Bleeding Love
Deanne D'souza
20 June 2008, 07:02‘This is ridiculous’ said Jaya in disgust as she threw down the morning newspaper. Simran looked over her shoulder to see what had upset Jaya so much. Splashed in bold, the headlines ran the story of a 26 year old MBA student who couldn’t come to terms with her partners infidelity and finally took the devastating step to end her life! ‘I cannot understand why in the world a smart educated woman of today would react in such an extreme manner. Its just bloody ridiculous’ continued Jaya in evident increasing irritation. “Everyone knows men cheat. Its not something to throw away your entire life over. We are in the 21st century. Infidelity is not a bad thing. Its an accepted norm. I cant believe a girl of her caliber would react in such an extreme manner.”
Simran listened as Jaya continued her ranting over the morning news. Her thoughts drawn to Ronit. Ronit, her love. They had met four years ago in a night club when she was just 18. Smart and charming as he was, she knew instantly he was the one for her. Ronit spared no emotion or time in letting her know he felt the same. Four years of a great relationship she and Ronit would soon be married in a year. Just the though of that made her blush.
“ Are you listening to me “ .. the sudden interruption of Jaya’s now high pitched voice broke through her thoughts. ‘Yes, I heard you. But you see Jaya, when you are emotionally committed to someone, you are bound to react in a mannerism that is opposite to all logic. Tradition and knowledge do little to pacify the thinking of our hearts.” said Simran, more out of experience than just observation.
“Rubbish continued Jaya. The world today has no place for emotional fools. You cannot afford a moment of weakness. Where is the time to nurture emotional bruises? Look at me. I have had a string of relationships. They did not work out but you don’t see me playing the estranged lover. If you can’t change it, accept it and move on. Its the wisest thing to do.”
Simran said nothing. She pondered on Jaya’s words. Sure Jaya was a strong independent woman. A today’s woman. Nothing wrong in being strong, but perhaps that’s why so many of Jaya’s relationships failed. She always took the lead, made the decisions, acted independent of her partner.
“Jaya… , Simran said with slight hesitation, In my limited experience, I would like to let you know that in any relationship, men like the thought of being in charge. Its who they are. Maybe they need a person who understands them, its about letting them know you care. Its not so different from the way we women feel. Their reactions don’t always find its form emotionally but I can guarantee you, react they will. When you meet someone you truly love Jaya, your opinions are bound to change. Love does that to you.’ ..with a teasing smile Simran continued with the words of her favourite song.. ‘love makes fools of us all’.
Jaya laughed. Fools she though was an appropriate word. She had been madly in love with Len. After a exciting seven year relationship she walked in on him with another woman. She was heartbroken. How could she have been so blind. How could she have been so trusting. Len did nothing to stop her from walking away. In a single moment, seven years vanished in a puff of smoke. She became strong. She had no choice but to!
She turned to Simran’s bright smiling face. Her eyes lit up with a sparkle that could only come from a love fool.
“I’m meeting Ronit today’ Simran continued, We are completing 4 years together. I’m so happy. I cannot believe four years Jaya. The best of my life. He’s everything I ever wanted and so much more. He make me feel alive, vibrant and does the sweetest things to surprise me’ continued Simran, evidently lost in her imagination. This time Jaya kept silent. She looked at Simran and could not but help feel bad for her. Silly girl, she thought. All men cheat.
That evening Simran had a wonderful time with Ronit. Or so she expressed. Anything that Ronit ever did, appeared larger than life to her. He bought her the prettiest carnations, ribboned in her favourite color. A candle light dinner at this secluded restaurant on the shore and soft music that only seemed to heighten her excitement. Ronit loved her. She could feel it in everything he did. He told her he loved her, how beautiful she is, how he was the luckiest man alive to have someone as wonderful as her in his life. Simran was flying.
If only Jaya could have what she had, perhaps Jaya would not be so bitter towards men. But she did not want to think about her morning conversation with Jaya. She lay in Ronits arms as they stared up at the night sky, laughing about how they fought every obstacle to be together, right from her suspicious father to his doubting friends. Simran let out a sigh of contentment. Life was so beautiful. Life was so perfect. Ronit was so perfect. Her glorious evening finally came to an end. As the car halted outside her apartment, Ronit held her hand tightly, turning her face towards him, he kissed her lightly on her lips. Simran beamed.
“I love you…Simran” said Ronit with eyes filled with love so strong that it almost made her cry.
Leaning forwards she kissed him again, deeply whispering, “I love you too”, in hushed breathes.
Parting was difficult. She did not want Ronit to go. She could sense he felt the same. She finally stepped out of the car before the temptation to drive off with Ronit arouse again. Ronit watched as she walked away from his sight. Today did feel good. The phone rang. Ronit smiled as he saw the display light up with a familiar name. Couldn’t wait could she. “I was thinking of you too darling…” said Ronit as he hastly answered the call. “ I miss you too Jaya…. !!”
Very captivating.Have enjoyed reading this piece.
— Sharon · Jun 20, 18:47 · #