When I shared this with my eldest sis-in-law, she spared no opportunity to tease me. She did compliment me whole heartedly for my sense of expression, but only after first asking me to stop buttering my Mom-in-law.
As soon as my Mom-in-law read this poem, which was immediately after it was published, she was crying with joy. Literally.
"I really cried after reading your poem. Love you." - This is precisely what she messaged. I immediately called her, and there she was, still sobbing, but her voice so cheerful and happy. And nostalgic.
But one of the best replies I got was from Mahesh, Shradha's better half. He sent two comments for the post, but I could publish only one. The reason being, that the next reply that he shared, deserves a lot more respect. And a lot bigger, visible space.
So with all due permissions, I am posting his reply below. Before I do that, there is something I want to say to him.
Mahesh, when we first met, 'in the mall :)' I really had no idea what meeting you would be like. I only knew that my friend was married. When I asked her whether her's was love or arranged, she just said, 'it's a long story'. And I hated that reply.
But within 15 minutes of settling with our smoothies and coffees at Dunkin's, we were on a roll. We were talking non-stop, and candidly sharing things I never even imagined we would. We talked away like childhood friends. And that both of us are Aquarians did us all the remaining good. The most impressive part was 'the love story', and honestly, I did want to write about it then. But when me and Mr. Husband were all starry eyed and awed, and you came up with, "Now if our kids someday ask, what have you done in life, we have atleast one good thing to say", that was when I decided, it was your story and only you could tell it the best.
I am happy beyond words that you came into Shradha's life to stay. You are her wings, and you are her roots. My heart does a quick pop dance every time I see you both together. Stay together, stay blessed and stay precious, both of you.
[And stay the amazing supplier of books for me. :D]
Without further ado, readers, here is the poetic reply, that Mahesh sent:
And so must have been "Sehchar" :)
Wives of us both..
After a long time were close together!
For long I had been listening to..
About a friend from innocent years
Sometimes with a cheer in her eye..
And sometimes with tears!
I heard about the greeting cards..
About the unfailed brithday wishes
And did I not wonder
Of how eagerly awaited must have been those sweet messages!
I listened about their stories..
Sometimes with wonder and curiosity
As they both lived unaware..
Just in the same city!
And then started magic..
Weaving both together from here and all
And they both got connected..
In a world people say is just so small!
Finally came the day..
As they stood face to face...
I am sure both of their hearts
Must have been in a wild race to embrace!
They hugged, they laughed, they chatted..
Close to each other they did belong
And I stood there watching..
As if I knew this all along!
Joy filled the air...
As there was no room for any facade
The sparks were really so bright..
No matter after two decades!
It is so much joy to see..
A bond that remained so young so strong
It stood the test of time...
And showed where true friendships belong!
The scriptures all agree in what they say..
It happens for a reason.. it happens for a reason
Maybe how else had we have ever known..
The joy of meeting after long separation!
I wonder how these experiences..
Help cope with destiny, with fate
Well.. Such moments are to cherish..
In leisure... not in haste!
Very rarely does one witness
A miracle from so near..
I pray to God Almighty
May they forever remain to each other... So Dear.. So Dear!
Note: "Sehchar" is what Mr. Husband and Mahesh use to address each other. :)
The happiest part for me - my words could, once again, inspire such awesome creativity...!!!
