A Tale of love and honor 2

 Sunset Surprise

Adverse Serendipity on Platform No. 3

As I walked out of the railway station, something felt off. The moment my girlfriend's train departed, I was hit with a sense of incompleteness, a heavy emptiness that followed me home. Lying on my bed, I replayed every moment, every word her mother said. Did she really accept our love? I wondered. There was a lingering doubt, a nagging fear that despite her kindness, societal pressures might weigh on her decision.

At Meera's Home

A day after her arrival, her mother couldn't hold back her curiosity. Over dinner, she gently asked, "Meera, are you and that boy... in love?"

Meera paused. Her silence was louder than words, and her mother knew. She took Meera's hand in hers and softly said, "You don't need to hide anything from me. I've always wanted what's best for you. Your engineering is almost complete, and I've thought about your marriage. To be honest, the boy you introduced to me seems kind and thoughtful. I can sense that in his words."

Meera's heart skipped a beat, but before she could respond, her mother continued, her voice growing more emotional. "When your father passed away, I raised you on my own, shielding you from every storm. I held you so close. The thought of you leaving to live in another home, in another family's care... it worries me. I don't know how they will treat you. What if their customs are different? Will you be happy?"

She paused to compose herself, wiping a tear away. "But you know what? I trust you, and I believe in your happiness. I've seen something in that boy, he will take care of you. Next Sankranthi, when I come to visit, ask him to introduce us to his parents."

Meera was speechless, overwhelmed with gratitude. She hugged her mother, and her heart lightened by the acceptance she never thought would come. "Thank you, Mom," she whispered, "I never imagined you'd say this."

Meera couldn't control her happiness, so she rushed to speak with Puvvu (her boyfriend). She called him and spoke so happily, but she didn't reveal the conversation between her mother. She said, "I will come soon, and you've got a precious surprise!" After the holidays Meera texted puvvu that she was coming. 

The Waiting

When Meera told me she was coming back to my town, I was restless. Her train was scheduled to arrive at 5 AM, but I couldn't sleep. I reached the station at 3 AM, unable to contain my excitement. I sat on the empty platform, my heart racing with anticipation, imagining how she would look and the words we'd share after so long apart. Finally, the clock ticked 4.50 AM, and an announcement stated that the train that Meera was coming was delayed by 1 hour. I thought to call her but she didn't know that I was waiting for her. However, the wait is over.

Finally, the train pulled in, and my eyes scanned the crowd until I saw Meera, radiant in the early morning light. She wondered looking at me as she approached, I fought the urge to hug her, but we didn't, 

Meera asked, "You are really clingy!" I replied, "Just for you."

She laughed softly and said I knew. Even I can't wait to see you, ok ok I am unable to hold my curiosity please tell me what is that precious surprise?

Na na not now meet me tomorrow at the lake in the evening. 

I really can't guess anything, I've to wait till evening. We smiled at each other, exchanging words of affection. Then, as she prepared to leave, she teased, "Meet me at the lake the surprise will be a big bang for you. Her excitement was contagious, and I couldn't help but wonder what she had planned.

The Surprise at the Lake

The next evening, as I made my way to the lake, my heart raced with anticipation. The cool breeze from the water kissed my skin as the setting sun bathed everything in a soft orange glow. I saw Meera standing by the water, her figure silhouetted against the shimmering surface. She had that mischievous smile, the kind that always made me feel like something exciting was about to happen.

As I approached, she said Hi...

I smiled and replied hi... How's your day? She replied normally like there was nothing to say. I was shocked and asked about the surprise...? 

She was like oh nothing! I didn't understand but her smile was like a lotus in full bloom, a pure and radiant beauty that stood out, even in the stillness of life. Just as the lotus rises gracefully above the water, untouched and resilient, her smile lifts my spirits,  no matter what. her laugh has a charm like a lotus leaves floating peacefully, a gentle calm that soothes and inspires me. Every time you smile, it's as though the world pauses to admire, for there's nothing as captivating and natural. It's a gift, one I am lucky to witness, and in your smile, I see a love that makes my world complete. I exclaimed and urged to beg for that surprise.

She laughed softly again, "Okay, okay! So, after a day of chit-chat, She (Meera's mother) finally asked me if we were in love. I didn't say a word, but she knew. And do you know what she said? She said she could see you were a good person and that you have a kind heart! She believes in us. She's worried, of course, but she trusts us. And she wants you to introduce her to your parents next Sankranthi!"

I was speechless, overwhelmed with joy. "Meera, this is everything I could have hoped for!" I exclaimed. We stood there, both grinning like kids, our hearts lighter than ever. The weight of uncertainty had lifted, replaced with a newfound hope. We spent the rest of the evening at the lake with a pedal boat roaming around the lake, just like 2 swans in the water, laughing, dreaming, and talking about the future we could finally start to imagine together. Every ripple in the lake felt like a ripple of joy in our lives, spreading out infinitely. 

New Year's Eve Celebration

New Year's Eve came quickly, and Meera invited me to her uncle's house for a celebration. I arrived early, feeling the warmth and festivity in the air. The house was adorned with strings of lights, the scent of sweets and savory dishes filling the rooms. Her family greeted me with open arms, and I could see Meera's joy reflected in every detail of the night.

As the countdown to midnight approached, We gathered on the terrace. Meera's cousins were playing with sparkles, while we all were alive with laughter and excitement. Meera and I exchanged glances throughout the evening, caught up in the magic of the moment.

At one point, her uncle, a jovial man with a booming voice, raised his glass and made a toast. "To love, to family, and to new beginnings! May this bring us all happiness and strength to face what's ahead!" Everyone cheered, clinking glasses of ********* and soda, and I couldn't help but think about the journey Meera and I had been on together.

When midnight struck, the terrace erupted in cheers, and fireworks lit up the sky outside. I turned to Meera, and at that moment, with the sound of laughter and celebration around us, we locked eyes. The joy was overwhelming, and it felt like everything was falling into place.

After the festivities calmed down, we found a quiet corner on the terrace to sit together. Meera rested her head on my shoulder, and we talked about the year ahead, about her mother's acceptance, about the challenges we might face with my parents, and about our unwavering love for each other.

"I'll never forget this night," I whispered to her, "It's the perfect start to our new chapter."

She smiled up at me, her eyes full of warmth and the confidence in her words was so enthralling and it gave me courage. "We'll face everything together like we always do."

And in that moment, I knew no matter what came next we were ready.

The Introduction

With Sankranthi approaching, Meera's mother was back to take her home, and it was time for the introduction. We had planned it for my parents' wedding anniversary. A perfect setting for them to meet. I was nervous, especially about how my mother, who had traditional views, would react.

The day had finally come, the moment when Meera and her mother would meet my parents, my heart raced as I stood in the living room, waiting for Meera and her mother to arrive. I knew this was a crucial moment, one that could shape our future together. My dad was a jovial man, ready to meet them, while my mother was a little more reserved, her traditional values making her cautious.

As soon as the doorbell rang, I felt a rush of excitement and nervousness. I opened the door to see Meera and her mother standing there, dressed beautifully, and carrying gifts. Meera's face lit up when she saw me, and I smiled back, but the weight of the occasion was on both of our minds.

"Come in, come in!" My father called from behind me. He welcomed them with a big smile, and I could see that Meera's mother immediately felt at ease.

"Namaste, Uncle!" Meera's mother greeted warmly, offering a small gift to my parents. "it's an honor to be here today, my father said.

My father laughed heartily, taking the gift. "Please, there's no need for formalities. You're family here. And, ah, Meera, it's so good to finally meet you properly. He talks about you many times," he added with a smile. 

I blushed, feeling the friendly teasing as Meera looked down shyly. "It's a pleasure to be here, uncle," she said softly, her voice full of respect.

As the evening went on, my father, ever the conversationalist, started sharing stories from his youth. Meera was listening intently, occasionally sneaking glances at me, and I could tell she was charmed by my dad's warmth.

At one point, my dad turned to Meera and asked, "So, what is about this boy that caught your eye, huh? Was it his endless talking, or maybe his terrible dancing at parties?"

We all burst into laughter, and Meera smiled sweetly. "No, Uncle, it's his kindness. He's always there for everyone. And yes," she teased me, "he may bunk classes to watch movies, but when it comes to helping someone, he never hesitates,"

"Ah, a rebel with a cause huh?" My father said, laughing harder. "You know, that reminds me of someone me! Back in my day, I wasn't too fond of following every rule either. But it's not about being perfect. It's about having a good heart, and I can see my son has that."

I felt a warmth spread through me hearing my father's words. It was like he was giving us his silent blessing without saying it outright.

At that moment, I could see how much it meant to Meera's mother to know that her daughter might be in a place where she would be cherished. But there was still my mother...

Everything was going good, but my mother... her reaction was different. Though polite, she remained distant, barely making an effort to engage in conversation. Then, during the dinner, she asked a question that made me cringe: "What is your caste?"

I shot her a look, but she passed on. My father tried to redirect the conversation, but the damage was done. My mother's tone, her disapproval, was evident, and I could feel Meera's mother growing uncomfortable.

Later, my mother even made a remark about their vegetarian lifestyle, speaking dismissively about their family diets. I watched as Meera's mother, with grace and composure, navigated the conversation. But I could sense her unease. She had come here with hopes of acceptance, but instead, she left with doubts. 

Later the midnight I called Meera to say sorry for what had happened and that it didn't affect our relationship. I thought to calm her negative emotions for my mom, but her mobile was switched off.

I didn't sleep that night with a rush of thoughts. I was in a drudgery situation.

A True Serendipity

The next day evening, Meera and her mother left for their hometown. But this time, something was different. They didn't inform me of their departure, and Meera's phone was still switched off. Panic set in. I rushed to the railway station, searching for them among the sea of faces, but they were nowhere to be found. 

For an hour, I frantically searched, fear gripping me tighter with each passing minute. I called her uncle, and he confirmed they were at the station.

Meera

Even she's looking for me. It was a moment that felt like an endless stretch of seconds, a desperate struggle between mother's worry and the deep connection I shared with Puvvu. I was standing at the door, and I clutched the handle tightly, my heart was heavy with the weight of leaving Puvvu behind. My tears brimmed not just from sadness but from the silent plea that I couldn't voice to my mother, that my love for Puvvu was real and that leaving him now, it felt like my heart was torn away.

Puvvu

As the train slowly began to move, she looked at me with eyes that held a thousand emotions: love, sorrow, and a fierce wish for a future where she wouldn't have to say these painful goodbyes. In her mind, she held onto every detail of me standing there, hoping you could feel her love reaching across the distance. It wasn't just a goodbye; it was a promise, whispered only through the silent language of her tears, that she would be back.

I was totally stuck with the look she gave me. Standing on the platform and looking at the passing train felt like I was losing everything. After a few minutes...

Coming Soon 

Puvvukonvict...