The story is about love. Sanketh, an ordinary man, arrives in a new city with hopes of working hard and building a life. Shy and introverted, he has had little experience with women. Each day, he commutes to his office by bus, and at the bus stand, he is drawn to Sanjana, a strikingly beautiful girl who catches his eye. Many boys were after Sanjana, but she didn't even glance their way. One day, a brief moment of eye contact occurred between her and Sanketh. The next day, Sanketh noticed a rose had fallen near her. He picked it up and asked if it belonged to her. Sanjana, misunderstanding his intentions, responded, "Don’t use such cheap flirting tactics, stay within your limits." Sanketh, taken aback, replied, "Sorry, madam, I genuinely thought it was yours. I wasn’t flirting. I know you're very beautiful, but why would someone like you love an average-looking orphan like me? I understand my limits." Realizing her mistake, Sanjana felt sad and apologized, offering a handshake. Sanketh gently declined, saying, "I’d accept if you truly meant it, but if this is out of sympathy, there’s no need to do it just for formality," and moved aside.

A few days later, a very beautiful girl arrived at the bus stand, instantly drawing the attention of all the boys, who even ignored Sanjana. As Sanjana was walking, she accidentally bumped into the beautiful girl, scattering her papers everywhere. While everyone was busy helping the new girl, Sanjana remained unnoticed. Sanketh approached Sanjana, helped her up from the road, and asked if she was hurt. She replied that she was fine and, with a smile, said, "Thanks for helping. Can we get to know each other? I’m asking because you helped me, not out of sympathy." Both laughed and introduced themselves.

As their friendship deepened, Sanjana and Sanketh grew closer, sharing their thoughts and dreams. One day, as they sat together, Sanjana asked, “What is love to you?”

Sanketh smiled and said, “Love is like death. It can come to anyone, at any time, and in any way. But we still have the power to decide when, how, and with whom it happens.” They both laughed at the unconventional comparison, finding humor in its truth.

Curious, Sanketh then asked, “And what is love to you?”

Sanjana looked thoughtful, then knelt down before him and said, “I’m not entirely sure what love is. But can you show me?” With tears of joy welling up in his eyes, Sanketh accepted her heartfelt proposal, their laughter and love intertwining in that tender moment. Sanketh has a wish that his first hug should be with his wife, right after their wedding. So, even though they are committed to each other, they avoid being physical.

As days turned into months and months into years, their bond only deepened. Each day was filled with shared moments, growing affection, and mutual support. The love they had discovered in each other evolved into a profound and enduring partnership. Time flew by, marked by their laughter, their dreams, and the countless small gestures that solidified their connection. Through the passing years, their relationship became a beautiful testament to the love they had promised each other, a love that continued to grow stronger with every passing day. One day, Sanjana fell seriously ill and was admitted to the hospital. After an examination, the doctor recommended transferring her to a specialized facility far from their hometown for advanced treatment. As they prepared for the journey, Sanketh stayed by her side, offering unwavering support and hope despite the uncertainty of the situation. Later, Sanketh received an urgent call to report to the office immediately. Torn between his commitment to Sanjana’s care and the demands of his job, he faced a difficult decision. With a heavy heart, he ensured that Sanjana was in good hands before rushing to address the emergency at work, striving to balance his responsibilities and support for her. Since she is in the ICU, Sanketh checks on her condition through her brother, Samarth. While being admitted, a name tag is tied to Sanjana's hand, and with tears in her eyes, she tells her brother, "I wish Sanketh tied three knots to me instead." Throughout the day, Sanketh called many times to inquire about Sanjana's condition, constantly checking in and ensuring she was being well cared for. Samarth informs Sanketh that the doctor has said she must remain in the ICU for a week, and further decisions will be made based on her condition.

At 11 p.m., as Sanketh called to check on Sanjana, his landlord abruptly interrupted the call, snatching the phone and complaining about the disturbance to his sleep at such a late hour. Sanketh lives in a rented home, and his landlord was a particularly rude and inconsiderate individual. Known for his harsh demeanor and lack of empathy, he was the type who showed little regard for his tenants’ personal circumstances.

The next morning, someone knocks on Sanketh's door. To his surprise and happiness, it's Sanjana. He welcomes her warmly and asks, "Samarth told me you'd be in the ICU for at least a week, but you were discharged in just two days!" Sanjana smiles and replies, "It was a wrong diagnosis initially. Later, they correctly diagnosed me, so I recovered quickly." As they continued chatting, Sanjana shared, “The doctor insisted I take some time off to recover, so I asked for leave. When my company refused, I faced a tough choice and decided to resign. I’m now taking a break, hoping to find a job that truly meets my needs and aspirations.” Sanketh responded with reassurance, “Take all the time you need. Your health and happiness come first. We’ll handle everything together.”

After some time, Sanketh reluctantly left for work. On his way home, he decided to buy Sanjana’s favorite sweets to surprise her. However, upon arriving, he was met with a delightful surprise of his own: Sanjana had prepared his favorite dish. As they enjoyed the unexpected meal together, Sanjana asked for a particular ingredient. Sanketh immediately began searching for it, their shared laughter and conversation adding warmth to the moment, despite the challenges they had faced.

Meanwhile, in the landlord's home, Samarth calls Sanketh. When the landlord answers the phone, Samarth asks why Sanketh hasn't responded to his messages, explaining that he had to call because of the lack of response. The landlord replies that the phone belongs to him, not Sanketh. With sorrow in his voice, Samarth says, "Please inform Sanketh that Sanjana has passed away," and abruptly ends the call. The landlord, shocked, rushes to Sanketh's room to deliver the news and knocks on the door. To his astonishment, Sanjana opens the door. The landlord, bewildered, stammers, "Your brother said you were dead." Sanjana's expression turns cold as she warns him not to tell anyone. The landlord, sweating and terrified, is interrupted by Sanketh, who warmly invites him inside. The landlord quickly excuses himself, claiming he had some work, and leaves in a hurry.

Sanjana says she will inform the landlord that she will stay with Sanketh for a few days and heads downstairs. Sanjana, with a ghostly pallor and a chilling resolve, descended to confront the landlord. Her voice took on an eerie, almost spectral quality as she spoke, “If you dare to disturb Sanketh or belittle him again, you will awaken a wrath far worse than any you’ve ever known. My patience has limits, and crossing them will summon consequences you cannot escape.” With a cold, haunting stare, she left the landlord visibly unsettled and returned to Sanketh’s room, her presence lingering like a dark promise.

In the days that followed, Sanketh became increasingly consumed by his work, often staying away from home for long stretches. His tireless efforts eventually paid off as he ascended to a top position within the company, amassing significant wealth. With his newfound success, Sanketh’s lifestyle transformed dramatically—he began dressing sharply, maintained a meticulously groomed beard, and became a prominent and admired figure in the office. His charm and success even attracted admiration from married women, which stirred a twinge of jealousy in Sanjana. Despite her pride in his achievements, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of insecurity as Sanketh’s growing popularity began to cast a shadow over their relationship.

One day, Sanketh organized an exclusive party on the top floor of their building, extending invitations to everyone, with a special focus on the women from his office. As the night unfolded, he discreetly whispered to each woman, inviting them to spend a night at a resort with him. To his delight, nearly all of them agreed.

Sanjana, arriving at the party, was stopped at the entrance by Sanketh. He asked her to wait outside, forbidding her from entering, and warning her not to come in. Heartbroken and confused, Sanjana stood alone, feeling the sting of exclusion.

After some time, Sanketh emerged and found her visibly upset. With a gentle tone, he asked, "Are you mad at me?" Sanjana replied with a touch of bitterness, "Why should I be mad? You’re now a wealthy, famous man with plenty of admirers to enjoy your company."

Sanketh took her hands, his voice tender and sincere. "No, dear, don’t misunderstand. No matter how rich I become, I loved you then, I love you now, and I will love you forever. I’m going to marry you soon." His words were a promise, cutting through the confusion and pain of the moment.

In her mind, Sanjana was consumed by turmoil, thinking, "This can’t be real. He’s dreaming of our future while I’m trapped in a ghostly existence. How can I ever tell him the truth?" Her thoughts were abruptly shattered as the screeching sirens of a police jeep and an ambulance cut through the night. The crowd’s attention shifted to a stretcher being wheeled in, and Sanjana’s heart pounded with dread.

As the stretcher came into view, Sanjana’s blood ran cold. There, lying motionless, was Sanketh’s lifeless body. The stark reality hit her like a crushing wave, her shock and grief overwhelming as she confronted the devastating scene. The love of her life was now the heart-wrenching symbol of an inescapable truth.

What had happened at the party, everyone was dancing and having a great time when Sanketh suddenly paused the festivities. "Do you know why I threw this party?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Guests began guessing—some thought it was to celebrate his success, others suggested different reasons. Sanketh took a deep breath and revealed, "No, I threw this party to share something important with you. When I was struggling, none of you reached out to me. You insulted me, ignored me, and judged me because I wasn’t wealthy. I couldn't spend like you did. Now, I'm rich, and I can outspend you all, but that's not the point."

He continued, his eyes filled with hurt, "You rejected my friendship because I wasn’t handsome, didn’t have power, and had no money. You even said Sanjana was with me out of pity because no one else would want me. Yes, I’m not handsome, and yes, I’m incredibly fortunate to have her love. But do you know how much your words have cut me? Still, I’m blessed to have her. Whether it was pity or not, she loves me deeply. But you—" he pointed around the room, "—you make boyfriends to spend on you, to give you comfort, not because you truly love them. Is that love? Is that commitment? How cheap."

Sanketh’s voice grew more pained, "You gossiped about what I could offer Sanjana. And today, you were ready to spend the night with me just for my wealth. That’s not love; that’s materialism. Let me tell you what real love is. For the past few weeks, I’ve been living with Sanjana. But—" he choked on his words, "—she’s been dead. Her soul has been with me because her last wish was to marry me. Her soul couldn’t find peace because of that."

He paused, his gaze falling on the crowd, "Today, I could have loved and married anyone, but I chose only her."

With tears streaming down his face, Sanketh took a step back, his body trembling with the weight of his sorrow. "I did this to show you what true love is." Then, with a final, heart-wrenching cry, he fell from the terrace.

As Sanjana's eyes filled with tears, her sobs became uncontrollable. Sanketh gently approached her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder., his expression filled with compassion. “When you went to speak with the landlord, I finally got my phone back,” he said softly. “I saw the messages from your brother, and I was devastated. But I was afraid that if I told you, you might leave me, so I kept it to myself and made all the arrangements. My last wish was to marry you and give you a warm hug, but I knew my soul wouldn’t find peace until that was fulfilled.”

Sanjana’s heart ached as she listened. “I have something to confess too,” she said through her tears. “I fell in love with you because of your kindness and humility. Even when you had nothing, you helped others selflessly. I wished for a partner like you.”

Sanketh’s eyes softened, and he smiled warmly. “Don’t worry,” he said, “I brought a sacred thread with me. Shall I tie it around your neck?” Overjoyed, Sanjana moved closer, and Sanketh carefully tied the thread, their union symbolized by this sacred act.

As he finished, the weather turned miraculous—a gentle rain began to fall, mingling with the sunshine, creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere. Sanketh pulled Sanjana into a tender embrace, fulfilling his wish of hugging his bride immediately after their union.

In that intimate moment, a serene blue light enveloped them, and together they ascended to a realm of peace and salvation. Their bodies shimmered and then vanished, united in eternal tranquility.

Before his death, Sanketh had asked Samarth to bring Sanjana's body for the final rites, though he concealed his own imminent demise. He persuaded Samarth to delay Sanjana's cremation, a request Samarth agreed to without knowing its full meaning. Only later did Samarth understand the true significance of Sanketh’s wish. At the hospital, he signed the documents and took Sanketh’s body.

According to the religious rituals, Samarth prepared the pyre with a heavy heart, placing Sanketh and Sanjana’s bodies side by side. As he lit the flames, the fire quickly consumed them, the intense heat and crackling wood echoing the deep pain inside him. Tears streamed down Samarth’s face as he watched, the flames illuminating his profound sorrow. In this final act, he honored their last wish with a solemn, emotional goodbye, marking the end of their journey together.

As the flames consumed his body, his words echoed softly through the silence: "Love is like death. It happens at a unexpected time, to an unexpected person, in an unexpected way. Yet, we hold the power to choose when, how and with whom it unfolds like a suicide".

The story ends.

© śmiech króla