The love story I am going to tell now begins with a simple family background. Normally in our Indian homes, parents always think about marriage. Especially after a son or daughter completes their education, they are very excited to see their relationships. This story also has such a family atmosphere. But the future that our heroine dreams of is somewhat different from her parents’ plans. This story is a sweet experience that combines all of these small and big conflicts, the friendships, feelings, love, obstacles, and success that she encounters along the way.
On the first day Sanjana completed her degree and entered the house, she heard a sweet note in her mother’s words.
“Sanjana, you’ve completed your studies, haven’t you! What are your plans for the future? We thought you’d do some designing course. But come on, what if we start planning for the wedding first!” said Mom Padmavati, expressing a big intention in a small way.
“Mom! Why are you bringing up the subject of marriage now? I am looking to do a two-month course first and join as an intern in Mumbai. That’s it! With the skills I have now, there are chances of getting even a small job,” Sanjana said excitedly.
At the same time, my father Suryanarayana also heard this discussion. He snorted slightly and said, “Dad, I thought there would be another argument to contradict my mother’s words! Anyway, just try it once, if you have a good relationship, everyone will forget about it.” He sweetly passed it over.
In the middle of that superficial discussion, Anil came out of the room and said, “Don’t limit yourself to marriage like a fool, but changing your mother-in-law’s mentality is not that easy, sister!” With that, Sanjana looked at him challengingly and said, “Let’s see what I can do!” and she got angry.
Sanjana is very excited to intern in Mumbai as a designer for her future. But she is frustrated by how everyone at home, including her mother, grandfather, younger brother, and nephew, keeps discussing her marriage. Yet, the adults are trying to convince the boy with new and traditional speeches, showing him photos of the boy.
A day: Sanjana went to the beauty parlor to meet Deepti. As soon as they met, Deepti asked in shock, “Hey, where are you going?” “I’ve applied for a course in Mumbai!”
“Yes, I heard that there is a project work coming up at the Ambani Museum. But I don’t know how to tell Mom!” Sanjana replied, choking up.
Among the matches your mother is showing me, one of the boys is working in a top IT company. He lives in Mumbai,” Deepti said, and Sanjana felt like, “This is another twist.” She was surprised to find a relationship in the same area she wanted to live.
While talk of marriage was swirling at home, Sanjana focused more on the opportunity to work in Mumbai.
There is only one major obstacle to going there: Mom won’t agree. The question is how will we proceed with the marriage if he goes to Mumbai.
On one side, Dad is remaining moderately silent, silently assuring her that he respects the work she does. But on the other side, Mom is busy making various plans and trying to set dates.
Padmavati tells him that he has a new match. His name is Raghava. His parents are also from a traditional family. But he works as a project manager in a leading software company in Hyderabad. He says that he has to go to Mumbai for work occasionally.
Meanwhile, Sanjana gets an interview call from a design firm in Mumbai. This seems like a fantastic opportunity, the first step towards realizing her dream.
Anil said excitedly, “Sister, I will also come to Mumbai and support you. Once you see there, you will know what kind of life there is in Mumbai!”
Sanjana: “I think that’s a great idea. But when I look at my mother, she’s shaking, which is not normal. I need to take some time to tell her.”
During this, Padmavati brought a photo of the boy, Raghava, and insisted strongly. “Look, everyone says that the boy is a good person.
“It’s in a good company. You’ll have the opportunity to bring in design projects too. Let’s talk sometime and see!” she says carefully over and over again.
Since Sanjana wanted to go to Mumbai for her project work anyway, it seemed natural to meet Raghavani. Later, if she went into details, the elders decided that it would be better to meet her in person and talk to her if she was going to Mumbai. She also agreed, because she needed a chance to come to some kind of conclusion!
First telephone conversation with Raghava:
Sanjana: “Hello, I’m Sanjana speaking…”
Raghava: “Namaste… I’m Raghava. My mother said there was a call from your house.”
Sanjana: “Yes, we are usually going to Mumbai. There is an interview there. I heard that you will be in Hyderabad somehow…”
Raghava: “Exactly, I am coming to Mumbai next week for a project work. Shall we meet then?”
Sanjana: “Let’s share the contact and talk.”
A calmness and depth were evident in his words. Speaking with ease, he would clearly tell her in any matter whether she wanted to cooperate or not, which was something Sanjana had confirmed in the six-minute phone call.
It was then that she thought to herself, “He really seems like a good person…
But the responsibilities of marriage and the pressures of being a father are not normal. If only I could continue my experience and grow my career…” she thought to herself.
Sanjana left for Mumbai with Anil. Their journey in a beautiful train was filled with small, playful words. After stepping into the Mumbai city alone, this big city attracted her so much. A new excitement awakened in the bustling crowd.
There is a small PG room there. Everywhere you look, new dreams, new glory. Anil is there to support. The two of them have an interview tomorrow to visit that design firm in Mumbai.
Interview Day:
Sanjana was all excited and nervous. She went to the firm professionally dressed in a modern style blouse and formal look. There, they looked at her portfolio. They asked her a few questions. They told her about their projects and the prospects. At the end of the clean interview, he made an optimistic announcement, “We will give you the results in another week. You have shown good talent.” It sounded like a good auspicious preface, and it was exciting.
Meeting with Raghava:
While Anil was out watching some movies, Sanjana decided to meet him at Raghavani Park. The two met in person for the first time at a park in the Malad area of Mumbai.
He had deep eyes, a dark complexion, and appeared to be a software engineer in today’s world.
After greetings,
Good morning, Sanjana. How is Mumbai?
“Very good, but the traffic is still unbearable,” Sanjana laughed.
He too felt a bit hesitant about this first meeting. The two of them chatted cheerfully about life and work. Raghava speaks in a style that gives clarity to everyone. Sanjana liked his calm nature.
Meanwhile, Sanjana came forward to talk specifically about marriage and family.
“I take my career very seriously. I want to be independent and provide security to someone. I want to join Mumbai!” Shalini said.
Raghava took a moment to drink the glass of water in front of him, looked around carefully, and said, “Yes, the idea is very important. I am also seriously considering a career. But marriage is something that is more like an agreement between two people.” “We should value the right family support, mutual understanding, and the words of our parents. But we can both come to a decision slowly, without rushing like fishermen. My decision is how it will be if we take the rest of the matter forward only after a job is set,” he said deliberately.
Sanjana felt that there was no overt love in his words, but a gentle clarity. She reassured him that once they had told the elders, they could talk to each other on a deeper level for a few more days, at least on the phone.
When he came to the PG room at night, Anil would share his joy by saying, “Sister, I had a great time in Mumbai. The rain showers accompanied by chili bhajis, and the variety of cultures around!”
As Sanjana calmed down, he asked her, “What…? How did the interview go? Did you meet the groom?” He asked her a series of questions. She just gave him a small smile. Something seemed to make sense, but she didn’t understand…
Meanwhile, the phone showed that a mail had arrived from the interview. “Congratulations! You are shortlisted for the final round.” Sanjana was so happy to see the message. This was the happiness she had been waiting for for a long time. Is it about love? She should first gain stability in her career!
Some people have to make two big decisions at the same time: career and marriage. Sanjana is at this stage. She was eagerly awaiting the final round of interviews in Mumbai. Finally, the result came out: She was selected! They clearly told her that she would start with a small project and if she proved her talent during the three-month probation period, she would be hired regularly. This was like a new light for Sanjana.
After returning to Hyderabad with Anil, Sanjana thought that the house would be much more peaceful if she told him the good news. But her mother had something else in mind: “Raghava’s parents are coming to our house next week. You should also be here. They will talk to her directly for once.”
Sanjana’s mind was troubled again. If she wanted to go to Mumbai for a job, how long would this whole marriage process take…? Is there a chance she could postpone it? Or should she think that she would go to Mumbai only after marriage?
Even though my mother quietly commented, “If we discuss marriage in the meantime, we can say no. Why are we rushing?”, my mother was adamant. She thought that even after getting married, she could continue living in Mumbai.
Sanjana: “But if you have any opinions on this matter, tell me. Your parents are coming to our house.”
Raghava: “It really seems normal to me too. I don’t think you should miss the job in Mumbai. But adults should go ahead with the proper consent of their parents, right?”
Sanjana once again calmly said, “Actually, this three-month probation period is very important for me. Getting married again is a big burden. I am a little afraid that it will affect my career once it comes on screen.”
Raghava: “Don’t worry. We’ll both talk about it together. Even if you want to stay in Mumbai after marriage, I’ll be the one to do it. I might get a work-from-anywhere option from the company for a while. I’ll also be there for you when you come to Mumbai.”
Sanjana felt a bit excited as she sensed a sincerity in his words.
The week passed quickly. It was time to face the arrival of Raghava’s parents. The elders of the house were in a room. Raghava also came. After talking to Sanjana, she quietly reached home. Deepthi also attended, to provide fun and support.
The elders basically greeted each other. Raghava’s parents seemed very happy to see Sanjana. However, Sanjana’s father Suryanarayana highlighted one thing: “Sanjana wants to get a job in Mumbai. Your son will be in Hyderabad.” “What will life be like for the two of them then? Are there any doubts?” he asked doubtfully.
To this, Raghava’s mother said, “Nowadays, many youth are flexible. Our son also gets the opportunity to work from home. “We are not stopping anyone’s dreams either,” she said. Sanjana was a little surprised to have such a mindset in such a strange matter.
At that, Raghava interrupted and said, “It seems good to us. First, the two of them should talk to each other without making any mistakes. None of us will pressure them. If they want to get married, we will go ahead. Take some time and make a decision.” Everyone seemed to appreciate his words.
Sanjana’s parents also felt a little comfortable with the new generation coming forward in such a traditional family. However, it was a civil war for Padmavati. ‘Are they like they were five years ago?’ Tanuku was getting nervous. But seeing the joy on Sanjana’s face, she also decided to make the right decision.
After many shocks, it’s great that parents are also open to new ideas. It’s like an agreement on when it’s best to have a temporary wedding and when they’re ready to get married.
Sanjana has officially taken a job in Mumbai. Raghava lives in Hyderabad, but often comes to Mumbai for projects. They both talk to each other, try to meet at least once and see this new world.
One day, Raghava came to Mumbai. There, they discussed it at a favorite cafe in Mumbai Marini.
Raghava: “Shall we fix the marriage after completing the three-month probation? Or do you want more time?”
Sanjana took another turn and said, “There’s only one thing before this. I need to establish stability in my career. They want to extend the three-month probation by another three months. That means a total of six months… so it will take some time.”
Raghava smiled and said, “No problem. I am also involved in spinning the project. We, including my parents, will wait patiently. “Let’s move forward, understanding each other and sharing experiences,” he said, reaching out and holding Sanjana’s hand. Then, love felt like a peaceful touch in Sanjana’s heart.
Six months later
Sanjana is stuck in her job in Mumbai. She has become a full-time employee. When Raghava comes to Mumbai repeatedly, the two become closer. Now her parents have also compromised for this marriage. The two families happily discussed and decided on the wedding in good time. Weddings are a mix of fun and celebration.
Her parents, though initially skeptical, were overjoyed that their daughter had followed her dreams. Raghava’s parents also supported the new generation’s ideas. In this way, Sanjana and Raghava became professionally strong and happily adopted the name Prema.
Once love comes to our mind, our whole life changes. The sign of true love is finding a balance between listening to what adults have told us in advance, but not giving up on the dreams we have in our hearts. Sanjana and Raghav’s journey is a symbol of that. It is a sweet feeling to embark on a new journey of marriage while diligently pursuing one’s dreams.
2 Comments
Anil
Good one