Falling in Love

 1997

"Why do you think we fall in love?" Monty asked, chewing popcorn from the corner of his mouth.

They had just skipped school to watch their favourite star's latest romantic film. Chandni was so engrossed in the drama and the King of Romance's on-screen presence that Monty's simple question irritated her.

She turned her gaze from the screen and replied, "It's simple, you know. Every man needs a woman, and every woman needs a man to share their lives with."

Monty didn't seem satisfied with her answer. "I'm a man, and you're a woman. I don't need you for anything other than skipping class and watching films."

Chandni looked at him, her expression softening slightly. "Don't you see? The hero and heroine fell in love, but it didn't happen instantly. It takes time. It's destined that this man needs that woman in his life and vice versa."

"So, you mean there's already someone I need, and who needs me, too? Is it really that simple?" Monty asked, rolling his eyes in disapproval.

"We'll see. Now let me watch the film, you dumbo," Chandni snapped, irritation edging her voice.

 

2023

Chandni was waiting outside the multiplex. It had only been five minutes since the film started, and he was still nowhere to be seen. She mentally crafted a string of curses to throw at him once he arrived. The movie had almost begun, and she could hear the commercials playing on screen when he finally appeared with a huge bucket of popcorn.

"You moron! Why are you so late? You know we can't miss any scene!" They stepped inside the theatre, only to find that the King of Romance had already made his screen appearance. But what was this? Why was he fighting? He was supposed to be romancing, not battling! Chandni mentally stumbled. It had been a while since she had watched any films, and she was completely oblivious to the latest releases, what was popular, and what had faded out.

They settled into their seats, and a song began playing. Wait, he had been fighting just a couple of minutes ago, and now he was dancing with the pretty leading lady? But where was the romance?

The next few hours left Chandni wondering and searching for a single romantic scene in the film. Instead, she saw characters hopping from one country to another, clad in stylish attire, saving the nation or the world. She was utterly confused. Monty seemed to be enjoying every moment.

During the interval, Chandni asked him, "Hey, you said it was a romantic film. Where is the love? Where is the romance? Why is the King of Romance so angry? I'm missing his dimpled smile."

 He replied, "Oh, just wait! He'll be flaunting that smile any moment now. Just be patient and don't nag me during the movie." By the end of the show, Chandni hoped to witness the romance she had been waiting for. However, when the film concluded, a disappointed Chandni demanded a refund from him. "Give me back my money. You said it was a romantic film, and all I could see were angry people pouncing on each other."

"Is it my fault that your king of romance has forgotten to romance on screen and opted for action instead?"

They continued to argue over these trivial issues for the next half-hour until they came across a café.

Chandni was the first to ask, "So, after all these years, what's your idea about falling in love, Monty?"

Monty adjusted his glasses, deep in thought about his response. "Well, I see that today you needed me to come to the movie, and I came here to keep you company. Perhaps that's what love is."

"I did not need you; I chose you for company. There's a difference," she retorted mockingly.

"Yes, that's exactly it. You chose only me for company, not anyone else. Why? Because you needed someone to be with you. I'm sure you wouldn't have enjoyed the movie with anyone else," Monty said confidently.

"I wish you could have realised this the first time you raised this question twenty-four years ago. Things could have turned out differently," Chandni sighed.

Monty, a little distracted, replied somberly, "People change, and I have changed for the better."

"Are you sure you've changed, Monty? You can't stick to any relationship; you got divorced once, almost got married twice, and now you're talking about change!" Chandni's gaze pierced through his soul.

"Well, people do change over time, just like your king of romance. Look how he has reshaped himself from a lover-boy to an action hero," he shrugged.

"Ah, Monty, you have to be serious! Life is not a movie. We have responsibilities that might be outside your comfort zone," she said firmly.

"Just one chance, for one month. That's all I'm asking for," Monty pleaded, as it marked his last attempt.

 "Fine. But by the way, I don't generally adapt to someone else's comfort level if I don't want to. So be prepared. A relationship requires adjustments from both sides. You have to accept me as I am, and I will do the same. A little moderation from both sides is necessary."

"Can we try, Chandu? If you didn't want to get involved, why did you come? I'm sure you're interested," Monty said.

"Honestly, I was curious. Plus, I know you perhaps better than any of your partners ever have," Chandni replied confidently.

"Yeah, friends often know more than anyone else. But this isn't just about friendship; it's about entering a relationship, a partnership," Monty explained.

"Monty, at this age, mushy romance feels like a child's joke. Sex is optional; what we truly seek is companionship. That's how love evolves at this stage. I hope you understand that!" Chandni asserted.

"Well, I'm a moody romantic. When I feel like I can get the stars and moon for the person I love, I can be quite wild in bed and demanding too. But I've never thought of companionship as a fair trade," Monty confessed honestly.

"See, Monty, that's why you've never been able to maintain a relationship. We often overlook that time and companionship are the most important aspects of a relationship. We're all busy with our lives; the most precious gift we can offer someone is our time."

"Then why didn't you get married or enter any major relationship, Chandu?" Monty questioned.

"Because for most of my youth, I was so focused on building my career, establishing my life, and taking care of my parents that I couldn't prioritise anything else. My parents tried hard to set me up, and my friends arranged random dates for me, but I was certain I wouldn't settle down until I found the time for marriage. Now that I've stepped back from my job and want to lead a more relaxed life, I'm ready to take on responsibilities I didn't have the chance to before."

"So, you want to enter a relationship just to pass the time because you've retired? How is that fair?" Monty challenged.

"You're still the same as you were 30 years ago! Impulsive and never thinking beyond the surface! Try to understand what I mean: I want to invest my time in a relationship. I'm not desperate for it, but if I do get into one, I would give it 100%, and I expect the same from my partner. I'm not asking for a trip to Switzerland—I can manage that myself—nor do I need a passionate fling. All I want is someone I can rely on, someone with whom I can be vulnerable, who will be there for me when I need it most." Chandni paused to take a breath after her lengthy speech.

Monty appeared to be absorbing the depth of Chandni's words. He recognised that he had been reckless with emotional support. He had never been there for any of his exes when they were struggling, as he had been too caught up in his own pursuits. For him, a relationship had always been about physical compatibility, shared interests, and individual success. He had never considered any other facets, nor had he cared about them. Now, he realised that his ex-wife, Aparna, had tried to raise these issues, but he never took the time to listen. However, after numerous failed relationships, he now wanted to settle down seriously, and it was with Chandni, his childhood friend. He would take his time now to first think about how to go about it. Unlike Chandni, he remained ambitious and had no plans to give up work for anything.

Their discussion for the day concluded on a rather heavy note. For the first time in life, Monty was forced to think beyond his usual matters. But he knew at this point, this was the most important thing to consider before getting into any serious relationship. They decided to meet once again before finalising anything.

That night, Chandni was toying with her hair while thinking about Monty seriously, probably for the first time. He was funny, charming, and had a good sense of humour. But was that enough as a partner, because she was sure of herself that she would do anything possible on her part to make a relationship work, if she got into one. Could she expect the same from him, or, as he said, should they give it a try? Thoughts filled her mind- a mix of probabilities and mishaps that might occur, if at all they start dating.

 

2025

Chandni was shaking in fear when they pushed her from the Helipad. They had a list full of instructions before she got herself into this. But now, she repented and kept on enlisting her own "what ifs". However, this was a point of no return! A stern hand held her hands! Monty. For him, it was his Up, up and away moment. And Chandni, now that he was here, all she could do was to hum within her heart, "Slip n slide away we go into a dream. Slip n slide away, And it's ok." Whoosh! The parachutes opened up.

They have been married for a year now. This was their first trip to Dubai, and this was the adventure they wanted to get into- skydiving. Chandni, as usual, was worried. For her worry came naturally, before getting into anything. Their life had been a bucket full of adventures since they got married. That was Monty's way of spending life: never to get bored and always on the move.

Meanwhile, she kept the home peaceful. She had set clear norms and established wonderful routines so that both could live their lives spontaneously. Adjustments were made. They faltered and fought many times, leading to heated exchanges and days of silence. But it worked, and that was what mattered.

Their honeymoon was spent on a wild, adrenaline-filled safari in the Masai Mara. The winter was all about skiing in the Alps. An inexperienced Chandni fell and hurt her ankles, but Monty made sure to take care of her. Monty's schedule was busy, but he still managed to make time for Chandni. And she took care of the entire home. They had their share of romantic candlelit dinners, passionate moments, and gift exchanges, but something seemed incomplete for both. They did not discuss that, but that void seemed to haunt them time and again. Those were the times they enjoyed their own spaces, their own way.

As the parachutes opened and Monty's hands held her hands firmly, a sudden spark stirred Chandni's heart that she had never felt before. It was a momentary lightning that transformed the fear in her into a feeling of dependency and belongingness, or perhaps something unexplainable, but whatever it was, it was heavenly. Monty clasped his hands with hers, their bodies- light and weightless floated in the air in a rhythmic harmony. And this was the moment, that very moment, when they both realised, they were falling in love.