The Story of Our Story (Part 1)

Noopur & Alexander

When I traveled so far away from what I was familiar with and jumped into an ocean of shiny new things, I really had no clue what kind of life awaited me and, most importantly, who was waiting for me.

I imagine the current version of me going back to my old self and watching her in her room, rolling in the bed and writing her innermost thoughts, and the innermost thought for a person like me has always been love.

I love love, and I always looked forward to it in my life because I just believe in sparkly, beautiful things.

I guess that is the ever-utopic side of me or the artistic side of me that loves to feel things deeply. Though in hindsight, I always wanted love; I never really knew what it was. How could you find something if you don’t even know what you are looking for?

But as Rumi said, “What you seek is seeking you,” and it certainly was seeking me.

Post-COVID-19 era, in my ever-single girl era, I was diving into every opportunity that could get me out of my mind and into doing actual things. At this time, I was the single friend who made many wrong decisions but somehow made overarching right decisions in life (ask my dad how that works, I have no clue how I do this, but he says that I do).

One night in Zürich, I decided to help out in a music community because, as I was studying, I also wanted to meet people after quarantine. Though while taking the train from St. Gallen to Zürich, I thought maybe I should get off and go back, as most of the people I was going to meet had canceled coming that day. But I still pushed and went.

My task was simple: to give people coming in access wristbands. And the moment he put his hand in front for me to tie the wristband, I got a feeling. Damn that feeling.

The unsuspecting me, who did not know my life will change that night

That feeling is a feeling of starting something new, jumping off a plane to skydive, smelling something that feels like a new phase in life. That feeling that happens maybe once in 15 years, the feeling that your life is never going to stay the same but in the most magical way ever.

And I was awestruck by the feeling, checking in with different voices in my head and asking, are we all feeling this? Is this real right now? And all versions of me and my voices agreed. Yes, something is going on.

I hovered around this guy for a while thinking

‘Ah, I don’t want to come on too strong’

‘Is is ever nice if a girl approaches a guy’

‘Nothing has really worked out in past 10 years, what do I expect now’

But this feeling was there; it was quiet and persistent. It wasn’t loud, but I could still hear it. It said to go introduce yourself, and I was hesitating, and he was hiding in the corner surrounded by a big group of friends. His facial structure reminded me of someone that I dated (unfortunately) and had ended things with, and this was quite intriguing.

I classify myself as a risk-taker, but I get burned by it a lot as well, and the years before have made me doubt my risk-taking abilities because the success rate was around 10%, and that is not a very good rate, especially in love.

A few tipsy friends pushed me to go talk to him and encouraged me to get some liquid courage to approach the wallflower surrounded by a loud group of people. So after a few beers, I decided to go talk to him and be myself. What can go wrong? Nothing. Come on now.

Through the chairs and the people, I make my way to him and say, ‘Hi! You remind me of my ex, a guy that I dated’

He looked scared, the universe facepalmed

I was unaware that this might be a bad line to approach someone with (I was made aware of this later in life).

The guy didn’t say much, and I thought that he did not speak English. He introduced me to his friends and left quite shortly. I thought that it was a bummer that he did not even want to speak with me, though I was being quite friendly.

While he was leaving, I told him that I’d be at the Jam Session again next Thursday, and if he was around, it would be nice to speak again. He nodded and left. I patted myself on the back for the courage I showed and tried to move forward, saying things like

'atleast I tried'

'This is life'

'Well there are so many other things to look forward to' A little pity party with just one guest: me

However, his presence made a lasting impact on my soul, and I found myself reflecting on him and our brief conversation on the train, whether I was at home, in class, at the grocery store, or in the park.

My mind was confused

My heart was numb

But my should WAS EXCITED by the thought of him.

I was hoping that he would show up next Thursday, but I was not keeping my expectations too high. I was listening to interesting music during this time in my life that provided the flavor to this phase of my life (the only one I remember is Malibu Kids by Dancody).

When next Thursday arrived, I couldn’t wait. I was hoping he would show up, but I was a cool girl enough to know that even if he didn’t show up, I would be fine (I had anyway promised my brother that I wouldn’t date anyone for a while).

My eyes searched for him, but I did not see him, and I thought to myself, this is okay. We are good, let’s just get back to reality. Till my friend screeched and said, ‘Your boy is here!’

She pointed to him at the bar, ordering a beer. His face is hard to miss.

However, he wandered aimlessly and then went to listen to the performers. I kept my eyes on him, but I hesitated to approach him again. For the second time?

Another guy attempted to talk to me, but I ignored him. Instead, I oddly followed what my soul was urging me to do. I stood behind him from for a bit to evaluate my intuition. I was convinced that if he showed up today, he might be open to talking again. However, I was terrified, scared, and scarred by my past experiences and decisions in love and relationships. I wasn't sure if this was the right move. Then, a voice in my head said

’10 minutes of bravery, that is all you need’

‘Just be brave’

So I went and tapped on his shoulder and said, “Hey! do you remember me? I am Noopur’

Surprisingly he smiled and his eyes lit up

He said ‘Oh yes I do, I am Alexander!’ We talked near the stage for a while and it felt easy and safe. "Want to go for a walk?" I asked, "I also need to catch the last train to St. Gallen" He agreed and we left The is beauty in the streets of Zürich at night, the city never takes a breather from being beautiful and endearing. We walked around the river, in the park and on the bridge with the heart locks. Trying to fit in conversation for which we had a lifetime for but did not have a knowledge about it at the time.

Zurich at night

I missed my train and got to know what love is and why I had to wait for so long in life to experience. Every mistake led me here, every grain of faith built the moment. There was no ochestra announcing that you have found your husband, the sky didn't turn glittery purple. It was a tiny feeling that led the foundation and we built everything on that foundation. And there is so much more I learnt about love as the story of our story continues.. in part 2.

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