Threads of Love: Weaving Through the Seven Stages

They speak of love traversing seven stages.

Attraction (Dilkashi)

It is said, No one meets you by accident; it’s the plan of God always. As the clock struck 9 pm, Arjun attempted to tap off his cigarette's ash into a crowded tray, only to watch it scatter like the fragments of his preoccupied life. Abruptly, a message from Aarti illuminated his screen, promising a meeting tomorrow. Playfully, Arjun quipped, "They say one should wear black on Saturdays." Aarti's response, "What nonsense they say," ignited a spark. Savoring the last dregs of his beer, Arjun was transported back to his school days, where stolen glances at Aarti were his guilty pleasure.

Infatuation (Uns)

On the morrow, a fervent Arjun scrutinized his collection of black attire, and after an hour and a half's journey, he finally arrived. Fresh from her office, Aarti also came in a black outfit, and she was looking like a Refreshing Cocktail served at a beach. Arjun's greeting was warm, but to his surprise, he left his packet of cigarettes back home, and as he was meeting Aarti after 8 years, He hesitatingly asked her whether she smokes or not, and with a radiant smile, Aarti took out a pack of Marlboro Advance. Arjun was captivated anew, sensing he had found someone who resonated with his essence. For Courtesy, Arjun asked her to order her favorite type of drink, to which Aarti ordered Bourbon Whiskey.

Love (Ishq)

Even if Arjun used to hate bourbon, in front of her beauty, the American blend felt like an age-old scotch. After four pegs, they both giggled and bitched about every event in the past few years. Both of them were comfortable, and it felt like home.

Trust (Akidat)

As the night deepened, their sobriety returned. Arjun implored Aarti to place her trust in him, leading her to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Arjun held her hand and crossed the road, and he noticed every detail about her. He tied her hair and helped her cover it with “Chunni”. She did the same with “Rumaal” for Arjun. The chemistry was boiling hot, and the combination would burn any beaker down. The same shared love for God was reflected in her actions.

Worship (Ibadat)

Guiding her to the India Gate, Arjun indulged in tender coconut ice cream by her side. The illuminated promenade alongside the majestic edifice illuminated her hazel eyes, making them shimmer even in the obsidian night. Finally, Arjun journeyed to Gurgaon while sharing his earpods with Aarti, and they both grooved to all romantic tracks. At last, with a heavy heart, he gave her a hug and waited outside until Aarti vanished in the darkness of the stairs.

Madness (Junoon)

After dropping her , Arjun quickly went to his phone’s gallery, and to his surprise, he noticed that he forgot to click a picture together, that only his brain holds a stroma of polaroids of the events, and that he was unable to frame the moments with her. He again became frustrated and lit up a cigarette.

Death (Maut)

They say, “Log do aankhon se dekhte hain duniya ko, maine do aankhon mein duniya dekhi hai”, Her eyes speak a thousand words, and I am always murdered by the way she speaks. As if it's a constellation of perfect starts and a pack of birds chirping. She is always perfect, and maybe too good for me. Arjun gasped and saw it was already 2 a.m. and there was no food for dinner, so he rushed to his nearest 24/7 while playing the new “Heeriye” track.

By Anagh Datta

From: India

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