“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way” the first line of Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. My version “ Every love story is similar in the same way and different in its own way.”. Last week my fufu told me this amazing love story which has no resemblance to any story I know as of now.
Mayadevi aunty is 68 years old this year. She is my fufu's bestfriend's cousin. She had never been married. She was 12 when her parents died, leaving 2 little brothers in her arms. Sounds very bollywood but this is a true story. She did odd jobs to raise her brothers, get them married and she was still the decision maker of the family. But with time everything started getting into place and she was sort of retiring from the hustle bustle of the family life, devoting more time in bihar, puja and more religious events. About a year ago, one day early morning, her daily ritual, her walk to the temple, she met Mr. Upadhaya.
Upadhaya Uncle is 65 years of age, a retired widower. His one son lives in US with his American wife, his second son is also in the US and his daughter is in Norway...married and settled. He couldnt adjust to any of the environments so he decided to stay back in Nepal alone.
That day, they met in the bhajan mandali and got introduced. Next day, same time they met again. It was a regular routine for both of them but the excitement now is that there is a new friend in the group. Days started turning to weeks and weeks into months. The friendship was more than bhajan and kirtan. It was more of killing the
loneliness they were living with. Killing with such good company is a blessing for both of them.
Until they both decided to tell their families about a decision they made at that age. They wanted to get married. It came as a big shock to both of the families. They were not against it, but were not really fore it.At 65 and 68 getting married? Will the society accept it? It was the biggest question.
For me, it was funny that at their ages, where they can just do anything they want, they were struggling like a teenage couple. At their age they were trying to convince their kids who are living in such liberal countries, that it is OK to start a life again at that age.
Maya aunty, was stronger on her decision. She called both of the families. One of his brother is deceased already, so his remaining clan were called. Her words according to my fufu were,”Maile afno lagi jindagi ma kehi garina. Baa Maa khasepacchi dui bhai lai Kathmandu jasto tham ma hurkaye. Tespachi aru thapiyo, aaba timi
haru ko zindagi mero bina chalna sakcha. Malai mero tarika le bachna deu.” And surprisingly her family respected her decision after this episode.
The Upadhayas were having problem accepting a woman in their father's life. More than their father's companion, she was a step mom. But senior Upadhaya had committed and he was not going to listen to anyone. So, after weeks of skype, viber, calls and calls and calls...everyone agreed that he is lonely and he needs a company.
So, last Falgun, they got married in a small family ceremony in Dharan (I dont know the reason for the place selection) and now lives together in Kathmandu. I shared this story not for the drama but the desire to live life the way you want. There is always a time for everything. Maya aunty waited for 55 years or so to get married to the man she loved, Uncle got married and again fell in love and got married to her. It is not about desperation but the wish to live life happily with the person you love or even like. Next time when things go wrong in your life, this might be a good thing to remember and move on.
(Disclaimer:- This is not work of fiction, but few names are changed for privacy reasons)
