Ritu and Parvatesh had met again after years, their sudden reunion in the chilly Delhi winter feeling like a divine coincidence. It had been nearly eight years since they last saw each other.
"You here?" Ritu asked, surprised.
"After joining the Income Tax Department, I was appointed here...and you?" Parvatesh replied, curious.
"Just like that," Ritu said briefly, falling silent.
Both of them got lost in memories of their past, reminiscing about their college days, visits to parks and restaurants, and fun times together. However, their happiness was short-lived, as the painful memories of their separation resurfaced. They recalled the Bollywood-esque drama of their breakup and Ritu's subsequent marriage to Nitin, an engineer, as per her father's wishes.
Despite having a child, Parvatesh had never forgotten Ritu. Overwhelmed with emotions upon reuniting, he tried to hug her, but Ritu pushed him away, aware of her boundaries.
"What are you doing, Parvatesh? I belong to someone else, and you do too. Please respect our limits," she said.
Parvatesh looked crestfallen. "Didn't you truly love me? Have you forgotten me?" he asked.
Ritu's response was poignant. "I still love you truly, and I haven't forgotten you. However, Parvatesh, true love seeks intimacy of the soul, not just physical closeness. The Creator has bound me to someone else, and I must honor that commitment. Perhaps your love was tainted by worldly desires, which is why I couldn't be your life partner."
In that moment, Parvatesh grasped the true meaning of love.
© Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer
Fatehpur, UP, India
editorsgveer@gmail.com
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Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer is a celebrated author, storyteller, critic, reviewer, and editor. His captivating narratives have enthralled global readers, transcending borders and languages. As an accomplished editor, Dr. Veer has curated over two dozen literary books and magazines, shaping the literary landscape. He champions innovation through Micropoetry Cosmos and The Fatehpur Resolution. His stories feature rich imagery, emotional depth, and universal themes, showcasing his mastery of language and narrative craft. A literary icon, Dr. Veer's contributions have inspired new generations, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary literature. His dedication to storytelling cements his leading position.
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