One day, as I strolled near the beach, a sight caught my eye: a girl with captivating eyes and a radiant smile. It was one of those moments when you can’t help but be drawn to someone. We were about a hundred meters apart, walking in opposite directions. Our glances kept drifting back to each other as if pulled by an invisible force. When our paths finally crossed, our eyes met briefly before we continued on our way. I didn’t look back, unsure if she did either, but something in the air left me feeling strangely unsettled. It was one of those rare feelings that leave you wondering what could have been.
Perhaps you’ve experienced something similar, the feeling of being inexplicably drawn to someone. It’s a natural part of life, where attraction can spark countless moments of connection. Yet among these fleeting encounters, there are a few that stand out, the ones that leave a lasting impression on your heart.
I’ve had my fair share of such moments, perhaps ten or fifteen in total. A few stand out in my memory, including one when I was working part-time as a food delivery person in Barcelona around 2019. I went to deliver an order, and the same thing happened. Oh man, I still remember that moment. I don’t recall her face exactly. If I saw her now, I wouldn’t recognize her, but I remember the feeling. She was French, and I don’t think she spoke much English.
Let’s talk about the second one. This story is a bit different because I actually know her. It was during my college days in Nepal, specifically in my home city of Hetauda. I had made it a routine to go for runs around 5 a.m. every day with my friend. One morning, as we were returning home, I saw a girl running with her mother or sister. She had come to Hetauda for vacation from her studies in Kathmandu. When our eyes met, it felt like time stood still. She was beautiful, and her eyes held a depth that drew me in. Even though I never spoke to her, the memory of that moment remains vivid.
I still find her attractive even though we haven’t seen each other in years. To be honest, I don’t even remember if I ever talked to her. Somehow, I knew back then that she was out of my league. After we crossed paths, I asked my friend about her. That’s when I learned her name and where she lived. He even told me, probably jokingly, that she wasn’t easy to get.
She probably never noticed me, but that moment carried a spark I’ll never forget. It doesn’t matter if I forget her face one day or if she gets married and lives happily. We’ll probably never see or talk to each other again. I live in Europe now, and she’s somewhere in North America, living her own life. I don’t follow her or hope to meet her again and live together.That’s not what this is about. It’s about the feeling I had back then,the spark that may not exist anymore but still returns whenever something reminds me of it.
That kind of attraction is rare. It’s the kind where your heart, mind, and body align for a brief, perfect moment. You feel completely alive, as if time pauses just for you. In life, you meet many beautiful people and feel drawn to them easily, but to experience something like that, something pure and effortless, is truly priceless.
Despite the passage of time, these moments remain etched in my memory, serving as reminders of the fleeting nature of life and love. But what if we approached every encounter with the same sense of openness and curiosity? What if we dared to connect with those around us more readily?
Life is an adventure: a journey of discovery and growth. While it’s natural to wonder about missed opportunities, it’s essential to find joy in the present moment. Sometimes, the courage to speak up and seize an opportunity can lead to unexpected connections. But even if we choose not to act, that’s okay too. Life is vast, filled with endless possibilities and experiences waiting to be explored.
If I ever find that same feeling again with someone, and if it happens from both sides, I can only imagine what a journey it would be. To live it, to share it, and to build something meaningful together would be a beautiful experience before we leave this world.