Love Letter - Needs your reply! - CONTEST

thanks

Will keep the date in mind when submitting (Vasu's) my reply for the contest. I'm not a perfectionist in all areas of my life. In fact if my cupboard is opened, a mountain of clothes will spill out! Costume jewellery, hankies etc are stuffed into corners. Still amidst the chaos I'm able to find matching clothes and accessories! This amazes my husband. He's very organised and from him I've learnt the importance of filing documents etc.
Wishing all the participants best of luck for the contest!
Sharada

 

Help

Can some one help me please. I a m a new member and would like to participate in this contest but i dont know how to post the letter.

 

It's Very Simple

Dear Chilbuli Imli,
It's very simple, yar.
a) first read the story love letter, posted first in this thread. Or preferably copy it to your pc (by copy and paste mechanism)
b) Then draft a reply stepping into the shoes of Vasu. (in a word file in your computer)
c) Read and re-read it till you are satisfied with your draft.
d) Then open this thread, click the post reply button and then use copy/paste method to transfer the letter from your computer to this thread.
e) If you have any doubts post a private message to induslady or an email to induslady@indusladies.com
regards,
sridhar

 

Queen of my heart

Dearest of all,

I know this time neither my title nor my openings of the letter is going to touch you because I have known you as a person who works more with mind than heart at times like these.

You were absolutely right and I am so happy that I did not read this letter in the office. Not getting work done is one part, but people would have seen me as a total different person, who can cry!!! I don't even remember, when did I cry last time. You are the only person who has brought child out of me. First of all, I am very happy that base of our marriage is so strong that you are telling me everything without fear and I want you to be always as you are. Today , I am more in love with you than I ever have been.

I knew life is tough at all fronts for you but,I would have never ever imagined you enduring such pain. Today I have started questioning myself, is it worth whatever I am doing? I am scared to death of loosing you and god is witness, I can't bear that thought even for a moment. You want me to say sorry? That is exactly what I am doing right now,for taking this marriage for granted. It is a man's responsibility to fulfil his wife's wishes whether physical,material or psychological. And I am ashamed to admit that I have failed myself. In my life over here whenever I was sacrificing my phyisical urges and so many small things, I used feel proud for myself and truthfully at times I have bragged about this with friends also. But today, my head is down infront of you. I do not want to let you down and let this marriage down either.

My dear life and wife, I had planned my career over here for one more year, but I am eternally happy now after deciding that I will be coming to you as soon as I am finished with my work here- at most 4 months. You have known me as a man of words, and this time also, have faith, I will keep my promise. People say your weaknesses are extension of your strengths, and today you have proved that fact. Today my strength has become my weakness.You have given me degree of P.Hd("Pyar"(love),"Hosla(courage)","Dhiraj(patience)) and I don't want to loose that degree. I know you are very mature and I feel like taking advice from you rather than giving you . So next time, please write me something that I can hold onto and read even at work.

Always yours,
Vasu

 

My entry for the contest! Vasu replies...

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1lace w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Abu Dhabi</st1:City></st1lace>

September 9<SUP>th</SUP> 2001



Dearest Vidya,



Your long letter literally sent me reeling! This can’t be termed a love-letter, it is like the BBC’s Hard Talk and it has hit me in the solar plexus! The truth is really painful, but I have to confront it, that too when it’s causing so much of unhappiness to you. For the last few years we have got accustomed to making weekly phone calls or dashing off emails, so a letter written with so much anguish is like a dam bursting. I did not skim through your letter casually; for the last two hours I have been reading and re-reading your letter and the tears are just flowing down. I never knew that our separation has caused so much pain and turmoil to you. A mere “sorry” seems so trite, but let me try to explain the whys and hows. All these years I believed that once our material comforts are met we can be together. But somehow each time I come home there are huge expenses and investments and I think, “Okay, just one more trip away from my darling Vidya.” I miss you more than words can say. Last time when I came home my father had a bypass surgery and as you know he has no medical insurance, so I had to pay the full amount. Then we had to get interiors done for our new flat; so all that I earned in the last contract was spent. Vidya, I’m not here out of choice; it was a monetary compulsion and as you are aware, I didn’t get such good offers back home.



Vidya, even I am not fine. How can I be fine or happy when I am away from my beautiful wife? I am so sorry that I have not fulfilled your expectations. I was thinking only about our financial security and not about emotional and physical needs. Vidya, if it’s not too late can you forgive me? I promise to make amends.



In <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1lace> marriages involve a lot of adjustment and understanding, especially on the part of the wife. My being away for such extended periods of time must have been very difficult for you. Perhaps at times I have taken you for granted; but I have always had this long term goal of providing you with every luxury you may have seen or dreamed of. Material trappings like a larger house and a bigger car are only for our comfort. But now I realize that these are not a panacea for a lonely heart. Before marriage your life was a constant struggle and every rupee mattered. Now I want to give you enough money to splurge without feeling guilty. For this, sacrifices have to be made. Don’t think that it has been easy for me. I had thought that after two years I can take you with me. But I have been posted in a non-family station, so I’m helpless in this matter.



Intimacy and physical urges are hard to suppress I know. But in our circle these issues are not discussed openly. I had always been under the mistaken belief that women do not enjoy or miss sex and that for them material comforts are more important. Maybe that’s what I had seen in my growing up years. As long as there was money at home the situation was fine; when there was shortage and scrounging for a few hundreds, tempers would rise. I didn’t want the same scene re-enacted.



When I read about the thief touching you I felt jealous Vidya. When I’m not able to touch my rose, how can a stranger touch you? I am ashamed about my father’s philandering ways – but he has always been a skirt-chaser, so your revelation about his fling with the maid did not come as a shock to me. When he was young he spoke with pride about his exploits and my mother would cringe in a corner. As a child I couldn’t comprehend what was going on, but I knew it was wrong. Vidya, I can assure you that whatever the urges and temptations in my path, I will always remain faithful to you. Sweetheart, I have been so work-obsessed that I am guilty of having neglected you. You are my top priority and I long to be with you.



At first the three month deadline seemed like an ultimatum. “Decide in 3 months or else lose me,” was your stance. I got quite agitated and angry thinking that my docile Vidya has become an aggressive Durga. Slowly it dawned on me that the three month deadline has given me a definite time frame to chart my future plans. Firstly I am going to request my boss to transfer me to a family station; if that can be done then you can join me soon. I will start applying for jobs in Chennai – and if I get a suitable opening I will certainly return. Working in Chennai may mean a lesser pay packet, but atleast we’ll be together. If the above two fail I will give in my resignation and return home. We can discuss the matter and all the pros and cons and arrive at a mutually agreeable solution. This time my focus will be on our relationship and not on acquiring more property, investments etc.



Please do not ever think of leaving me. Without you my life is meaningless. Vidya you are my anchor. Sometimes what happens is that we assume that the anchor is so strong it can withstand all the tugs and shoves. But I think I have pushed you too far. I admire your honesty and the self-restraint you have shown. For both of us these have been trying and testing years and I truly want to be with you. Out of intense loneliness you could have got intimate with another man – but your self-respect and unwavering love (I hope I deserve it) must have held you back. Give me one last opportunity Vidya and you will be where you belong – in my arms. This time if I let you down I will free you from the shackles and pain of a long distance marriage. I want my Vidya to be a free and happy bird, not imprisoned in a cage of societal expectations and boundaries.



You have a way with words Vidya and your letter was explicit. Perhaps I have not put my thoughts across as lucidly or forcefully as you have. But I hope one thing is clear – I Love You, and where there’s love there will surely be a way.



With hugs and kisses,

Vasu

 

Reply to the Love Letter

My dear Vidhya,

After reading your letter, I really do not know where and how to start my letter! First of all I do not believe in mere empty 'words' such as 'darling, kisses, hugs' and what not when they really do not have life in them. Secondly I am sorry if I am not the romantic hero of your dreams who can satiate your hunger for love through jugglery of words. I am just a plain, simple and straight lover, who would not want to ruin his married life at any cost and lose a wonderful spouse.

Vidhya, I know being practical is quite hurting to emotional hearts but emotion will not take us to long distances. Do you think I don't miss you or I do not have any biological urges as you have? I have been telling myself that in order to lead a comfortable life for a longer period, this sacrifice of 3 years is a must. You know why? My company is putting up its shop in Chennai and I have been asked to do the ground work for that and take it over. Though the period for this is fixed as 3 years, that is the most pessimistic limit because I am sure I can set up the office in around two years and fly back to India for a secure and happy life with you. At this juncture, can I kick such an offer? Such refusal on my part may also remain a black mark in my resume causing hindrance for taking up any other job. Then what joy can we have in a tension filled life of unemployment and paucity of funds? Romance is fine but don't we need the three basic wants to be satisfied for romancing without worry?

Let me now talk about our biological needs. Maybe this is the right age for enjoying physical pleasures for both of us and I know we will be older by 3 years before we can really think of setting up our family. But what if we had never been married? Would we not have waited for the right person? Would we have gone ahead and had our physical wants satisfied by temporary means? I don't think you or I would have done that, considering the background of our lives, though pre-marital sex is quite common among the youth. And why not ask for family accommodation and get you over here? True. I can and will do it if you still insist after I explain my side.

I will be the happiest person to have you by my side taking care of all my needs day and night. All my tension of cooking, cleaning or going miles in search of food, or lying awake through the nights thinking of you and others will be solved. But I did not choose that option for the following reasons. Firstly, life of a woman here is not very comfortable. Your freedom is fully cut. Even if I look for a job to keep you engaged through the day, you will be restricted in many ways, which you will definitely not enjoy for a long period. Two or three of my friends have brought their wives along and they keep cribbing about this life style, this weather and their loneliness. You are involved in so many fulfilling activities like music, social service, literary pursuits and theatre, besides your full time job. You will miss all that. I respect you as an individual and your aspirations. I do not want you to sacrifice all that just to stay with me and please me. Moreover, you have your family members and my people to take care of you there. Life here without our near and dear is really very painful. I am undergoing the pain out of some compulsion but would never want my dear wife to undergo that.

You have been patient for 2 years. 2 or 3 more years at the most will not be a big problem. Time flies Vidhya. I will visit you twice a year and spend quality time with you for one or two months. You can visit me twice a year. I will organise that. Above all this, if you still feel your joining me immediately is what matters to you most, I shall arrange soon. But don't ever write immature things like walking out of this marriage because that really hurts me. If at all I am taking all this pressure of work here, it is because something as wonderful as heavan is awaiting my arrival in India, i.e., my life with you. You and I have undergone financial difficulties in life and know the importance of money, though money is not all in life. Let us be practical. Don't look at people like that lady having an affair with the fruit vendor. Look at strong personalities in top posts, who balance their personal lives and careers so well, despite the need of staying away from each other for long periods. Remember that IPS officer whom we met on the train during our travel once, who said he travelled from Chennai to Madurai every fortnight to meet his IAS spouse, who was a Deputy Commissioner. How happy and proud he was?

We have a long life ahead. Do not worry. We will make the most of it. Spend your time in your interests. I am with you every moment, supporting all your acts. Think over all that I have written and let me know.

With nothing else to offer but pure and simple love,

Yours

Vasu

 

My beloved betrothed Vidya,

September 5th 2001,



My beloved betrothed Vidya,

It is a pleasure always to receive a correspondence from you. However suffice it to say that your warning about the contents rendering me unable to perform any useful task was for few hours was quite merited.


My dear how naive you are. You refused to start your letter with words of concern and declaration of your wellbeing "I am fine and hope to hear the same from you." But your sending the letter and its contents very much laid to rest any concern on my part about the same. My sweet southern flower is not just budding but blooming I should think." Passion is in the air where spring flowers bloom" a wild man – namely me once said. Also as you would agree my good health is very much apparent to you, what with our conversation just the other day about how hearty my appetite has gotten with onset of a lovely winter in Dubai, and the fact that I was nominated employee of the year for not taking any sick leaves through out the year. However make no mistake dear, the point you were trying to make is registered.



No romantic starts or kisses mentioned for me is it? Well dear, how is it you couldn't resist sealing the envelope with a kiss such that a clear impression of your lips was formed on the back. At least think about the poor mail man darling. He must be simply scandalised! Its spring time in Vidya land I suppose and the passion is aflame. But don't you agree dear, your statement would carry more punch then a pout if you would but refrain from obvious gestures of longing.



My dear wife, I agree with you completely. Your intent was never to please and to be truthful was your only consideration. For most part I along with 'you all' do agree that truth can be painful and uncomfortable at times, or as you put it so succinctly 'most of the time'. So it is by no means a pleasant surprise to receive such a pleasurable proclamation of love, passion, longing and devotion from my dear beloved. However as you have already warned me, I will refrain from crediting you with any outward intent towards spreading pleasure. Instead I will consider it a rightful outcome of truth the way it is pure and simple.



So lucidly have you described the circumstances of our first encounter. A Sati-savitri waiting for the right groom. In awe of her destiny to become a Pativrata nari. You never did tell your dad about our amorous encounters during my vacation to India did you. Remember how we met up at your sweet friend Pallavi's place. Ah! Those were the day's, you clinging to my arm and carrying on in your naughty ways, while poor unsuspecting Pallavi would be engrossed with not so interesting on-screen shenanigans of the stars. Didn't your old man wonder how come a Damaad landed up on his steps agreeable to anything and everything he'd want?. Never suspecting how you'd asked your friends to come forth as suitors and then to ask for exorbitant dowry just so that your poor father would not make too much fuss when I turned up. Even today I too sit and wonder about us you know. From beginning our relationship has been so conventional guy meets a girl type, yet so much more fun. All credit goes to you my dear pet. Now having you paint such a sweet picture with me as a knight in a shinning armour, and you a dutiful damsel waiting for family the honour. God you can write darling. This is the stuff fantasies are made of! "I like the girl; if she also likes me, then we can talk further."—so bourgeois !



Pet let alone washing my feet with your tears, had you not been gloating about how well your plan worked and at least acknowledged that I played my part to perfection too, that would have been appreciation enough. Speaking of which it is to your credit that you admit about how you reacted regarding my coming back here. It is such a pity that heart wants what the heart wants. Both of us knew I'd have to slog for a few years to enjoy the quality of life back home that we aspired to. If only we were one of those couples happy with our Idli's for breakfast and fish curry for dinner.



Anyways dear beloved. Distance makes our hearts grow founder the saying goes. How come there is no mention of what it does to our bodies though. Two years we were apart. Then again now I'm back with another three years separation to endure. With only a emails and chats to bid our time. Like love sick puppy I do roam around. Wondering when there'll a change of clime. And then you mail such simple sweet tale of longing and lust, of passion and desire. What might you suggest your hubby to respond?



As Aqua so eloquently sang - "If only I could turn back time - I would stay for the night". I wish too that I could do that. Just the memory of your touch still sends my spine tingling. How have we suffered so that we may partake of sweet fruits of labour. How much more shall we endure for life to really give us more. Only one thing though, you know as well as I do that we both do require certain quality of life if not only for us, than simply for our child's sake. Better we be apart and save now rather then have baby and separate them from their daddy don't you think. It was this logic that made both of us decide that it is better I come here and work some more. Besides, you have ardently refused to abandon you're career and your studies in the University to be with me. Your students and your thesis for Ph D, were more important to you. So please at this late juncture don't make it out to be as if it is all my idea for my pleasures sake. I know you've written it in an idle banter, but even than, don't make a joke out of such important thing.



Hey, what say, you caught the old Budhauv with some lissom maid did you. Uggh! Not that we've been unaware of his wandering ways. But what must the maid be thinking I wonder. She too couldn't wait any longer for the young master of the house to return from gulf any longer I guess… Just kidding. Don't be sacking her now. You know my taste is much better then that don't you. And what about this so called thief of yours. Did he steal something after all?. Hey gal.. don't go trying to goad me by making up lame claims. You turned on by strange hand on your face. Sounds like a fantasy to me. You aren't reading any S&M stuff are you! Pretty submissive one if at all!



Also these tales of you eyeing or being eyed by hawkers on the street! At least you started noticing there are other human beings in the world worthy of attention. Talk about male chauvinism, I feel this shows female chauvinism rather. I mean men are not only hunks of meat made for sole purpose of your enjoyment. Are you at all suggesting that if it really were the case where you were sex starved and had nowhere to go, you'd turn to first lump of meat that presented itself?. You who even after being so in love with me would not go all the way because waiting sweetens the pleasure you said. You know what, if you really wanted me to take your letter seriously at least you should have been realistic. You could have said that an old flame of yours is back in town and is courting you and you're being drawn to him. Or even that a professor is getting more interested in your biology, rather then your chemistry skills. I guess you know that if you ever insinuate something like that, I'd take first flight home. Besides that flame, or the professor would be in serious risk of a broken limb or two. Good, shows that you know me that much.



By the way, a well thought out deadline this three months. You see, I was planning to take a sojourn in the Eid holidays. Would be around Diwali time there. Wont be much, just about 3 days. What say you arrange to get a break around that time and join me in Thailand. I've heard Bangkok offers fascinating array of pleasures for satisfying ones more carnal wants. Might, even fix you up for next year or so.



P.S. Hey forget getting that Jewellery set you wanted for Diwali if we do embark on this trip though. Well, life's nothing if not full of give and takes you know!

yours and only husband


Vasu

 

A Simple Comment For you Sir!

:hiyaDear Sridhar!

It doesn't look like your first story at all to me too. I really can’t find enough words to honor :bowdown your Love Letter! You have given an extremely professional and creative touch in your first work itself. It’s really show that you are born to be a writer to create such a masterpiece in your first try itself.

Vidya’s Love Letter is not a simple letter from a wife to her husband, for me it’s more than that. The letter has conveyed a lot of messages not only to Vasu but to the society itself.

Like I said in my comment on “The Investigation” ……

“. …I solute and admire your courage to bring out the issue of loneliness faced by a woman whose husband is aboard. And as a woman, I would like to pay tribute to you for that (No chance for a woman to daringly bring out the issue but now you have conveyed their feelings to the society on their behalf. exp: to the males)…..”

I still can’t figure out what makes you to write on it till now. I guess normally for the first attempt, people might go for something light but you have chosen challenging one. Guess you like to take risk or you want to challenge yourself on your writings.

It’s not just simple words to make you happy Sridhar but I do really mean it! I don’t know how old you were when you wrote the story but you show enough maturity on your writings. When we think back, some of the things Vidya wrote can’t be accepted as in Indian culture it is a sin even to think about another guy after marriage. But you have managed the situation well and delivered it in a way it can be acceptable and reasonable. I’m not sure even a woman handling such situation can express herself well as you express Vidya’s feelings. And I really hope that you yourself will write the reply for the Vidya’s letter. I wanted to know what happens to her after Vasu reads her letter. I wanted to know what Vasu thinks about her and how he replies to it from your view. As you are the creator of the characters I want to know what really happens.

One thing about writers… you are also creators besides God. HE writes real life stories while your characters just live in your stories. Take Care.

Keep on writing… :thumbsup

Regards,
Vashini

 

Re: A Simple Comment For you Sir!

Dear Vaashini,
You made my day with your loving comments about love letter. As you have rightly pointed out GOD is the only creator. We writers are but poor plagiarists who steal from God's works shamelessly.
I would love to boast that I thought of this plot all by myself and penned this story.
One of my friend's brother came to India to marry a girl. It was a typical NRI marriage. He was here for 3 weeks, married at the end of the first week, honeymooned for 10 days and within 15 days after marriage boarded the plane to gulf leaving the poor girl to languish in loneliness for 3 years. That disturbed me a lot and I was not peaceful until I could write this story.
You know a guy proposed to me after reading the story. He wrote a letter to me swearing to me that I should only be a woman, for a man cannot write like this. Hence he was interested in marrying me. I consider that as a great compliment paid to my writings.
4 years later I translated into English and this was published in Womans Era.
We had a contest in IL asking the members to draft a reply to this letter. Entry by Sudha Nrisimhachar won the prize. Just have a look at the prize-winning reply.

A lot of research is being conducted about the condition of Indian women left in India by their husbands working in the Gulf. Psychologically we even have an ailment called 'Dubai Syndrome' where the sexually frustrated wife becomes even violent.

Thanks a lot, Vaashini for your kind words.
love,
sridhar