Their lives completely revolved around each other. But their friends couldn’t be more surprised to see them as a couple. Tia was outgoing and gregarious, and Roy, serious and reticent. Their professions were like chalk and cheese and so were their aesthetic choices. To an observer, they didn’t have anything in common.
And yet, they fit like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
Over time, however, the internal turmoil couldn’t be ignored. There was a time when Roy, a sports fanatic, was a regular at live cricket matches. However, for the last three months he had been turning down all invitations from his friends. He had even opted to work from home, cutting down on the little bit of socialising he could indulge in. While Roy turned into more of a recluse, Tia, a complete people person, too was missing from almost all social events.
When friends questioned the couple, they were told this sudden seclusion was to spend some time together.
On evening, since the internet was down, Roy had to step out for groceries instead of ordering online. He ran into a friend who happened to mention an upcoming cricket match in the city.
After saying goodbye, Roy went about his errand, all the while thinking about the match. “A cricket match? Here? God! I haven’t watched a match in months. I don’t even know what tournament it is,” he mumbled to himself. As Roy walked home, he recalled all the good times spent with friends. Perhaps, for the first time, he missed going to work.
In a moment of epiphany, Roy thought: We are so happy together, yet there seems to be a sense of dissatisfaction. But of course, happiness experienced together feels incomplete because we are not fulfilled as individuals.
When he got home, the internet was back and Tia was waiting.
“Hi,” he said. With a weak smile, Tia said, “Maybe we should shut this down for a while.” Roy nodded in agreement. “We love being together, but unless there is a you and a me, there cannot be a happy we,” he said, eyes deep with understanding.
He understood! Tia thought. No wonder, I am head over heels in love with him, she smiled.
“So, there is this match next week. I’m planning to go watch that,” he declared. Tia grinned like a Cheshire cat. “And I need to start planning a get-together. I want to call everyone,” she exclaimed, her mind already preparing a guest list.
“So, I’ll see you on Saturday then,” she said. “Sure. I love you,” he said.
She blew him a kiss and signed off. For the first time in months, he disconnected the video call with a smile.
And so, they went on with their day, Roy in London and Tia in Sydney.
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