Unspoken Love

Their love was a story of covert looks and hidden glances. It was a love unlike another. They each knew that they loved the other but feelings remained unspoken. Beguilingly their feelings enticed them to express but shyness intervened and they never expressed what they felt. 

In those inclement times, Inter-racial marriages frowned. Religion was a greater divide than cast and they both knew that their love would come to naught. Still, their hearts yearned. They yearned and pined for something which would never happen. Their love for each other remained locked in their hearts, only to be exhibited through stolen looks.

She approached him one day.

“Asif, this is for you. Please do come,” she said handing him her wedding invitation.

“Thank you.” He said, accepting. There was no need for any other words. The eyes communicated what the tongue could not.

He attended her wedding. He saw her become another’s and yet he said nothing.

Years later they met again by chance. They literally bumped into each other at the book store they used to frequent earlier.

“Asif. Hi. It’s me, Meera. How are you?” she hailed him, happily.

“Meera,” he said delightedly. “I am good. How have you been? How is your family? It’s been so long?”

Meera smiled. “I am good Asif. I am settled in Delhi now. It’s really good to see you.”

“Good to see you too. I hope you are happy Meera?” he asked, a question in his eyes.

“Yes. I am Asif. I really am. I have a loving husband. Our daughter just turned five last month,” she said meeting his gaze.

“I am happy for you Meera. You deserve happiness,” he replied smiling.

“How is your family Asif? How about your wife? Do you have any kids?” she questioned eagerly.

“Er! No Meera. I was never married. I lost the one I love,” he replied, eyes downcast.

And just like that, yet again, there was no need for words.