HE KNEW PRIYA since childhood. She was his neighbour. As kids, Priya and Rahul played together each day. Their constant meetings led to attraction and urge to see each other when they grew up. As expected Rahul started taking their relationship for granted and also that Priya would always be there waiting for him near that old faithful Neem tree. And Priya did turn up every time, with a twinkle in her eye and she blushed on seeing his face.

 

It had been 21 years then. Priya had become Rahul’s support and his reason to smile. Until one day, when Priya introduced her best friend to her boyfriend. Rahul forced a smile and with feelings left unsaid, he left the country to do his MBA. Priya soon got over with her new crush. In her solitude, she pondered and yearned for Rahul. Putting all instances together, she realized that there was more to her relation with Rahul than just friendship. His absence breathed emptiness in her life.

 

It was Valentine’s Day and she mustered courage to convey her immense love for him through a letter. After exchanging a series of letters for a year, the couple got married on February 14 next year.

 

St Valentine arranged secret marriages between lovers in order to break King Claudius’ law that forbade soldiers in his Army from marriage. Valentine’s Day was meant to bring a new beginning to a relationship. It was the culmination of true love into marriage, a promise to stay together forever.

 

The true meaning of Valentine’s Day has been appallingly exploited. A card saying ‘Be my Valentine’ is used an excuse to date anyone who fits your definition of attractive. A new date on each Valentine’s Day has become the new motto and expensive gifts a trademark. As such the card and gift industry is booming. Hotels and restaurants offering alluring nights for couples at an unaffordable price are increasing. The number of audacious men who beg, borrow or blow up their father’s money to ‘gift her a diamond’ are innumerable. With a result that the very spirit of this occasion is fast turning to avarice and seduction. Valentine’s Day, today, has become a symbol of flirtatiousness and the promotion of ostentation. The tricks to charm a man have developed; the meaning of true love has perished. This day suffers the derision of the word love, the very foundation of Valentine’s Day.