The Pursuit of Love

'You'd feel the divine one day', he could hear Fr. David's voice as Prof.Vasudev left the church. 'Sure, I am looking forward to!', he responded. Both were batchmates during their college days. Vasudev is agnostic and likes to live life in modesty. Anything extra makes him cringe. He advises his students the same. 'Practice austerity', he often tells. 

As he entered the college that day, Prof Vasudev felt something peculiar as he saw his peers gossip in hushed tone. Although, he doesn't expect anything better from his chatterbox colleagues he wants to know what is scandalizing the day. 

Later that day, Fr David was talking to two students and their family members in his room. He seemed perplexed and agitated. Vasudev remembers both the boy and the girl since they took one of his classes together last year. He understood that it's about their relationship. Their parents have come from distant lands to take them back. He could hear an infant crying and wondered what's happening. David narrated him the story. That both were living in together and chose to bear a child. Since they were not attending college regularly, none of them knew about it. Distaste due to arguments and intolerance due to hatred have replaced romance. The girl child is now as unrequited as the love they shared with each other. Father asked the families to leave the child with him as they both refused to take responsibility for the baby. 

Prof Vasu couldn't control but smile at the little wonder he saw in front of him. He was a loner all his life. He knew how it feels to be left alone. After his wife's untimely demise, he wasn't ready to marry again. But there was something about the girl child that urged him to ask David if he could adopt the new born. Father David refused firmly and gave him the card of the counselor he always wanted him to meet. He took it hesitantly but understood why he insists. 'Atleast, believe in love' David shouted as Vasu left. 'I'll try', David could hear Vasu's voice echo over his shoulders. 

'Dr. Sherin? Hi. I'm Prof Vasu!' 

'Hello! Fr David said you'd come. Please have a seat.'

'Thank you.'

'Loneliness and depression can affect anyone and it is understandable given our times' she comforted. Prof Vasu smiled and replied, 'I agree. But....'

'Do you also find issues with sleep?' she enquired.

'No... But...'

'Tell me Mr Vasu, why won't you marry again?

'Exactly... Will you?'

'Pardon? I didn't get you'

'Would you like to marry me?'

'Listen... I'm a counselor... I treat patients'

'I know... But I'm not one. I knew about you through Father David who is also my friend.'

'But you know nothing about me.. Why would you want to marry me'

'Yes.. Nothing, except that you lost your beloved family during the Gujarat riots. You were in trauma and shock for years.  So much so, you chose to remain single forever. We deserve love, Sherin. And it has arrived. '

'I can't marry you for the child you want to adopt'

'Sorry, to me it looks the child is adopting us. Without her, what hope do we have for our deserted lives? The child gives me hope, a new lease of life and purpose.' 

'I don't want a family'

'No, Sherin. You do. We all do.  I always admired you. You're a strong lady. Part of this strength is also learning to trust again. I'd be happy to share the rest of my life with you. But please don't feel compelled. I'll give you time to think about it... See you!' 

Sherin showed up after a week. She loved her family so much and yearned to have one. She liked Vasu and the kid. Prof Vasu saw his daughter as an angel. David was delighted to finally see his friend happy. Many couples inhabit love, there are only a few couples wherein love wishes to inhabit. Choosing to love again, Vasu and Sherin refused to be defined by their past. They made space for love. As a result they got a girl who would constantly remind them that this life is a marvelous journey. And they need not wander in solitude. Life has given them a beautiful companion. They named her, Sajna. 

Saravanan