The first whiff of Myra’s jasmine perfume jolted Helena out of her magazine reverie. A familiar laugh, confirmed her suspicion. There across the crowded café sat Myra.  “Hello Myra !” Helena called out, her voice trembling slightly. Myra swung around as her disbelief gave way to a joyous shriek.  “Oh my god Helena, where did you come from!” Their reunion was a whirlwind of hugs, spilled coffee, excited chatter. Six years had melted away in the warmth of their shared history.

Tulip Arts College, a haven for dreamers had brought them together. Myra, a fiery painter with a laughter that could wake the dead, while Helena, a sculptor with a calm demeanour that belied the storm within. Their chemistry was remarkable, like two souls with one heart and their passion for their craft was astonishing.  The two would hang around together and on one starlit night Myra’s tentative touch ignited a firestorm. A shared look, a hesitant brush of fingers and a kiss allowed the dam of emotions to erupt. They both had been aware of their sexuality since their teens, but never had the courage to accept and reveal them. Today they broke all barriers and explored their hidden passion. Fear, a familiar companion whispered doubts in their ears but they steadily held onto each other.

“ Let’s get out of here. We have so much to talk,” Myra suggested pulling Helena towards the door.

Myra’s apartment was a testament to her free spirit. The walls were splashed with colourful paintings. Yet, a poignant loneliness lingered in the air.

When Helena inquired about her family, Myra’s smile faltered. After her father’s death, her dependence on her brother had become a cage. Her rejections of suitable grooms had initially been met with confusion, then quiet acceptance. But when the truth spilled out, she was ostracized from the family. Her only connection was with her mother that got severed by her death.

Helena confided her own story, a tale of a loveless marriage to a successful architect. A desperate attempt at normalcy that ended in bitter disappointment. Forced by societal expectations she had buried her true self. Her family was hugely disappointed and blamed her completely for her marriage failure. To get away from her family, she found a job and relocated to Shillong, finally finding her freedom.

Weeks turned into months and the spark that was buried long back roared into a raging flame. They could not hide their excitement when they read that government had legalised same sex marriage. The fear that had kept them chained now evaporated. Now, their love story would not be a secret.

Their wedding was a celebration of defiance and acceptance. Tears streamed down their face when they exchanged vows. They were more than lovers, they were each other’s family, a lighthouse in the storm. Their love finally found a voice. Their story, a testament to the joy that blooms when love finds its perfect shade.

***