a bus window as he returned home. This was a "big woow!" Their first real conversation flowed, easy and full of happiness. The next morning, he was back on his cycle, ringing the bell, and receiving a wave from Shabnam. Soon, a three-ring-and-cut on the landline became their secret code, allowing them to talk for hours, even if meetings were rare.

A Surprise Visit and a Shocking Touch

Riyas, longing to see Shabnam, planned a surprise visit to her parallel college. Posing as an admissions seeker, he navigated the campus during lunch break, found her best friend Abubacker, and, pretending to be Shabnam's cousin, arranged a meeting. Shabnam was visibly shocked, but soon, she introduced Riyas to Abubacker as her "friend whom she is in crush with."

They slipped away to a nearby café, a popular student haunt, where Abubacker, with a knowing wink, secured a private, half-door space for them. Once alone, Riyas, emboldened, reached for Shabnam's hand. And then, the unexpected happened: a static electric shock! Riyas, prone to this rare phenomenon, had found another "rare human." Shabnam withdrew her hand, startled. Seeing his immediate sadness, she bravely reached out and held his hand herself. In that moment, her face glowed, and his beamed.

Abubacker, their silent guardian, retrieved Shabnam's bag from class, allowing them more precious time together. Riyas's gratitude was immense, a warm hug sealing their bond.

The Beach, The Toddy Shop, and an Unspoken Understanding

"What's next?" Shabnam asked. "Let's sit for a while, then decide," Riyas replied. His mind was set on the nearby, secluded beach. Shabnam agreed.

The beach, a quiet stretch with an unassuming toddy shop, became their sanctuary. Ashokan and Mallika Chechi, the owners, were welcoming souls. Riyas, with his knack for making friends, quickly connected with Ashokan, discussing fish and cooking. They were even invited into the kitchen to witness the mouth-watering process. Ashokan's promise of help and protection solidified their haven.

There, under the shade of Australian pine trees, holding hands, shoulder to shoulder, Riyas and Shabnam felt an ancient connection, as if they had known each other for years. They talked for hours, building a silent understanding. Though Shabnam initially declined food, Riyas hand-fed her, a tender gesture she accepted without hesitation. Tears welled in her eyes, tears of pure happiness.

Uncrossed Boundaries and Deep Affection

Their weekly visits to Ashokan and Mallika Chechi's shop became a cherished routine. The couple, childless themselves, treated Riyas and Shabnam like their own. They even provided a private space, giving them the key to their home. Mallika Chechi, assuming a physical relationship, once gently cautioned Shabnam to "take care." Her shock was evident when Shabnam explained they had never crossed that boundary. Riyas, despite having "opportunities," never pushed for physical intimacy. He loved her heart, he explained, more than her body. He was "thirsty for it," yes, but wouldn't do anything that might "haunt her till her death" if they didn't marry.

This respect and restraint only deepened Shabnam's trust. Her friends often pressed her, curious why Riyas didn't behave like "usual boys," but she knew his intentions were pure. Riyas, for his part, was captivated by a particular, constant fragrance Shabnam carried – a secret she promised to reveal only upon their marriage.

The Harsh Reality of Future and a Midnight Rendezvous

Both Riyas and Shabnam knew their future together was precarious. He was still in his undergraduate studies, with a sister to marry off. Shabnam, also an undergraduate, faced the imminent prospect of an arranged marriage. They discussed this painful reality, surprisingly, both accepting that marriage between them was unlikely.

Once, Riyas suggested taking a "break" to see how they'd cope. A few days was all they could manage before Shabnam called, unable to bear the distance.

College vacation brought a pause to their weekly meetings, leaving them feeling "horrible." Shabnam, bolder now, suggested a midnight meeting at her home. Riyas was hesitant, fearing being caught. But she assured him she had a safe spot: the terrace.

Under a full moon, Riyas carefully entered her compound, climbed the external staircase, and found Shabnam waiting with a bottle of water, anticipating his thirst. He was struck by her glowing beauty, again wondering why he hadn't noticed it during their school days. She smiled, revealing she had noticed him, but disliked "English medium school kids" for their "jada" (pretentiousness). He pressed her about the captivating scent. Her reply, again: "It's a secret, I will tell you only when we are getting married."

They talked for hours, sharing dreams and secrets. Shabnam, an avid reader, was incredibly intelligent. As midnight approached, she held his hand, kissed both his cheeks, and sent him off. Riyas, feeling "light-weighted and happy," slept peacefully.

Their next midnight meeting on the terrace was even more intimate. Shabnam, noticing his discomfort the last time, had arranged a cozy bed for them. They lay there, holding hands, under the vast sky. She asked him directly if he had feelings for her. "I do have, but I will control," he confessed, reiterating his love for her heart over her body. It was then, for the first time, Riyas kissed Shabnam on her lips. She melted, lying on his chest, feeling utterly light. She trusted him implicitly, knowing he wouldn't cross boundaries even if she "insisted."

The Unbearable Truth and a Painful Goodbye

As their college vacations ended, they returned to their routines, meeting weekly at Ashokan and Mallika Chechi's. Mallika Chechi, still believing they were intimate, even gave them the key to her house and cautioned Shabnam. But Shabnam's response shocked her: they maintained their boundaries, limiting intimacy to kisses, tight hugs, and shared warmth.

Riyas even introduced Shabnam to his college friends. She was taken aback by the casual physicality between them – girls holding his hand, hanging on his shoulder. "They behave in such a way," he explained, "each has their own boyfriends... if anyone behaves badly, they'll be slapped." Still, Shabnam wondered why Riyas never sought more from her. He asked her directly if she wanted a physical relationship. "I don't know," she confessed. Riyas, ever protective, said no, it would "haunt her till her death" if they didn't marry.

Months passed. During festivals, they showered Ashokan and Mallika Chechi with gifts, who, in turn, reciprocated with traditional wear. Dressed in her Pattu Pavada, Shabnam looked exquisite. Riyas, unable to resist, hugged her tightly, kissing her forehead. Tears streamed down her face – tears of overwhelming happiness and the poignant awareness of their situation. Ashokan and Mallika Chechi, seeing their deep love, even offered to speak to their parents, to help them marry. But Riyas and Shabnam knew their reality was different.

The rainy season brought another terrace meeting. Huddled together against the cold, their bodies pressed close, they felt each other's curves and parts, acknowledging the deep physical attraction, yet reinforcing their boundaries. They understood each other profoundly, beyond words.

Then, the sad news began. Shabnam started receiving marriage proposals. Her mother wanted her married after graduation. Riyas felt a deep sadness too. Shabnam, with her characteristic boldness, told him not to worry. "We have known each other except physically," she said, even offering herself if he wanted to "taste her physically," but adding it would "haunt them till death." Riyas still refused.

The day came: Shabnam got engaged. She resolved not to speak to her fiancé until after the wedding. Their terrace meetings continued, now tinged with profound sadness. The day she married, Riyas was devastated, battling tears and a deep depression. He couldn't digest the thought of someone else touching her. He tried to rationalize it, reminding himself he wasn't ready to marry her and take the risk.

Their last meeting was at Mallika Chechi's house, who, with a knowing heart, gave them the key. Inside, Shabnam clung to Riyas, sobbing, unable to bear the pain of separation. Riyas, too, was suffering immensely. This was their final goodbye.

The Echoes of a Love Story

Riyas, my dear friend, confided all these details to me. As a good listener, I watched him, understanding the depth of his love, and the impossible situation he faced. I even met Shabnam with him a couple of times, always wondering why they couldn't be together, why they wouldn't cross that boundary. His answer was always the same: the fear of haunting regrets if they didn't marry.

Today, Riyas, whose name I've fictionalized, lives in the UK, a project lead in a software company. He's married to a strong woman works as a civil engineer, and they have two lovely children. They've weathered many ups and downs and built a beautiful life.

As for Shabnam, Riyas doesn't know where she is. After their last meeting, he never tried to contact her, understanding that it could lead to immense problems for both. He suffered deeply, and I even accompanied him to a psychologist to help him through his mental anguish.

Isn't this a beautiful story? Just as I shared in my last blog, if you delve into the lives of individuals, you'll uncover millions of such tales. Each one unique, each one a testament to the human experience.

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What are your thoughts on Riyas and Shabnam's story? Have you ever experienced a love that couldn't be? Share your reflections in the comments below!