Once Upon a Time in Kolkata: Suman’s Love Story

 

Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Kolkata, there was a young boy named Suman. Suman was unlike most others his age; quiet and introspective, he often found himself lost in his own world. At 19, he was an introvert, one who preferred the company of a good story over loud gatherings. His love for romance came from his constant companion—the radio, which would fill his ears with the stories of love and longing. Every night, he would fall asleep listening to tales that tugged at his heart, whispering of connections and companionship.

Suman had a dream. He aspired to one day work for a big company, learn everything he could, and eventually start his own business. But there was another dream tucked away in the corners of his heart—he dreamed of finding a soulmate, someone with whom he could travel the world and share endless conversations and laughter.

As he turned 19, Suman couldn’t help but feel a little wistful. Despite his dreams and desires, he was still single. He couldn’t quite connect with the girls around him; they didn’t seem to share his sense of wonder or his gentle, imaginative nature.

Then came a turning point.

One fine afternoon, he received an invitation from his uncle to attend his older cousin's wedding in Mayapur, a village in the Nadia district. Suman hadn’t been back to the village in years, and he was excited to reconnect with family and enjoy the simple beauty of village life.

Suman and his mother packed their bags and made their way to Mayapur. As they arrived, he was filled with a sense of nostalgia, and a peace that city life often deprived him of.

The wedding preparations were in full swing. His cousin was marrying a girl he had been in love with for some time, and the entire family was abuzz with excitement. Suman found himself swept up in the festivities, and it was in the midst of these celebrations that he met Anu.

Anu was 15, a quiet girl with a shy smile and eyes that sparkled with curiosity. When Suman saw her, he felt a sensation he had only heard about in the romantic stories on his radio—a soft fluttering in his heart. She was graceful and gentle, with a warmth that made him feel at ease, and in her company, Suman felt a happiness he had never known before.

He didn’t want to waste this chance. Suman enlisted the help of his cousin sister to arrange a meeting with Anu. According to Bengali wedding customs, it was necessary to collect holy water from the river, and Suman’s cousin managed to bring Anu along. His heart raced as he walked alongside her to the river, feeling as though time itself had slowed down to let him savor each moment.

On the way back from the river, he found a private moment with Anu. He shyly asked if they could take some photos together to remember this day. She laughed, a sound as soft as a whisper, and agreed. They took selfies, Suman with a beaming smile as he held the phone, trying to capture her radiant happiness. They laughed and shared small, nervous glances, and with each passing second, he felt himself falling deeper in love.

For Suman, this was like a slice of heaven. He felt complete, at peace in a way he never had before.

But love is rarely simple, especially young love. That evening, Suman spoke to his mother, opening up about his feelings for Anu and expressing his wish to marry her one day. His mother looked at him kindly, understanding his feelings, but also with the wisdom that came from experience.

"Suman, my son," she said softly, "I know your heart has chosen Anu, but her family will only consider your proposal if you have a stable job and can provide for her. A young woman deserves security and assurance, and for that, you need to focus on your career first."

Her words weighed heavily on Suman’s heart. The wedding celebrations continued, and as he watched his cousin tie the knot, he couldn’t help but imagine standing at that altar with Anu by his side. But he knew his mother was right. To have a chance at winning her heart and her family’s approval, he needed to work hard and make something of himself.

As the festivities came to an end, Suman had to say goodbye to Anu. She stood with her family, and in her eyes, he saw a quiet sadness, mirroring the ache in his own heart. Their silent farewell was filled with unspoken words and dreams that would have to wait.

With a heavy heart, Suman returned to Kolkata, carrying with him the memory of those brief but beautiful moments with Anu. They fueled his determination to succeed, and he promised himself that one day, he would return—not as a lovesick boy but as a man ready to offer her a life filled with love, security, and adventure.

In the meantime, he would work hard, chase his dreams, and hope that, someday, fate would reunite him with his beloved Anu. For now, he held on to the memory of their laughter by the river, the shy smiles, and the silent promise they shared under the starlit sky of Mayapur.