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The Name of Love ❤️

A real story

By Ramesh Kumar jhankarPublished about a year ago 19 min read
A Real story

In a small town nestled between hills and forests, lived a kind-hearted girl named Meera. She was known for her joyful spirit, always spreading warmth wherever she went. Meera was deeply loved by her family and friends, but she had never experienced the kind of love that made one’s heart race and nights sleepless.

One day, while exploring the outskirts of her village, she came across a charming yet mysterious stranger named Aryan. He had recently moved to town and was often seen wandering alone, lost in thought. Aryan was a painter, and the beauty of nature had drawn him to this quiet place. The two crossed paths near a serene lake, where Aryan was painting a beautiful sunset.

Curious, Meera approached him, “This is beautiful! How do you capture so much emotion in your painting?”

Aryan smiled softly, “I paint what I feel, and this place brings peace to my heart.”

Intrigued by his passion, Meera visited Aryan often. Over time, their friendship blossomed. They would spend hours talking, laughing, and sharing their dreams. For the first time, Meera felt her heart flutter when she was with Aryan, though she couldn’t quite understand what it meant.

One day, as they sat by the lake, Meera asked, “Aryan, what does love mean to you?”

Aryan paused, staring at the water reflecting the golden hues of the sunset. “Love is like this lake,” he said. “Calm, deep, and sometimes hidden beneath the surface. It’s when you care for someone’s happiness more than your own, even if it means letting them go.”

Meera was confused by his answer, but she kept quiet. Little did she know, Aryan harbored a secret. He had a past that still haunted him—a love that had left him broken. Though he had begun to care deeply for Meera, he was afraid of letting his heart open again.

As months passed, Meera realized she had fallen in love with Aryan. She tried to hint at her feelings, but Aryan, fearing to hurt her, kept his distance. He believed Meera deserved someone better, someone without the scars he carried.

One evening, Meera decided she could no longer keep her feelings hidden. Under the glow of a thousand stars, she confessed, “Aryan, I think I’m in love with you.”

Aryan looked into her eyes, his heart torn. “Meera, you are the brightest light in my life. But my heart... it’s been broken before, and I don’t want to hurt you.”

Meera held his hand. “I don’t need perfection, Aryan. I just need you, as you are.”

In that moment, Aryan realized that love wasn’t about perfection or being free of past wounds. It was about taking the leap of faith, together. He finally let go of his fears and embraced Meera. They stood by the lake, their hearts entwined, knowing that love was not just a word, but a promise to stand by each other, come what may.

Years later, when people asked Meera and Aryan the secret of their happiness, they would simply smile and say, “We learned that love is not about what you’ve lost, but what you are willing to give.”

And so, the name of love for them was not about grand gestures or romantic words, but about two souls finding solace in each other, through every storm and every sunrise.
Life moved forward for Meera and Aryan, and they were happier than ever. With Meera’s unwavering support, Aryan found the strength to confront his painful past. He began painting again with renewed passion, and his art gained recognition in the town. People from nearby villages came to see his vibrant paintings, each of which seemed to radiate the love he had discovered with Meera.

One day, Aryan received an invitation to showcase his work at an art exhibition in the city. It was a big opportunity, and Meera, thrilled for him, encouraged him to go. However, Aryan was hesitant; he had grown comfortable in their quiet little town. But Meera knew that stepping out of his comfort zone could bring Aryan the recognition he truly deserved.

“You should go, Aryan,” Meera said with a smile. “This is your dream, and I’ll be right here waiting for you.”

Reluctantly, Aryan agreed, and soon he was on a train to the bustling city. Before leaving, he promised Meera that he would return as soon as the exhibition ended. They shared a tearful goodbye, with Meera holding back her worries. She knew Aryan needed to face the world beyond their little haven.

As days turned into weeks, Aryan’s art became the talk of the city. The exhibition was a huge success, and he received offers from art galleries and wealthy patrons who wanted to purchase his paintings. Aryan, caught up in the whirlwind of fame, was torn between his dreams and the life he had promised Meera. He missed her terribly, but each day brought new opportunities that seemed too good to pass up.

Meera, meanwhile, patiently waited for Aryan’s return. She wrote him letters filled with her love and encouragement, but Aryan’s replies became less frequent. The distance between them grew, not just physically but emotionally. Meera’s heart ached, but she held on to the hope that Aryan would keep his promise.

One rainy evening, after months of waiting, a letter finally arrived from Aryan. With trembling hands, Meera opened it. The words inside shattered her heart:

“Meera, I don’t know how to say this, but I think we need to take a step back. The city has changed me, and I’m not sure I can give you the life you deserve. I’m afraid of holding you back from the happiness you deserve.”

Tears streamed down Meera’s face as she read those words. She couldn’t believe that the man she had loved so deeply was now letting her go. She felt like a part of her heart had been ripped away, but she refused to let bitterness take root. Instead, she wrote one last letter to Aryan.

In her letter, she wyan, love is not about distance or success. It’s about the moments we shared and the promises we made. I won’t hold you back if your heart is elsewhere, but know that my love for you remains unchanged. I will always cherish the time we spent together, and I wish you all the happiness in the world. — Meera”

Months passed, and Meera tried to move on, focusing on her family and her own passions. But deep inside, her heart still ached for Aryan. She continued to visit the lake where they once spent their happiest moments, hoping to find solace in the memories.

Then one day, unexpectedly, Aryan returned to the town. He was thinner, with tired eyes, but his heart carried a new realization. The success he had chased in the city felt empty without Meera by his side. Every painting he made, every applause he received, only reminded him of the love he had left behind.

Aryan rushed to Meera’s home, only to find it empty. Panicked, he asked around and discovered that she could often be found by the lake. He ran as fast as he could, his heart pounding, praying it wasn’t too late.

When he reached the lake, there she was, sitting quietly with her feet dipped in the water. The sight of her took his breath away, just as it had the first time they met.

“Meera,” Aryan called out softly, his voice choked with emotion.

Meera turned, her eyes widening in surprise. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, with tears in his eyes, Aryan dropped to his knees.

“I was a fool,” he confessed. “I thought I needed success to be happy, but I realized that my true happiness was here with you all along. Can you ever forgive me, Meera?”

Meera looked at him, her heart torn between the love she still held and the pain he had caused. After what felt like an eternity, she smiled through her tears.

“I waited for you, Aryan,” she said softly. “But I also learned to be happy on my own. If you want to be with me, you have to promise that you will never leave again.”

“I promise,” Aryan said, his voice trembling. “I promise to be with you, always.”

And this time, Aryan kept his promise. He chose to stay in the town with Meera, embracing a simpler life filled with love and contentment. Together, they learned that the name of love wasn’t about chasing dreams or distant promises but about being there for each other, through every storm and every moment of joy.

Their story became the talk of the town, inspiring others to believe that true love was not about grand gestures, but the willingness to stay by each other’s side, no matter how difficult the journey.

For a while, Aryan and Meera’s life was blissful. Aryan had kept his promise, staying in the town, focusing on what truly mattered. He painted with more passion than ever, but this time, his inspiration came from the simple joy of being with Meera. Their love became deeper, a bond built not just on shared dreams, but on the strength they found in each other.

However, life, as it often does, threw them another test.

One winter, Meera fell seriously ill. What had started as a mild cough quickly turned into something much worse. She grew weaker with each passing day, and the town’s small clinic lacked the proper equipment to diagnose her condition. Aryan, desperate to save the love of his life, knew he had to do something quickly.

“I’m taking you to the city,” Aryan told Meera one night, holding her frail hand in his. “They have the best doctors there. You’ll get better, I promise.”

But Meera shook her head weakly. “Aryan, the city is where you almost lost yourself. I don’t want you to go through that again. I can’t bear to see you hurt.”

“I’d rather lose myself than lose you, Meera,” Aryan said, tears brimming in his eyes.

Reluctantly, Meera agreed, and the next day, Aryan arranged for them to travel to the city. The journey was long and exhausting, but Aryan stayed by Meera’s side, refusing to let her feel alone. Once they arrived, Aryan immediately took her to the best hospital he could find.

The doctors ran several tests, and after hours of waiting, they finally had an answer. Meera was diagnosed with a rare heart condition that required surgery. It was a risky procedure, but without it, her chances of survival were slim.

The news hit Aryan like a storm. He was devastated, but he refused to show it in front of Meera. Instead, he put on a brave face, assuring her that everything would be fine. But inside, he was crumbling. The surgery was expensive, far beyond what he could afford, even with the earnings from his paintings.

That night, as Meera rested in her hospital bed, Aryan wandered the city streets, lost in thought. He felt the same suffocating pressure he had once faced when he chased fame, but this time, it wasn’t about success—it was about saving the person he loved most.

Then, Aryan made a difficult decision. He reached out to one of the wealthy patrons who had previously admired his work. He offered to sell his entire collection of paintings, including his most cherished pieces, just to cover the cost of Meera’s surgery. It was a painful choice, but he knew that nothing mattered more than Meera’s life.

The patron, moved by Aryan’s dedication, not only agreed to buy the paintings but also offered to help with the hospital expenses. Aryan could hardly believe it. It was as if a miracle had happened just when he was about to lose hope.

The surgery was scheduled, and Aryan stayed by Meera’s side throughout the entire ordeal. When Meera was wheeled into the operating room, Aryan felt as if his heart was being torn apart. All he could do was pray that fate would be kind to them this time.

Hours felt like days as Aryan waited outside the operating room. Finally, the surgeon came out, looking tired but relieved. “The surgery was a success,” he said with a reassuring smile. “But she will need time to recover.”

Aryan let out a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding. Tears of relief filled his eyes as he thanked the doctor. He rushed to Meera’s side as soon as she was moved to recovery. She was pale and weak, but when she opened her eyes and saw Aryan, she gave him a faint smile.

“I knew you wouldn’t give up on me,” she whispered.

Aryan leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Never. I would move mountains if it meant keeping you safe.”

In the weeks that followed, Meera’s strength slowly returned. Aryan stayed by her side every single day, never letting her feel alone. As Meera recovered, Aryan realized that selling his paintings had been worth every sacrifice. He had lost the physical reminders of his art, but he had kept what truly mattered—Meera’s love.

Once she was well enough to travel, Aryan brought Meera back to their little town. Life returned to its familiar rhythm, but this time, it was sweeter, richer, more meaningful. Aryan started painting again, not for fame or fortune, but simply for the love of it. Meera would sit by his side, reading or simply watching him, her heart filled with gratitude.

One day, as they walked by the lake where their love story had begun, Aryan turned to Meera and said, “You once asked me what love meant to me. Back then, I thought I knew the answer. But now, I realize love is not just about happiness or beautiful moments. It’s about sacrifice, about standing by each other even when it hurts. It’s about choosing each other, every single day.”

Meera smiled, her eyes glistening with tears. “And I choose you, Aryan, now and always.”

They embraced, the setting sun casting a golden glow over the water, symbolizing the warmth that had brought them back together again and again. They had weathered every storm, proving that love was not just a feeling but a promise—a promise to be there, no matter what.

In the end, their love story became a legend in their town, a tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the true meaning of love.

And so, they lived, not just happily ever after, but deeply, truly, and passionately ever after, hand in hand, through every chapter life had in store for them.

As time went on, Aryan and Meera settled into a peaceful life in their little town. They cherished every sunrise, every shared meal, and every quiet moment by the lake that had witnessed the most important moments of their journey together. Aryan had resumed painting, but this time, it wasn’t for galleries or patrons. His paintings were now gifts for the townspeople, reflections of the love and gratitude he felt for the simple life they shared.

However, life’s challenges are rarely over. Just when it seemed like everything had finally fallen into place, another unexpected twist threatened their happiness.

One chilly evening, as Meera was closing the small flower shop she had started to pass her time, she noticed a letter slipped under the door. It was addressed to Aryan, written in an elegant hand that she didn’t recognize. Curious but respectful, she left it unopened for Aryan to read.

When Aryan returned home that night, tired but happy, Meera handed him the letter. He opened it casually at first, but as he read, his expression changed. His hands trembled slightly, and his face grew pale.

“What’s wrong, Aryan?” Meera asked, concern flooding her voice.

“It’s from my father,” Aryan replied, his voice barely a whisper.

Meera was shocked. Aryan had never spoken much about his family, and she knew that there had been a painful rift between him and his father many years ago. His father, a wealthy and influential man, had never approved of Aryan’s passion for art. They had parted ways on bitter terms, with Aryan choosing to pursue his dreams rather than live up to his father’s rigid expectations.

The letter was brief but urgent. Aryan’s father was gravely ill, and his last wish was to see his son one final time. The news sent Aryan into a turmoil of emotions. He had spent years trying to forget the pain of being disowned, and now, just when he had finally found peace, the past was knocking on his door.

“What are you going to do?” Meera asked gently, her eyes searching his.

“I... I don’t know,” Aryan admitted, torn between the hurt he had buried and the thought of leaving Meera again. “I’m afraid, Meera. Afraid of opening old wounds, afraid of leaving you.”

Meera placed her hand over his. “Sometimes, love is about forgiveness, Aryan. Maybe this is your chance to find closure. Go, and I’ll be right here waiting for you, just as I always have.”

Her words, filled with love and understanding, gave Aryan the strength he needed. The next morning, with a heavy heart, Aryan set off for the city to face a father he hadn’t seen in years. The journey was filled with memories he had tried to forget, but Meera’s unwavering support gave him courage.

When Aryan reached his father’s grand estate, the sight of the old house brought back a flood of memories. Servants led him to his father’s room, where the once powerful man now lay frail and weak. The years had not been kind to him, and it was clear he didn’t have much time left.

For a long moment, father and son simply looked at each other. Then, in a voice cracked with emotion, Aryan’s father spoke.

“I... I was wrong, Aryan,” he said, struggling to catch his breath. “I was too proud, too stubborn to see that your happiness mattered more than my expectations. I... I just wanted what I thought was best for you, but in the process, I lost you.”

Aryan’s eyes filled with tears he hadn’t shed in years. He had spent so long resenting his father that he had forgotten the love that was once there.

“Father,” Aryan whispered, taking the old man’s hand. “I forgive you. And I’m sorry for all the hurt I caused.”

The two embraced, their tears mingling in a moment of long-awaited reconciliation. Aryan stayed by his father’s side for days, taking care of him and sharing stories of his life with Meera. Though their time together was short, it was filled with the love and understanding they had both longed for.

Meanwhile, back in the town, Meera continued her life with quiet patience, waiting for Aryan’s return. She missed him dearly, but she knew he was where he needed to be. Each day, she would visit the lake, watching the sunset and praying for his safe return.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Aryan returned. As he stepped off the bus, his eyes searched for Meera, and there she was, waiting for him with the same loving smile that had always welcomed him home.

He rushed to her, enveloping her in a tight embrace. “I’m back,” he whispered into her hair. “And I’m never leaving again.”

Meera looked up at him, tears in her eyes. “Welcome home, Aryan. I knew you would come back.”

Aryan had not only reconciled with his father but had also been left with a surprising inheritance—a vast sum of money that his father had set aside for him. But instead of letting it change their simple life, Aryan and Meera decided to use it to help their community. They built a new clinic in the town, ensuring that no one would have to travel far for medical treatment like they once had to do for Meera.

Their story, which had begun with the simple spark of love by a lakeside, had grown into a tale of forgiveness, resilience, and the power of second chances. Together, Aryan and Meera proved that true love is not just about staying together through the easy times but about facing life’s hardest challenges hand in hand.

And as they stood by the lake once more, watching the sunset, they realized that their love story had no end—it was an ever-evolving journey, one they would continue to walk together, no matter where life led them next.

For them, the name of love was not just a story; it was a lifelong commitment to each other, a promise to keep choosing each other, over and over again, for all the days of their lives.

As the years passed, Aryan and Meera's lives became intertwined not just with each other, but with the entire community they had grown to love. The clinic they had built transformed their quiet town, bringing hope and health to many who had once been forced to travel far for care. People started seeing Aryan and Meera as the heart and soul of their little town—symbols of unwavering love and resilience.

But life, unpredictable as ever, wasn’t quite done with testing their bond.

One summer evening, as they were sitting by their beloved lake, Aryan noticed that Meera had grown unusually quiet. Her laughter, which once filled the air like the sound of birdsong, seemed subdued. Concerned, he gently held her hand. “Meera, is everything alright? You’ve been distant lately.”

Meera hesitated, then forced a small smile. “I’m fine, Aryan. Just... tired, that’s all.”

But Aryan’s heart wasn’t convinced. He knew Meera too well. Over the next few weeks, he watched as Meera’s energy faded little by little. She tried to hide it, continuing her work at the flower shop and helping at the clinic, but Aryan could see the exhaustion in her eyes and the way she winced when she thought he wasn’t looking.

One day, as they were closing up the clinic, Meera collapsed. Aryan’s heart nearly stopped. He rushed to her side, his hands shaking as he tried to wake her. “Meera! Please, stay with me!” he cried, his voice breaking.

The town’s doctor, a close friend, quickly came to their aid and insisted on running some tests. Aryan sat by Meera’s side, refusing to leave her for even a moment. The fear of losing her consumed him, and memories of the last time he almost lost her came rushing back.

When the results came in, the doctor’s face was grim. “Aryan,” he began gently, “Meera’s heart condition... it’s worsening. The surgery a few years ago helped, but her heart has grown weaker. She’ll need a transplant if she’s to survive.”

The words hit Aryan like a sledgehammer. A transplant. It was their only hope, but the wait for a donor heart could take months, even years. And Meera didn’t have that kind of time.

Meera, however, tried to remain brave for Aryan. “We’ve been through so much together, Aryan. If it’s my time, then I’m at peace with it. We’ve had a beautiful life.”

But Aryan refused to accept that. “No, Meera,” he said, his voice firm even as tears streamed down his face. “I won’t let you go. We’ll fight this together, like we always have.”

Determined not to lose her, Aryan turned to every resource he could find. He reached out to doctors, hospitals, and even former patrons from his days in the city. He painted tirelessly, hoping to sell his artwork to fund Meera’s medical bills and get her on the priority list for a transplant.

But time was running out, and Meera’s condition worsened each day. Aryan would sit by her side, painting in the hospital room, trying to distract her with stories of their life together. Meera would smile weakly, listening to his soothing voice, even as her strength slowly ebbed away.

Then, in a twist of fate, a miracle arrived when they needed it most.

One stormy night, as Aryan sat by Meera’s bedside, the phone rang. It was the hospital. They had found a match. A donor heart was available, but the window for surgery was short. Aryan couldn’t believe it; it felt like the universe had finally answered his desperate prayers.

The doctors rushed to prepare Meera for the surgery. Aryan held her hand tightly as she was wheeled away, his eyes filled with tears. “I love you, Meera. I’ll be right here waiting for you. You have to come back to me.”

Meera managed a faint smile. “I’ll always come back to you, Aryan.”

The hours that followed were the longest of Aryan’s life. The waiting room was filled with anxious silence, broken only by the ticking of the clock on the wall. Aryan replayed every memory he had of Meera—their first meeting by the lake, their confessions, the hardships they had faced together. He couldn’t imagine a world without her.

Finally, the surgeon came out, looking exhausted but smiling. “The surgery was successful,” he announced. “But the next few days will be critical.”

Aryan fell to his knees, tears of relief streaming down his face. “Thank you,” he whispered, over and over again. “Thank you for giving us another chance.”

When Meera finally woke up, Aryan was right there, holding her hand. She was weak, but her eyes sparkled with the light that had dimmed in recent weeks. “Aryan... I’m still here,” she whispered.

“Yes, my love,” Aryan said, his voice choked with emotion. “You’re still here, and we have so much more to live for.”

As Meera recovered, Aryan made a decision. He had spent too long chasing dreams and battling the world; now, he wanted to focus entirely on the life they had together. He closed the flower shop and reduced his workload at the clinic. They decided to travel, visiting places they had only ever dreamed of, creating new memories together.

One evening, years later, as they stood on the shores of a distant sea, with the sun setting in vibrant colors, Aryan turned to Meera. “I used to think love was about holding on tightly, about fighting against the odds. But now I realize, love is also about letting go—letting go of fears, letting go of the past, and simply being grateful for every moment we have.”

Meera nodded, resting her head on his shoulder. “Love is about choosing each other, over and over, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” Aryan agreed, looking out at the endless horizon. “And I will choose you, every day, for as long as I live.”

Their story became a testament to the power of love, faith, and resilience. The town they once called home would often tell the tale of Aryan and Meera, the couple who faced every storm together and came out stronger.

And in the end, the name of love wasn’t just a story or a promise—it was the life they lived, hand in hand, through every joy and every sorrow, forever intertwined.

The End.




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About the Creator

Ramesh Kumar jhankar

i am Ramesh Kumar jhankar from India.

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