Not a fairy tale, but it is ours

I know it’s cliché, yet deeply sad—and almost absurd—how easily we forget to value what we already have. Sometimes when you look at the world, all you can see are your own deficits. In the middle of that pain and chaos, you forget the most important thing you’re holding onto: love.

I think I did that too. I took you for granted, almost like a given. I forgot how incredibly lucky I was to find love on the very first try. No confusion. No baggage. No heartbreaks. No comparisons, no choosing between people. I don’t think we realise how rare one-man-one-woman love stories are—no frogs to kiss before you find your prince.

Two cartoons who together are a force to reckon with. Image courtesy - ChatGPT 

Don’t get me wrong, but you are not my knight in shining armour. You’d probably send me to sword lessons myself. You’re something better. An equal. Accommodating. Loving. Understanding. My life partner. My best friend.

Nothing has given me more purpose than falling in love with you. I had so many dreams I wanted to live with you—our first dance, that perfect photograph, a beautiful wedding, a memorable honeymoon, our first year together. And we almost had everything, except luck.

I don’t think people truly understand what it feels like to find love when you’re not looking, marry that person, and still live torn apart. I know there are long-distance marriages far worse than ours, but I will always be a child in love. My heart smiles differently when we’re in the same room.

To the world, it was a sob story—a girl who was rude, ungrateful, too emotional. No one will ever understand the loss of winning everything in love and still losing to life. When it comes to you, I don’t want to be brave, kind, understanding, or strong. I just wanted a simple love story. All I have ever wanted is your company.

And yet, this is what I have learnt—this is all I know. The next ten days will pass. So will the next two or three months. And even on days when I am tired and grieving, I will not let one difficult year steal the joy of the next five decades I plan to spend with you. 

I love you, Akhil.

PS - 

To be honest, marriage has actually taught me many things—about the world, about society, and about myself. It actually made me understand why so many women today choose to never take this ride. Honestly, if it wasn't for you I too would have taken the first exit and borne the costs. 

But even when there were moments of discomfort -- traditions, places, people that made me question it all -- it also showed me something simple and powerful: I married the right man.

I don’t think friends, parents, colleagues, or anyone else could fully understand what that means to me— to find a man with whom I can share my whole being. A man who doesn’t flinch at my cuss words, doesn’t cage me in tradition, and simply gets me.

You actually bring out my prettiest, coolest and the most fun side. But more importantly, you also hold space for my worst days with patience and grace. You make love feel safe.

There are many things in this journey that asked me to adjust, reflect, and grow. But through every fear, every doubt, every moment of uncertainty, one thing remained steady -- You. 

And that, my love, is more than enough.

Inspiration credit - Emily in Paris and her love triangles