From Grief to Gratitude: Anup and Sangeeta's Unlikely Love Story In Goa

As President of the Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) at Palacio Glenwood, Calangute, Goa Anup Bhasin's opinion held considerable influence. Sangeeta Bhattacharya, a recent resident, had been battling persistent seepage in her apartment. Despite filing daily plumber complaints, the issue remained unresolved, largely due to uncooperative neighbours above her. With the constant water leakage, musty odours, and growing concern over potential damage, Sangeeta felt compelled to attend the RWA meeting and raise her issue. Anup, a key figure in the RWA, took it upon himself to address the problem.

From Seepage to Soulmates: Anup and Sangeeta’s Unlikely Love Story

Anup, was a successful entrepreneur in his 60s, had built a life of comfort and luxury. He had never been married, and his experiences with love and relationships had been few and far between. After a painful experience with unrequited love, Anup had thrown himself into his work, using it as a distraction from his emotional turmoil.

Sangeeta who lost her husband to a long battle with cancer. Her husband’s sickness and passing away left a gaping void. Mumbai which had once been a hub of activity and social connections, felt suffocating and overwhelming. As she navigated the complexities of grief, Sangeeta knew she needed a break from the chaos. The desire to escape the city and its trappings led her to her apartment in Goa. She hoped to find solace in the gentle waves, the warm sun, and the peaceful surroundings.

As she settled into her new life, Sangeeta began to unravel the layers of her identity, which had been submerged beneath the responsibilities of a household. She always loved music and arts but never got a chance to pursue her interest.

It’s been over three years in Goa. Sangeeta has started working as an art teacher in a nearby school and thoroughly enjoys the streak of independence. The active RWA group in the condo celebrates every festival and organises get-togethers and picnics. Like little children, Anup and Sangeeta always make sure they sit together and talk. The unexpected friendship which started from resolving the seepage problem has moved to sharing every small detail of their daily existence.

Now they would sit on their porches, watching the sunset, and talk about life. Months turned into years and their catching up for evening tea routine continues. There is a kind of dependence that is unsaid, unspoken and maybe unrealised. Sometimes, it takes years to cultivate a meaningful connection, and to nurture a bond that grows stronger with time. But other times, it's as if the universe conspires to bring people together, and the connection is instantaneous – organic yet magical.

As Sangeeta and Anup walked along the beach, Sangeeta's daughter called with the news about her US Visa approval. While Sangeeta's daughter was thrilled to have her mother join her in New Jersey, Sangeeta herself felt a pang of sadness.

The unspoken question in her mind was: "What would I do without him?" It was a feeling that had grown between them over time, a sense of comfort and companionship that they had found in each other. As they stood there, looking out at the ocean, they both knew that their lives would be changing soon. Sangeeta would be leaving for the US, and Anup would be staying behind.

It was unusual, perhaps, for two people at their age to seek comfort in each other's company. As they walked in silence, the only sound being the waves crashing against the shore, they both knew that they had to confront the reality of their situation. As the day of Sangeeta's departure to the US drew closer, she and Anup found themselves meeting more frequently. The impending separation had created a sense of urgency, and they both wanted to spend as much time together as possible.

One evening Anup and Sangeeta, sat on the bench watching the world go by.  As Sangeeta stood at the edge of the ocean, the waves gently lapping at her feet, she couldn't help but feel a sense of void. It was a feeling she had grown accustomed to in the past, a sense of emptiness that had seemed impossible to fill. But over the last three years, something has changed.
 
As she saw Anup, Sangeeta felt a sense of gratitude wash over her. He had taken care of the void she had felt for so long, filling it with his love, his support, and his presence. With him, she felt like she could be herself, without pretence or apologies. She didn't have to play any role to perfection or put on a mask to hide her true feelings. 
Anup, standing beside her, couldn't help but gaze lovingly at Sangeeta, taking in the sight of her peppered hair blowing gently in the breeze. Sangeeta, sensing Anup's gaze, turned to him, and their eyes met. For a moment, they just looked at each other, the only sound being the waves crashing against the shore. Then, without a word, Anup took Sangeeta's hand, with each crease and line telling a story of its own and they walked closer to the edge of the water, the waves washing over their feet.

As they stood there, the ocean spray kissing their skin, Anup leaned in and whispered, "Please don’t leave me”, Sangeeta smiled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, and nodded softly. “What would I do without you?” she whispered back, her voice soft but certain. The words hung in the air, a promise of love and commitment that would last a lifetime.

Views expressed by the author are their own.