Introduction
This short story is a reflection on love, commitment, and the realization of a long-held dream. Set against the backdrop of a traditional temple visit after marriage, it explores the narrator’s deep emotions as he comes to terms with his good fortune in marrying his high school crush. With moments of humor, vulnerability, and genuine affection, this short story captures the essence of a love that blossomed over time and culminated in a sincere, if slightly imperfect, romantic gesture. It’s a celebration of the journey from youthful crush to married life, filled with warmth and connection.
Near Alipiri
I was dressed in a dhoti and topless, feeling the cold and rain as I traveled from the cottage to Tirumala. Nobody seemed to mind me freezing without shirt or a Towel to cover. Whereas Praagna is draping her cream and maroon saree , was smiling like a child in a candy shop or like my mom after seeing my sister finally cooking her dosa round. My sister pulled me back from zoning out, shouting, “If you looked like that before marriage, you’d be in big trouble.”
People laughed, but I didn’t care. Inside, I was reeling, thinking about how this charismatic and kind woman was now with a torpe like me. I was still in disbelief that my mom had vowed not to visit this temple until I got married—a wish she shared during my marriage’s Kasi Yatra ceremony.
Praagna’s disappointment
As we walked around the temple, Praagna asked if I was okay, noticing my distraction. I confessed, “I had no clue Mom planned this. You saw me puzzled when she broke the pot in the Kasi Yatra. I just thought how lucky I am.” She asked why, and I continued, “I’m living a teenage dream. Who would’ve thought Sasivadhan would marry his high school crush, Sri Praagna, without much family drama or challenges? It still feels like a dream.” Then she stepped on my foot hard, and when I asked why, she vented, “You say all these things now, but have you ever confessed your love to me? All you said during our engagement was, ‘You won’t regret traveling with me.’
Do you have any idea how short my story is going to be? Should it be, ‘We were classmates in high school, got his alliance in a matrimony ad, and I chose him because we know eachother a bit?’ Come on!” I thought, “I owe you a lot, baby,” and changed the topic.
Few minutes later…
After the darshan, Mom and my sister went to buy coconuts and camphors, while dad and brother-in-law went for laddoos and other prasadam. It was just me, Praagna, and my five-year-old nephew, Abhi. We sat on the steps of the pushkarini pond He was busy eating cookies and getting attention from the women of all ages. Seizing the moment, I knelt in front of Praagna, lost myself few seconds looking at her eyes and after mustering the courage to express my feelings. “You asked how much I love you. I love you so much I wanted to make myself better for you.
I was the one who asked to ask you out as a bride, not through matrimony. So much I could scream in front of this crowd that I belong to you.”
She interrupted, “Don’t you dare do that now. We’re officially married, dude. Get near me; you’re moving backward. I’m afraid you might pull something crazy.” She was right. I pulled out a box I had kept in Abhi’s pocket. She stood up, and I said, “You don’t have to.” Continuing, I told her, “It might seem bland to you, but I swear, when we’re old, you’ll say, ‘That bastard is an interesting mess.’ There won’t be moment in our journey where we regret our life choices, and I’ll make sure of that.”
Conclusion
“So, Mrs. Sri Praagna Sasivadhan, Are you okay with being called like that?”, I asked.
She responded, “Do you think I’m going to reject you now?” She hugged me, and I held her, then opened the box. Realizing I had the wrong size, I asked for her toe and slipped the ring on it. That hug was my first with my first crush, now my wife. She still doesn’t know it was supposed to be a finger ring.