Those Moment Of Love
( A unique love story)
by Vaman Acharya
It was Sunday morning. Thirty- five year old Jyoti was feeling uneasy due to the hectic work on the previous day. She woke up at nine am. While sipping the coffee, she watched a television serial 'Antaratma' , a Hindi serial. The day's episode was a young woman busy in a mobile conversation, hurriedly crossing the busy road. A speeding car was about to dash her, a young man rushed to the spot and pulled her to a safer place.
Jyoti switched off the tv. This particular scene prompted her to recollect the memories of a decade back.
A young woman Jyoti visited Pavanpur as a tourist. She travelled a long distance from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh to Pavanpur, a tourist centre in south india. In the morning at 8 am, the tourist bus stopped before the hotel on the hill road in Pavanpur for breakfast. Jyoti saw an young man was standing above the small platfarm of the deserted well and attempting to commit suicide by jumping in the well. Jyoti, realising the danger, without informing the tour manager and skipping breakfast, went there and pulled the young man outside with all her might. She was stubborn and managed to pull him safely. In the process, unknowingly both youngsters embraced for a moment and it was a thrilling experience for them. They were unable to speak for some time. The fast beating of two young hearts that conveyed love to each other. Their eyes sparkled with joy.
The tour manager after the breakfast found Jyoti was missing. He tried to search for her with the help of other tourists. He was worried that something would happen to her. His efforts were in vain. He contacted the owner of the tourist bus and reported the matter. The owner advised him to file a complaint with the local police and contact family members of Jyoti immediately and continue the journey.
"Who are you? Why did you save me? I wonder how we both hugged and became lovers," asked the young man to the lady.
"I am Jyoti, a tourist from Uttar Pradesh. I saw you, when you attempting to commit suicide. My conscious said go and prevent the suicide and save the life. I did it with good intention. It is nothing but a God's wish that we both come together. What made you to commit suicide being an young man? Do you know committing suicide is a sin."
"I am Vikram, an unemployed useless fellow neglected by society including my parents. I was frustrated in life. What is the use of my living?"
"Why do you think you are a useless fellow? Have positive thinking. World is wide. Why can't you change your attitude? Nothing is impossible."
"Jyoti, giving a lecture sounds good. I am just a tenth standard passed average student. I don't have the capacity to think like you. I am a burden to my family."
"Don't worry. I am here to guide you. If you listen to me and put your efforts sincerely, you will be a successful person."
"Thank you Jyoti. You have kindled a hope for me. I would be happy if your guidance will help me."
"Vikram, I have some ideas for you. Let us go to your home and discuss with your parents."
"Jyoti, before going home, I take you to the nearby Hanuman temple to have peace of mind."
Jyoti was happy to visit the temple.
Sanctum sanctorum was open and the priest was performing puja. Both had pradakshina and sat on the floor to see the puja with full devotion. The priest was chanting 'Hanuman Chalisa'.
After the rituals, he gave prasadam and blessed for a better future for the couple.
Vikram's house was just opposite the temple. On the way home, she told,
"Only a coward takes such an extreme step. Bold person never bothers about the problems and moves forward until he achieves the goal."
Vikram stopped at his house and welcomed her inside. He introduced her to his parents Jayaraj and Pratima and informed them everything that had happened just an hour before. His parents were in great shock to hear the incident, wherein their only son could have lost his life. But they were not happy with the son falling in love with her without knowing the family background of the girl.
Jayaraj and Pratima stood up with folded hands.
"Jyoti, I don't have words to express thanks to you. You have saved my son's life," said Jayaraj.
"Sir, you are elderly person. Please do not fold your hands."
I am coming from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh as a tourist. Today being the last day of the tour, packing up our luggages to go back to my place, and saw your son attempting suicide. I did my duty. Your son is lucky," said Jyoti.
The tears were continuously rolling down from his eyes.
Pratima, out of emotion hugged Jyoti and asked her to sit beside her.
She asked,
"Jyoti, I am eager to know about you."
"Aunty, I am an orphan native of Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh. I lost my parents three years back in a train accident. I did an MBA and worked in a small scale industry."
Jayaraj asked,
"Jyoti, in which industry are you working?"
"Sir, I have been working in the food processing industry in my native place for three years."
An idea flashed to Jayaraj.
"Jyoti, I have a one acre barren land at the outskirts of Pavanpur. There is an ample scope of setting up of a food processing unit here. Can you help my son to start the industry?"
" Excellent idea sir. Let us plan and move forward. "
Vikram intervened and asked,
"Mom and dad before taking up industry, please bless us to become life partners."
"My dear son, the priority is you must settle in life," said Pratima.
"Vikram, mom is right. Why do you hurry to tie the knot?"
He realised the situation and agreed to put efforts sincerely for the industry.
Jyoti decided to cancel the trip to go back to her native place and stayed with Vikram.
Three days passed.
A police team and Balaram Trivedi, a relative of Jyoti, arrived at Jayaraj's house.
"Why did you stay here? You know I loved you and decided to marry you."
"Balram, have I given consent for marriage? I am grown up and attained majority. Now I have decided to marry Vikram."
Balaram had no voice to argue and left the place. The police inspector to close the file drafted a letter and took the signature of Jyoti.
The mobile was ringing continuously. Jyoti came out of the old memories and answered the call. It was a call from her husband Vikram conveying the good news.
Those moments of love remained forever in the life of Jyoti.
