Love In The Time Of Disaster

"The love from the unknown hearts are god's blessings. This orphanage is close to my heart and I am glad that my friends Charmy and Nithin have chosen this place to exchange their rings. I always believe that the wedding is a beginning of love and the real day of love starts when the couple begins to understand each other. I wish my friends to live with mutual understanding. My best wishes," said Rupali. 

"One more condition. You should not allow any third person in between you and Charmy, agree?" Rohith asked his cousin Nithin. 

"Sure", The couple said in unison. 

Rupali smiled. 

"Love you Rupali. I am not aware of your dream wedding but, I am sure that we will get married in a unique destination",  Rohith mumbled under his breath. 

It's their second rendezvous. Some days back Rohith met her in a village when she was distributing food items to the orphaned people and donating clothes to the needy. His adolescence failed to notice her humanity and care towards the society who couldn't fulfil their basic needs on their own rather, his eyes darted on her beautiful smile and his heart was fallen for Rupali's radiant face. Yes! Love at first sight. To gain the attention of his angel he began to buy few cookie packets every day and started to feed the stray dogs and cats. Except for their names, they never shared any words but merely her smile made his day. 

"She is a social worker and you are taking care of stray animals. What a pair man!", Sometimes Rohith's friends used to praise their combination hilariously and they used to urge him to disclose his love towards Rupali. 

Rohith was waiting for the perfect occasion to express his love for Rupali and Nithin's wedding have unlocked the pathway for him. Hence, he had bought a packet of little heart biscuits and inserted a love letter in it. Now, he was counting the minutes to propose. With the blessings of almighty, prayers from the elders, applauses from the orphaned children and wishes from the friends, Charmy and Nithin have exchanged their rings. 

When the couple is about to cut the cake. Rohith interrupted and told, 

"Wait. I have something to say. Let's celebrate together." 

"Okay", Everyone chortled. 

With a vacillating mind and an oscillating heartbeat, Rohith went near to Rupali. But, he never thought that moment would be their last meet. All of his dreams have shattered along with the massive tsunami. Only a few survived, many have lost their lives and loved ones. The rest were listed under the unknown category. 

Now, It's been a decade still he couldn't find Rupali and her family as well. Some said she is not alive and her neighbours uttered that she might have migrated somewhere. But, none confirmed Rupali's presence or absence. 

"Still thinking about the past?", His friend Ishaan's voice shuffled his thoughts. 

"Hmm. These days I'm receiving a lot of appreciation from the people for adopting and sponsoring orphaned children and elderly people. But, no one is aware of the fact that Rupali is the sole reason and the inspiration behind my social works."

Rohith wiped his tears gently and placed the candle in front of the tsunami memorial. Many made fun of his love story. But, to him, Rupali is his first and final love. He left the place with tears. 

This year also his eyeballs missed to notice the little heart biscuits and a letter pinned on it. 

"Dear Rohith, Guess what? This year, I have got good news to share with you. Along with my charity works, I am going to open a pet house for adopting stray animals. And you are the sole inspiration behind that. Miss you.. Year-2020. By, Rupali."