THE MARATHON OF LOVE

AN INSPIRATIONAL VALENTINE DAY STORY
In the heart of the bustling city, amidst the chaos and noise, there existed a sanctuary of love and serenity – the Maurya household at the Banaswadi in Bangalore. Shweta Maurya and Neeraj Maurya, once passionate runners who met on the tracks, had sprinted through life together, overcoming hurdles hand in hand. Their love, like a resilient marathon, had endured every mile marker, growing stronger with each step.
As Valentine's Day approached, Shweta and Neeraj celebrated their enduring love with a romantic dinner. The air was filled with the aroma of delicacies prepared by Shweta, while candles flickered softly, casting a warm glow over the dining table. Their children,  Suhana, and Shivansh, had helped set up the table, their excitement palpable as they anticipated the special evening ahead.
As the family sat down for dinner, reminiscences of their early days flooded their minds. Shweta remembered the first time she had seen Neeraj at the track, his determination evident in every stride. Neeraj, in turn, recalled the way Shweta's laughter had lit up the room, her passion for running mirroring his own.
Amidst laughter and shared memories, they savored the delicious meal, each bite a testament to the love and dedication that had sustained them through the years. Suhana, their daughter, leaned in close to her parents, her eyes wide with wonder as they recounted tales of their courtship.
But amidst the joyous atmosphere, Shivansh, their energetic son, seemed unusually quiet. Sensing his unease, Neeraj reached out and ruffled his hair gently. "What's on your mind, champ?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.
Shivansh hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "Well, Dad, I've been thinking," he began, his voice faltering slightly. "You and Mom have such an amazing love story. Will I ever find someone like that? Will I ever experience a love as deep as yours?"
Neeraj exchanged a knowing glance with Shweta before enveloping Shivansh in a warm embrace. "Of course, you will, son," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "Love finds us when we least expect it, just like it found your mom and me on the track all those years ago. And when it does, it will be the most beautiful feeling in the world."
Suhana, ever the empathetic sister, reached out and took Shivansh's hand in hers, offering him a reassuring smile. "And until then, you have all of us," she said, her eyes shining with sincerity. "We'll be your running partners through life, cheering you on every step of the way."
As the dinner came to an end, Neeraj raised his glass in a toast to their family, his heart overflowing with gratitude for the love that bound them together. And as they basked in the warmth of each other's company, surrounded by flickering candlelight and the promise of tomorrow, the Maurya family knew that their love was a marathon worth running, with each member playing a vital role in crossing the finish line together.
- WILLIAMSJI MAVELI