A Love Story Beyond Titles And Triumphs
The Energy of St. Mary Co-Ed
St. Mary Co-Ed was full of opportunities and buzzing with the energy of ambitious students and a strong sense of community. In this context were Arjun and Meera, two budding scholars bound by more than the desire to learn.
Arjun: The Playful PhD Candidate
Arjun, an educated young man who loved discussing controversial topics and cracking an occasional joke, was in the final stages of his PhD in environmental sciences.
Meera: The Sharp-Minded Master’s Student
Meera, with shiny eyes that sparkled like the sun in the morning and a brain as sharp as a sword that could pass on any complex theory, was reading her master’s in literature.
The First Encounter: A Debate of Words and Hearts
They first met at a college debate tournament, where Arjun battled Meera’s sharp prose with his incisive logic. Their war of words captivated the audience, but with one flash of sparks between clashes of sparks, they found that they were each other’s souls.
From Conversations to Love
The conversation turned into a monologue, and respect soon morphed into love.
An Afternoon Under the Banyan Tree
One scorching hot afternoon in college, they sat in the college garden under an ancient banyan tree.
A Playful Proposal
Arjun opened his glistening blue blinking eyes with a hint of signature mischief.
When they spoke, it was in whispers above the gentle mucking of the students through passing feet and birds chirping from trees that surrounded them.
It was a perfect world, only for them and their hushed whispers of whispers and infinite trades.
A Lighthearted Exchange
Arjun leaned into Meera, brushing a rogue leaf from her hair,
“Listen, Meera, when I finish this research and finally earn that doctorate, will you call me Doctor?”
So when he said, “Doctor Arjun,” stretching it out like the gallant hero would make the announcement in a poorly performed radio play and with a cheeky grin, she felt her mouth drop.
The Reply That Sparked Laughter
Meera’s small laugh was genuine enough — like the sun piercing the clouds. Without missing a beat, she replied,
“Yes, of course, Doctor. But when I finish my degree, you must call me ‘Master’.”
Her voice had a steady, playful tone, just the slightest bit of a dare.
The Deeper Meaning of Respect
Arjun remained silent for a moment, a slow smile breaking on the corners of his mouth as he understood the gravity of what she was saying.
The high-pitched sounds reverberated in the garden and turned a few heads, but neither could refrain from an explosive laugh.
But there was more than just the jest; they both realised that respect is two-way. Love was not a title, nor was it who was more successful.
It was about each other; it was about respecting each other in our wins; no ‘long-lasting’ relationship is possible without respect for each other.
Walking Towards the Future
Fingers entwined, they walked back to their classes with the understanding that life would throw its challenges at them. Nonetheless, armed with humour and experience — and the recognition of one another being notable — they were prepared to conquer the world, degrees included.
Memories That Lasted a Lifetime
Indeed, weeks turned to months and then years, and they would periodically recall the playful banter from that afternoon. Everyone wants respect from everyone, but in their story, it came as a prerequisite and grew stronger with each passing day.
