2 States – A Comical love story!

I have read it few months ago, and loved the book. So, why am I writing about it today? Something happened, which prompted me to write about this now, and it’s not that I read the book or any specific part again today. Infact, it’s somewhere in my house, and I don’t know where I put it after reading. So, what happened?

Venkat saw my LinkedIn profile, and saw that I have read 2 States. He mentioned to me that the story of 2 States is almost 90% similar to his own story! We were on phone, so this discussion did not continue much further, and I will get some more details from him, about “his” story. But, later when I started thinking about this, and remembering my own love story, I realise that it was fun, hilarious sometime, and madness! Of course it was romantic, but full of crazy activities! Then, I thought of some of my friends who has done similar crazy weddings, and surprise to understand that it was all madness, fun, and romantic at the same time! I did not realise it while reading 2 States, but now if I think of it, and compare my own story with it, I will find a lot similarities. Yeah, like Venkat I cannot say it’s exactly 90% my story, but there are similarities.

I am not talking about similarities here, but think of it, when you live it, you are tensed, confused, angry, under tremendous pressure and not sure what else. I am talking about the situation when you are in love, and try to get your families understand it, and if not, then run away from home to do a love marriage, without the approval of your families. Friends are always there to help you in such situation, but think of the situation itself, you are feeling pressure, and confused on what to do next. There are various people telling you not to marry the girl you love, relatives, parents, family members, friends of family! It seems like you wants to go away from all these! You can’t think straight! It’s a decision you need to take, and no one is available to offer you a clear advice, yes friends are there and they give advice as well. But they are of your own age; no one is there to give you an experienced advice! And when I am talking about advice, it’s the positive or neutral advice, and not the family/parent’s version of it.

Now, after years of your wedding, you look back to that time, to remember what you did, what you said to people. The activities, running away from parents, family, the arguments, your first meeting with in-laws, your thoughts about their customs, different rituals, the in-law’s family, relatives, and how you feel about them! The pressure on you to manage the new family, expectations of everyone! Your first fight with wife! Its all hilarious when you remember it now, but back then, it was a living nightmare! Love was the only thing which keeps you going in that situation! The whole world, except some friends, is against you and your love! But, you overcome all these, and now you are a happy and settled married person! So, my reason for remembering 2 States today was remembering my own love story, and laughing about it! But yes, I am no Chetan Bhagat, so my story is limited to my and my wife’s memories, sweet and romantic, with comic memories!