Love Is Like An Earthquake

 

It all started when a young man, Atul, went to the park for his evening walk. He was just turning a curve when everything all around him started shaking. Things went flying everywhere. He should have moved immediately to a safer place. The ground shook like a jelly and thought it was a mild earthquake. It was the scariest ever in the history of Raghavpur town. It was nothing but a disaster, but no one in the park was injured.  

 Atul was as scared as if he had seen a ghost. The effect of the earthquake lasted for a couple of seconds. All the walkers had already left the park. People, who had been inside the houses, were coming out, while those who had remained inside the house lost their lives. Some of them were buried by debris. He saw a lone young girl was shivering and scared. He went there to pacify her. She was unable to even stand properly. Her condition was indeed pitiable.  

Suddenly the lights went off.   Everywhere there was darkness and a pin drop silence. Stray dogs began barking. A drunk man was abusing someone in a vulgar language. The wind was blowing. He felt very much for her pathetic condition. The silence was broken.

“Sir, I don't know who you are? You have come here as an ambassador sent by God. "

“Madam, don't praise me. It is my duty to help those who are in trouble. The mild earthquake was unexpected. "

 He thought she might be feeling insecure. Out of terrible fear, she rushed towards the young man and hugged him. He was surprised to see the girl and her terrible fear.

Both introduced themselves as Atul and Anushree. She was very much impressed by observing his kindness and that he was a nice guy. The power was restored after three minutes. By the time the situation became normal. People outside appeared and the vehicles were moving on the road.  

During this short time, both had a most thrilling romantic experience. Anushree was about 22 years old. Atul was three years older than her. He saw her with a lover’s perception. She had a similar experience. She was tall with a beautiful complexion. Her long black curly hair was an added beauty.  

Atul remembered an old Hindi movie song 'tarif karu kya unkee Jisne tumhe banaya. 'and sung with his melodious voice. He had an attractive grand personality. It was their love at first sight. Love is blind is proved by these love birds.

He tried to know her inner feelings. Atul really believed the relationship would work perfectly. He had a ten year old model chetak two wheeler.  

"Anu, I am a poor man maintaining this purana khatara (kept unused) vehicle. "

"Atu, don't say khatara. It is a  khatra (dangerous)vehicle. "

Both were in a happy mood and laughed together. She became a pillion rider and he was driving with utmost care.

 On the way again the power again went off for a minute. There were no street lights. He stopped the vehicle and parked under the shelter of a bus stop. The power was restored after one minute.

Atul asked, "Anu, where do you want me to drop?"

"Atu, what a surprise? You have stopped just in front of my house, 'Samruddhi'.

The time was 7 pm. She invited Atul to come to her house. He agreed. She knocked on the door and her mother Anupama opened the door. Her parents were worried because she was outside during the earthquake. Anushree introduced Atul to her parents and told them he saved her life. Her father Sarat Chandra Majumdar expressed thanks to Atul. Anushree offered a cup of tea to him. He took their permission and started his favourite two wheeler in just one kick. While leaving he gave his mobile number and home address.

Anushree expressed her desire before her parents that she loved Atul, who saved her life in the earthquake. She narrated the entire happenings to them.  

Three months back, Anushree was married to Abhay. While in the process of marriage rituals, Abhay suddenly put a strange demand for a brand new car that was rejected. He became angry and with unpleasant situations, broke the marriage.  

The parents keeping this sad incident in their mind gave green signal to their daughter to go ahead for marriage with Atul. She was happy and conveyed this good news to Atul.

Love is unpredictable, a little scary but when the hard part is over you realise how lucky you truly are.