Last year I was single on valentine’s day. When the day was approaching, I felt left out. All my friends and mates were busily discussing plans they made with their boyfriends. Some people who were also single got last minute dates. They gave me hope. “Maybe a guy who is interested in me but hasn’t stepped forward yet would use this opportunity ask me out,” I said to myself.

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I waited and waited for my knight in shining armour to show up and rescue me from a lonely Valentine’s day. When the day arrived, I still had no one. During lectures, my colleagues talked about the places their dates would take them to. These talks only intensified my sadness.

It was even worse when I got to the hostel after class. The whole place was a blur of activities. Girls were busy ironing their clothes. Others went to the salon to fix their hair. Some also fixed their nails. As for the makeup, you would think we were at a cosmetic fair. Everyone looked pretty and dolled up. I watched them as I thought, “If only I had someone to take me out I will be dressed up too.”

The interesting thing is, even though I didn’t have anywhere to go or anyone to visit, I had my dress ready just in case I got a last-minute invite. I wasn’t sure I would use it but it’s better to be ready than be caught unprepared. Luckily, it came in handy.

A friend asked me to escort her to town. She had plans with someone but she didn’t want to go alone. I thought the person she was meeting was also coming along with a plus one. You know that thing men do when they tell their dates to bring along a friend for their male friends.

However, I realized the case was different when we arrived. It was a hotel she took me to. The sheer size of the building was intimidating. I didn’t even know that kind of establishment existed in our town until I saw it. I mean, the only places I knew were my school campus, my hostel, and the market.

Anyway, we went inside and my friend asked for the manager. I wasn’t privy to their conversation. The next thing I knew she was telling me, “I am spending the night with the manager. I will see you later.” That was it. Was the manager her date? I had no idea.

I was stranded. I didn’t know if I should leave her there or wait for her to finish her business. I was also upset. Why did she have to bring me out if she knew she was going to leave me by myself. While I sat at the reception fuming internally, the receptionist who was busily writing some stuff in a book called me to his desk.

He said he liked my calm demeanour. I wasn’t in the mood for flirtations but he seemed like a kind guy. So I gave him a polite smile. We spoke for a while and the vibe was good. One or two hours down the line, we were laughing and sharing stories like old friends.

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Honestly, it didn’t feel like we were strangers who had just met at a hotel reception. He also told me, “This may sound strange but I feel like I have known you for ages. So pardon me if I sound too forward but would you mind being my valentine for the night?” Maybe it was desperation. Or maybe it was the loneliness of being stranded. Whatever it was, I said yes to his request without thinking twice.

In the moment, I felt so happy because finally I too have a date for valentine’s day. He bought me drinks, and meat. One thing I liked about him was, he was a complete gentleman. He made me feel safe and comfortable.

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From that day till now, we’ve been going strong. Abdul is a kindhearted man. He is quiet and caring. He is a provider too. I don’t even ask before he gives me stuff. We’ve never quarreled or engaged in a dramatic fight. That’s how peaceful he is.

As this year’s Valentine’s Day approaches, I can’t help but think about the crazy and chaotic circumstances that brought us together. Most importantly, I no longer feel left out of the celebrations. While my friends are busily making plans with their partners, I am also making some of my own. Who knew so much could change in a year?

—Fati

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