Paths of Love

I was watching an episode from the serial 'Kirdaar', when this thought came to my mind. 'Kirdaar' was aired on Doordarshan, long time ago. This episode was titled 'Alaan'. This was a short story of a master and her maid ('Alaan') having a liking for each other, but they could not cross over the threshold of their social status to develop it into a full fledged love relationship . As is usual in such cases of relationship, the woman was more expressive in her likeness than the man. The actors were excellent in their performances. The man's role was played by Om Puri and the woman's role by Mita Vasishth.

At the end of the serial, I realized the "Paths of Love" which had been in concept form in my mind for a long time.

There are very broadly 3 paths that a love relationship can progress between a man and a woman.

1. In this path, the either person expresses his or her love to the other. The other eventually accepts the proposal and the lover relationship is established between them. It also eventually turns up into a life-long relationship. This is the only happy situation.

2. In this path too, the acceptance is there. The relationship between the lovers is also established. However somewhere down the line, something goes terribly wrong and the relationship breaks. The reasons could be many. One major reason is non-understandability between the two. I think half of the cases are because of this reason.

3. In this path, the first step itself is not achieved! Just like that it happened in 'Alaan'. It is very necessary for either of the man or woman to explicitly say/ask to the other, "I love you. Do you love me?" or things to that effect. Mere actions and stares are not enough. They act like indicators only. Yes agreed, that it takes a lot of courage, but then love is a game for the strong hearted!

Dil mein na ho jurrat to muhabbat nahi milti,
Khairaat mein itni bari daulat nahi milti.
-- Nida Fazli