He was the 'class monitor'. The position was conferred upon a student who was any of:
(a) the brightest student in class
(b) the teacher’s pet
(c) the loudest student in class
(d) the largest student in class
(e) the naughtiest student in class
In his case, only (a) and (b) applied. She was proud of that fact. He was, of course, the cutest boy in class too. ;-) She was eight and a half. He was three months older than her. Crush #1.
*****
She was the 'class monitor' ... on the girls’ side. As per the rules of the class, another was required on the boys’ side. He qualified on none of counts (a to e) above but he just had that look, the sensible, responsible gentleman. He was paired with her as the other class monitor. She was nine and some months. He was ten. Crush #2A (his).
Fast forward >> She had just turned fourteen. He had served as Vice-Head Boy for the primary and junior high classes in the previous years. He was one of the few ‘all-round’ athletes (refers to the variety of sports/ athletic events, not the physical attributes) in junior high. Now that he was also transforming into one of the tall, dark and handsome variety, she noticed him more than ever before. Crush #2B (hers). The tables had turned!
*****
She met him at a cousin’s wedding. The relation to the cousin made him her relative. Damn! His disarming smile, model-like good looks, and charming personality made for an irresistible combo. The butterflies in her stomach fluttered harder because he silently returned the flirtatious admiration through the mischievous glint in his eye. She was on the brink of her twenties; he a couple of years older. Crush #8.
*****
The workplace had its pros and cons: it afforded her the opportunity to gaze at him without having to make a special effort to be around him, but it forced her to comply with implicit rules of propriety in a workplace, which disallowed the chances of a greater personal connection. Her finesse with people problems intrigued him. He sought her opinion on a range of issues from the mundane to the esoteric. He sported a smile that was to die for! His athletic strut was mesmerizing. Crush #15.
*****
What causes attraction to somebody? Sometimes, the reasons are as simple as (a) to (e) above. At other times, it’s the aesthetic element at play. Beauty is still a highly valued attribute. At still others, the scientific attraction (the physical chemistry of biology) is the culprit. But these are too superficial to interest a human spirit for too long. But won’t you agree that a combination of these matched with the intensity of an emotional connection, and the luxury of time, money and space lay a strong foundation for turning the fantasy called ‘love’ into a reality?
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"It is a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous that you realize just how much you love them."
