Worth Waiting For

This story is dedicated to all hopeless romantics out there, who are in love with love, and simply wouldn't stop until he makes her feel the depth of his love. After all, the greatest sensation we’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.

The beginning of Fredy and Rika’s journey was far from romantic. Matter of fact they used to argue on a daily basis, as they were colleagues working on two different ends of the company’s spectrum. Fredy was a programmer; Rika was a consultant at an IT company in Jakarta, Indonesia. Rika would chase him for deadlines, features, customization, etc.

But suddenly life took over. As one relationship ends, another one commences. As Rika’s relationship with her ex ended, her relationship with Fredy started to grow. Their communication switched from colleagues to friends; from casual conversation on the company’s group chat to moving to their own chat window where Fredy poured out his care and concern for Rika’s wellbeing.

Love blossoms when there’s a sufficient room for healing and growth. Fredy waited for Rika’s healing with no rush for two years. As time progressed so did his feelings and he couldn't hide it anymore. He started with the daily visit to her floor before he would leave the office. Then progressed to dropping herbal tea when she would start to feel sick. These small gestures didn't seem to make Rika aware of his feelings. Until one day he held her hand tightly as they were crossing the streets. But Rika was nonetheless oblivious.  

It was finally time for Rika to move to Sydney to pursue her Masters degree. Fredy felt like he was running out of time and was very desperate about the situation. At one of their last dinners together he kissed her on the cheeks and whisper, “I love you.” But Rika was still not ready and left for Sydney. Fredy took her to the airport holding her hands while holding back his tears and told himself, “If you love somebody you should let her free.”

To Rika’s surprise, the long distance did not pull the apart, it made them closer than ever before. There’s a sense of safety and trust and she felt from him. But Fredy wanted more than friendship and was about to give up. As Fredy lift up his hands and surrendered, Rika grabbed his and finally said, “Let’s do this!”

Some things in life are worth waiting for. That’s what we learned from Fredy and Rika.