Letters of “Love” from “Love”: “God, Blade Aur Love Story”
“Mumma, neend nahi aa rahi hai… koi achhi story sunao na?”
“Theek hai,” Mumma smiled. “Saalo pehle ek rajya mein ek raja tha aur uska ek nanha sa pyara beta tha…”
“Mummaaa!” the kid groaned. “Kitni baar wahi boring story sunao gi? Ek new story sunao na! Achha batao, aap aur papa kaise mile? Aur shaadi kaise hui?”
Letter of Love from “Love”
Because Sometimes Destiny Needs a Little Defiance
Hemanth: Hi Ishan,
How’re you doing? When’s the interview?
Ishan: Honestly, I don’t know, Hemanth. My horoscope looks terrible this week. And my interview — my dream interview — is tomorrow. The predictions say I shouldn’t attempt anything important now or it’ll fail. And you know what? My horoscope has never been wrong. Out of all the weeks in my life, it had to be this one.
Hemanth: (laughs uncontrollably) Hahahahahahaha! Oh man, hahahahaha!
Ishan: Yeah, yeah. Go on, laugh. Make fun of me and my beliefs. You’ll stop laughing when something like this comes true in your own life. People like you call this superstition. But you’ll believe in Superman, Iron Man, or even time travel — and yet dismiss horoscopes because they’re “Indian” and not “science.”
Hemanth: I’m not mocking you, Ishan. I laughed because you’re letting your horoscope control your life instead of guiding it. I don’t deny predictions. But they’re not meant to imprison you in fear. Think of them like a roadmap — they’re guidance, not shackles.
Ishan: Easy for you to say. You don’t believe in them. You’ve got nothing to lose. I’ve got everything to lose.
Hemanth: That’s where you’re wrong. I do believe in them — and I’ve lived through what you’re feeling.
Ishan: What do you mean?
Hemanth: Rani.
Ishan: (teasing) Your wife Rani? That amazing woman? I still wonder what she saw in you. She deserves way better.
Hemanth: (smirks) You’ll never change. Anyway, listen. When Rani and I wanted to marry, we had everything against us. Our parents, our families, and yes — even the stars.
We’d been friends and colleagues. Outsiders in a new city, we bonded fast. We explored, laughed, and slowly, friendship grew into something deeper. But confessing wasn’t easy.
One day, at our favorite café, out of nowhere, Rani asked me: “Do you love me?”
I nearly choked on my coffee. In a panic, I denied it. “No, of course not. We’re just friends!”
She raised her eyebrows, smirked, and teased me: “What’s wrong with you? Can a girl never be friends with a guy? Or is every friendship supposed to turn into love?”
I laughed nervously, but inside I was sinking. A few days later, I broke. I confessed everything — that I loved her.
She stared at me for a moment, then burst into laughter. “Finally! I thought you’d never admit it, duffer.”
That was us. Full of laughter, drama, and heart.
Two years later, we decided to marry. And then the storm began. Parents on both sides disagreed. Convincing them was like living in Game of Thrones, Hunger Games, and Bigg Boss — all rolled into one. After months of fighting, both families reluctantly agreed. And then came the final test: horoscopes.
We went to the family priest. He looked at our charts and said, coldly:
“Anyone but her. If they marry, they won’t be happy. The marriage will not last. Within two years, they will separate.”
That one sentence destroyed everything. For once, both families agreed: no marriage. And just like that, Rani and I were torn apart.
I drowned in alcohol. My only friend was Old Monk. For two years, I lived like a ghost. My parents kept bringing proposals. I’d sit silently and say, “If you like her, I’ll marry.” Because for me, life had ended when I lost Rani.
Then, out of nowhere, my parents relented. They said, “Fine, go marry Rani.” But by then, anger consumed me. “Why now? After ruining two years of my life? She’s probably married and happy. I won’t ruin her life again.”
I stormed out.
Weeks later, there was a loud knock at my door. Hungover, furious, I opened it — and there she was. Rani. Crying. Fuming. Before I could speak, slap! And then another.
“You idiot! You broke up with me because of a horoscope? Without even asking what I wanted? Do you even know how I lived without you?”
I mumbled excuses, saying I didn’t want to hurt her, that both our parents had decided. She slapped me again. “You fool. I wanted you to fight for me. To choose me. Instead, you let me go.”
And then, between anger and tears, she asked, “Do you love me?”
This time, there was no hesitation. “Yes. And I’ll never let go again.”
We married soon after. It’s been ten years now. We’ve had fights, struggles, challenges — but we’re still here. Strong. Happy. Together.
So Ishan, here’s the point: The pandit wasn’t wrong when he said we’d face trouble. We are opposites. We do clash. But instead of letting that prediction destroy us, we chose to use it as a warning — and worked on those differences. That’s why we survived. That’s why we’re thriving.
Horoscopes are not prisons. They’re lessons. They’re not meant to stop you from living — they’re meant to teach you how to live better.
So go to your interview. Stop fearing your stars. Remember: if I could marry the girl I was “never supposed to,” then you can absolutely land the job you’re “not supposed to.”
Stop letting the horoscope scare you. Prepare, go in with confidence, and treat any bad forecast as a prompt to be extra careful, not to give up. If I could marry the girl everyone told me I shouldn’t, you can absolutely win this interview despite what your stars say.
That, Ishan, is the truth about love. Horoscopes, predictions, doubts — they can warn you, but they cannot define you. Love isn’t about avoiding storms. It’s about choosing each other again and again when storms come. When you become the kind of person who chooses the relationship even when it’s hard — and then find someone who does the same — you’ve found the best kind of love. You’ll fight, you’ll cry, you’ll argue, and even when you feel like leaving, you’ll stay — because you chose to stay. That is your best love. And you will defy the destiny itself.
“Letter: Forever yours”
Son,
Your mom was the love of my life. I wish she were here today to hold your hand through your heartbreak. I’m not saying your pain isn’t real — heartbreak always is. But to me, other than you, this letter is the most cherished gift she ever gave me. I hope reading this gives you some solace.
Hi Tanay,
How are you? It’s been so long since we last exchanged letters. I miss those days we ran out of letters to talk about what was going on with us.
Just today, a family came to our house to see me for an alliance. The boy was handsome, but he barely spoke. Honestly, I was irritated. I didn’t even want to meet him. But what else could I do? I’m not yet ready to tell my parents about you — that I love you — nor are they ready to believe that a love marriage can be as strong as an arranged one.
They’ve spent their lives doing what they thought was best for me. And I owe them everything. In fact, isn’t it because of them that we met at all? They decided on my college, believing it would be best for their daughter — and there you were. But now, trying to convince them that love can be chosen, that it can be just as sacred as what they want for me, is becoming harder every day.
I think the real reason parents hesitate about love marriages is this: you take away their chance to pick “their” version of the perfect partner for their child. All our lives, they’ve been making decisions for us, and then one day, we say we’ll make our own — the biggest one yet. I don’t even fault them for it. They’ve seen the world before us. They only want to protect us.
I’m sorry for the way we parted last time. I’m sorry for not telling you about the proposals. It wasn’t to hurt you; I just wasn’t ready for that discussion. You would’ve asked, “So, are you having second thoughts about marrying me?” And I would’ve wanted to scream, “No! I’m not!”
Tanay, I love you. But I also respect my parents deeply. They are my world. But just because I want a future with you, I can’t abandon my past or my family. I want you and them, both. I’m trying to hold the best of both worlds together.
I don’t know how I’ll do it. But I do know this: if marriage is written for me, the only person I will marry is you. I don’t want to lose you. I don’t want to lose my parents. I dream of a life where you and I are together, and our families are happy with us.
All through our relationship, you’ve been my rock. And I know it’s unfair, but I need you to be my rock again now. Please stand by me. Write back soon. I can’t wait for the day we’re married and building our own big, happy family.
Yours only,
Anaya
This was the letter your mom wrote to me when we’d just finished college. We were unemployed and uncertain, and I didn’t dare ask her parents for her hand. She was far out of my league — the daughter of a wealthy, respected family — while I was just a middle-class boy with nothing but dreams. She had every reason to leave me for someone else.
Instead, she promised me that if she were ever to marry, it would be me. And she kept that promise. She became my life’s greatest blessing.
I don’t know the reason for your breakup. But let me tell you this: the most difficult decision to stick by is a marriage or a relationship. And throughout your life, holding on to that decision is never easy. Sometimes you’ll be at fault. Sometimes your partner will be. But it’s not about pointing fingers or finding faults. It’s about choosing the relationship every single time, especially when it feels hardest to do so.
When you become that person — and when you find that person who will do the same — you’ll fight, argue, cry, even feel like leaving. And yet, you won’t. Because you both chose this marriage, this relationship, and you’ll keep choosing it again and again.
When that happens, son, that is your best love. That is your best love……….
There was a gurukulam with a few disciples in the southern parts of India. One day, a disciple approached his Guruji and asked:
Disciple: “Guruji, you teach us many things. But two of your teachings intrigue and confuse me. You ask us to be the strongest people we can be, and yet, you also ask us to follow non-violence. If I cannot use my strength, then why did you make us strong in the first place, only to tell us not to use it?”
Guruji: “Do you see the great mountain behind our gurukulam?”
Disciple: “Yes, Guruji, I do.”
Guruji: “Do you think I could climb to its peak in half a day?”
Disciple: “You are strong, Guruji, but I think it is impossible even for you. Even I, in my prime, would take more than half a day to climb it.”
Guruji: “Good. Now, what if I asked you to climb it in half a day or less? What would you say?”
Disciple: “I would tell you, Guruji, that it is not possible for me.”
Guruji: “And if I forced or pressured you to do it?”
Disciple: “Then I would ask—were you able to do it when you were my age? Or I would say, Guruji, please show me how to do it first. If you can, then I will try.”
Guruji smiled.
Guruji: “Exactly. That is why I trained you in warfare. Not because you must always use it, but so that you and others understand that violence is not the solution to all problems. When a weak man preaches non-violence, people dismiss it, saying he speaks so only because he cannot fight. But when a strong man, fully capable of fighting, chooses non-violence—people listen. They know it comes from wisdom, not weakness. Remember this: it is always better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a battlefield. When you have strength yet choose peace, people will respect you, because you are showing them a higher path—that strength must be used only when necessary.”
The disciple bowed.
Disciple: “Thank you, Guruji, for enlightening me. But just as we disciples listened to you and became who we are today, won’t others also do the same?”
Guruji: “Let me tell you the story of Raja Hemanand Pratap Varma…”
The Tale of Raja Hemanand Pratap Varma
Raja Hemanand Pratap Varma was a just and kind king. His people loved him deeply, for he was wise and compassionate. Under his rule, there was peace and prosperity—no crimes, no wars, only flourishing trade and happiness.
Whenever rival kings threatened war, Hemanand would ask them: “What is it that you truly need? Why waste lives and resources? Let us resolve this peacefully.” He always extended the olive branch, providing what they sought to avoid bloodshed.
This attitude stemmed from his past. As a child, Hemanand was weak and often bullied. His father, a warrior king, had died in battle. From that time, Hemanand vowed never to follow the path of violence. He shunned warfare and physical training, choosing instead to rule through peace.
His ideals made his kingdom prosper. Neighboring kings saw him as harmless, and merchants from far and wide flocked to his peaceful, wealthy land. But this very prosperity attracted the attention of Virata Samrat, a cruel and greedy ruler.
Virata challenged Hemanand: “Let us wage war. The victor shall rule both kingdoms.”
But Hemanand stayed true to his ideals. He refused bloodshed and instead sent 1,000 carts of gold, saying: “Let us avoid war, for it will only destroy our people. Accept this token, and let us live as friends.”
Virata was astonished—yet insulted. He thought: “If Hemanand can spare 1,000 carts of gold for peace, how much more treasure must he hold? And how dare he imply that I can be bought?”
His pride wounded, Virata decided to exploit Hemanand’s weakness—his kindness. He accepted the offer, pretended friendship, and slowly gained Hemanand’s trust. Soon, he sat in the king’s court, influencing matters of state.
Once he had learned enough, Virata struck. He betrayed Hemanand, killed him, and exiled his wife and son. Virata seized the throne and ruled the once-prosperous kingdom with cruelty.
Guruji’s voice grew solemn.
Guruji: “Do you see, my child? Raja Hemanand had peace in his heart, but no strength to protect it. Peace without strength is fragile, like a lamp in the wind. Strength without peace is destructive, like fire in the forest. True wisdom is in having both—strength to defend, and the will to choose peace.”
The disciple bowed deeply, his doubts dissolved.
Disciple: “Now I understand, Guruji. Peace is indeed the greatest weapon—but only when it is guarded by strength.”
Edit courtesy: ChatGpt
“Hi Ankita, can we meet?”
“Sure Shashank, I was just about to call you to see if we can watch a movie. I am sure you would love this movie.
“Ankita, I don’t have time to go to a movie with you, but there is something really important that I need to talk to you. Can we meet please?”
“Ok done. Hope all is well?”
“Yeah. Let us meet at our usual Nandan café.”
—-40 minutes later —-
“Hey, sorry I am late Shashank. Tell me what did you wanted to talk about?”
“no problem at all Ankita. Sorry that I was abrupt and asked you to meet here. I wanted someone to talk to about something that has been bothering me.”
“Ok, I am all ears, what’s up? Hope you did not make any girl pregnant and you want my help to do something about the pregnancy?!”
“Shut up Idiot! Get your mind out of the gutter. It is always dirty with you. Can’t you, for once, think that there might be something very important other than sex and girls with me?”
“Oh. I am really sorry Shashank. That was insensitive of me. Ok wait, let me try, hmmm…….. sorry nope. I tried but could not think of any other emergency that you would want to talk to me!”
“Ankita!!! (smacks his head) I deserve this for thinking that you would have the maturity to help me out with such a serious matter.”
“ok ok don’t be such a crybaby. I am bringing my serious face. Now tell me. I am listening and I am serious. No more jokes.”
“You remember Palak right? I introduced her to you a few months back?”
“Oh yeah! The girl who can’t seem to take her eyes off you, the one who has been madly in love with you for wait…… almost 2 years now, are we talking about the same Palak?”
“Shhhhhh! Stop making a scene out of it! Yes. I am talking about that Palak only.”
“Well, tell me. Don’t tell me that you knocked her up, because that would be a huge bummer there is a 100% chance that she would murder you and get away with it if you did not reciprocate her love. She is a crazy lady Shashank and mostly she is crazy for you! Just stay away from her bro.”
“Well, that is what I called you to talk about. You know that I have been having problems in the relationships stream for a very long time and I don’t find good women these days?”
“Hey! I am a woman! Don’t you dare to say that there are no good women to date!”
“Well, then would you date me?”
“You?! Chi!! Yuck!!”
“Well, how about that? See this is what I meant when I said, there are no good women to date. That means good women who want to date me. Also, don’t consider yourself as a woman. No one does. Except for that doofus who keeps running behind you like a puppy!”
“Huh.. you are just jealous that he got lucky and you didn’t. Anyway, now back to Palak. What about her.”
“I have known since day one that she is madly in love with me but she just isn’t the one that I want. I mean, she is caring, loving (way too much actually) and as you rightly put it crazy about me and would kill anyone to be with me. I was wondering if I should ask her out on a date. I am scared to not hurt her because she definitely is not my type but since I was not so lucky in the ladies department, I thought of giving her a shot. What would you say? Can you help me how to do it so that even if it doesn’t work, she won’t be hurt?”
“Woah! Woah! Woah! Cool it, tiger! That is way too much information in such a short time! Before I could say anything. Answer me this. Are you sure about her? Do you like her? Or are you just settling for less?”
“I am not exactly sure about her. I have my doubts but I don’t want to miss out on a potential great relationship.”
“haha! Then don’t do it Shashank. You can either be the kid with the umbrella or not but you can’t be both.”
“What are you talking about? What does a kid with an umbrella have to do with all of this?”
“You just said right, other than that doofus nobody else thinks of me as a girl. Well before I said ok to that doofus, I was you. I also had my doubts and I was not sure whether to get into a relationship with him or not. Because he “is not the one I ever wanted nor my type” but I liked him. So when he proposed to me, I did not know what to do and I asked him for some time.
I could not be myself for a few days and it was frustrating. So to calm my nerves, I turned towards my best friends the “Tinkle books”. In that, there was a story of a boy that changed my perspective and I kept it as my moral compass, every time I had my doubts. I hope this story will help you too just like it did to me. So once upon a time, there was a village which faced famine due to the prolonged drought.
The village did not see any rains for almost 2 years and slowly all of their wells, rivers, ponds and lakes dried up. They tried everything they could but nothing worked. So one day, a Sadhu was passing by the village and saw their situation, he told one of the villagers to inform all the villagers to gather around the big banyan tree in the centre of the village by afternoon because he was going to make it rain.
The villager feeling happy rushed into the village to inform about his encounter with the Sadhu. By afternoon the entire village was gathered around the big banyan tree to see if the Sadhu could really make it rain. Amongst all of the villagers, there was a small boy who was standing in the crowd holding an umbrella.
The Sadhu saw this kid and asked him why he brought an umbrella with him. To that, the kid replied, “Well, I wanted to see the rain like anyone else but I did not want to get drenched in it or else my mom would scold me for getting drenched in the rain.” To that the Sadhu replied, “well done kid”. He then turned towards all the villagers and said, “Learn from this small child about the power of belief. All of you have gathered here to witness the rains. But this kid is the only one who believed it would rain.” And almost instantly as if the God was waiting for the Sadhu to finish his closing statement, it started pouring heavily. The entire village started running to look for a shelter so that they wouldn’t get drenched but in all that chaos, only the kid with the umbrella stood and enjoyed the rain. That is when I realized that we all are hopeful and want many things in life.
But we hope with a doubt in our heart thinking if it is true or if it is not the right thing or if it will work out. When you start something with such doubts in your heart, you are sure to see the same results. So, unless you bring an umbrella along with you in such situations, you will always be faced with failures and disappointments because,
“You” have the power to decide.
“Wow! That was a hell of a story. I didn’t know you believed in your love based on a “Tinkle” book story!? No wonder you are crazy and you both are made for each other. Thanks for the pep talk but this is not like the story or books. This is real life. I like her. I really do but I am not so sure if I love her. Also, everyone who knows me tells me that she is not the right one for me and I can do better. And at times I think they are right to some extent because she gets on my nerves and I feel too that she deserves better.
“Shashank, People will be right about things, as long as you let them.”
“Just don’t make any decisions based on other people’s beliefs.
That was the whole point of that story. The kid didn’t believe the villagers or the Sadhu. He just believed that it would rain. And the same goes for you. You have to believe whether it works out or not for you.”
My Journey 