Bench in the Park
(A flashback love story)
By Vaman Acharya
Priyanka and Aravind celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary on a bench in the park.
“Aravind, Why did you choose a park bench for celebration?”asked Priya.
“This park is vibrant green, wide open space and away from crowds. It’s a place to relax and enjoy nature.” said Aravind.
After marriage they affectionately call each other Priya and Arav.
Priyanka was surprised to see a boy, now grownup, standing before the shelter.
“Arav, see that boy, who saved our lives, when we were trapped in the elevator that evening.”
“Yes! How can I forget this boy? Let us go and meet him,” said Arav.
Their mind instantly flashed back to that terrifying moment of a decade back.
They were about to go, and the boy left on his bicycle very fast. The couple was disappointed. They were unable to trace the boy. Priya and Arav come back to the bench and start recalling their decade back initial awkwardness and subsequent developments.
The elevator in Apurva Residency, a sprawling apartment complex in Green Space Layout, Bangalore, came to an abrupt halt on the 25th floor due to power failure. They found themselves trapped together in darkness.
The sudden halt of the elevator had brought their lives to a standstill, but little did they know, this brief pause would set their hearts in motion. At that moment their lives intersected in the most unexpected way. Yet, those moments proved to be a turning point in their life. The mechanics arrived and repaired the elevator quickly. One of the mechanics said,
“Sir, both of you must thank this little boy, who saved your life from the disaster.”
The boy just smiled and left the place running. The young man and woman thanked God and exchanged smiles and introductions. Priya came to Bengaluru to do research work in business management. Arav, already selected for research in Modern farming.
“Priya, this brief encounter sparked a conversation between us. The occasion of an unexpected meeting would blossom into a beautiful friendship, and eventually, something more.”
“Yes, you are right Arav. Our conversation was inconclusive even after coming down from the elevator on that day.”
“Priya, our purpose was to visit the park for an evening walk. But we preferred to sit on the bench and continue to remember memories. Ten years back in the same beautiful vibrant park, we fell in love. This park seat has given us an opportunity to come together. The elevator incident was more than just a brief pause and it was an unforgettable incident in our life,” said Arav.
In those days their meetings on the bench continued daily. They tried to know their family background.
“Before we tie the knot, let us convince my mother and your father,” said Priya.
“You are right Priya. But there are many family dynamics and protocols that may come as obstacles and create headaches.”
“Can you tell me elaborately what those obstacles are?” asked Priya.
“We will come to know these issues only after the elders reveal. Let us hope for the good,”replied Arav.
Both agreed to visit their native place on coming Sunday.
Arav's father Dhruva Nadagouda a landlord in Raghavpur. Priya’s mother Meera Chakrapani, a business woman, runs a food processing company. Arav went to his native place Raghavpur and told his wish to marry Priya. He didn't forget to tell about Priya and her family. His father was unhappy with the son and disapproved of the proposal.
Priya visited Pavanpur and told her wish. Meera advised Priya to drop the idea and marry Ravichandra, who has been working in the company as a finance manager for the last ten years. Priya didn't like him. She had no guts to go against her mother and returned to Bengaluru. Arav also returned on the same day. In the evening, they met on the park bench and discussed the outcome of the trip.
The bench becomes their favourite place for deep conversations, laughter and to have a breakthrough meaningful realisation. The dynamics between two families were complicated.
“Arav, Mom advised me to marry Ravichandra, finance manager of our company. Mom is of the opinion that Ravichandra has an impressive career.”
“Priya, don't worry. I know Ravichandra, who is untrustworthy.”
Aravind and Priyanka worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between their families and faced numerous challenges. Even after their one month efforts and frequent trips to their native places resulted in vain.
Thereafter, life changing events happened. Dhruva fell ill, and Meera suffered a business setback. In their difficult time, Arav and Priya stood by them day and night providing support and care.
Arav’s support for Meera during her business setback earned him appreciation and gratitude. He proved the reason for the setback was Ravichandra, who misappropriated the company's funds. Priya’s dedication to caring for Dhruva during his illness showed her compassion and commitment.
Dhruva and Meera saw the positive impact Arav and Priya had on each other's families, and they began to see their relationship in a new light. The green signal from the elders would be a huge relief for the couple. During a family gathering at Priya’s house, Meera is searching boxes looking for something. She found an old photo album and was happy to see her childhood photo. Seeing Meera’s joy, Dhruva walks in and notices a particular photo of eight year old Meera. Dhruva’s eyes lock on Meera as a child and he’s taken aback. As his eyes scan on the photo, he says, “Meera you’re my sister. I thought the train in which we were travelling met with an accident and we separated. The scar on your forehead and other scars all start to make sense.
On one auspicious day Priya and Arav became life partners.
As Priyanka and Aravind were about to share a life changing secret with each other, the watchman’s loud whistle pierced in the air, signalling park’s closing time. The couple abruptly end their memories leaving them disappointed and agree to continue the talk on the bench in the park.
