It was 9am when Megha woke up. She yawned lazily and squinted at the bright sunshine. She stood up, stretched herself, tied her hair in a bun and walked to her kitchen. She made herself some coffee, picked up the newspaper and laptop and went back to her bed. She glanced through the newspaper as she sipped on her coffee, enjoying every sip of it. Keeping the cup along with the newspaper on the bedside table, she sprawled across the bed and watched her favourite FRIENDS show on the laptop. She binge watched it, laughing her heart out and only when her stomach grumbled did she realise that the time was almost 1pm!
She quickly searched for her phone, ordered her favourite Chicken Thai curry with rice with a chocolate brownie and switched on the AC, as she comfortably snuggled into her blanket, resuming the show. After 30minutes her doorbell rang, she picked up her laptop, collected the parcel and ate straight from the container as she sat down on her sofa. After the delicious meal and having laughed without hesitation or interruption after quite a long time, she felt relaxed and sleepy. She took an undisturbed nap and woke up feeling fresh by 5pm.
She got dressed and walked to the salon at the end of her street. She relaxed herself by indulging in full body massage, manicure, pedicure and was back home by 8pm. She ordered a pizza for herself and changed into her regular tee and shorts by the time it arrived. She turned on the television and saw her favourite Tom and Jerry show was going on. It had been ages since she watched this, so she just enjoyed the show while munching on her pizza. It was 11pm when she turned off the TV and went back to bed. She thought about how peaceful and content her day had been. No cooking, no cleaning, no laundry, no repeated mundane chores. She smiled as she recollected the way her body felt during the massage and drifted off to sleep!
Next morning the doorbell woke her up. As she opened the door, her son came running to her screaming, ‘Mommy!’, while her husband Nishant, smiled as he walked in holding their daughter’s hand. Megha happily smiled at her adorable family as she slipped back into the role of Mommy and wife. Megha was content having enjoyed the previous day all by herself.
Waiting for a twist? Nah.. there isn’t one! Yes, Megha spent the entire Valentine’s day alone, all by herself, happily. Was she single? No! Was there any trouble in her paradise? No! Still can’t stop wondering why she chose to spend Valentine’s day alone? Well, I say why not? Why does love always have to be about others? About giving love to others, expecting love from others. Love need not always be spending hours with someone else. It need not be going to fancy restaurants or expensive resorts.
Bollywood has romanticized love so much that almost everyone associates the word, Love with minimum two people. It’s not always necessary though. Bringing out the best in you by giving yourself the break you deserve is also a form of love. Indulging in your favourite food without having to worry about cooking, cleaning, serving or sharing is also love. Pampering yourself, taking care of yourself in any way you want to, is also love. Having a relaxed day enjoying one’s own company is also love. Which is why I truly believe that self love is the best love!