Love doesn't matter age
A critical love story between a student and female teacher which have age gap of 20 years.
Love doesnt matter age
"You're so clumsy, Sajal," his sister teased as he knocked over a vase, his prosthetic leg giving way beneath him. He looked down at the shattered pieces, a deep sigh escaping his lips.
"It's not my fault," he retorted, his voice carrying a hint of bitterness. "It's this thing." He tapped the metal contraption attached to his leg, the coolness of the metal a stark contrast to the warmth of his skin.
Their mother's gentle voice floated in from the kitchen. "Leave him alone, Ruchi. You know he can't help it."
Sajal picked up the largest shard of the vase, feeling the jagged edges dig into his palm. "It's okay, Ma. I'll clean it up."
-=-
Three years later, Sajal found himself in a computer class, surrounded by the hum of electronic devices and the occasional clack of keyboards. His gaze kept drifting to the front of the room, where his teacher, Pratibha, was explaining the intricacies of coding. She was a few years older than him, with a grace that seemed to make the room brighter. He felt a strange warmth in his chest whenever she looked his way.
"Alright, everyone, let's pair up for the practical exam," she announced, her eyes scanning the room.
Sajal's heart raced as she approached him.
"How about you and I, Sajal?" she suggested, a small smile playing on her lips.
The partnership grew into friendship, and soon, Sajal found himself visiting Pratibha's office after hours. They'd sit and talk about everything from their favorite movies to their hopes and dreams. Pratibha was different from the others. She saw past his
disability and into the person he truly was.
One evening, as the sun painted the sky with strokes of orange and pink, Sajal gathered his courage. "Pratibha," he began, his voice trembling slightly. "I know this might be weird, but I just wanted to tell you... I have feelings for you."
--
Her eyes searched his, looking for any sign of insincerity. Finding none, she took a deep breath. "Sajal, I've noticed the way you look at me, the way you're always eager to help." She paused, her hand resting on his. "I feel the same way."
The air in the room thickened with unspoken words and emotions. Sajal felt a weight lift from his shoulders, a feeling of acceptance he hadn't experienced in a long time. They sat there, holding hands, the only sound the rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall, marking the seconds that felt like hours.