IS IT BETTER TO HAVE LOVED AND LOST?
Nihal was twenty two when he met Ayesha. They were attracted to each other and started going out together.
Ayesha was still studying but she obtained her diploma in Montessori teaching and then the couple thought of getting married.
Nihal came from a wealthy family and he started to work in the family firm. The couple were in love and they excitedly planned their wedding.
“You by my side, that's how I see us.
Your folks and mine, happy and smiling.
We're on our way to say ‘I do'
My secret dreams have all come true…”
Nihal sang in the shower and towelled himself dry before picking up the phone to dial his fiancée Ayesha.
They planned a honeymoon in the hill country and went shopping to buy a trousseau. There were lacy nighties and lingerie in pink, white and black and Ayesha was spoilt for choice.
At last, the wedding day came and the couple were inundated with good wishes as they sang and danced along with their friends and relatives.
Nihal and Ayesha enjoyed their honeymoon.
“Dance with me, hold me close…much closer.
We'll be lovers when the music ends!”
They sang as they held hands and walked in Nuwara Eliya.
Nihal and Ayesha came home and still maintained the holiday spirit.
The weeks and months went by and gradually dull routine meant that they were no longer lovers. Neither really cared to keep their love alive and soon they began arguing and fighting over little trifles.
After about five years, Nihal and Ayesha realised that their physical attraction for each other was no longer a factor. They had no children and simply bickered over big and small things.
The couple decided to get divorced. As time went by, Nihal and Ayesha found that they were happier on their own without rubbing against each other.
Even the memories of their married life were forgotten as they strived to find peace of mind as single man and single woman.
Many years after their divorce, Nihal and Ayesha wondered if it was better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all…