Her Silent Sacrifices

She was waiting for him at their regular meeting spot near a familiar oak tree in the park. Today, she put extra effort into her appearance. Her lips were tinted pink, and her eyes were accentuated with mascara. The blush was applied perfectly, and her hair was beautifully blow-dried to get that perfectly wavy appearance. Of course, she needed to make an extra effort to look her best as it was a very special day. 

However, her heart was telling a different story. Her heart and mind were in disarray, no matter how composed and polished she looked. She felt a whirlwind of emotions: excitement and nervousness. She had been dreaming about this day for the past three years. Today, she would finally propose marriage to him. She carefully took out the ring from her pocket. It was a simple gold band engraved with their initials, symbolizing her love and devotion.

Looking at the ring, she reminisced about the good old days. She recalled their initial days when they would come here regularly after classes, when laughter echoed between them, and where they dreamed about their future. They discussed their dreams with each other and planned their lives together in that same place. A tea stall nearby had witnessed their journey: from strangers to study partners, then friends, and eventually, from dating to a committed relationship. It had seen their bond grow stronger over time.

She saw him for the first time during her freshman year at the welcome party. It was love at first sight, although she could never quite understand why she felt such a strong attraction to him. She just liked him for him, without any conditions, clauses, or demands. 

He was a simple boy from a decent family—neither very popular nor the top student in his class. He wasn't particularly wealthy or exceptionally handsome or skilled in sports or the arts. In contrast, she was the topper of her class with a full scholarship. In her free time, she taught underprivileged children, was an excellent singer, and actively participated in extracurricular activities. She was the heart of her college. 

She was sure that he was the one for her. She still remembers how she always tried to get closer to him and clearly conveyed her intentions during their freshman year, but he always ran away. She was dejected that he never initiated anything—not a relationship or friendship. She tried to befriend him, but he always remained distant.

Over time, he got comfortable around her. They became friends through mutual friends and started spending more time together, studying, and hanging out. He considered her a friend during that time, but she always saw him as something more. Tired of his neutral attitude and completely exhausted from waiting, she finally mustered the courage to ask him to be her boyfriend in their second year. He didn't respond immediately; instead, he took his sweet time to reply. This made her feel sad, but she was elated after he made his final decision. Finally, since he was single, he agreed to give their relationship a try.

It's been three years since they committed. They have finally graduated, completing their engineering degrees. Of course, she topped her class again. As they were ready to take on the world, she thought about proposing a marriage so they could embark on this journey together. Knowing him, she knew he would not take the initiative, so she decided to do the honors. Today, she hoped to take their bond to a new level. Her heart racing with hope and joy as she waited for him. As usual, he was late, and she was mad but patiently waiting for him. Finally, she saw his bike. She slipped the ring back into her pocket, and her heartbeat quickened. 

He parked his motorcycle and rushed to her, his face beaming with happiness as if he had accomplished something significant. He hugged her and said, "I have decided to pursue my master's degree in the US. Do you want to join me?"

She listened to his words but couldn't comprehend anything for a moment. He continued talking about his future plans while she drifted into her thoughts. With half smile, gazing at his happy face, she couldn't find the courage to say anything.

Lost in her thoughts, she went home, unable to stop thinking about what had happened. She was trying hard to come up with a solution, but the decision she was about to make filled her with dread. Taking that step meant giving up on her dreams. After completing her engineering degree, she planned to work with underprivileged kids, helping them find career paths, and pursue her startup idea with her best friend. She had always talked about this; didn't he remember? He never mentioned his US plan to her. 

She kept thinking about how he made decisions without asking for her opinion, wondering if he ever considered their future. Did he not consider their future? If he moved to the US, how would their relationship survive? When he mentioned his plans today, he didn't ask about her feelings or thoughts about this decision or discuss their future together. Does he want this relationship?

Throughout the night, she contemplated her feelings, and by dawn, she reached a decision. She realized she would do anything for him and for her love. She chose to follow in his footsteps and be with him. The first thing she did in the morning was call him to share her new plan. She decided to pursue her master's degree in the US as well. He was thrilled; his girlfriend would join him on his next adventure.

It all began with applications, GRE exams, and letters of recommendation. They both applied to the same colleges. She received offers from almost every institution, including Ivy League schools. Still, she ultimately refused all other offers to accept the one where he had been accepted. She felt happy because he was happy. Together, they left their home country to study in the USA. They faced the challenges of being international students together, always supporting each other. 

As their master's program started, they attended classes, completed assignments, shared responsibilities, and grew together. They finished their master's and got jobs in the same city. Finally, it was the time she had been waiting for three long years. She proposed to him for the wedding. Of course, he said yes. She was so happy that day. She couldn't stop smiling.

Today, they are happily married and have a cute boy. They both work in their respective companies, thriving and creating what seems like a perfect family. It's just the three of them in their little world. However, she never chose to come to an unfamiliar country and settle down there. I often wonder about this. Is she happy with sacrificing all her dreams? Does she feel fulfilled by her decision? Is she content with her career? She liked being around her family, her students, and her people. 

Would their relationship have survived if she had decided not to follow him and stayed in her hometown? Would she have been happier following her dreams? Would things have been different if he had discussed his plans with her instead of just informing her? Would she be called selfish if she had chosen her career over her love for him? What would have happened if she had never taken the initiative to build their relationship? Was he ever interested in creating life with her? 

Unlike him, she enjoyed spending time with people, discussing politics, and getting involved in stimulating discussions. She wanted to work for her country. She did not choose to endure the immigration challenges, nor did she want to leave her family behind to work in a foreign land. This was not her dream life. She moved solely for him; all the decisions were for and because of that one person. I just hope that he understands her sacrifices and respects her for that. She sacrificed her dreams for him.

I am unsure if what she did was right or wrong, even she doesn't know that, but one thing she is certain of is that she would choose him in a heartbeat in any situation. To her, he means everything, and she would do anything for him. If that means losing her identity, she would do that. She lost herself on the path of her love, building his happiness with her broken dreams and ambitions with no regrets. The edges of her identity blurred with every decision she took to prioritize him over her. The echoes of her passion and unfulfilled dreams call her every day. Now, she is the shadow of a woman she once was. 

Literature, scriptures, poets, and writers have compared her to a river from time to time in every era. A very well-known analogy, but in the truest sense, she is a source of nourishment, generosity, and the ultimate sacrifice. Like a river that travels great distances to unite with its love, the Ocean, once pure and sweet, transforms her entire identity just for him; she would lose herself for her loved ones. In doing so, she selflessly loses herself. She is present in everybody's life, around us, in our family, in every household. 

To all the men, recognize those women who have sacrificed so much for their families or society. Whether it's your mother, sister, wife, daughter, friend, or girlfriend, please take a moment to reach out to them and express your gratitude. Let them know how much you care and acknowledge their sacrifices. Thank you.