“Love Is The Food For Life. Romance May Be The Pepper!” – Mrs. Ghosh Shares The Secret Sauce To Life

We have all read, watched, known and some of us have been even part of love stories. Yet as the world around us is changing with time, human emotions are losing worth. It’s all getting drab and monotonous. Even the ones that are out on a date today, don’t know what’s in store for them.

I am an old soul and I have always believed that the generations before us had a more fulfilling life than us; which is why I am going to introduce a couple that has braved 29 years of marriage and still going strong. I am really lucky that I happen to know them in person. They act as a torch in this Dark Age.

This is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Ghosh – two lovebirds who dated and eventually married despite coming from different professions, lineage and having contrasting characters. The duo met in their youth and had an amazing life that’s worth cherishing.

Mr. Ghosh is Bengali and a businessman by profession, and his wife, Mrs. Parbany Ghosh is Odia and a teacher at Delhi Public School. Yet they gel so well. She told me in a candid conversation that Mr.Ghosh likes all the Odia food and speaks the language, while she likes Jhinge Posto (a famous Bong dish) and everyone presumes her to be Bengali. Those days such marriages were not very common but as they are from neighboring states, the cultures match dramatically, which has helped.

They happen to be the parents of one of my seniors at college and I knew them through Facebook. It was a particular post by Parbany Aunty that made me instantly send a request and I m totally glad that I did.

SOUL CURRY- Unlikes Match – a Facebook post written by her narrates how she has spent her life with Mr. Ghosh and what she realized over the years. This is a must-read.

*SOUL CURRY- Unlikes Match*

When I got married 27 years ago, I disliked more things in my husband than I liked. The worst was his taste in clothes. It consisted of greys and whites, dull and boring-in sharp contrast to my pinks and yellows.

I was always fashion-conscious and being ‘stylish and cool’ was my way of life. He wore clothes that were more loose, comfortable, and for all seasons. In the same way, we ate foods which were ‘nutritious meals’ when all I longed to have was a brunch or dine in style. He lacked zing!! I liked beauty salons, pedicure, and manicure parlors. He affirmed that natural beauty did not need any polish. I liked Tarot cards and read Linda Goodman’s books with the seriousness of a sincere believer. He would utter his blasphemy- “They’re not science.”

Once I wore my new gold chain and went to the market, where it was snatched. I remember coming home shocked with my heart aching for my beloved possession. My husband, however, was more worried about my physical well-being than the lost item. He made little effort to retrieve the chain and only after much cajoling went to the police station. Needless to say, I never got back my chain.

Yet again, I remember another incident that would later have a profound impact on my life. We were buying a new house and I was supposed to be the joint owner. Sitting in the Notary, for the thumb impression and signature, I remember making a fuss. I was mollified with a cup of coffee and fresh cooler air. Often when I was being explained some financial matter, I would butt in, “Should I wear my Kanjeevaram or chiffon saree for the occasion?” Poor hubby would protest with the only ammunition he had- abject resignation!

I always had my ways. He had to pave the way for me. I lived for the moment. He planned for the years. Today when I sit on my recliner and ponder over the past years, I think I have understood what the problem was. When I wanted romance, I was showered with protective love. I wanted to be swept off my feet by my groom, longed for dancing, singing, and parties- mushy evenings and bouquets of flowers, candlelit dinners, surprise cards and walks in hilly terrains. But I was given planned holidays and made to wait for appropriate occasions. Was it right? I think so now.

Love is enduring. It means assurance, dedication, and protection. It creates a safe haven for your family which matters in the long run. Romance uproots you. It is fleeting. Love is the food for life. Romance may be the pepper!! It suddenly occurs to me that I had both.

This 14th of February, all of you young girls (including my daughter)who would be of my age as I was 29 years back and who would meet your valentines with starry eyes, I suggest that you look for love in your choice of a man. Even if he looks like a Hollywood hero, make sure his heroics would sustain both of you in the long run.

A simple and righteous man would take you much farther in life as has mine. And even as I write this ‘soul curry’, my husband has bent over me to get my hair clip that has fallen down. Our eyes met for a flicker of a moment and he seemed to say with an extravagance, “I shall stoop to conquer my lady…“

I heard my heart saying, “Thank you, God! Touchwood!”

Damn! That’s some wisdom for love.

Nevertheless, she has also emphasized that any friendship or companionship that is true and deep makes the person your Valentine.

”It’s Valentine’s life and not just Valentine’s Day. I have been staying in the same city since childhood and have some friends who are with me since nursery. I tell them things I wouldn’t even tell my husband. You know our generation did not move out much. Some did move but only to be married. So, that way I got lucky to have constant friends. I know it’s different for you. These days if a kid stays home past 18, everyone starts thinking that there’s something wrong with him or her,” she said sharing her insight on how friendships have evolved through generations and what it means to have true friends that many of us lack today.

I hope this post has touched your heart and you finally meet the love or friend of your life who will stick to you forever.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!