Why did it Happen (Part 3)

"Perhaps it is I, who is holding him back". This is the first thought, that had taken them apart. And from that seed, a firm tree had now grown. Lakshmi was wise beyond her years. She knew a relationship needs both reason and emotion to nurture and grow. A relationship is built on neither independence, nor dependance. It has to be both ways, interdependant.

She had strength, wisdom and poise. Only her will, could weather this storm. Venkat was her first love, and love deeply she did. It had taken years, to come to these terms. But she would be selfish, to keep holding him back. And her purity in love, shone in the selfless fire of anguish.

To be true to self, she only had to look back. Through school and college, Venkat just did what she did. He had never made life-choices of his own. A whole life lay ahead. But just one lifetime, lay ahead. When he took his first job also as hers, she had known. A butterfly will not be born, till the cocoon is broken.

She had lived up to her dreams, happy, loved and successful. But he would know none, till life is done. That is, if they continued this way. She was sure as always, this was the right step. For no decision would she made, without due reflection. Venkat had said I'll marry you, but never I love you. Both were unsure, if he really knew love. This relationship was attachment, him dependant on her. And marriage an extension to that comfort zone.

Of the two, the sacrifice had been Lakshmi's. She'd thought it through, he'll struggle to accept it.  But then he'll move on, for he still hadn't known love, at least not yet. Perhaps he will, and for her. And also mature to realize, she had not meant goodbye...It was a risk, she stood to lose her love. But as any hopeless romantic sees it, his good was worth any cost..

A cold rain brought them back to senses. They both had been holding hands tight: but one in love, the other in plea. The grip loosened, as they walked back. But for the rain, they did not want to hurry back. For in the hearts they realized, this night is different. Tonight they slept, on separate beds.