Love Story - 3 ....... an expression of Life !!!

The time was early ‘90s, in Kolkata. Chirag was then working for a multinational company as the Sales Manager. One evening, he went for a Dance Drama(organized by his friends) at a Cultural show at Dhakuria, a famous place in South Kolkata(Kolkata is known for such programs, especially after the Pujas). During the show, a funny thing happened, that caught his attention. A girl, probably in her early 20’s, while dancing, tripped over her white sari & fell heavily on the stage, causing a squeal of laughter from the crowd. However, the girl, did not lose her composure, & continued with her role, as if nothing had happened. Once the show was over, Chirag went back stage to meet his friends, & there was this girl, fed faced, sheepish at her clumsy act on stage, trying to explain the reason to others. Though hurt from the fall, she was talking excitedly, yet with a concern that, she had messed up the show. Chirag got drifted into the chatter & he pointed out that it was really brave of this girl to continue dancing even after the hard fall. The girl looked up appreciatively, & warmed up to the smiling Chirag. “My name is Piali”, she said, extending her hand, “I have heard so much about you from others here. I hope you liked our performance. Am sorry, I kind of bungled up.” Chirag gave her an encouraging look, “You were just superb….I could not have managed it on stage, the way you did.” Later they all went for dinner together. Over the next few months they kept meeting now & then, developing a healthy respect for each other.

Piali, had lost her parents very early in life & had been brought up by her maternal uncles & aunts. She had been working from a pretty young age living all by herself. She was a bright young girl, with decent looks & wonderful command over language. According to Chirag, Piali had the most endearing smile lit up with two lovely & dreamy eyes. Where ever she would go, she would kind of grab centre of attention. She was good at mimicry & was a natural singer. She seemed immensely talented. She would rattle tough Lata numbers like : Pia to se naina laage re, naina lage re, jaane kyo ho ab aage re, naina laage re...... with fascinating ease.

Chirag was looking for a Lady Sales Exec for his team, & he just could not resist speaking to Piali, who was only too keen to join up with him. Chirag at that point in time was coming out of a broken marriage & was too tight & edgy on relationships. For him it was work, work & more work. However, as destiny had to take command, Chirag & Piali had to spend a lot of time together at work & got more & more close…..professionally…… they were a team & doing extremely well. However, as they grew close professionally, they also got to know each other & the bonding only grew from strength to strength. Both strong headed & with a mind of their own, it was only a matter of time before the Love bug bit them both.

One fine Tuesday evening, when Piali was struggling with a household problem & had only Chirag to fall back on, they realized & admitted for the first time that they were in Love. It was a wonderful union, both needing an emotional support & each looked an ideal foil for the other. There were no love letters exchanged…..no flowers given, no bending down on knees & proposing.
Just a tight warm hug…a tad too long possibly, during which Chirag murmured, “Am sorry….but I think, I am in love with you”. “Me too, I have been feeling the same way”, crooned Piali. Stunned into silence for a good 10-15 mins after that, & staying put in the arms lock with each other, both were trying to grapple with the realization that had dawned. Chirag & Piali were in love. It seemed just the right & obvious thing to happen.

to be continued.............