Forced Love

By Sweta

2 years ago, I was madly in love with a guy. My best friend, Ana, had introduced me to him at a party. There was something different about him. He was standing in a corner but his sunken eyes seemed to be desperately crying out for help. As usual, Ana was busy partying and I decided to step in. I took him to the terrace and asked him whether he was fine? He was a bit hesitant to open up. So, I knew I had to make him feel comfortable enough for him to trust me, I narrated my story of two failed relationships and how people had taken advantage of me. Hearing this, his eyes started gushing out tears which he had no control over. He then told me his story of how he started dating a girl and has completely fallen in love with her but then he feels she’s hiding something from him. Though he did not reveal her name, I could sense it was Ana. Well, his doubt was not unreasonable cause Ana was cheating on her. She already had a boyfriend but then I couldn’t tell him because I was not sure whether it was not sure whether it was her. So, all I told him was trust people wisely and go by your instincts. Most importantly, not let anyone take advantage of you or take you for granted.

Then we spoke for like an hour or so where I made him understand how important it is to prioritize our own self over others. He was patiently listening to me the whole time and we both connected like we knew each other for years. We got so comfortable with each other that we exchanged numbers before leaving. I thought of not texting him for 2 days but then couldn’t control myself and sent him a good morning and wished him a good day. Well, he did reply by thanking me for being there for him last night and how I changed his complete perspective on life and people. Hearing all this, I think I got a tad bit excited and went ahead and expressed my feelings for him. I know it was too soon but then people say we tend to lose sense when we are in love and I guess that’s exactly what happened that morning. He was surprised but then he finally confessed the girl he was in love with was Ana. And my guess was right on point. Well, I don’t know if I was selfish at that point, I told him that Ana was already with someone else. He wasn’t surprised but then he was again thankful to me that I told him the truth and now he knew what he needed to do next. I knew he was upset and I wanted to be there for him. I wanted to be the shoulder for him to cry but he didn’t want that. I was ready to give him all the love he deserved but somehow, he was convinced that he should not be with anyone else right now. Well, I wouldn’t lie in saying that I did pursue him for a month but then it hit me that what the heck was I Even doing! No matter whatever I feel or how I think I may or may not be perfect fir that person, my love would be pointless unless the opposite person is willing to accept me. This entire thing taught me an important lesson that we should shower love to people only when they are read to accept it. Cause at the end of the day love is to be embraced and not forced on someone.

By Sweta