It’s February, and with each passing day, we steadily approach the heart of the month, signaling the advent of Valentine’s Day week. From February 7th to the 14th, these seven days are imbued with the essence of love: Rose Day (February 7), Propose Day (February 8), Chocolate Day (February 9), Teddy Day (February 10), Promise Day (February 11), Hug Day (February 12), and Kiss Day (February 13). And then, the crescendo arrives on February 14th, the Day of the beloved, where hearts entwine, and bonds deepen as we become the Valentine of someone’s life, and someone becomes our Valentine.
Like many, I’ve been fortunate to experience both the giving and receiving of love. My beloved husband, Mr. Ghosh, holds a special place in my heart. I affectionately refer to him by that name, and he reciprocates with equal fondness, calling me Mrs. Ghosh. Our love story commenced long before I was eligible to cast my vote, culminating in marriage as soon as I reached adulthood, as dictated by the constitution.
Valentine’s Day isn’t just significant for men, but holds profound importance for women and especially for teenagers eagerly waiting to profess their affections. Interestingly, we Bengalis celebrate Valentine’s Day twice, alongside Saraswati Puja. Since the Hindu calendar adheres to the lunar cycle, Saraswati Puja occasionally precedes Valentine’s Day.
In April, I’ll mark my 29th birthday, still a year shy of the milestone of turning 30. Yet, the anticipation and joy for Valentine’s Day remain as vibrant as when I was a teenager, even amidst the responsibilities of motherhood. Each day of the Valentine’s week, from the fragrant Rose Day on February 7th to the culminating celebration on February 14th, holds significance, serving as poignant reminders of cherished moments with my beloved. Yes, our journey has been long, with many miles yet to traverse.
Reflecting on the chapters of our past days, my mind races through the pages of memory. I embarked on the journey of love with Mr. Ghosh during my 10th-grade years, and now, he stands as the adoring father of our 21-month-old daughter. Life’s circular dance never ceases to amaze. Even in those youthful days when pocket money was scarce, I diligently saved every penny of my tiffin allowance to buy tokens of affection for my beloved. Skipping tuitions to steal moments of togetherness remains a treasured memory from that golden era of my life. It’s these vignettes that lend life its enchantment and worth.
Following the completion of my education, I joined hands with my beloved in matrimony in January 2017. We did the registry marriage first, then we walked to social marriage. Post-marriage, my husband’s professional obligations necessitated a relocation from Kolkata, leading to our physical separation. But distance could not hold us apart. Technology bridges our gap. Long night chats and Video calls were our saviours and protectors of our love story. Life will give you many ups and downs, but if you stay true to your heart, it will nurture and protect you like mother earth.
Currently, my husband and I reside in Delhi with our daughter Ridhima (her pet name). I relocated to Delhi with my husband about 4-5 years ago, and soon after, Ridhima became a part of our lives. It’s often said that parenthood brings about a natural shift in love and relationships, becoming a matter of course. However, contrary to popular belief, the arrival of parenthood hasn’t altered the dynamics of our relationship; if anything, it has fortified our bond.
My husband continues to shower me with tokens of love and affection, reminiscent of our teenage courtship. Each evening upon his return from work, he surprises me, infusing my life with the sweetness and warmth akin to chocolate.
Seven years into our union, our connection remains unwavering, each moment made precious by his unwavering devotion. To all who share in the journey of love, I implore you to cherish each day of Valentine’s week with your beloved, irrespective of circumstance, for love knows no bounds.
