What I'm about to share is the truth, from my heart and mind. Not to flatter nor deceive, just to record as true as possible from my perception of an event that changed my life.

20th November 2009. I've been in a business project for about a year and had hit a plateau. That morning, my team and I were about to take a bus ride to KL to attend a business seminar.

As per my team's practice, someone would always be chosen as an emcee during the bus ride and this time it was me. After failing to see any progress in my project for quite a while, I psyched myself. I felt that something great, something that would change my life forever, was gonna happen on this trip.

In short, I felt like I'm about to conquer the world, and nothing could stop me.

As I was waiting in the bus for the other passengers, I spotted someone familiar making his way to our bus. He once conducted a course at my primary school and he belonged to a different team but it was already arranged that he was to share our ride.

He wasn't alone. He was accompanied by a lady, a teenage girl and a young boy. From the very start the girl intrigued me. I don't know why, she simply caught my eye.

I had assumed that the lady and the girl was his wife and daughter but they weren't. The lady was a new member of his team and the girl her daughter.

Throughout the 3 days, I found myself looking for them in the crowded hall and hotel corridors. Occassionally I would get to talk to them. I tried several means to just talk with her.

Interaction with people from other teams were actually disallowed as it may create conflict and mistrust, among other things. I knew this well but I couldn't resist.

On the last day, in the middle of a seminar session, while all eyes were on the speakers but mine were on her. When her mom got up to go to the restroom, I took the chance and asked for her number.

I'm glad I did.

A few days later we met for a drink. Watched Ninja Assassin at the Cathay. Talked a lot. Messaged a lot.

Eventually I was kicked out of my team for 'crosslining' but I didn't mind. She had become my motivation and my dream.

We never said it. We never declared it. It just happened. We became a couple.

As per all relationships, we've had our ups and downs but through it all, I never stopped loving her. Her mom and I became really close. Her relatives knew me.

We began talking about marriage.

"Manusia merancang, Allah menentukan."

4 years on. We broke up after around two and half years together. She has since moved on and has a new boyfriend while I.. I still linger.

Despite all that has happened, I'm always glad to have been with you. You made me a better man. You showed me that I could be a good boyfriend, husband, father, son-in-law. You and your mom encouraged me to be a better Muslim. You shared (and insisted) many good habits and practices with me.

All in all, despite what you think, you were awesome for me. To me.

Put aside all the bad memories. I choose to remember the good ones. I choose to remember your distinct laugh, your gorgeous smile, your cute frown, your mesmerising eye (hehe).

And so, on the 4th year anniversary of that life-changing bus ride, I wish you, your mom and your family all the best in life. May you always be healthy and happy, in great company. May you find the happiness in your current relationship that eluded us.

You will always be special to me, Keen.