The window of Malti’s room stayed ajar and the scenic view just made her day always. Mornings had a mystical charm. Waking up in her beloved’s arms had its highs. She felt she deserved a life with her soulmate. Years of struggle had taken away the sheen that complimented her hourglass figure. Physical beauty attracts unwanted attention and also brings trouble. A genuine alliance who could understand her was a distant dream.  Intimacy sans love drained Malti. An emotional connection was always missed after a physical escapade. 

Days were filled with remorse and disappointment post meaningless entanglements. A busy life from time to time demands a relationship of care, understanding, warmth, love, and respect. Being a criminal lawyer was not easy. It meant skipping meals too when Malti was overloaded with work and research. Court hearings took a toll. A lot was at stake. Sixteen years of experience in this field had taught her more than the books could offer. Proceedings in the court welcomed danger in all its forms.

Malti Sharma’s parents never supported her though they educated her to be whatever she wanted to be. They wanted her to be married and live a peaceful life. Among criminals, they felt a child would never be safe. Holy matrimony flourishes when there are no external factors for strife. Meeting clients in jails was a part of Malti’s job and this was the main reason for them to think this way. They expected her to be home on festivals and important events but it never happened once she started practicing as a lawyer. 

On the contrary, Malti had a mind of her own. From the very beginning, their daughter loved to be independent. Kitty parties were never attended though she loved to intermingle with the children whenever they accompanied their mothers for the kitty. Malti loved making memories. While playing with dolls she often created a marital setup. It gave a picture from a very early age that she wanted to experience the joys and struggles of marriage. She even played games where one had to catch the thief and mostly she opted to be the police. 

To find a prospective groom Malti accompanied her parents to weddings. Proposals came too, and dating happened as well but hearts couldn’t connect but bodies did most of the time. For ten years this kept happening and something or the other refrained from striking the chord for marriage. Malti was getting bored now. At 39, she felt life had come a full circle. Work was the only thing that was giving her success, satisfaction, and semblance of mind and spirit. 

Her best friend Amina who was more of a parent always worried about her but took a sigh of relief when on call Malti shared that she was with her soulmate. Amina was intrigued as well as elated and in no time arranged for a meetup. Amina Siddiqui was a gynecologist and she just couldn’t fathom what her ears were about to hear. Both friends opted to meet at Malti’s house which was situated in Greater Kailash Colony in New Delhi, the capital of India. 

The staircase to her apartment had seasonal plants and flowers blooming to glory Amina felt. Law books were neatly sitting on the shelf that sat pretty on the wall facing the main door. Amina same age as Malti loved to lounge on her L-shaped leather sofa that decorated the wall adjacent to the shelf. A central glass table was mostly filled with law books and corsets. Amina rested herself excitedly and as they say, rest was history. 

‘Who is the lucky guy? Can’t wait to hear. Please spill the beans bestie.’ Amina said when Malti entered the drawing room. 

It was a 2BHK apartment and while waiting for Amina very innocently Malti had taken a nap. In a very groggy avatar, Malti spilled the beans.

‘It’s an honor to feel like this. I have been feeling like this for quite some time now. Every morning when I wake up in those arms it’s like a dream come true. There is no pressure there is no rush. There are no expectations but my own. A carefree trance envelopes me whenever I open my eyes from a peaceful slumber of belonging. The hurt, delusion of a perfect partner, and angst that I harbored for so many years have finally healed post this realization, Amina.’ added Malti. 

‘Do you mind telling me the name? Who is he, where does he live, what does he do? Amina cut her short and questioned Malti. 

‘Sorry to disappoint you my genuine friend Amina, but it’s me and only me. There is no guy here as there is no need. I want to be self-partnered for the rest of my life. Let’s celebrate and make it a memorable affair. Let’s invite people who matter and will understand my decision. I am afraid there is only you and me for that. I am sure my parents would disown me the moment they heard it. There is no greater happiness than accepting me as I am with my circumstances and I want to give it my all. Will you celebrate with me, Amina?’ Malti asked.

Tears had welled up in Amina’s eyes. She did not see this coming but she trusted her best buddy and without any second thoughts hugged her and blessed her simultaneously. Malti meant the world to her. Amina wanted to see her happy and carefree. Time had stood still and this decision had silenced Amina once and for all. It was indeed a huge responsibility to make it special as Malti deserved a celebration. It was long overdue for her best chum to live happily ever after.