Sunday, May 07, 2006

This game called love

I just finished reading Love in the Time Of Cholera. It is a wonderful read, and quite unlike other Marquez' novels. For one, the novel does not have those elements of fantasy that I thought were hallmarks of all Marquez' novels. And two, it is a novel of immense hope. I think I particularly connected with it because of this phase of my life I am going through. It is one of those books that mirror your thoughts about a particular subject so closely. And your heart resurfaces with hope, which was lying submerged somewhere. The book also reveals the different forms of love between a man and a woman. One more, and possibly the most important, learning from the book is that love is not blind; rather it sees all the faults, and does not seem to mind. This book has turned a pessimist like me into a complete optimist. And I am liking this rare feeling of happiness even though a lot is not going my way.
The past week I also read this sentimental story about a guy who loves his best friend, but is afraid to say so, because he is afraid to end the wonderful friendship they have. As it turns out, he is never able to say the magical three words, and after she dies young because of leukemia, he comes to know that she had the same feelings for him. Just that both were unable to blurt it aloud to one other, and the love that they had found in one other could never express itself.
Love is a funny thing. It can make you conquer the world, and it can make you lose everything you ever had. Love makes you suffer, and it makes you happy. Love hurts and love heals. It is by no means easy. There are plenty of sacrifices to make, and possibly, a loss of your ego, your freedom. And even then there is no surety of you finding your love. It is a tough game, where even your best efforts might not be enough to succeed. The only way then, is to keep up the hope, and believe in it. If your love is strong enough though, it will succeed. Now or later. You might have to wait, but the wait will be worth it, or so have I realised from other people's examples. I am feeling happy right now, and the happiness is not because I have love all around me, but rather because I am sure I will have it one day. Not that there is any indicator to the effect, quite the opposite, but I am sure that if my love is strong enough (and I am sure it is), it will succeed one day.
On a separate note, the happiness I have is also based on the realisation that life has been kind to me. I know all of us have a tendency to be sad about things we dont have, but if we make a things of what we have, it shall far outnumber what we dont. For one, I have such wonderful parents, brother and friends. They love me and want me to succeed, and as such I dont know anyone who wants me to end up as a failure. I know that I can go to any of them and ask for help, and that they wont turn me away. Also, I think I have been extremely lucky to have a pretty sharp brain, and a healthy body. Even though I am not very rich, I am thankful that I never have to struggle to make both ends meet. And I also feel I am lucky that life throws me lifelines whenever I am down. Plenty of blessings to count then, but somehow we always tend to concentrate more on a missed grade, or a failed crush.
Love can make you do things you thought you could never do. Like quit drinking. And make you believe in miracles. Everything is possible in this world, to achieve which, like the popular Beatles say, All you need is love.

16 comments:

BehindKlosedDoors said...

Isn't the title something of a misfit! I would think that someone with such strong feelings about "love", would hardly call it a 'game' !!
p.s.: apologies....for in your most heartfelt post I could only comment on my "perceived" negativity.

Abhishek said...

love is more than a game...but ironically u can still apply the game theory.....whthr it works out or not depends.....nice read nonetheless!

zubin said...

[Sammy] Well, its no more than a game. The game, howveer, which can alter your life. I remember Hansie Cronje once wrote, after the epic semi-final tie against Australia, cricket is a cruel game. I seem like having the same feelings about love.
And, no need for apologies. This was no negativity.
[Das] Its not much more than a game, think about it. And thanks.

Ankur Shanker said...

hehe! i think our conversation last night does have its shades though dim, in this post.. anyways i liked it and soon you will find a one on the same subject on my blog too :)

zubin said...

[Ankur] Yes it was to a large extent inspired by our chat the day before. And I am looking forward to seeing your post.

Ankit Gupta said...

and as such I dont know anyone who wants me to end up as a failure
=)) =))
are you sure???

Shreyas said...

well this one really looked like coming from a novel, though i wonder how they write it their since i havent read any. well i guess love is in the air.

zubin said...

[Ankit] Well, I think I am pretty sure, and thats something I am thankful about.
[Shreyas] Thanks, Love is NOT in the air. I thought you knew. Love is somewhere, but definately not in the air.

zubin said...

[Nikhil] The best compliment my writing has ever got. Thanks for the comment! And its very surprising that human minds think so alike. Its all the same, I think, deep down in the heart. The same set of emotions. And thats something that nothing can ever change, love being the ttopmost of those emotions.

Phoenix said...

Very true...All on needs is love. love can do miracles..and nobody knows it better than me at the moment..

and coincidentally, i am in the middle of the same book too.

Good luck. and good love.

zubin said...

[Phoenix] Its a wonderful read. Am sure you will like it. And well, love can do miracles as well. And the best thing is, just the feeling is enough to make you happy.

Anonymous said...

Fundoo Dost, as if dil ki baat cheen li. Realled loved this blog a lot. Probably one of the best. This is something I could very much relate to :)

zubin said...

[Balaji] Thanks a lot!! And life is funny, isnt it??

Anonymous said...

great..great post...I am a regular reader of your blog..and love it more by the day..keep it up!

zubin said...

[Anonymous] Thanks. For the motivation. I would like to know who are you, btw.

milieu said...

Great Post...because it sounds so much like me...Wish that the elusive love will only make you wait but will come to you in the end...Am just hoping the same for myself...And the part about turning optimist is the most crucial part, i think.
cheers!