Spring is here, and flowers are blooming all around as the season of love begins. Young hearts—and even the elderly—find themselves reminiscing about their own youthful romances.
I remembered an old song:
“Shyam dhale, tum seeti bajana
chodh dhe.”
This sweet melody, sung by Geeta Bali to Bhagwan Das, tells of a lover waiting patiently below his beloved’s window, hoping to entice her with his song. He comes sincerely every day, longing to hear her voice.
Many Romeos have whistled at their beloveds from below their windows, singing love songs, while their ladies shyly peek out, making sure no one is watching. But they fear meeting outside, afraid of being caught.
Padma, from the South, and Brajesh, from Rajasthan, were students at the same medical college. Friends since their first year, they were now in their final year and deeply in love.
Their friends knew about their romance, but they were careful. Their families, however, were unaware of their love story.
Upon graduation, they had to leave for different colleges for their internships. Parting was painful, as there was no way to communicate except through handwritten letters.
The separation only strengthened their love. When they reunited after a year, their bond had grown deeper. They knew they would have to wait a few more years to be together. They needed to establish their careers first, ensuring a stable and happy life.
Both completed their studies and became renowned doctors—Brajesh as a skilled surgeon and Padma as a leading oncologist. They worked at the same hospital, their professional lives consuming their time, leaving little room to think about marriage.
Eventually, their parents learned of their love affair. However, they opposed the union, as inter-state marriages were not widely accepted at the time.
Brajesh and Padma refused to let societal norms dictate their love. Defying their families, they moved to England, securing jobs and starting a new life together.
Had their parents set aside cultural and linguistic differences, they could have witnessed their children’s happiness and success firsthand. But it wasn’t entirely their fault—they feared societal judgment and the consequences of an inter-caste marriage.
Despite the heartbreak, the lovebirds stood firm, embracing a new beginning together.
Though they felt sorrow over being away from their families, their efforts to gain their parents’ approval had failed, leaving them with no choice but to take this drastic step.
Two years later, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter. As the saying goes, “Grandchildren have the power to unite families.”
Their parents’ hearts softened, and in the end, love won.
A new beginning had truly blossomed.
– 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.
