The Red Thread of Fate: Love Can Happen To Anyone

Rohini wakes up at seven to the cacophony outside. Sunlight falls on her gentle face. She rubs her eyes and gets up. Rahim chacha is playing the song "Rang barse bheege chunar wali rang barse" in his grocery shop. Oh! she remembers, it's Holi.

A young woman of nineteen, Rohini is pursuing a graduation in chemistry at Saraswati Vidyapeeth College. Artistic and a lover of colours, Holi is her favorite festival.

She gets up and notices her mother cooking special Holi delicacies. Malpua rests in the sugar syrup, and puri and sabji are ready to be served. She refreshes herself and dresses in a white salwar kameez. Long, colourful earrings adorn her ears, and vibrant flowers from her garden garnish her hair. The garden itself looks like paradise today. The gentle touch of spring has bloomed all the flowers, a sign of fertility. Bees buzz and roam, pollinating the blossoms. Nature is beautiful, and so is her garden. Whenever she's upset, she sits among the flowers, their magical power healing all her wounds.

"Rohini! Come here, have your breakfast," Rohini's mother calls.

Rohini finishes her meal and grabs packets of gulaal, ready to play the colourful game of Holi.

Yesterday, Rohini had an argument with Aryan, her college friend and neighbour. Both participated in a debate competition, arguing for and against genetically modified organisms (GMOs). While discussing the topic the day before, the argument escalated, hurting each other's feelings. Rohini knows these things happen in debates, but Aryan, short-tempered by nature, gets easily angered.

Rohini steps out onto the street, painted with vibrant colours. Her eyes search for Aryan in the crowd of coloured faces, a common sight during Holi. After a few minutes, she finds him gossiping with friends, dressed in a white kurta. Though his face is covered in colours, his build helps her identify him.

"Hey Aryan!" Rohini calls out.

He looks back, one eyebrow raised in question.

"Come on. Don't be angry. A new day has dawned. Let's forget yesterday," Rohini says, pulling him by the hand.

He offers a sly smile, the corner of his mouth quirking up. Rohini understands he's no longer angry. She smears rose-scented pink gulaal on his already coloured face. Aryan retaliates with red gulaal from his packet, colouring her white face. Both exchange smiles. She shouts, "Happy Holi!"

They continue smearing colours on others. Children spray coloured water at everyone. A balloon hits Rohini's shoulder. She looks back to see Sheela aunty throwing colour balloons at everyone from her window. Laughter and joy fill the air.

Rohini asks Aryan, "Would you like some sweets from Meenu bhabhi's shop? Don't worry, I'll pay."

Aryan replies, "Why not?"

They head towards the shop, Aryan holding Rohini's hand. "So, are you ready to fight again?" she asks playfully.

"How can I fight with such a sweet lady?" he replies.

"Huh? Wait a minute. What about yesterday's fight?"

Aryan remains silent.

On their way, Rohini notices a young girl standing at the corner of a shop with a bowl in hand. Seeing Rohini, the girl approaches and says, "Didi, please donate something."

"Hey dear, today is the festival of colours. Why aren't you playing like other kids?" Rohini asks.

"I have two siblings, a brother and a sister. I need money to buy food for them," the girl replies.

"Your parents?"

"I don't know. I don't remember. People say they left us," the girl replies with teary eyes.

Rohini paints the girl's pale face with a touch of gulaal from her index finger. "Wait here, we'll come back," Rohini promises.

Rohini and Aryan buy snacks from Meenu didi's shop and return. Aryan observes everything keenly. Rohini notices the girl is gone. She asks people around if they've seen her, but no one has. Sadly, the poor are often overlooked.

Rohini becomes upset. Aryan says, "You have a heart of gold. Since you bought these for them, we'll definitely find her."

Rohini grips his hand in gratitude. "Thank you for supporting me. I have known you for so long, still today I saw a different version of you. Not like the rude young boy I observe every day. But you know, today your voice seems a little different. Have you caught a cold?"

Aryan coughs lightly. "Um yeah."

A sound of slippers grabs their attention. It's the little girl! Relief washes over Rohini.

"Oh thank god, we found you," Rohini exclaims. "Take this. A small present from us on this special occasion."

The girl, wide-eyed, has never received anything beyond coins. She stands speechless, her mind racing.

"Take it, dear," Rohini says softly.

With trembling hands and tear-filled eyes, the girl accepts the packet. She bows down to them in gratitude. Aryan gently tousles her hair and asks, "What's your name, little princess?"

The girl hesitates, then whispers, "I don't know. People call me 'hey child!' or 'hey girl!' I don't even know if I had a name." Her voice cracks. "May I go now? My brother and sister are waiting for me. I have to feed them."

"Of course," Rohini says gently.

The girl bids them goodbye and disappears into the crowd. Both Rohini and Aryan watch her go, a heavy silence settling between them. The vibrant energy of the festival seems distant now.

"Life is so unfair for some, while it's too fair for a few," Aryan murmurs, his voice filled with empathy.

"Yes, it is," Rohini agrees. "But if we want, we can help them to a small extent."

They continue walking, their hearts heavy. Suddenly, Aryan breaks the silence.

"I've only spent a few hours with you, but this was quality time. I'll never forget this day. In this short time, you've stolen my heart.”

Rohini stares at him, wide-eyed. "What do you mean? You, you're already in a relationship. And you know my past. How can you be saying all these things, Aryan?"

Aryan hesitates, then takes a deep breath. "Adrit," he corrects. "Sorry for the prank. I'm not Aryan. I'm Adrit. The way you came with confidence thinking I was Aryan, I thought why not have a little fun? I really wanted to confess my feelings earlier, but the situation didn't seem right. Spending time with you today, getting to know you, I developed feelings for you. Yes, in just this short time."

Rohini's anger flares, but she manages to keep her voice calm. "You shouldn't have done this, Adrit. It wasn't right."

"I'm truly sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. Please believe me."

Adrit holds out his hand. "Can we just spend a few more moments together? Just a few minutes. I promise if you don't like meeting me after that, I'll never force you."

Rohini considers it for a moment, then gestures for him to lead the way. They walk to a nearby park and sit under a shady tree. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves. A few children play nearby.

"So, what did you want to tell me?" Rohini asks.

"Nothing. I'm here to listen," Adrit replies.

"Listen to what?"

"You said Aryan knew your past. What happened? Why aren't you ready for a relationship? Were you cheated on?"

Rohini flinches at the memory, but steels herself. "I'm not comfortable sharing my past with strangers. If you have nothing else to say, then I'm leaving.”

Adrit's voice softens. "You have a deep sadness within you. I can feel it. Even if we are strangers today, maybe tomorrow we can be friends. You can trust me. One day Aryan was a stranger to you too, right? I understand if you don't accept my feelings. But I wouldn't want to lose a friend like you. Love shouldn't be forced."

Rohini can't hold back the tears that welled up in her eyes.

"Hey, what happened? Don't cry. Did I say something wrong?" Adrit asks gently. "May I know your name, please?"

With a choked sob, Rohini introduces herself. "I'm Rohini."

“Such a nice name," Adrit says encouragingly. "Please don't be upset. Talking about your pain can help ease it. We are friends, right?"

Rohini nods hesitantly. "I have genophobia," she whispers, her voice trembling. "I was only ten when I was... raped by my uncle, my own relative. I can't forget that day. It took me years to overcome the trauma and..." Her voice trails off, choked with emotion.

Adrit doesn't interrupt. He waits patiently, his gaze filled with understanding.

Finally, Rohini composes herself somewhat. "Genophobia," she explains. "That's why I can't be in a relationship. It's not fair to anyone. My parents support my decision."

Adrit absorbs her words, his expression thoughtful. "But why can't you have a relationship?" he asks gently. "Is love only about physical intimacy? Don't you think a connection between souls can exist without that?"

"Of course not," Rohini replies, surprised by his perspective. "But hormones are a part of the human body. Continuation of race is the nature of all living beings. Even if you think so, the hormones within you won't let you do so and..."

"True," Adrit interrupts, "but not the only part. Love goes beyond just physical attraction. It's about care, respect, trust, and a deep connection. It's a complex emotion, but also simple in its essence."

Rohini stares at him, her mind reeling. She has never heard anyone talk about love in this way.

"Are you being philosophical, or are you expressing your true feelings?" she asks, a flicker of hope igniting in her chest.

Adrit smiles. "This is me. I believe love has no boundaries. It can blossom anywhere, anytime, under any circumstance. What drew me to you was your kindness, your strength in overcoming such a horrific experience, and your cheerful spirit despite it all. You seem genuine, someone who doesn't put on a facade."

Rohini can't hold back her tears anymore. "Oh, Adrit," she cries, "no one, except my parents, has ever understood my pain or accepted me this way. If you're truly the person you're presenting yourself to be, then yes, I love you too.”

Adrit stands up and offers her his hand. "Don't worry," he says as she takes it. "The man you see today is the real me. If you accept me, then from this moment on, I'm yours completely. And I vow, in front of nature and spring, to practice celibacy, yet love you wholeheartedly."

With a determined glint in his eyes, he plucks a small red flower from a nearby bush and kneels before her. "Will you be mine, for today and forever?"

Rohini, tears still glistening on her cheeks, smiles radiantly. "Yes, Adrit," she whispers. "We were meant to be."

In crowded streets or quiet glades,

Love finds a spark where spirit wades.

No touch ignites, no lips need meet,

Just souls that converse, a timeless feat.