Persistent Love

Samar was a truck driver in Kolkata, and his wife, Preet, lived in Mumbai. Despite the distance, their love flourished through the phone calls they shared while Samar drove his truck. Their connection was what Preet called road love. Samar, a family man, was seldom home, and Preet, an intelligent and ambitious woman, always dreamed of studying abroad. However, their financial situation made this dream seem unattainable.

One day, Samar decided to move to Canada to earn a better living and fulfill Preet’s dream of studying overseas. Without telling her, he applied for a Canadian visa.

Meanwhile, Preet, aware of their modest lifestyle in Mumbai, secretly applied for a scholarship to study in Australia. She thought that by getting the scholarship and working while studying, she could secure a brighter future for them both.

Three months later, Preet received news that she had been shortlisted for the scholarship, and around the same time, Samar’s visa for Canada was approved. Overwhelmed, Samar told Preet, “Preet, I want to share something with you, but you have to promise to support me no matter what.”

“I’m always with you, Samar,” she replied, curious yet trusting.

Samar revealed his plan to move to Canada for five years to build a better life for her. Preet felt a mix of emotions—sadness and pride. Knowing how much Samar loved her, she chose not to tell him about her scholarship. She realized that their resources could only support one of them going abroad. Sacrificing her dream, she decided to support Samar’s.

They sold everything except their home to fund his journey. Finally, Samar flew to Canada, full of hope. But upon arrival, his dreams shattered—his friend Ben had betrayed him by providing fake documents. Samar was left with no legal work permit and no money to return home.

For five years, Samar struggled to survive, living on the streets, begging for food, and sleeping on cold pavements. His shame and despair kept him from contacting Preet.

Preet, waiting for a call that never came, grew anxious. A year later, she decided to find Samar herself. Determined, she worked double shifts to save money and reapplied for a scholarship. After four years of relentless effort, she secured a visa and flew to Canada.

In Canada, Preet searched tirelessly. She wandered through streets, parks, and shelters, looking for Samar’s face among the downtrodden. As the days turned into months, her hope began to wane. Nearly two years passed, and with her visa nearing its end, she was left disheartened.

One chilly November evening, Preet sat on a park bench, watching the autumn leaves drift softly to the ground. The setting sun cast a warm but melancholic glow over the park, mirroring the dimming hopes in her heart. As darkness settled, she stood and began walking slowly toward the road, her steps heavy with despair.

While crossing the road, she noticed a figure curled up on the footpath. The man was thin and frail, shivering in the cold. Something about him stirred her heart. She approached quietly, draping her shawl over his shoulders.

A tear slipped down her cheek, falling onto the man’s hand. He stirred and looked up. Their eyes met, and time seemed to stop.

For a long moment, they simply stared at each other, their eyes speaking the words their lips could not. In that silent gaze, every chapter of their past unfolded—love, sacrifice, pain, and an unbroken bond that had withstood the harshest of trials.

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