Yes, love happens.. just like that!

At the drop of a hat, on a wink of eyes it happens. With no anticipation, no preparation it happens. Love won’t consider age, creed, religion or region. It just happens.

I’m talking about the love between a man and a woman. We become judgemental and roll out statements without even thinking about the beautiful concept of love!

Before moving further let’s read a short story here..

********************

Meera’s Madhav

             … A love story!

Dr. Meera was a zoology professor in a prestigious college. She was in her mid 40s. A beautiful, well groomed and extremely knowledgeable in her subject. She couldn’t get married as initially she was only interested in study, and then career. Afterwards her aging parents whom her elder brother had discarded precariously became her responsibility. She just didn’t want to leave them and go.

After her PhD, she had many offers. She chose this college as she thought she would get ample chances to mentor students as the management gave her a free hand and the number of admissions were limited.

Under her guidance, many of her students chose the research field and succeeded in their fields. She has a huge number of student fans. Everyone looked up to her. She was the perfect model of “beauty with brains”

Because of the Covid scare, the college asked the teaching staff to take online classes. It was a boon in disguise for Meera too. Having aged parents is a constant risk factor during the pandemic. Being at home gave her an opportunity to manage the house and parents properly.

It was a class for the second year BSc students. It’s scheduled daily at 2 pm, after lunch. Having lunch at home and coming on camera to teach was proving a little difficult for Meera. Her eyes start to droop. She felt so embarrassed and thought of making the session interactive to avoid the situation of falling asleep right in the middle of  her class.

She started enjoying these sessions as students also showed interest to know. There were a couple of students who were very active in the class. Manasi, Mahesh, Madhav and Mala became her favourites. Madhav being the most active, he added Meera to their WhatsApp group.

They used to discuss the subject after the class too. Slowly Meera felt at ease with this group and became a buddy to them, rather than their professor. She was happy and feeling younger in their company. Being informal with them made her loosen up a lot.

That day she received a message from Madhav.

“Ma’am, got to discuss something. Pl tell yr convenient time.”

She replied back ” I’m free around 6pm”

“Oh ma’am, thank you so much. Shall we meet at Manasi’s place?”

“Ya, no problem, I’ll be there.. Cya”

Meera took a cab and went to Manasi’s room that evening. She knocked at the door and it opened. She stepped inside and Bhoommmmm..a small explosion and rose petals rained on her. She was so taken aback and couldn’t understand what was happening. There was Madhav standing in front of her holding a bunch of red roses.

“Happy birthday Ma’am” he shouted.

“Holy crap! I had totally forgotten about it.. Thank you Madhav. This is a pleasant surprise” she blabbered in excitement, receiving the rose bunch.

Then she looked around and there were no other people present.

“Where are others?” she queried.

“They will be here in a while  ma’am, I wanted to be the first to wish you”.. He shook her hands and wished her again.

The other three came in with a cake and they celebrated her birthday.

Meera came back and was only thinking about Madhav. She felt his warm grip on her palm wasn’t only friendly. His charm, wittiness clouded her conscious mind. It was as if she was being pulled towards him.

She thought “Am I attracted to him? But this is not right. He is way younger to me. I, being a responsible and mature person shouldn’t be yielding to such things. What will be Madhav’s reaction if he senses my thoughts? No, no.. I should stop this madness from happening.“

Days rolled on but with each interaction with Madhav  she got pulled towards him. She tried to avoid him. But it was difficult too as they were in a group.

Meera couldn’t resist her longing to be with Madav, listen to his humor and experience his tender care.

Somehow that year ended. During the summer vacations one day Madhav came to her house and asked her to come with him to the nearby Coffee Day. Hesitatingly she agreed and both of them went to the cafe. They sat and ordered coffee.

Madhav looked directly at her and said “Meera, I’m madly in love with you.”

Colour drained from Meera’s face. Her throat got dried and she felt faint.

Madhav continued “I know you also have feelings for me. The way you were avoiding me in the last few days and the way your face secretly lighting up on my arrival told me everything. I’m well aware of the situation. You too are in love with me but afraid to acknowledge. Is it because of what others will tell? How will society react? B***** it.. We are mature enough to decide about our life. Ya, I’m younger to you. So what? Age is just a number. Please don’t be guilty of loving me.”

“Madhav, I don’t know what to say,”  Meera said feebly.

Madhav took her hand in his hands tenderly and said “I know you’re hesitating because of our age difference. Don’t worry. I’ll finish my graduation. Then you help me get my masters. We will marry after that. I assure you I’ll love you as no one else can. We will have a wonderful life together. Just say “YES” to me sweetheart”

As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the atmosphere, the zephyr of the new love filled the lovers heart. Meera’s shy nod sealed the love deal for them.

*******************

The emotions are not under our control. They surge on their own without even giving us any clue.

A couple of questions to be clarified at this stage:

Who are we to judge two individuals, on their choice of partners?

We don’t have any right to judge them as they are very different individuals having varied differences compared to us. Their needs and conditions are different. Let them lead their life and let’s lead our life peacefully.

Why do we label them and discard the most beautiful emotion, called love aside?

We should be sensible enough to respect their emotions and voice our concern directly to them, not bitch behind them.

What should be our role as kith n kin of people in love?

We should be making them aware of the probable consequences of their union

We should show them our support if they want to go ahead with their choice.

Times are changing, people are accepting different kinds of love too. If only the lovelorn people could accept the pros and cons of being in love and carry it forward blissfully, then they are the most blessed ones.

I would conclude by saying ‘Let the feeling of love prevail and refresh the world!!’

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺