The first time she saw him, she was mesmerized. She had never considered a man to be an adorable creation before. She had seen many other men who were- tall, fair skinned calm and composed- walking around. But this one had a rare, captivating presence and peaceful handsomeness.
There was something different about him. He had an air of confidence, health and positivity. He walked the effortless gait of an athlete, exuding a quiet radiance. She found him intriguing and wanted to know more about him.
She focused her eyes on the man confidently approaching her table. And at that moment, 'The lady in hot pink dress finally met the man in chocolate-brown pants with a matching print shirt.' That is how they had described their outfits to each other on the phone, since they were complete strangers.
"Hello to the lady in hot pink," Benjamin had said calmly, extending his hand. His rich baritone voice was now familiar.
Megyn looked exactly, the way his aunt had described her - beautiful and composed. That single detail had reassured him that he had found the right person.
"Hello…. Benjamin. Nice to meet you. It's good to finally put a face to the voice." Megyn said thoughtfully before breaking into a broad smile – the kind that had always brought warmth to people's hearts.
Benjamin could not help but notice. His heart jumped slightly as he took a seat opposite her. Her dazzling pearl-white teeth, set off by a charming gap in her upper row, caught the light. The brilliance of her megawatt smile jolted him like an electric current.
They met in a restaurant in Randi. Randi was a medium sized town and the administrative center of Randi County, where Megyn was born and raised. She had lived here all her life. Her late grandmother had often told her how the town was a hub of batter trade in its early days. Then the white settlers came and built schools and hospitals around the lake.
Lake Randi remained a major source of fish for the entire country. Fishing had long been and still was, the county primary economic activity. Large freezing facilities and fish processing factories have since been established. Megyn's father owned a fish export company with several fishing boats, a ship, freezers and a processing plant.
The restaurant, one of the best in town, was built right by the lake. Megyn had chosen a table by the window, where she could enjoy the cool breeze drifting from the water – a welcome relief in the sweltering January heat. She was sipping coke from a glass and flipping through the pages of a lifestyle magazine, when she heard the footsteps approaching. She closed the magazine and set it on the table.
Now, Benjamin sat facing her. They had exchanged greetings, but neither of them spoke. A moment of awkward silence settled between them.
Megyn bit her lip. How do you start a conversation with someone you barely know?
She lifted her face and met his gaze. His eyes locked int hers, as if searching her soul, drawing out her thoughts and emotions. It was as though he had cast a spell on her, making her forget everything else – just maintaining eye contact. Slowly, shyly she looked down and toyed with her fingers in her lap.
Benjamin sensed her nervousness and decided to break the silence.
"Mm! So, do they suit each other?" he asked, a teasing lilt in his voice.
Megyn blinked, confused. "Err...what?"
"You know - the voice and the owner?"
The question caught her off guard. The truth was, to her, his deep voice suited him perfectly. But she wasn't about to boost his ego – at least not yet.
Benjamin grinned, sensing her hesitation.
"Well…" Megyn hesitated, then smirked. "Actually, I think your voice is unbearable – almost as annoyingly ugly as its owner."
Benjamin's grin faltered for a second, and then Megyn burst into laughter. "Relax, I'm joking," she said playfully. "And just like that, I've discovered your first weakness."
Her laughter was spontaneous, irresistible. It was the kind of laugh that made people feel lighter. Benjamin found himself staring at her, captivated. He leaned slightly forward, resting his elbows on the table.
"Thank you." he said.
"For what?" she asked.
"For deciding that I am the most handsome man with the sweetest voice you have ever heard."
Megyn knew he was right, but she wasn't going to let him know that.
"My lips are sealed." She teased, touching her lips with her index finger, still amused by Benjamin's confidence. Her cheeks dimpled as she smiled. A smile - a smile so radiant, Benjamin thought he had never seen anything like it. His heart leapt.
"And what is this weakness of mine, that you think you have uncovered?" he asked tilting his head slightly.
Megyn shrugged playfully. "Maybe you care too much about a stranger's opinion of you?"
Benjamin leaned back and folded his arms. "Megyn. It's not just a stranger's opinion – It is the opinion of the girl I travelled all the night by bus just to meet.
At that, he tilted his head, studying her features intently.
Megyn was petite standing at about 156 centimeters. She had a smooth chocolate-brown complexion, flawless skin and delicate facial features. Her eyes were both gentle and lively, sparkling with intelligence. All in all, her face was a beautiful art, naturally designed. She wore no makeup or jewelry. Her hair was cut short, making her look even younger than her twenty-two years.
"She's a natural beauty," Benjamin mused.
His mind wandered back to his university days, which now felt like yesterday. Three years had slipped by so quickly. He had seen many girls -hovering around him like moths drawn to a light bulb – but he had never been interested in any of them.
So why did this girl feel different? Why did he feel … something?
For the first time in his thirty years, Benjamin - the outspoken, confident man- did not know what to say next.
Clearing his throat, he extended his hand again. "Benjamin Hawi," he said cordially. "And I am here on a date with one Megyn Maringo."
Megyn grinned and placed her hand over her chest. "Megyn Maringo, here. And tempted to agree that, yes, it is a date."
Benjamin chuckled. "I must say, I am much honored to meet you, Megyn. My aunt has spoken so much about you and now I see why she adores you."
"Not so fast Benjamin, not so fast," she teased. You might just take back those kind words after this date."
He smirked. "We'll find out soon enough. But first things first – I'd give anything for a cold drink,"
Spotting a waiter nearby, he signaled for a bottle of cold water. When the drink arrived, he took a long sip, savoring the refreshment.
Megyn excused herself to visit the washrooms. As she walked away, she took the moment to collect her thoughts.
She couldn't seem to settle.
What about him?
Benjamin's gaze kept following her, piercing her through her usual confidence, making her feel unnervingly vulnerable. She needed just a minute away from him to steady herself.
Just be yourself, she reminded herself.