Almost Met Him In Barcelona

MISSED CHANCES

I had been counting down the days for Samay's Barcelona show like it was the most important event of the year.

Every day, I found myself scrolling through his posts—every clip, every joke, every update. I wanted to be there so badly. But life had other plans. Meetings. Deadlines. My own chaotic schedule. Everything seemed determined to keep me away.

On the day of the show, I sat at my desk, staring at my phone, wishing I could disappear from my responsibilities and magically appear in the front row of the auditorium.

I had convinced myself there was no way I could make it. Work had swallowed me whole, deadlines looming like storm clouds, and every time I even thought about leaving, guilt dragged me back.

Still... I couldn't stop thinking about it.

Finally, somewhere between meetings and unanswered emails, I gathered a little courage. Maybe—just maybe—he was still in the city.

My fingers trembled as I typed.

Me:
Hey Samay! Are you still in Barcelona?

Once I hit send, I placed my phone face down and went back to work, convinced I had done all I could. Honestly, I didn't even expect a reply. After all, why would he respond to me?

Hours passed. By the time I got home, it was ridiculously late. I was exhausted, my body screaming for sleep, and checking my phone was the last thing on my mind.

The next morning, still half-asleep, I unlocked my phone—and froze.

There it was.

A message from him. Sent hours ago.

Samay:
Haanjii 😄

My heart sank.

Why now? Why did I open it so late?

My fingers hovered over the screen as frustration and disappointment settled in. My inner voice screamed, You had ONE chance... and you missed it.

Trying to hide my panic behind casual words, I replied.

Me:
Toh phir humse milke jaate na phir?

The reply came quickly, relaxed as ever.

Samay:
Hahaha abhi toh hum Hamburg ke liye nikal rahe hain 😅

I groaned.

Great. Of course.

Still clinging to a tiny bit of hope, I typed back.

Me:
Please do another show in Barcelona. I couldn't make it this time, but next time—no matter what—I will.

There was a pause.

You know that kind of pause. The classic celebrity "soon."

Trying to laugh it off, I sent another message.

Me:
Ah yes... the classic celebrity "soon." Code for maybe next century? 😂

This time, his reply made my heart jump.

Samay:
Nahi nahi. Jan–Feb maybe 😄

I sank onto my bed, relief washing over me.

February.

A real month. A real possibility.

One year of waiting—but suddenly, it felt worth it.

Still, doubt crept in.

What if he doesn't remember me?
What if I freeze when I finally see him?