Madhuram

Once upon a time, in a quiet medieval town where cobbled streets curled like old stories and morning light spilled gently over rooftops, life moved at its own gentle pace.

As the city slowly stirred awake and the streets began to hum with footsteps and whispers, a young couple sat hand in hand by their window, deeply in love — their world wrapped in warmth, just beginning with the day.

Madhav, was a man of great ambition, always on the go, with a schedule that would make most people's heads spin. He was the most sought-after person in the city, with a reputation that preceded him. He had big dreams and was determined to make them a reality.

Meera, on the other hand, was a simple woman, content with the life she had built for herself. She had no grand ambitions, no desire for fame or fortune. All she wanted was to live a serene life, surrounded by the people she loved..

They had met by chance..she felt as if she knew him from time unknown. He had been drawn to her quiet strength, her calm demeanor, and her ability to see the beauty in the world around her. She had been captivated by his drive, his passion, and his unwavering determination to achieve his goals and an extremely adorable person behind the strong exterior.

Over time, they had developed a connection that was unlike anything either of them had ever experienced. They didn't have much in common, and their thoughts often diverged, but there was something about each other that drew them together.

She became more feminine in his presence, allowing him to take charge and provide for her. He, in turn, became more protective of her, ensuring that she was always taken care of. He held the chair for her when they went out to dinner, and she got up to give him her seat on the subway.

They didn't need physical intimacy to feel connected. They found comfort in each other's presence, and that was enough. She felt complete when she was with him, and he couldn't imagine his life without her.

They had never confessed their feelings to each other, but it was evident in the way they looked at each other, the way they spoke to each other, and the way they took care of each other. She would Forget the world when she looked at him.

One fine day, they tied the knot—not to curb the whispers of society, but simply to spend a lifetime together.

Meera and Madhav were trying to explore their newly found interest in each other. However, the societal expectations and hustle for survival had kept Madhav busy most of the time. Meera missed him and yearned for his presence.

The sweet pain gnawed at Meera's heart, filling her days with a silent chaos. As weeks turned into months, a resentment of not having enough moments with her beloved brewed within her. Her heart, in a pounding melody of hurt, tuned itself to straighten things up when they met.

One day, after what felt like an eternity, Madhav surprised Meera by showing up unannounced at her doorstep. The sheer happiness and ecstasy that flooded Meera's soul at that moment were indescribable. In Madhav's eyes, she saw mischief and naughtiness, a playful spark that ignited their connection.

Their evening was filled with teasing banter and laughter, rekindling the blissful connection they shared. He teased her about her old fashion and the folds in the Madhubani printed mulmul saree draped around her, while secretly adoring her in it, and she, about him carrying a pen in his pocket all the time, hiding the fact that it was this respect for his work that made her fall for him. In each other's arms, they found solace and completeness, knowing that their love was eternal and unbreakable. From that day on, they vowed to cherish every moment together, savoring the magic of their bond that could withstand any distance or time apart.

Today after three decades of married life, he still has her favourite bunch of lillies in hand and that enchanting charm as he stands at the doorstep of their home, waiting for her to open the door. He has this knack of cooling down her even in the most angriest moments with those lovable gestures. She looks more fuller now, with crow's feet at the edges of her eyes, and glimpses of silver shimmer scattered in her hair. But, still that blissful smile didn't fade away like the pleats of her Madhubani printed saree..

As the sun set on another day, they found themselves together, watching the sunset and marveling at the beauty of the world around them. They didn't need to say anything. They knew that they were exactly where they were meant to be, with the person they were meant to be with.

And as they stood there, hand in hand, they knew that their love was a connection that would last a lifetime.

In the tapestry of their shared history, love endures, untouched by the passage of years. Their vow to cherish every moment together remains, a testament to the enduring magic of a bond that withstands any distance or timeline. Yet, their love, like the town itself, was quiet, enduring, and beautifully ordinary.

…M.M.