“True love comes quietly, without banners or flashing lights. If you hear bells, get your ears checked.” – Erich Segal
Nisha wasn’t impressed as she glanced at the photograph. He was average-looking and stocky, unlike the dashing heroes of romance novels. She had envisioned a whirlwind romance before settling down, but this proposal felt uninspiring. Romantic stories had fueled her imagination, making her reluctant to proceed.
Sensing her hesitation, Nisha’s grandmother stepped in. She was Nisha’s confidante, and when she called her to her room, Nisha poured out her heart.
Grandma listened patiently before offering her perspective. “Beta, there’s a difference between reel life and real life. Love isn’t just about passion; it’s about trust, respect, and companionship.”
Nisha frowned. “But shouldn’t love be exciting? Shouldn’t there be romance?”
Smiling knowingly, Grandma shared her own story. “I married your grandfather without ever seeing or meeting him. Our fathers, being close friends, decided on the match when we were children. He was 24, just starting his job in the railways, and I was 16, fresh out of high school. I had dreams, but after marriage, responsibilities came first. We lived in a joint family, and with my father-in-law unwell, your grandpa was the sole breadwinner.”
Nisha’s eyes widened. “But how could you love someone you didn’t even know?”
Grandma chuckled. “Love isn’t instant—it grows. Your grandpa didn’t demand anything but requested that I accept his family as my own. I did, and he, in turn, respected my freedom. Back then, women ate after the men, but I had a habit of eating on time. Noticing this, he changed the norm—he wouldn’t touch his food until all the women joined him. Gradually, the entire family embraced this change.”
She continued, “We never had grand romantic gestures, but love was in the little things. He knew I loved jalebis, so whenever he could, he’d bring me some. It was a small act, but it meant the world to me. He adored my long hair and would bring fresh gajras, placing them in my hair himself. No expensive gifts, just meaningful gestures.”
Nisha listened, captivated.
“Love isn’t about public display of affection,” Grandma said. “It’s about standing by each other through thick and thin. Even today, I remind him to take his medicines, and he presses my feet when they ache. We have faced life’s storms together, and our love has only deepened. As you grow older, love matures like fine wine—more satisfying, more valuable, and irreplaceable.”
She smiled gently. “True love isn’t measured in chocolates, perfumes, or fancy dates—it’s built on faith, trust, and loyalty.”
For the first time, Nisha saw love in a new light. Perhaps it wasn’t about dramatic declarations but about quiet, steadfast devotion. With renewed perspective, she agreed to meet the prospective groom.
Your grandpa and I might be old-fashioned, but we believe,
“Relish love in your old age! Aged love is like aged wine; it becomes more satisfying, more refreshing, more valuable, more appreciated and more intoxicating!”
Dr Preeti Talwar
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