Love story

It was full moon night with the sky brightly lit by the soft glowing moon light which was getting reflected on the still waters of the pond. The pond looked beautiful in the natural lighting with dense vegetation all around. The place was quiet and peaceful and out of the world.

There was a couple on a bench nearby, fully enjoying the beauty of the surroundings, lost in their own world and thoughts. The lady ‘s name was Radhika and the man’s name was Ravi. They were in love. Though they were not married yet, their friends thought that they were made for each other. She was delicate and beautiful and he was very handsome. Radhika was lying on the bench with her head on Ravi’s lap. After a very long time Radhika broke the silence “Ravi I am tired of this life, what with living in constant fear that my brothers would kill you if they knew that I am in love with a person of different cast. I am unable to take it anymore, this lying for everything and stealthy meetings with you. Why can’t we choose to live the way we want and be with a person whom we like? The most important decision of our life is in the hands of our family. This life is meaningless if it is under control of someone else. We exist like mere puppets.” Said Radhika with emotions overwhelming her words. She was very sad. “Yes Radhika I have also realized that I cannot handle your powerful family single handed. Let us leave to a different place where there is freedom, happiness and bliss. Where we do not feel guilty of expressing our natural feelings for each other”. So saying they both got up and held each other’s hands for a while, looking into each other’s eyes with longing and affection. Hand in hand they silently walked away into the darkness and were. gone

 Loud wails were being heard from faraway hospital’s emergency ward. It was from Radhika’s family as the Doctor’s pronounced her dead along with Ravi. The bike on which they both were travelling, was hit and run by a speeding lorry near the lake which was a favourite spot where young lovers would meet. They were brought to the hospital that evening by some passers-by. They could not be saved. Radhika’s family was shocked for two reasons. Firstly loss of their only daughter and second, the news that she was with an unknown man. Ravi’s parents arrived at the hospital and were grieving the loss of their son. Their friends rushed to the hospital as they came to know about the death of Radhika and Ravi. They told Radhika’s parents that she loved Ravi and was always worried about the consequences if they came to know about it. The parents and family realized with heavy hearts that Radhiika’s fears were not baseless and they would have reacted exactly in the same way as she expected. They were heart broke when they realize the kind of insecurity Radhika was feeling all this while. But now having lost Radhika they were ready to do anything in exchange for her life. But alas, Radhika and Ravi were gone for ever.

Radhika’s parents expressed their wish that the last rites of Ravi and Radhika should be performed at the same place and at least in death they should not part. Ravi’s parents also agreed for it and with heavy hearts they bid the couple a loving farewell. Sadly, It was death that united them.