I Thought I Heard You Laughing

Unlike most people I know, I don't believe in love at first sight. But the world being as mad as it is, somehow manages to make you run into people so unusually breathtaking that when you see them, even if it's a five second glance.. the image of their faces remains forever burnt in your memory. Living in a world of countless men and seeing so many every single day, even hundreds sometimes, perhaps.. There are only but a few that truly bring life to the term beautiful stranger.

Back when I was working for Roberto Cavalli, my pale chiffon scarf draped delicately around my neck and the perfectly accessorized sunglasses perched upon my head.. I remember that almost german looking guy stepping into that Lacoste shop. Turning back to look at me, that one glance is the one I will never forget. The long brown hair which he ran his fingers through, the brown eyes thinned slightly as if in deep concentration, the almostbutnotquitethere frown, and the very rugged looking black leather biker jacket. Very rough and somehow tender at the same time. I still remember.

And the stranger I spent three minutes of a kevin lyttle song with at a random rungg whose very name I did not know back then. Only to see him years later on a perfect cold winter eve with the mystical sound of the pappu saeen dhol that served as background music. And then, never again.

The third and last time someone caught my eye enough to ensure it'll be something I'll always remember was very recently. An ogre on the outside, but truly beautiful deep inside - literally. He was the guy wearing the Shrek character costume at an exhibition where I was representing Dreamworks. I don't think I've ever been struck speechless like that.. The pale lips and the perfectly styled hair albeit a little messed up after having worn the Shrek head for so long. He said hello and I blushed and ran away.

I don't quite know/remember what their voices sounded like, or how they were as people... Or if they were married, divorced or gay. But sometimes, in this mad world with a mad life, we need to imagine something perfect on a long, lonely day. And in my mind.. that's what they'll always be - perfect. One, a two minute encounter.. and the other, just a five second glance.