The value of time
The value of time
The story of Alok and Priya began in the old college days when they were in the same college. Alok was an engineering student while Priya chose to study sociology. They met at a poetry recital event where Priya recited a poem on “time”. Alok was mesmerized by her voice and the deep meaning hidden in her words. Gradually, friendship turned into love, and they got married in a simple way five years ago. The first three years were like a dream for them—traveling together, talking at night, and trying to fulfill each other’s dreams. But for the last two years, Alok’s job brought their relationship to a strange turn. Alok had got the position of project manager in a big company. To celebrate the promotion, Priya baked a cake for him and the two sat under the stars at night and planned their future. But soon, Alok’s work took over him. The office hours gradually shifted from 7 to 9 p.m. and then midnight. He was glued to his laptop even on weekends. Priya initially supported him—making tea for him, keeping his dinner warm. But one day she realized that Alok was ignoring her efforts. When she placed a piece of cake on his plate expecting him to praise her, Alok said, “It’s very good,” without tasting it, and started talking to someone on the phone. Priya’s heart became heavy. She wondered, Is our love the price of success? One evening, Priya made Alok’s favorite dishes—paneer kofta and gulab jamun. She decorated the dining table with candles and flowers. It wasn’t their wedding anniversary, not a special day… Priya just wanted them to get close to each other again. But Alok told her over the phone that he would have to stay at the office. Priya quietly put the food in the fridge and went to bed and wet the pillow. A few days later, Priya tried to talk to Alok. Do you remember? We used to go for a walk every evening. Now you don't even talk to me... Alok looked at her with tired eyes and said, This is not the time, Priya. I am doing all this for you. But this answer was beginning to sound hollow to Priya. Alok's busy schedule reached its peak when he was given the responsibility of a big project. He told Priya, I will be very busy for the next one month. You will understand, right? Priya nodded, but there was a storm brewing inside her mind. That same week, Priya was bedridden with fever. She called Alok, but he was in a meeting. When Alok came home in the evening, Priya said in a weak voice, The doctor has said, take rest... But Alok replied, I have a presentation tomorrow. You see for yourself. This sentence pierced Priya's heart like a knife. Priya slowly felt herself shrinking. She took out her old diary, which contained her letters to Alok. On one page was written: *"Your smile is my world..."* Now that smile had disappeared somewhere. One night, Alok saw Priya sitting alone in the balcony. Her face was moist in the moonlight. Alok asked, is everything okay? Priya said, yes, just... wanted to sit with you. But Alok started checking his phone. At that very moment Priya decided not to anymore. The next day, as soon as Alok left for office, she packed her things. The note stuck on the fridge read, you have time for everyone, except me. Maybe I am no longer a part of your life. When Alok saw the empty house, he felt as if his breath had stopped. Priya's beloved handkerchief, which always lay on the sofa, was missing. He read the note and for the first time realized his mistake. His eyes flashed with Priya—when she was sick, when she cooked for him, when she cried silently… That night, Alok felt empty without Priya. His success, projects, position—all seemed meaningless. He decided to go to Priya’s parents’ house. Reaching Priya’s house, Alok requested to meet her. Priya’s father said, “She is angry with you.” But Alok did not give up. He waited for three days. Finally, Priya asked him to meet her in the garden. Alok saw—there was no sparkle in Priya’s eyes. He said, “Forgive me. I don’t want to lose you.” Priya replied, “It was not you, but time that separated us.” Alok gave up his stubbornness and slowly started making changes. He emphasized on work-life balance in the office. Now he started coming home by 7 pm. They again had dinner together, watched movies, and refreshed old memories. One evening, Priya said, do you remember? In college you used to cry after listening to my poems. Alok said laughingly, I will listen to you even today, and Priya recited the same poem again: …Hold the thread of time, otherwise it will fall apart…
