Some things you just remember

The year was 2002. The place, Pusat Islam. He told me about the debate doubting that I would go. I shrugged the message off, knowing there was no way I could go even if I wanted to.

That was until dad called. He and mom would be coming to KL to attend the debate. They’d be staying at a hotel (I think it was Mandarin Oriental or Nikko, not really sure). This was a three-in-one chance; I’d be able to see my parents, stay at a hotel and attend the debate. Yay. I didn’t have other plans anyway.

I vaguely recall the journey to the hotel. All I remember is that the LRT passed by the Pusat Islam. It was still early when I arrived so we had some time to shop and find dinner. Just before maghrib, we went off chauffeured to Pusat Islam and prayed there. After that mak had to go somewhere else and I had to search for a seat by myself. Suddenly I felt so lonely. The hall seemed so big and there was no one I knew.

I headed for a seat somewhere in the middle of the hall not so back and not so in front. It was just beside the aisle, so I could easily go out when it was over. I had no worries of bumping into him because the place was absolutely enormous. The probability of meeting him there was very low. Or so I thought.

The debate was between UTM (obviously) and another University which i don't remember. It hadn’t started yet. Everyone was still locating their seats. I was beginning to get bored. That was when I noticed him. He was wearing a pink shirt (the lights were dimmed so i couldn't be sure) and looked quite smart, standing just beside my seat with a group of his friends. I tried to shrink in my seat as low as possible. Please don’t notice me, I prayed. I let out a sigh of relief when he passed directly in front of me and sat three seats away. The kakak sitting next to me was a UTM staff. She told me that UTM staff and students had to come and fill up the hall. sian.

I was very nervous and my cardium was beating wildly. I tried to be as unnoticeable as possible. After a few minutes, my phone rang. It was him. I guessed that he wanted to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. I was contemplating whether to answer or not and finally did the former. When he was confident it was really me, he changed seats with his friend who sat two seats away. The kakak remained between us. We made small talk.

Shortly after that, the VIP’s arrived; including the Sultan and Sultanah, the Johorian royal family, vice chancellor, deputies (including ayah), deans, lecturers and their spouses. He made a comment about me joining my parents in front. I just managed a smirk, exercising my risorius muscle (the one used for a pseudosmile).

Then the debate began. He explained all about the debaters and commented on the debate as it progressed. I don’t remember much of what the whole debate was about. All I know is UTM won. I was actually glad to have a familiar face around throughout the event.

When it was over I had to wait quite a while for mak and ayah to finish their refreshments. Then we went back to the hotel.

There's some things that you just remember.

ps... i wrote this in the wee hours...who is HE? been wondering that meself.