Love Prevails

Two years of exile... Sweden was a good place। But living alone gave him the exiled feeling. This was no punishment. But the way he opted to make money and to kill memories. It was time he had to accept facts and get back. He felt he should be back home now. With lots of gifts for friends and family, he landed at Chennai. It was so loving to see his family awaiting his return. Hugs, kisses and sweet words marked his day. Chotu, Motu, Lootu, Rootu, Tutu, Batu, Satu, Katu… everyone was home that day.

All had their share of gifts. He was pleased. All done and it was bedtime. Right from time he landed till now, he was waiting to call Nisha. Nisha… his bubbly wobbly friend. Nisha was surprised to get his call. And the first thing he asked her was about Preethi. Nisha was like “ I knew this would be your first question” But without letting out much details Nisha changed the topic. After talking about everything under sun, he again asked about Preethi. “Preethi Preethi Preethi… wont you stop thinking about her?”…shouted Nisha. Silence and then came the reply “ I want to meet her. Take me to her place tomorrow. From there we will go to other friend’s houses and invite them all for a get together”. Nisha couldn’t say no.

Next morning he picked Nisha from her house and they both went straight to Preethi’s house. Nisha entered the house very enthusiastically warmly received by Preethi’s mom.
“Hellooooooooo Aunty…” Nisha yelled at the top of her voice. “This is Raghav”..Immediately interrupted from behind “Raghavan” . “ He doesn’t like being called as Raghav” explained Nisha. Preethi’s mom smiled and asked him to go upstairs to Preethi’s room. While Nisha pushed her way into the kitchen with Preethi’s mom to get herself a coffee and to apprise more about Raghavan.

Raghavan slowly climbed his way to Preethi’s room. He was in observing mood. For him nothing seemed to have changed in that house in the past few years but the biggest shock was awaiting him in the room. Preethi was sitting and browsing through the channels. Dressed in a calm cream colored saree with mild designs in red, she looked very much silent and composed. This was not the Preethi Raghavan had seen few years back. “Heyy” a very low voice with the element of surprise welcomed Raghavan inside the room. Preethi and Raghavan were doing the usual formal enquiring well being stuff when they were joined by Nisha and Preethi’s mom. Raghavan was sipping the coffee served to him when Nisha opened up the topic of the get together. Preethi’s mom sparkled on hearing about the party. She eagerly welcomed the occasion stating that her daughter was badly in need of such a break. “She doesn’t go out at all since her husband’s demise” Preethi’s mom told in deep anguish.

Raghavan had known nothing about this. His mind correlated the changes he saw in Preethi with the mishaps that had torn her life. He couldn’t drink the coffee anymore. He felt that the cup was too heavy. So was his heart. He said nothing. Nothing more was discussed about this topic as Nisha as usual changed the atmosphere with her silly pranks.
It was time to leave। Nisha was still busy talking। Raghavan started moving out. He was about to leave the room when he jus stopped and had a look at Preethi. She smiled and in a very gentle way said “Bye… I will surely be there on Sunday”. Raghavan in a very serious tone replied and left the place without waiting for Nisha. The entire room became numb with his reply.


“I want to marry you. Ask your parents and let me know”