One morning, as Priya was happily strolling to Raj’s room, she saw his dad just exiting. He looked at her and gave a pale smile. He didn't bother to ask anything and simply walked away. He looked very low and upset. Priya was worried and felt something wasn't right. She entered Raj’s room and got shook up to find him crying. He was sitting upright, with his head hanging low. Tears were dropping on his palm and he did not move a muscle. A high degree of fear, ran through Priya's mind and a heavy sadness, filled her heart. She slowly paced towards him and sat next to him. She wiped off his tears with her tender fingers. Raj looked up at her and smiled vaguely. He then wiped his face with his hands and gave another lifeless smile to Priya. She had only experienced tickling butterflies, whenever he smiled. But, for the first time, she felt so much pain instead.
“What happened Raj?”, asked Priya in a very low voice.
“Nothing Priya. I am fine”, replied Raj. He knew that she was already worried and didn't wanted to trouble her anymore.
“Won't you share even with me?”, asked Priya longingly.
“Hey Priya! Don't worry… today is my mother's death anniversary… I miss her so much… I always do!... This day, many years back, I watched my mom slowly leave me forever, on her deathbed… She was looking at me, with her eyes wide open and I always feel that her eyes are still looking at me…”
He went silent for few minutes and continued, “Every year, this day, I used to perform the rituals. But, it's heartbreaking for my dad and me, that I couldn't carry on doing it, this year. I wish I didn't get hurt”. As Raj spoke those words, he started to weep again. But, soon composed himself. He looked at Priya. She was staring at the floor. She imagined the very words that Raj just said. 'What would have happened, if you were not hurt, Raj? We would have never met and my life would never be this beautiful. I can't think of a life without you. I understand your pain, but I find that a blessing… I Love you Raj! Love you so much!!’, she thought and as these thoughts were running in her mind, she started to weep as well.
Raj was distressed to see her like that.
“Hey Priya! What happened? Sorry! Did I trouble you? Did I hurt you?”
“No Raj… not at all”
“My dad used to say that everything happens for a reason… I never believed that, but I regret now. Had I not got hurt, I would have never met you and my life would have never been this beautiful”
Priya was astonished to hear that. It looked as if he read her mind. She was glad that Raj feels the same way, as she did. She is now both crying and smiling.
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