SaBr

Sabr, a tantalisingly beautiful urdu word, used to convey one of the most demanding human virtues - patience.

1111 days back was when they had started. On a journey that neither fully understood, that both were equally excited about. The beginning was the stuff that story-book romances are made of - two complete strangers cross paths in the midst of a crowd of people, their eyes meet, hesitant feelings start bubbling to the surface, an unknown force seems to pull them towards the same direction, the feeling that a larger destiny is pre-ordained for them keeps gnawing at the conscious.

But, as they say in Hindi, "Sabr keejiye". This is just the beginning of the beginning. Soon, they face the sort of tribulations that can rip any two people apart- getting to speak without interruptions is a luxury, the possibility of actually spending time together is nothing short of a miracle, noxious advice and admonitions are a given. Yet, from somewhere that they know not, they get the strength to look past these impediments and just focus on what they want-just each other.

Weeks turn into months, months into years, the tribulations only magnify. And yet, the roaring romance soars past them all. A global pandemic, that consumes much of the joy and prosperity in the world, comes as a godsend, to serve as the last barrier to overcome before they can be together for good. The celebrations are personal, the rituals are personal, the blessings are personal. But it doesn't matter because in the true sense of the word, they are finally in a little world of their own. 

Patience is the english word for Sabr. And patience is not just about the ability to wait-it is also about the ability to maintain an optimistic and cheerful attitude while waiting. A new phase has begun, but even that will not be without its share of trials. There are, undoubtedly, many delights waiting around the corner. But, they won't manifest without the omnipotent Sabr. After all, Sabr ka phal meetha hota hai !!

As that forgotten melody goes,

"Kya pyaar hai, kya hai nahi

Maine nahi poocha na

Ho tum mere, ya ho nahi

Maine nahi poocha na

Poocha nahi ye baar baar..."