It was the third week of January 2009 and it had been a tiring office day. I came back from office at around 8.30 p.m. After having my dinner I was lying down on my bed, tired. At around 10 p.m. my mom came rushing upstairs to my bedroom saying – “He is online on skype from US to see you and chat with you”. This was the third guy whom I was meeting in the previous one year. Reluctantly I woke up, but inside my heart had started pounding with apprehension. There was a turmoil of emotions as to who he is, how will he be etc etc. But I brushed my hair and without a slightest hint of anxiousness on my face, went downstairs. Most of the 20 members had already interviewed him. My elder brother was just having a formal chat with him. I was feeling a bit uncomfortable to talk to him in front of the elder members. Somehow I managed to steal some glimpses of the guy. He looked adorable and cute. But looks are many times deceptive. What bothered me was the inner self- his inner quintessence should match mine. Everyone left the room and nervously I sat in front of the laptop. The first glimpse had already started working and the rest was set by his talks. I was certain - This is my boy and somehow I wanted him to be my life partner. Both of us made an effort to feign our countenance but the subtle reverberations of mutual acknowledgement could be felt in the air. Soon I was breathing easy and was again my normal self. It felt like a scientist who had just made a serendipitious discovery. I came out of the room and rushed to my mom, with whom I have always shared everything, and told her I like that guy.
Now here comes the most intriguing part which compelled me to cogitate and pen down my story. This incident had been preceded by something which left me astonished. According to me, you are certain to get whatever is destined for you.
It was the dawn of year 2009 i.e. the night of 31 December 2008 when I had this dream --
“I am enjoying at some picnic spot with my family. Never had seen it before. While exploring the place I find a tunnel. It was faintly lighted and water was dripping along the sides of the wall. I went through the tunnel and what I see after reaching the other edge is – SHIV TEMPLE ON THREE SIDES OF ME WITH THE TUNNEL OPENING BEING THE FOURTH SIDE. I bow my head and God tells me to fast every Monday.”
I woke up wondering what was that. I never had such a dream before. In our religion, girls worship Lord Shiva and observe fast on Monday in a belief that he would help us find the right bridegroom. I never believed in all these things.
Somehow I opted to go with my instincts and started fasting every Monday.
Just 2 Mondays had gone by. Today was the third week of January 2009 and across me was a guy. Was God trying to tell me something that night?? I was unable to sleep the whole night, wondering amidst the dream and the reality.
A chain of e-mails concatenated the meeting. Didn’t know why but felt jealous even if he talked about some other girl. Maybe it was the insecurity which prompted such a reaction.
It was fun running to office early and staying over late night just waiting for him to come online. As we knew each other more and more, we had decided to marry. The only formality left was a face to face meeting. That too because our parents wanted it.
It was Sunday, 22nd Feb. I could not even breathe properly. I was finding it difficult to contain myself. My boy was coming to my place today. My family went to meet him in the afternoon itself. It was planned for us to meet in the evening but somehow the meeting was cancelled and we met the next day – MONDAY(Lord Shiva’s day). It was Mahashivaratri that day. God Shiv’s festival and the biggest day for unmarried girls??? Gosshhhhh….. I was in utter bedlam. Is that God’s will? Had God asked me to choose him?? Could not think how could it be such a big co-incidence. The last formality was also fulfilled and there we stood before each other, with thousands of dreams floating in our eyes, to be besides each other in every stance of life.
The garden of my life was blooming with flowers of love. The world had become so lovely and colourful.
The “Kachcha Dastur” or the “Roka”, a formal ceremony where some close relatives and friends witness as both of us agree to be altruistic for each other, was on 1st March 2009.
We met everyday till he was in India. He left for US on 5th March 2009.
The candle of love which he had lit was enough to brighten the rest of my days till our marriage. I cherished the memories of the days spent together - sitting along beautiful lake side, sometimes having lunch or dinner together though feeling very shy to hold his hand but just praying to God in heart “Oh God! Please tell him to at least hold my hand”, the initial days filled with shyness when I blushed even if he was a little close to me…..oh!! those days were awesome and inexplicable with just words…Alas he came back from U.S. in June and we tied a knot on July 1, 2009. We were so happy to be together and vowed that night for an ever lasting eternal relationship based on pure love and trust……
