The Soulmate I Never Expected - By Qaanita Surtie

Written By: Qaanita Surtie

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Qaanita Surtie presents a touching exploration of friendship and unexpected connections in her poem, "The Soulmate I Never Expected." As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Surtie's work delves into the intricate dynamics of relationships that transcend conventional definitions. Her submission in the Poetry category beautifully captures the essence of soulmates who may not be lovers but are integral to one’s life story.

About the Work

Qaanita Surtie's poem is a tender reflection on a friendship that evolves into an enduring connection. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt expression, she illustrates how certain relationships carve an indelible mark on our lives. The poem's narrative weaves humor, sincerity, and profound understanding, portraying a soulmate as someone who offers unwavering support and acceptance. Surtie's lyrical style and emotional depth invite readers to appreciate the quiet miracles of friendship.

The soulmate I never expected

Original Submission by Qaanita Surtie

The Soulmate I Never Expected

Last year,

at this very time,

your name was just another name

waiting quietly in a classroom I hadn't yet noticed.

Funny how life hides forever

inside ordinary days.

Now,

I cannot picture my story

without your laughter scribbled across every page.

You are the person I run to

before the excitement settles,

before the tears dry,

before the words even make sense.

Every piece of news,

every cracked heart,

every impossible dream-

somehow belongs to both of us.

With you,

I never have to rehearse who I am.

I can say the most ridiculous thing,

laugh too loudly,

make the kind of mean jokes

that would sound cruel to anyone else,

and you laugh because you know

they were stitched together with love.

You understand my language,

even when it sounds like chaos.

And on the days

when silence wraps itself around my shoulders,

you don't pull at it.

You don't demand explanations

or force sunshine into storms.

You simply stay.

Sometimes,

love looks exactly like that-

someone sitting beside you

until breathing feels easy again.

You've taught me that soulmates

are not always lovers.

Sometimes they are the friend

who knows every version of your heart

and chooses every single one.

One day,

you'll stand beside me

holding my bouquet instead of my hand,

my maid of honour,

trying not to cry while I fail miserably at not crying.

Years later,

my children will race to your arms,

calling you "Aunty"

as if that word could ever measure

what you mean to us.

We'll still have sleepovers,

even with wedding rings glinting on our fingers,

still laughing until midnight

like growing up was only a rumour.

People say home is a place.

I think they're wrong.

Sometimes home is a person.

So thank you-

to fate,

to chance,

and to the high school that crossed our paths.

Had I walked through different doors,

I would have missed the greatest friendship

my life has ever known.

Imaan,

you are not simply my best friend.

You are the quiet proof

that miracles don't always arrive loudly.

Sometimes they walk into your life unnoticed-

and then become the one life

you cannot imagine living without.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices in literature and poetry. This prestigious event welcomes participants worldwide to share their creative expressions, fostering a platform where emerging and established writers can showcase their work. With a focus on originality and emotional resonance, the competition seeks to highlight the transformative power of words.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Qaanita Surtie for her poignant contribution, "The Soulmate I Never Expected," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her insightful portrayal of friendship and soulmates enriches the tapestry of this year's event, reminding us of the beauty in unexpected connections. Thank you, Qaanita, for sharing your literary gift with us.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.