“Going the distance”- My entry for the get published contest

This story talks about the trials and tribulations of relationships that are seen in the present day scenario. 

It is about a girl who’s the main protagonist and the narrator who is on the helm of a serious decision making part of her relationship. She is clueless whether to choose her career or sacrifice her love. On the other hand, the man who loves her is equally strong with his thoughts. If it’s not always about adjustment there’s also self satisfaction in life. Both refuse to budge from their thoughts. Holding the flag of eternal love for each other intact they proceed on a journey that doesn't have a good end for them. It talks about their struggle with their ambition, thoughts and their constant endeavors to work out the concept that – ‘love can co- exist with ambition’. 

Gone are the times when decisions about relationships were based only on love. Love is not only about sacrifices. Those days’ couples could even elope to be with their love but the present day situation doesn't seem to support blind love.  It is ruled by fact, self contentment, happiness and ambition. On one hand when gender biasing gets reduced, there are additional roles and responsibilities that couples take up. There’s struggle involved in maintaining any relationship. 

A glimpse.....

The soothing music was abruptly converted into noise as my ear phones were pulled out. Sudden peace transformed into chaos.

“Why do you always have to do this Manish?” I said glaring at him.

He gave a mischievous grin. Nothing had changed since the last time we met.

Before I could realize what was happening, Manish was sitting in front of me with two cups of coffee.

I wasn’t in a great state of mind to enjoy coffee but couldn’t refuse him either.

“I think I have decided what I want in life,” I said.

He was brimming with confidence after hearing me. Taking a sip of the coffee he asked, “That sounds interesting. What do you plan to do?”

I paused for a while. Three to four gulps of coffee went in before I felt like telling him about my plans.

“I need some time before I can get into the wedlock,” I said in hesitant tone.

“I had asked for the same a couple of weeks back,” he said with a careless laugh.

“We all deserve our time and space. It is one life that we have and we need to live it,” he continued.

“I need more time……………… not just few months,” I said with discomfort.

We might have to be away for long. I am not sure what decision we would need to take.

(Pause)

He looked at me intensely. That very instant I knew that he was deeply hurt with my decision.

We sat in silence for seconds looking at each other. We knew what was coming our way….. 

Endnote: This is my entry for the HarperCollins–IndiBlogger Get Published contest, which is run with inputs from Yashodhara Lal and HarperCollins India.