One Life Juhi Malhotra

‘OMG OMG I just got the offer. I will start going to office just like you Sam. I am so excited. I always wanted this.’ Rupali expressed her joy of getting the first job offer. 

Finally, the day arrived in Rupali’s life. She always wanted to create her own identity. She always wanted to work. Unfortunately, due to family circumstances she didn’t get the opportunity to work and got married just after completing her MBA. But marriage didn’t stop her from fulfilling her dreams. She was always on a lookout.

With a very formal expression Sam said: ‘Oh, wow Rupali! Congratulations!’

Sam didn’t sound happy as he should have been. In their marriage of four years, it was always Sam who spoke about his work, his promotion, his friends, etc etc etc. And Rupali supported him in every way. She has been the best audience for Sam. But why was Sam insecure and uncomfortable to give a hearty reaction to Rupali’s news?

With expressive eyes and a beautiful smile, Rupali said ‘Sam, Sam today is a big day for me. In fact it’s a big day for us, let’s go out to celebrate.’

Sam agreed and both of them went to watch a movie together. This chirpy girl was super happy and excited like she never has been in the last 4 years. The silence and formal expression on Sam’s face made her realise that something was wrong with Sam.

Softly, Rupali asked: ‘What happened Sam? Are you not in a mood to watch a movie? You should have told me. We would have done something else.’ With a dominant voice, Sam said: ‘No no Rupali I am ok. Let’s finish what we started together.’

Rupali sensed it, she knew it that Sam wasn’t happy about something. She decided that as soon as the movie gets over, they’ll head back home instead of going for a dinner. But she couldn’t concentrate anymore. She became curious, anxious and impatient to know why Sam wasn’t as happy as her? What was it that was bothering Sam? She stood up in between the movie and said, ‘Sam, I am not feeling well, can we go back to home please?’

Sam didn’t expect this. He looked around the crowd and said sure, let’s go!

Rupali had so many questions, so much of curiosity, so much of anxiousness but she kept quiet. So did Sam.

After sometime, Sam asked politely Why are you so quiet, Rupali? What is bothering you?

Rupali busted into tears. Sam wasn’t expecting that. With a heavy heart, immediately he went near her & hugged her tightly and said:

‘No no Rupali, please don’t cry. You are supposed to be happy as it’s a big day for us. Stop crying, my love’

Rupali became comfortable now and she asked him ‘Sam are you not happy with my decision of going to work?’

What? No Rupali why will I not be happy with any of your decisions. One sec ohk so is it because of me that you are upset?

Rupali kept quiet. She didn’t know what to say. Suddenly she felt guilty, she started thinking that maybe she took Sam in the wrong way.

‘Rupali I am just worried about you. You have never been a working woman. How will you adjust to the new environment? How will you deal with office politics? How will you manage work pressure? How Rupali How?’ Sam Said

Although it was quite genuine for Sam to feel the way he was feeling but Rupali wasn’t convinced.

‘Sam, do you remember once I said that I want to be an investment banker?’

Yes, Rupali I remember.

I know I have never been a working woman but I have it all to be one. I know I will like to be a working woman.

Sam just nodded his head & said ‘Rupali I have full faith in you. You will be the best in whatever you do. And now I am more confident that I should worry less.’

Firmly, Sam said, ‘Just remember one thing that I am always there for you. I expect you to discuss everything with me the way I do with you. Promise me that you will never hide anything from me.’ 

Maya had an extra-marital affair and her husband got to know about it. She looked different for last few days. She looked happy, confident, mysteriously more beautiful and more organized. Not just a dedicated wife for husband or a woman for home anymore, now she was singing, she was dancing, her dress sense had commendably  improved.
It was strange for Sanjay!
In the previous years, he never saw this shade of hers. He was sure someone else had entered in her life and that she was transforming herself for him. He thought to himself that a woman always lives for the joy and happiness of a man. He felt like spending some more time with her to explore the reason behind it.
'Saturday Eve,' He thought, 'a perfect time to spend together.' He proposed a dine out and she accepted the proposal.
He asked her about the venue and for the first time she expressed her opinion! Again, a surprise because earlier it was always his decision!
They went to a beautiful restaurant with a very romantic ambience, Maya looked amazing and Sanjay kept staring at her as if he was meeting her for the first time.
While they sat on the table which was reserved by her, he was trying to explore the reason of this transformation, he held her hand and asked very politely, "Dear you look amazing and changed for the last few days. What is the secret?"
She looked into his eyes and smiled, and said,
"I am also surprised! You are sitting with me at a place of my choice, holding my hand, looking into my eyes, not looking into Mobile, or staring at girls moving around! Isn't it strange, Sanjay?
She picked up her phone, clicked a selfie and forwarded it to someone and her phone started ringing.
Now Sanjay was uncomfortable.
She smiled and announced "Sanjay, I am in love !"
He was shocked! For a few minutes he felt like 'What is happening?'. But for the first time, he also started loving her and didn't want to lose her.
Sanjay asked politely, 'Who is he?'
She smiled and said,
"It' not he, it's SHE."
Infact It's not she, It's #Me!
I love myself, I love spending time with people I like, visiting places I love, I am alive! And you know What I realized? You also love me more when I love myself.
He had tears in his eyes; although, of relief. He apologized and promised that he will not keep unreasonable expectations from her and respect her always.
Now, he knows the lady who is with him is alive, confident and deserves love and respect and if not given by him, she can find it within herself.
Story Credit: Gazal Gupta, Self-Love Coach

Days passes by and the nights too,

The silent sufferer sits through,



Sometimes happy but most of the times sad,

The silent sufferer doesn’t know why it’s so bad,



Trying to adapt the regular routine of day and night,

The silent sufferer fails to win the fight,



Wake up, Wake Up, Don’t bother and be pale,

Everyday the silent sufferer tries to get convinced by telling this tale,



Let the world face my truth and ring the happiness bell,

Being scared, the silent sufferer doesn't want to get out of the hell,



Not anymore....Not anymore...I'll bear this pain,

The silent sufferer decides to speak up and attain,



Being silent or sufferer is not what I deserve,

Finally the Silent sufferer decided to get out of the 'Shattered Emotion’ reserve.

Life is a long journey to travel,

Sometimes it’s busy, sometimes only avail,

It’s not as simple as it looks,

Don’t know when you get hook,

Love, lust & commitment at its fullest,

Most of the time which gets mislaid,

Birth, marriage & death destined to be followed by one,

Can be reshaped, changed or modified by none,

Future is in the hands of the powerful Lord,

Have to accept everything without a nod,

Can only hope for good, better & the best,

None other than Lord who’ll decide the rest.