Defining Love: Is it Possible?

Sixteen year old Ritika was contemplating what her classmate Pihu said today at school during recess. The latter got into a relationship a month ago, and cannot stop gushing how exceptionally enriching true love is.

Pushing aside her books, Ritika lied down, and wondered if true love is always about finding a guy, holding hands, cuddling, kissing, going to movies, taking pictures, talking over phone all night, etc. Maybe out of boredom but she was determined to find a different interpretation.

After coming out of shower next day, Ritika saw her school dress neatly folded, tiffin packed, and breakfast ready. She put in enough effort but could not even remember since when her mother was doing these typical household chores. Have she not taken for granted, she would much earlier realise such a gesture is nothing but true love.

While tying shoes hurriedly, Ritika's father, who travels approximately forty kilometres everyday in a crowded bus to save few bucks, declared on Sunday they all will be having dinner at that posh restaurant Ritika always wanted. Suppressing financial constraints to fulfil family's wishes is surely true love.

Ritika and her best friend Aditi had a fight, and were not in talking terms for few days. Today Aditi passed a note on first period saying she bought some coconut sweets as Ritika loved eating them. Caring for someone even when you are angry with him/her is true love.

Ritika thought even though she does not have a boyfriend, she experienced unconditional acts of true love everyday, and felt utterly grateful.