“It was the mid-1990s when our paths first crossed, bound by the tradition of arranged marriage. Our engagement period felt like a fairy tale, with my husband showering me with letters, roses, and late-night landline calls. His romantic gestures painted a picture of a future filled with love and warmth.
Post-marriage, however, reality set in. My husband transformed into a relentless, goal-oriented individual, consumed by the demands of his work. Conversations became rare, and decision-making became either his or the family’s task. My voice wasn’t heard much. Despite my graduate degree, I chose to be a homemaker and I loved doing things for my family.
The arrival of our first daughter added a new chapter to our lives, but he wasn’t there when she was born. Loneliness crept in, yet my commitment to family held strong. After 2 years, my son was born. My husband ventured into business, success initially embraced us before a sudden downturn. Because it was a business, he starts his work early and comes home very late. Even the children rarely had time to spend with him.
During these tough times, love seemed to slip away as responsibilities increased. However, the business became dull, and there was a huge downfall. When uncertainties emerged, I stepped forward.
Balancing the roles of a mother and a provider, I took up tuition classes and did artwork, selling my (God) paintings to sustain our family. When he had plans to switch his profession, we did an MBA degree together so that at least either of us could work.
As the years passed by, my husband, once a mechanical engineer, transitioned to learning computer skills. Again, due to family responsibilities, my husband relocates to Bangalore for work, leaving me alone in our hometown with our children.
Years passed, and our physical distance grew. That was the point where we re-discovered our love. Each of our absences brought clarity to our relationship on how much we missed each other, and how much we really wanted each other aside. We rekindled our connection through phone calls and messages, reminding us of our early years. However, we did not have video call facilities back then. But the daily updates, asking what he had cooked for the day, reminding him to pay bills, check on each other’s families and children, all made us connect more through the phone call.
Each time our children had a vacation, we used to go to Bangalore to be with him. The moment I saw him when he came to receive us from the railway station – the smile on my face, the look on his face – I could not forget that even today. Love, I call it, after two children, though!
After five long years of separation, the yearning to be together became too strong. The decision was made; I moved to Bangalore. My daughter enrolled in college, and my son continued his studies in a boarding school.
A decade has passed since we took that step, embracing our love story in the later years of our lives. Now, it’s my husband who completely takes care of me during my menopause stage, when I’m sick, I go shopping, etc. Life has changed. I believe it’s the time and family blessings that made magic.
The initial decade tested us, yet it was love, responsibilities, and hope that drove us forward.
Compromise for loved ones is not a negative action but a beautiful journey. Human lives evolve through compromise and understanding, and it’s the mix of love, responsibilities, and hope that guides a couple toward a peaceful life.
Love can come in any form – mother, father, siblings, friends, or even children, but for me, it’s my husband first and forever!
Our real love story began in the mid-40s. When was yours?”