Love in simple things

Love and Self

I walk in every day into the library to sit in the same self-help section. I have been reading the same books over and over again because nothing seems to work. At least It didn't work for me. I sit there and admire the 55-year-old Naina. She is from North India. She has been working at this library for more than 20 years. She is calm, composed, and polite. She greets everyone with a soft smile. They all turn their head around even when they are rushing down the hall. 

Today, she wore a golden necklace and I was very curious. I asked her about it and she became shy. 

"Hello, Ms.Naina. How are you today?"

"I am good, Danny. How are you dear?"

"I am doing great."

"To the same section?"

"Yes. Just curious, what is the special occasion?"

"I felt so beautiful today"

To that day, I never asked her any personal questions. I was always interested in knowing her personally but I didn't have the chance to think beyond me. I popped a very intrusive question and she didn't mind. She just threw that soft smile again. She didn't answer me yet. 

"As you should"

"Yes. Today, I am going to learn an instrument."

"Oh, that is amazing, Ms.Naina. I am so happy for you."

"Well, thank you, Danny. I am going to learn piano"

"Are you excited?"

"Excited is not the right word. Anxious?  Yes."

"It is very normal. A new beginning always brings anxiety and nervousness. It is alright"

"Oh yes."

"But, I was curious about your necklace."

She smiled. This was not a normal smile. Not the usual smile. She smiled because she was hiding a secret behind those curves. She was running her hands through the library cards and saw me after a solid minute. I was waiting over there, analyzing her. 

"I am learning the instrument from a man. He is an acquaintance. He visits the library over the weekends."

"Oh, wow. Do I know him?"

"Since you come only on the weekdays, you might not have seen him"

"Oh, that is really nice."

"Yes."

I walked away because I didn't want to pry much. She greeted me and went back to her work. The next day, she wore a very vibrant yellow color dress. She usually dresses up like a grandma. This time around, she wore this beautiful sunset fabric. Usually, anyone would have walked past her without even noticing her. This time around, everyone was looking at her.

"Oh my god"

"Don't tell me anything about the dress." She smiled at me. 

"Oh, why?"

"Everyone has thrown a compliment already."

"As they should. You look so beautiful today."

"Thank you."

"I mean, you always look beautiful when you greet us all with your smile. Today, the dress just overpowers."

"Is it?"

"Let me guess, you are taking that piano lesson today"

"Yes. Is it that obvious?"

"I am in my 20s. Of course it is obvious. Good luck on that lesson today, Ms.Naina"

"Thank you, Danny."

She felt shy discussing her new crush. She is putting effort into her small love. Her smile just brightened everyone's day with that dress on a Wednesday. The Self takes a turn spreading glory to the world when the person is expressing any form of love. To all Nainas, Good luck with their piano lesson. 

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About the story

Welcome to "100 Days of Short Love Stories," where love comes alive! Each day, for the next 100 days, I will share a unique, heartwarming short story that explores the many dimensions of love. From sweet first encounters to bittersweet goodbyes, from fantasies to adventures, these stories will take you on an emotional journey through the highs and lows of love.

Whether you're a hopeless romantic, a daydreamer, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, there's something here for everyone. Join me on this adventure, and let's celebrate love! Love through my eyes.

About the author

📚 Fiction, YA, Romance, Fantasy, & Thriller Writer ✨ | Storyteller at heart ❤️ | Sharing my worlds, one tale at a time ✍️ | Follow for your next adventure!

Disclaimer

© Saranya G. All rights reserved. This story and its content are the intellectual property of the author. No part of this story may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author, except for brief quotations in reviews. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

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