ALL RIGHT RESERVED BY THE AUTHOR
INSTAGRAM : @rajatchandrasarmah5
As the final rains of the monsoon approached, Riya and Arun prepared for their first exhibition together—a showcase of Riya’s crafts and Arun’s art. They poured their hearts into the event, each piece telling a story of their journey.
On the day of the exhibition, the atmosphere was electric. Villagers gathered to admire their work, and the couple felt the excitement in the air. But Riya couldn’t shake the feeling of dread about her parents’ potential reactions.
As the evening wore on, her fears materialized. Her parents arrived, skepticism etched on their faces. “We just came to see what this is all about,” her father said, arms crossed as he surveyed the room.
Riya’s heart raced as she approached them. “I’m glad you came,” she said, forcing a smile. “Please, look around. Tell me what you think.”
They moved from one display to another, and Riya held her breath, waiting for their judgment. Arun joined them, explaining the inspiration behind his art. To Riya’s surprise, her father’s expression softened as he listened.
Finally, they reached a piece that depicted a stormy sky, vibrant colors swirling together. “This is beautiful,” her mother said, her voice filled with awe. “It feels alive.”
Riya’s heart fluttered with hope. “It represents the struggle we face—the chaos and beauty of our journey together,” she explained. “Just like the monsoon, it’s a part of life.”
Her father nodded slowly, the walls around him beginning to crumble. “You’ve both put a lot of effort into this. It’s commendable.”
As the night progressed, Riya and Arun felt the warmth of acceptance envelop them. Her parents engaged with other villagers, sharing stories and discussing their daughter’s talent. They began to see the passion behind their choices, realizing that happiness might not fit into the mold they had created.
As the final raindrops of the season fell, washing away the remnants of summer, Riya stood beside Arun, their hands intertwined. “We did it,” she said, her voice filled with wonder. “They actually came around.”
“Together,” Arun replied, a smile lighting up his face. “We fought for our love, and it’s stronger than ever.”
As they watched the last of the monsoon clouds drift away, Riya knew that their journey was far from over. There would still be challenges ahead, but they had learned that love, when nurtured with understanding and resilience, could weather any storm.
With the promise of a new season on the horizon, Riya and Arun stood united, ready to embrace whatever came next.,(END)
Rajat Chandra Sarmah
Guwahati, Assam , India
21/12/24
