“Love is like a war: easy to begin but very hard to stop.”
At times, some stories are revealed by family or friends after many years.
Rinku and Rinky were the grandchildren of Meeta and Mohit. They visited their grandparents’ house in a village after many years. They lived in Nashik and had later moved to Australia for their studies. They were conducting research on Indian villages and wanted to learn more about their grandparents’ house near Nashik, where their distant uncle and aunt were staying.
They were happy to see them, and their relatives made all the arrangements to ensure their comfort in the village. The village had developed over the years, and the roads were well-maintained.
Their grandparents’ room was intact and well-kept, as everyone had great regard for them.
At first, both Rinku and Rinky visited the village, the market, the school, the hospital, and watched a movie in the village’s single movie hall. They spoke with the villagers to learn more about their culture, food, and some delicacies.
Rinku and Rinky then went to their grandparents’ room. They were surprised to find it neatly kept. There was a big shelf with many books. Both of them sat down and began flipping through the books. Rinku found a red diary under a thick book. They pulled it out and sat on the sofa to read.
As they turned the pages, they smiled, happy to discover their grandparents’ love story from years ago. They were excited and wanted to know the full story. Each night, after everyone had gone to sleep, they would pick up the red diary and slowly read the letters written by their grandfather to their grandmother, letters that had never been sent, but were hidden in the diary.
It was back in 1938 when their grandparents first met at a common wedding, both in their teens. The moment their eyes met, an instant connection happened. They later realized they lived in the same village and attended the same school.
Grandma could only study until the sixth grade, and Grandpa studied up to the twelfth grade. Luckily, through some brokers, their parents arranged their marriage when they were still children. They lived in a large joint family, as was the norm in those times.
Though life was a struggle, they managed well because they had a deep understanding and love for each other.
Love is a magical force that gives anyone great strength to face any situation in life.
Rinky shouted, “Hey Rinku, look what I found! Grandpa used to secretly bring roses and other flowers for Grandma during those years. How sweet, right?”
On another page, Rinku read that Grandpa would buy Jalebis for his loving wife on her birthdays. Both of them agreed it was too sweet of them.
Love and romance need not always be publicly expressed but can be shown through simple actions. Cost doesn’t matter; what truly matters is that it comes from the heart.
– Poornima Sivaraman
About The Author:
Poornima Sivaraman, a vibrant 74-year-young retired teacher, embodies a love for life and creativity. With a passion for connecting with people of all ages, she channels her energy into writing across various platforms, contributing to anthologies, and sharing her unique perspectives with readers.
Beyond her literary pursuits, Poornima enjoys singing and has recorded numerous songs on Star Maker, showcasing her melodious voice. A culinary enthusiast, she finds joy in cooking and believes in living a simple, meaningful life. Dedicated to helping others whenever possible, Poornima is a true advocate of kindness and positivity.
