Space

Radha and Ravi were two highly intelligent, accomplished and ambitious individuals who were batchmates studying MBA at the prestigious Indian School of Business (ISB). The course required some work experience before joining it. Both of them took a break from their respective jobs to pursue the course and were outstation students living close to the campus in Gachibowli in Hyderabad. They did not know each other to begin with. They were fiercely individualistic and did not like anyone intruding into their space. Over time, when and how the discussions, debates, assignments and other course-related activities made them get involved and closer and when the individual spaces started eroding into each other, they did not know. Radha and Ravi got so close to each other that space was at a premium for them. They did not want any space between them. Or in other words, love blossomed between them and it grew stronger by the day.

They both worked out a business plan while they were pursuing their studies and came up with a proposal by the end of their course. They were a team and got funding for their proposal. Soon after completing the course, they established their own consultancy firm and started to work. They became role models for their coursemates and were highly appreciated by teachers in the institution. It was natural that they got married to each other in due course of time. They did not need anyone’s permission but informed their parents. “the only thing I wish from you is, there should be no space between us either at work or at home. We are one and I wish to continue to remain one and erase all the boundaries and spaces between us and I wish that even air cannot come between us.” “Your wish is a command, madam. Let us work overtime to achieve this,” saying that Ravi pulled Radha, who was in his arms, into a tight hug and they both laughed.

Their business was progressing day by day and they made their mark in the business circles. Though they were equally competent, it turned out that there was a difference in their capabilities. Radha had the knack for being able to work closely with their clients and gain their confidence and offer good business solutions. While Ravi was good at managing day to day affairs of their firm and was a good administrator. Radha had to travel a lot in connection to work. This distribution of work would have worked so well for the progress of the firm except that Ravi started to develop an inferiority complex. He started competing with his wife than complimenting her and there started trouble in paradise.

“Ravi, why do you want to travel with me for the contract with Rao and Rao firm? It is a routine matter and you have other things to take care of here,” said Radha as she found it strange that Ravi insisted on joining her in the travel to Bangalore. But Ravi had his way and joined her on that trip. This continued for a couple of more times and Radha lost her cool.” Ravi, there is no point in your joining the tour and wasting your time. You are needed in the office. The staff is taking advantage of our absence here and things are slowly getting out of hand.” But Ravi would not listen and that was when Radha lost her control and said,” You are suffocating me, Ravi. I want the freedom to work and please give me some space.” She travelled alone.

Slowly things started to go bad between them and in no time they both drifted apart and all that remained was space which increased progressively between them. Things went from bad to worse and finally, they decided to separate. Their parents tried to intervene but without any success. They felt that both Radha and Ravi were fighting for no reason. It was just an ego problem and they should be able to see this and sort out the problem. But both did not listen or understand. Sadly their intelligence and management skills were of no use in reaching an understanding.

It all happened suddenly. Radha was on an official trip and Ravi had gone out that evening to just distract himself from his thoughts and worries. He was aimlessly driving the car himself on the ORR when he lost control of the wheels and there was a major accident. He was there at the accident spot till another vehicle spotted him and arranged for help. He was rushed to the hospital and was in critical condition.

Radha rushed back to Hyderabad, and her grief had no bounds. She was crying uncontrollably, and she realized that she could lose Ravi forever. “Oh, Ravi, I cannot let you leave me and go so far away that I will not be able to reach you. I wanted you to understand me and give me space to be myself and I never asked for so much space that no amount of time would get us closer.” She was crying inconsolably.

Ravi was in the ICU for 3 days battling for life. Seeing him in such a helpless state made Radhika realize that she still loved him very much and she could not imagine a life without him. Finally, Ravi was out of danger and regained consciousness but required prolonged hospitalization. During this time Ravi did introspection and understood what was ailing their marriage. ”Radha, I failed to understand that in partnership, both in business as well as marriage, we should be working like a team and not be competing with each other. We must let the best in us come out and complement each other. Can you please give our marriage another chance? I do remember the conditions you set soon after our marriage but with all the bandages I cannot fulfil your wish that there should be no space between us. Sorry,” and Radha burst into loud laughter looking at his face.

Both handled the situation with maturity and decided to work on saving their marriage. Radha said,” perhaps we should understand and acknowledge the requirement of individual space in our relationship for it to be a healthy and robust one. “While saying that, she became unconscious. Ravi regretted that his accident and hospitalization had taken a toll on her, and she was neglecting her own health. She was not only taking care of him but also managing the affairs of their firm single-handedly. “She must be under a lot of stress these days,” Ravi thought, full of remorse.

A doctor came immediately and examined Radha and announced that she was pregnant. Radha and Ravi’s joy knew no bounds. Ravi was discharged from the hospital in a few days. This new life they had conceived, had the power to erase all boundaries and remove spaces between the two. They both happily walked towards that future full of hope and confidence.