My journey with love has been a profound one, spanning over 13 years with my mate. We've traversed through highs and lows, laughter and tears, and in the process, discovered the true meaning of love and companionship. This Valentine's Day, as I reflect on our journey together, I am reminded of a poignant incident that encapsulates the essence of our bond.
It was a typical evening after work, and as we bid adieu to the bustling city streets of Mumbai, I found myself waiting for my partner, who was running a bit late. Surrounded by the rush of commuters, my gaze fell upon an elderly couple, perhaps in their seventies, looking lost and bewildered amidst the chaos. It was evident that they were unfamiliar with the city, and their apprehension tugged at my heartstrings. As someone who didn't have the opportunity to spend much time with my grandparents, I empathize deeply with senior citizens when I see them facing challenges or feeling distressed. They mistakenly got down at Marol Metro Station, and they had to go to Powai. During the peak hours, it sure is a task finding a rikshaw on this route, so I started looking for a rickshaw for them, but there was no hope.
The love of my life arrived moments later and gave me the brightest smile, his presence a welcome relief. We shared a quick exchange before his attention was drawn to the elderly couple. I told him about the situation, and without hesitation, we set out to help them, navigating through the sea of cars, smoke and traffic. We pleaded with rickshaw drivers, explaining the plight of the elderly couple, but to no avail. I was almost tearing up as we were failing in our efforts to help them but then, I saw my tall, fair, handsome man drenched in sweat waving at me from a rickshaw that he managed to get from the other side of the road. The elderly couple appeared visibly relieved as they settled into the rickshaw, ready to embark on their journey. It felt like they were finally homeward bound, their faces beaming with contentment. I'm certain my significant other employed some form of threatening and domineering tactics to ensure the rickshaw driver carried them, lest it would have been impossible. 😜
As they drove away, relief washed over our faces, and a warmth spread through my heart, making my eyes flood with tears. As we rode home, the city lights flickering in the distance, my partner's question lingered in the air, "Happy?" In that moment, enveloped by the chaos of the city, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for his compassion and love. That significant day was Valentine’s Day for me. His small acts of kindness and understanding for something that I feel deeply about made me realise that, "THIS IS LOVE"!