“Love Beyond Boundaries”
By Lokanath Mishra
In the lush green hills of Odisha, a love story blossomed between Subrat, a young engineering student with a bright future ahead of him, and Nina, a beautiful tribal girl with a heart full of love. Their paths crossed in Koraput, where Subrat was pursuing his final year of engineering and Nina was working as a junior engineer. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers as they gazed into each other’s eyes, and their love knew no bounds.
Their love story was one for the ages, and they decided to tie the knot in the sacred Prabhu Shri Jagannath temple in Koraput. The temple’s intricate carvings and vibrant colors seemed to radiate joy and happiness as they exchanged their vows. After the wedding, Subrat began his new job at NALCO, Damanjodi, and they visited his parents in Cuttack. His parents welcomed Nina with open arms, and she quickly became a part of the family.
But little did they know, their journey was just beginning. When they visited Nina’s village, 350 kilometers away from Koraput, they were met with a unique tradition that would change their lives forever. In this village, nestled in the heart of a naxalite-dominated area, the groom would stay with the bride’s family permanently, making it a part of her family and adopting her gotra. This tradition, born out of a desire to protect the village’s beautiful girls, dated back to the Mughal period.
The villagers believed that by keeping the girls within the family, they could safeguard them from harm and ensure their well-being. Subrat, with his love for Nina shining brighter than ever, agreed to stay with her family and cultivate their 50-acre land. Together, they worked tirelessly, and the land produced an abundance of crops. The scent of fresh soil and the sound of birds chirping filled the air as they tended to the land.
As they worked, Subrat and Nina’s love continued to grow. They became wealthy, not just in material terms but also in the love and bond they shared with their extended family. The villagers welcomed Subrat with open arms, and he became an integral part of the family. As they looked out at the lush fields and fruitful trees, Subrat and Nina knew that their love had conquered all.
Years went by, and their farm flourished. The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air as they worked together, their hands intertwined as they tended to the crops. They grew mango, cashew nuts, guava, banana, grape, jackfruit, papaya, coffee, rubber, rice, and dal. They also engaged in fish and poultry farming, and their farm became a haven for wildlife.
Subrat and Nina lived happily, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of their family. Their love story was a testament to the power of love to bridge cultural divides and create a new, vibrant life. As they sat under the shade of a tree, watching the sunset, Subrat turned to Nina and said, “I never knew that love could be so beautiful.” Nina smiled, her eyes shining with love, and replied, “Love knows no boundaries, and ours is a love that will last a lifetime.”