In the city of love

This story begins on a rainy morning in December 2017. Jerry leaves his house early in the morning to catch a bus from the nearby stop to head to college. Jerry was new to both the college and the city. He didn’t have any close friends yet.

In the early days of Jerry’s college life, he meets her one day on a city bus while heading to college. As Jerry boards the bus, he’s fortunate enough to find an empty seat. However, by the next stop, all the seats are taken. In the meantime, a beautiful and graceful woman steps onto the bus. Her eyes are deep and blue, like a lake, and the light raindrops fall on her cheeks as if they were dewdrops on a flower. The moment Jerry’s eyes fall on Alina Shehnaz, time seems to freeze for an instant. Jerry had never seen such a breathtakingly beautiful woman before. Alina was in the prime of her youth, while Jerry was just stepping into his early years. Standing by the window, Alina looks out, worried about being late for work, while Jerry’s gaze remains fixed on this angelic beauty. Being a polite and well-mannered student, Jerry stands up from his seat and offers it to Alina. Alina Shehnaz, a talkative and cheerful woman, thanks Jerry warmly in an enthusiastic tone. Still reeling from the shock of her blue eyes, Jerry is struck again by the magic of Alina’s lively and melodious voice. Soon, their stop arrives, and both step off the bus, heading toward their respective destinations. For the rest of the day, Jerry remains lost in thoughts of Alina’s beautiful face and deep eyes. Despite himself, he can’t stop thinking about her every moment. Jerry eagerly awaits the next morning.

The following morning, as Jerry boards the bus to college again, Alina steps on as well, standing with a hint of unease. Jerry watches her. Once more, he gives up his seat for her and asks her to sit. Alina is delighted and thanks Jerry with warmth. This routine continues for a few weeks. Gradually, Alina begins to be impressed by Jerry’s manners, and with the grace of time, the two become good friends. However, this story doesn’t remain confined to mere friendship. Perhaps God had other plans. Jerry had fallen deeply in love with Alina but hesitated to confess his feelings. Yet, Alina, too, had started to take an interest in him.

One evening, Alina messages Jerry on WhatsApp, asking, “Would you like to have tea with me this evening?” Jerry, overjoyed, replies, “Yes, why not?” They decide to spend the evening at a nearby restaurant. Both dress up and leave their homes. Jerry even buys Alina’s favorite gift. When he arrives at the restaurant, Alina is already there, waiting for him. She’s wearing a red dress, her hair flowing freely, her deep eyes brimming with love as she waits for Jerry. Jerry shakes her hand and says, “Sorry for being late.” Alina replies, “No worries, but I was waiting for you.” Jerry, slightly flustered, explains, “I got delayed at the shop while buying your gift.” Curious, Alina asks, “Oh, really? Can I know what it is?” Jerry says, “Yes, of course, but please close your eyes.” Alina, intrigued, agrees, “Oh, really? Why not?” As she closes her eyes, Jerry pulls a beautiful red necklace from his pocket, snaps his fingers, and says, “Here’s your gift.” Opening her eyes, Alina exclaims, “Oh, Jerry, this is amazing! I love it. Can you tie it around my wrist? I’ll keep it with me forever.” Jerry replies, “Yes, of course,” and ties the necklace around her fair wrist. Beaming with joy, Alina says, “Jerry, you’re so sweet. I really like this.”

Just then, a waiter approaches and asks, “Friends, what would you like to order?” Jerry says, “Alina is the guest; ask her.” The waiter turns to Alina and says, “Yes, Alina ji, please tell me.” Alina orders, “Two cups of coffee and two sandwich burgers.” The waiter thanks them and says, “Right away, friends.” Jerry and Alina turn to each other and start talking. Jerry compliments her, saying, “Alina, your eyes are so beautiful. May God protect you from the evil eye.” Blushing slightly, Alina says, “Ameen.” The waiter soon returns with their food, apologizing, “Sorry, friends, it took a little longer.” Together, Jerry and Alina say, “No problem.” In Alina’s heart, feelings of love for Jerry begin to stir, and she grows more impressed by his character.

Addressing her, Jerry asks, “Alina, are we good friends?” She replies, “Absolutely, we’re good friends.” They continue talking affectionately while eating. A little later, the waiter brings the bill. As Alina reaches to pay, Jerry insists, “I’ll cover it.” But Alina, in a soft and loving tone, says, “Oh, Jerry, you’re so sweet, but I’m older than you, so I’ll pay.” She hands the waiter 600 lira, thanking him for the hospitality. The waiter responds, “Thank you for coming.”

Laughing, Jerry says, “Friend, the sandwiches were delicious!” The waiter replies, “Thank you, sir, for the compliment.” And so, Jerry and Alina step out of the restaurant, reluctant to part ways. A sense of longing and restlessness creeps into their hearts. Alina turns to Jerry and says, “Jerry, can we walk around the city together? I enjoyed spending time with you.” Jerry replies, “Oh, my dear friend, why not? I love spending time with you too.” Hesitantly, Alina asks, “Jerry, can I hold your hand while we walk? I’m scared of losing you in this crowd.” Jerry says, “Of course, why not?” Holding hands, they stroll through the city for about an hour. Then Alina says, “Jerry, I think we should head home now; our parents must be waiting.” Jerry agrees, “Absolutely.” Still holding hands, they board a bus home, sitting together and chatting, losing track of time. When Alina’s stop arrives, she bids Jerry goodbye with a warm smile, glancing back at him lovingly as she steps off. As the bus pulls away, Jerry leans out the window and calls, “Alina, take care! I’ll wait for you in the morning!” She shouts back, “I’ll be eagerly waiting too!” And so, they return to their homes, filled with anticipation for the next day.

When Jerry gets home, he receives a WhatsApp message from Alina: “Jerry, did you reach home safely?” He replies, “Yes, friend, I’m home safe. Thanks for checking.” Alina responds, “I’ll be waiting for you at the bus stop in the morning.” Jerry says, “Great.”

Weeks pass like this, with them traveling on the same bus every morning and meeting for tea in the evenings. Both Jerry and Alina grow deeply in love, yet for some reason, they hesitate to confess their feelings. One day, Jerry decides it’s time to tell Alina how he feels. He buys a diamond ring to propose to her, a token of their love.

As usual, they meet at the restaurant that evening. With hopeful eyes, Jerry says, “Alina, this evening is very special. I want to tell you something important.” Smiling, Alina replies, “Oh, my dear Jerry, what is it?” Nervously, he says, “Look, Alina, I want to share my heart with you, but I’m afraid you might get upset.” With a curious look, she responds, “Oh, my sweet Jerry, you’re so innocent. Still, I’d like to know what’s in my friend’s heart.” Just then, the waiter interrupts, “Sorry, here’s your food.” Thanking him, the waiter playfully adds, “Friends, may God bless your bond. You look great together—truly a match made by God.” Blushing, Alina says, “May God bless us.” The waiter says, “Ameen,” and leaves. Jerry urges Alina to eat, and she thanks him before digging in.

After a brief silence, Alina says, “Jerry, my patience is running out. Will you tell me what’s on your mind?” Nervously, he replies, “Yes, yes, of course.” Sweat beads on his forehead from anxiety. Concerned, Alina asks softly, “Jerry, are you okay?” He assures her, “Yes, I’m fine… just nervous about where to start.” Reassuringly, she says, “Don’t worry, silly. I’m your good friend; I can understand your feelings.” Taking a deep breath, Jerry says, “Alina, do you know you’re the most beautiful and precious woman in the world to me?” Laughing heartily, she teases, “You were shy about saying that? You’re crazy, Jerry!” Stammering, he continues, “Alina, I love you so much. Will you be my partner?” Shocked, she asks, “Jerry, do you really love me? I can’t believe it.” Pulling the diamond ring from his pocket, he says, “Alina, will you marry me?” She falls silent for a moment, then extends her hand and says, “Jerry, I love you too. I want to be your bride.” Slipping the ring onto her finger, Jerry says, “Alina, I love you.” Romantically, she replies, “Jerry, I love you too.” Neither can believe if they’re dreaming or living in reality. Then, in a tender moment, Alina moves closer and kisses Jerry’s forehead, saying, “Jerry, I wanted to tell you something too.” Looking into her eyes, he says, “Yes, please.” She confesses, “I’ve wanted to propose to you for days, but you beat me to it. I’m glad.” Smiling, she adds, “The ring is perfect—it fits me well.” The waiter returns, saying, “Friends, please settle the bill.” Jerry pays and thanks him, marking the end of this chapter.

In this first part, we explored how Jerry and Alina fell in love. However, Jerry’s parents were not pleased with this decision, as Jerry and Alina followed different religions. But as they say, love knows no age or religion. In the next part, we’ll see how Jerry and Alina convince their parents and tie the knot. Stay tuned until then. Goodbye.