The North-South Love Saga

Hum Hain Is Pal Yahaan

After spending 22 years in the city I called home, it was not an easy decision to let it all go in an instant. Leaving behind my city meant leaving behind my friends and, most importantly, my family. However, the choice was crystal clear to me. I had to make the move. Life and the people in Hyderabad were unconsciously suffocating and overwhelming me. I needed to break free from my constraints and spread my wings, and that's exactly what I did.

Little did I know that Bangalore would be a blessing in disguise. It provided the much-needed respite I had been longing for. For the first time in my life, I experienced a sense of freedom—free from tension and stress. I had never been happier, more at peace, or more adventurous. However, it's worth noting that I didn't misuse my newfound freedom. I refrained from smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or indulging in excessive partying. My sole desire was to be with Vardaan. I'm certain that this was precisely what my mother had been worried about!

During this time, Vardaan had also moved away. He first relocated to Mysore, then Mumbai, and later to Chennai. We were hoping and praying that he would be posted in Bangalore, but life had different plans. He ended up being posted in Chennai. However, he chose Chennai not because he loved the city, but simply to be closer to me. For two years, we navigated a long-distance relationship.

Bangalore turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to both of us. Our focus was on the present, and the future could wait for another day. Each day felt more beautiful than the last. Vardaan and I managed to meet occasionally, and Bangalore's charm also worked its magic on my parents, who eventually came to terms with our relationship. This transformation was partly due to Vardaan's visit to speak with them.

My mother became extremely anxious about my whereabouts, and in my foolishness, I had turned off my phone. They demanded that Vardaan be brought before them. He visited our home and assured my parents that he was not playing games and that he was genuinely committed to me for the long run. They asked him, "What are your intentions?" to which he replied, "My intention is to marry her." Once again, I was captivated by his words.

Although there were occasional triggers for my parents, I had a fire extinguisher at the ready—a successful career and the hope for an even brighter future. I kept buying time, little by little, knowing that the calm I was experiencing was merely the calm before the storm. Until then, it was just Vardaan and me, navigating the challenges together.