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The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets of Patna(India). As the city lights flickered to life, I sat on my balcony, phone in hand, waiting for her message. The previous day had been a whirlwind—a chance encounter at a coffee shop, a shared laugh over spilled latte, and an exchange of numbers. Her name was Alessyaraina, but i call her Rain and her smile had etched itself into my memory.
And then, like a cosmic alignment, she messaged me. "Today is our religious festival," her text read. "I'll be a little busy, but I'll find time to talk."
My heart skipped a beat. Rain belonged to the Bugis community, a vibrant ethnic group from South Sulawesi. Their culture fascinated me—the intricate textiles, the traditional dances, and the way they celebrated life's milestones. I replied, "Take your time. I'll be here."
Hours stretched into eternity. I imagined her clad in colorful attire, participating in rituals passed down through generations. Meanwhile, I Googled Bugis festivals, eager to learn more. The screen filled with images of vibrant processions, adorned boats, and joyful faces. I wondered if she was dancing, her laughter echoing through the temple courtyards.
Finally, her message arrived. "Evening," it said. "The festival was beautiful. Our elders told stories of our ancestors, and we feasted on delicacies. How was your day?"
I grinned, typing my response. "My day was incomplete without your message. Tell me more about Bugis weddings."
And so, our conversation flowed. She described the elaborate ceremonies—the betrothal, the exchange of gifts, and the sacred vows. "We believe that marriage unites not just two individuals but two families," she said. "Our weddings are a blend of tradition and love."
I shared stories of Indian weddings—the vibrant sarees, the rhythmic beats of the dhol, and the fragrant garlands. "In India," I said, "marriage is a celebration that lasts for days. We dance, we sing, and we bless the couple."
Rain laughed. "Perhaps one day, we'll have our own fusion wedding," she teased. "Bugis traditions meet Indian extravagance."
I played along. "Picture this: a beachside ceremony in Bali, with Bugis silk and marigold garlands. And when the priest says, 'You may now kiss the bride,' fireworks light up the sky."
Her response was swift. "Deal! But only if we serve rendang curry alongside biryani."
As the night deepened, our messages became more intimate. We talked about dreams—the places we wanted to explore, the books we longed to read, and the taste of adventure on our tongues. Rain confessed her love for sunsets, and I promised to take her to the Himalayas someday.
"Goodnight," she finally wrote. "May your dreams be as colorful as our future wedding."
I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my heart dancing to an invisible rhythm. The moon peeked through my window, casting shadows on the floor. I typed my reply, my fingers trembling with anticipation.
"Goodnight, Rain. May our friendship be as timeless as the stars."
And so, in the quiet of the night, across continents and cultures, we fell asleep—two souls connected by serendipity, dreaming of a love that defied borders and traditions.
-----------Thankyou reader..!
YOU ARE READING
Letters Across Oceans"
Romance"Across continents and time zones, their love defied distance. Through letters, late-night calls, and virtual embraces, they navigated the vast expanse that separated them. Each missed touch became an echo of absence, yet their hearts remained inter...