my favourite mistake

My Favourite Mistake 

Life can be like a heartless lover, toying with us in unexpected ways. It has a way of jolting us when we least anticipate it, forcing us to reevaluate everything we thought we knew. I used to dismiss the idea of coincidence, but that all changed when I had an experience that defied belief. I never would have crossed paths with her if it weren't for that one fateful phone call. Without that moment, my life would have followed a completely different path. Yet, despite it all, she became my beautiful mistake.
Stepping off the plane, I scanned the bustling airport in eager anticipation, hoping to catch a glimpse of those mysterious ash grey eyes. Despite my reservations, a sense of apprehensive excitement swirled within me as I grappled with the internal conflict over whether I should proceed with our meeting. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was on the brink of a significant mistake, yet an insistent voice in my mind implored me to pause and reconsider my decision.
"C'mon, Charan. You're getting married in a few months. You don't need more complications, especially with a hothead like Karthika." These were the words echoing in my mind as I grappled with the internal conflict that was tearing me apart. My rational side knew that I should resist the allure and walk away, but my heart was inexplicably drawn to her, like a piece of iron being pulled inescapably toward a powerful magnet.
“Shanaya am here, am here where you are right now!”
“Such, this is not your US. This is Kerala don’t scream like that”
The past six years of living in the United States have profoundly transformed me. My outlook on life, the diversity of people, and the world as a whole has undergone a significant shift. In the midst of embracing my new life, I can't help but feel disconnected from my cultural roots. I've noticed that life here is characterized by a more laid-back atmosphere, yet the people are noticeably more inquisitive.
“I am at my flat, sorry; I overslept; can you please come here and pick me up.”
When I think about it, I realize that if it had been anyone else in Shanaya's place, I might have felt offended and just walked away. But something about her honesty drew me in. Instead of making up an excuse like her car being late or having a slight fever, she chose to be completely honest. Shanaya never lies, and she never judges. It's admirable how unafraid she is to express her thoughts and feelings, and she has this incredible ability to say no when she wants to. That level of honesty and fearlessness is truly captivating.

After consulting the map, I determined that it would take approximately 15 minutes to reach our destination by taxi. As I settled into the back seat, my mind raced with thoughts about the passage of time - not just its gradual pace, but its fleeting nature. Although I was on the brink of marriage, there was something undeniably captivating about Shanaya. She defied the typical image of a girl - disinterested in traditional feminine pursuits, eschewing pink attire, and uninterested in endearing pet names. Moreover, the prospect of engaging in suggestive dialogue did not appeal to her; she favored activities like Romanian deadlifts over trivial indulgences like lip gloss. Remarkably, our communication never veered into romantic exchanges over the phone. Instead, our conversations revolved around the minutiae of our daily lives, yet an unspoken telepathy seemed to bind us together, keeping us connected throughout the day and night. Although we never verbally expressed our feelings, an unspoken understanding hinted at a profound bond that surpassed mere familial ties. to think we never romanced over the phone, and we always spoke about the things we do every day and yet there was telepathy between us that kept us together all day and night. I never told her I liked her, and she never spoke to me about it either but deep inside, we both knew a bond stronger than blood was formed. 
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
“I watched in awe as she gracefully descended the stairs, adorned in an exquisite orange dress that accentuated her beauty. Her captivating grey eyes glistened in the soft light, and her luscious brown hair cascaded down to her hips, framing her angelic face. A radiant smile adorned her lips, revealing perfectly symmetrical teeth that added to her allure.

Every aspect of her being seemed to captivate me – from the delicate curve of her fingers to the slender grace of her waist. It was as though her entire being was a tale waiting to be told. I couldn't help but stand there, completely mesmerized, wondering if she was a creation brought to life from the pages of a divine script. It seemed too perfect, too real to be anything but a dream.

As she gracefully entered the cab, her words echoed in my mind, and even though we didn't embrace, a sense of completeness washed over me. Our communication flowed effortlessly, as if we were old souls intimately acquainted since time immemorial. I couldn't help but ponder on how I had never met someone like her before. Although my fiancée, Karthika, possessed her own beauty and loyalty, something about her had always inhibited my true self. With Shanaya, however, I felt liberated, free to express myself without fear of judgment.

It felt surreal—my heart didn't race, and the passing of time felt inconsequential as our conversations flowed effortlessly. I found myself drawn to her in a way that defied logic, as if she held the key to a realm of endless conversation and understanding.
As we stepped into the hotel room, our gazes locked and time seemed to stand still. It felt like an enchanting moment out of a fairy tale. We found ourselves lost in a passionate kiss on the balcony, sipping tequila and losing track of time. Unlike my fiancée, she didn't mind my indulgence in drinks or question my spending habits. I was captivated by her presence, the way she sat gracefully on the balcony, her hair dancing in the gentle breeze. Her eyes held a mesmerizing depth that drew me in every time she spoke. In that moment, I found myself falling in love with the reflection of my own feelings in her eyes.
We engaged in deep, extensive conversations about our lives that seemed to stretch on endlessly. I felt the urge to confide in her, to reveal that my time as a carefree single man is now limited, but I was determined not to let anything disrupt the beauty of the moment. In a world where people are often too preoccupied with social media and instant messaging, and mentioning seemingly insignificant details is often seen as intrusive, Shanaya stood out as a refreshing exception. She brought a sense of renewal and vitality unlike anything I had experienced before. Our connection seemed to transport us to our own private paradise, where every breath felt pure and invigorating. Our dialogue continued until the moon gently relinquished its luminance to the emerging sun.

"Our magical existence was interrupted by her phone alarm, much like the serpent from the bible. It brought us back to reality. Our eyes communicated without words, and for the first time since we met, neither of us could speak. We both knew the dream was over, and it was time for me to return to my world filled with responsibilities. It's a world where every human, made of flesh and bones, acts like a machine and won't hesitate to sacrifice anything for profit. If I had a choice, I would stay in my land with this princess and remain happy for the rest of my life. However, 'choice' is all I miss in this world where we are all pawns in someone's game.

Her teardrops glistened in the fluorescent airport terminal, reflecting her conflicted emotions as we bade each other farewell. The palpable sensation of her fragile yet determined heartbeat reverberated through me as we held each other in a lingering embrace, embodying the shared aspirations that once animated our relationship. Although every fiber of my being yearned to disclose the heart-wrenching truth about my coerced matrimonial situation, a clandestine arrangement orchestrated for my family's financial stability, the weight of unspoken words stifled my voice. Despite being endowed with unwavering resilience to confront life's trials, I found myself unable to witness the irreversible fracturing of her tender spirit.
“She is a strong girl. She can get over this” 
"I whispered softly to myself, seeking solace in the words. I realized that I might not be the hero of my own story, nonetheless, this was something I longed for more than anything else in life. She was the beacon of light in my world of darkness. As a great writer once said, 'it’s better to be loved and lost than not being loved at all.' Yes, she was my love story, my true love story."