Love And Economics

This is a fiction based on some imagination mixed with certain real life incidents. Any resemblance to any event or any person is purely coincidental.

Seema and Atul were fast friends on one hand and on the other were bitter competitors in their sphere of study. Their families were close and there was regular exchange of visits during any festival or social gatherings. As they were of the same age they had started their school at the same time. They went to the same school and the same tuition classes. Academically they excelled and they invariably topped all their school exams. At the board exams they did exceedingly well and were not far away from each other in the rankings. Slowly love bloomed between the two souls with their families being totally unaware. But none had the courage to express their amorous leanings outwardly. Seema and Atul both knew how Conservative their families were and knew their relationship would never be accepted gracefully. So they exchanged their vows secretly and decided to wait patiently for the future to show the way. After their schooling they wanted to pursue higher studies in Economics at a different city away from their homes. Atul being a boy was granted permission but it was different in Seema's case. In fact, her family wanted to give away in marriage and let her in laws decide on her higher studies. Seema being worried got in touch with her maternal aunty who resided in Mumbai as she was very close to her emotionally. With her help, she secured an admission in a good college in Mumbai. In the meanwhile, Atul had bagged admission in a Delhi based college. So their studies continued in different centres but with economics as their common bond. They kept on exchanging their love for each other as best the distance would permit but their passion was economics. They both finished their post graduation with flying colors. Now on their mind was a doctoral course from some reputed University in USA or UK. But it was not at all easy. There was many an obstacle. They wanted to get away to a foreign shore on the pretext of further studies but with fully paid scholarship. Because the cost was prohibitive and unless funding was in place the question of studying could not arise. So time passed. Both had applied for various universities abroad and sat for many a test. Luckily both secured admission in good colleges in the States with full scholarship. However, their centres were different. This situation saved the day for them. Had their college and centre would have been same their families would not have given their accent. Now Seema's family did not object to her pursuing the doctoral course because the university was an Ivy league institution and the reputation it had was envious. So on they went to their different centres eager to pursue their life's passion. While in the States between their studies and in the vacation they met each other. Love that had germinated in their home country had now blossomed into a full fledged happy relationship bonded in gold with cupid 's blessings.

They had both selected 'Poverty and it's alleviation' in their doctoral study. During their research field work they did a joint study on poverty alleviation in sub Saharan Africa and in Asia they selected Bangladesh. They willfully avoided India as their presence together would have antagonised their respective families. Pakistan and Afghanistan they gave the miss because of the hostilities prevalent there. Their research was much acclaimed and became the process work for various financial institutions the world over. Very frequently they were being approached by various institutions as guest faculty. Even financial institutions the world over appointed them for availing their services on finance-based case studies. Time passed. Their doctoral study over they were absorbed as faculty in their respective institutions. Now they wanted to settle down once and for all. Their families were still in the dark regarding their relationship. Because they had kept it as a very well guarded secret. They did not know if there was really any way they could become man and wife. Both Seema and Atul were totally at a loss how to go ahead with their relationship.

All of a sudden there was a series of developments in their lives that could lead their lives to converge. The way ahead for them seemed that they would go the future mile hand in hand together.

The Government of India organised a Person of Indian origin conclave at New Delhi and sent out invitations to Indian luminaries of repute in various fields to attend. Such an invitation was received by both Atul and Seema. First time after completing their doctoral study they would be visiting their motherland. At the conclave they were felicitated by the President of India. All of the visitors were incentivized to return and contribute towards the nation's growth.

Then there was a divine intervention and a situation was created that seemed to benefit both Seema and Atul. After the conclave there was some free time for both Atul and Seema before they took the flight back to US. So taking the benefit they went to stay with their families. Now Atul had a grandmother. She was aged and was fearing that her days being numbered wanted Atul to marry before going back. So Atul's grandmother put pressure on the family for her grand son's marriage. As time was limited and being difficult to start a search for bride selection in such a crunch situation they fell upon Atul to suggest if he had anyone on mind. This was a God send gift for Atul. On the other hand Seema's family also started pressuring for her marriage. Then Atul suggested Seema and Seema suggested Atul. Both the families met to discuss the modalities. The first thing on both families mind was as they were taken aback by the blooming of this relationship and the success of it being kept in such a hush-hush manner over so many years. However, this relationship was gladly acceptable to both the families and were surprised why a good matching like theirs was kept such a big secret. In fact, this relationship to get the certification had to go all the way to the USA to get the official endorsement. Their marriage was solemnised very soon and there was lot of celebrations and bonhomie all around.

Marriages, as they say are made in heaven.