Love at First Sight - Nyibs 23

A Fateful Meeting

One year ago, I embarked on my college journey fresh out of high school. As I stood in line, eagerly waiting to be admitted, a serendipitous encounter changed the course of my life. At that moment, I locked eyes with a captivating young woman, and it was as if the universe conspired to bring us together. Love at first sight, they call it.

I got the courage.

I got the courage to ask for her number, and to my delight, she complied. Our initial exchanges were like the sweetest melody, with our messages becoming more frequent each day. As we got to know each other, our connection deepened, and I affectionately bestowed upon her the nickname "Koala" (you see, a man has fallen deep when this happens). But a challenge loomed on the horizon – she had a high school sweetheart. Yet, I was determined, for who can stand between a determined man and his heart's desire?

A Twist in the Tale

Months passed, and Koala and I became inseparable best friends. However, a shadow crept over our blossoming friendship. She distanced herself, ignoring my texts and citing busyness whenever I called. Frustration and confusion gnawed at my heart.

My Curiosity

One evening, my curiosity led me to her neighbourhood. There, fate dealt me a cruel surprise. I watched in disbelief as my best friend shared an intimate kiss with another man, a kiss that spoke of a connection far more profound than friendship. This was not the 'boyfriend' I had heard about; she had shown me pictures of him. My anger flared, superimposing itself on the anger I already felt toward her.

Don't text me again.

Consumed by frustration, I returned home, grabbed my phone, and impulsively messaged her, "Huyo ni chali mlikua mnakiss na yeye!?" Her reply came the following day, cold and unforgiving: "You're not my boyfriend. Don't text me again." She blocked me, and in that moment, an overwhelming sense of disappointment overshadowed the pleasure I once felt, plunging me into a pit of despair.

Wisdom in Adversity

Three weeks into a haze of heavy drinking and substance abuse, my friend Dagi intervened. With a bemused smile, he remarked, "Bro, you're drinking more water than Moses these days. What's troubling you?" I poured out my heart, explaining the depths of my heartbreak. Dagi chuckled and then offered profound wisdom. He reminded me that being her best friend didn't automatically guarantee a romantic connection. Love, he said, requires effort and understanding. Unrealistic expectations of love would only lead to more pain. Though hurt, his words made sense, and I began taking tentative steps toward healing.

Lessons from the Heart

From that experience, I gleaned a valuable lesson – we often suffer more from our imagination than from reality. Authenticity is key; speak up when uncertainty lingers, and refrain from making unwarranted assumptions. In pursuing pleasure, remember that genuine love takes time and effort, and it's a journey filled with twists and turns that can surprise even the most determined hearts.