Once Upon A Time

It was the year 1996, in a home tuition on a not so far away land. Students from various schools gathered in the living area for a short briefing and class distribution. Across the packed room, he thought she stood out from the rest. She thought he had the nicest smile. They did not realize until months later that their younger siblings were classmates. That her sister used to date one of his best friends. That he used to teach her sister to play basketball. That his other best friend was an old friend of hers. It was a small world after all.

On his birthday, her sister bought him a card. She penned down her message as well. Few days later, he wrote her an appreciation letter. From then, their friendship blossomed. Thus they began trading letters with each other, stole glances every now and then during classes, and being heavily teased by friends.

He expressed his feelings but she said to wait till after SPM. Their first date was on his birthday when after school, they met up for lunch, watched a movie and she gave him a personalized engraved pen. While preparing for the exams, they went out for several group outings and attended intensive classes together.

Few days after New Year's in 1997, he popped the question again and she agreed. They were due to attend the same college. Both of them were excited, looking forward to seeing each other much more often in college.