Love Beyond The Wheel

A mix of flavors danced in Zuri's kitchen, each ingredient meticulously placed for his beloved chicken pilaf. He insisted that it was a masterpiece, every bite a testament to her affection. The dining table bore a precious gift from her mother - a white tablecloth adorned with embroidered blooms in pink, purple, and yellow. Her mother had gifted it to her, explaining that a beautifully set table had a magnetic allure to people. She had also constantly drilled in her that “the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach. Anticipating a magical evening, she wished for her culinary creation and the tablecloth to set the enchanting stage she had dreamed of.

In her bedroom, the figure-hugging black dress that had ignited their journey was carefully spread out, a silent witness to their first date, the genesis of their love story. She had bought it from a sale at a high-end store desiring to make a great impression on her new “boo”. She hoped that its charm would work a second time and evoke a sweet reminder of where it all started when she put it on. Two years had passed since that momentous day, and tonight she hoped that he would finally make that final step towards a deeper commitment to her.

Yet, Zuri stood at a crossroads. Was she chasing shadows, tethered to a man indifferent to her dreams? For the past months she kept envisioning a shared future, but each attempt to discuss their future, seemed to hit a brick wall. He seemed content with the present. Had she invested too much in the wrong person? Was she missing something? Why were relationships so complicated and what was it about men and their cars!

The memory of their inaugural meeting, exactly two years prior, flickered like a cherished film. He'd swept her off her feet, his charisma and magnetism casting a spell on her. The offers of constant rides in his sleek cars had been electrifying. Her friends had been envious, and as time passed, their bond dimmed. Her youthful self-had relished these rides, but as time passed, the excitement dwindled. She yearned for more of him, but he was consumed by the allure of new car models, speeding towards unknown destinations. His attention waned, leaving her fading into the background. Inspite all this, Zuri still held on to hope that things would turn around and they would recapture their first moments of committed and selfless love. She had already invested too much in this relationship. Somehow it had to work!

For her it was a clear choice: all or nothing. Yet, for him, three priorities reigned supreme - first, second, and third - his cherished sports cars. Zuri's heart wearied of this relentless competition, questioning why she vied for affection against cold, unfeeling metal. It was time to reclaim her heart, recognizing that life offered greater joys than contending for love with chrome and steel.

The call came, a few minutes to 6.00pm. A blow to her hopes. He was not coming after all. He'd rescheduled their date for a joyride with his buddies, chasing the thrill of the open road. The audacity! On the second anniversary of their love story! Did he not comprehend the effort she'd poured into the kitchen, the dreams woven into their plans? Did she not hold a cherished place in his heart? Let him marry his cars! Zuri knew her worth. She understood that life held deeper pursuits than chasing an automobile.

In the end, Zuri's journey taught her that love transcends material possessions, that it's about cherishing and supporting one another's dreams. The road to true commitment should be paved with mutual respect and shared aspirations, not overshadowed by the gleam of chrome and the roar of engines.