STORY 9 : 50 Colours of Love

.... let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments, love is not love which alters when it alteration finds, or bends with the remover to remove... William Shakespeare

Mahim and his daughter Naina were inseparable. Their love was beyond words could ever explain. Naina's mother Riya always wondered how a man can love someone so deeply, especially considering a non-emotional person Mahim was with everyone and everything around him.

All the days of their life were circled around Naina. There wouldn't be a day when Mahim and Naina, did not read, travel, eat or even fight with each other. No cashmere could keep Naina as warm as her dad's chest. She could comfortably hide in his broad chest, the arms around her was the best armor she could get.

Finally, the day came for Mahim to convince his daughter to get married. The guy that Mahim had in mind was Karan, a successful businessman. Mahim thought he was the right partner for Naina.

Mahim: Is Naina around?

Riya: No..why?

Mahim: I strongly think Karan is right for her Riya: I think you are hurrying this up

Mahim: No; but I strongly think he is the right choice. I have had enough of pampering my daughter. I don't have the energy nor the time to do this anymore.

Riya: How can you say this about our own daughter? Don't you enjoy spending all the moments with her?

Mahim: <smiles> I really have stopped enjoying the daily routine with her. I want some “me” time now

While Mahim and Riya are talking, they did not realize Naina was at the room entrance and overhead the entire conversation.

Naina: Papa, you have hurt me. I never thought you would say this!

Mahim: I am sorry. I did not mean it like that

Naina: Enough Papa. I always thought nobody else could love unconditionally like the way you do. Looks like I am wrong. I think you are right and your choice is right. Karan might be the one. So I will get married and go away from you ...

She walks away controlling her tears ...

Riya: She should not have heard us

Mahim: < Crying> I had to do this to ensure she gives Karan a chance. She loves me so much, that there is no space for anybody else. I had to create this space ...

Riya: I never knew you loved her so much to feel hurt like this

Mahim: I won't live long without her. She is my energy and my heartbeat but I want that heart to beat forever, even without me. I love her a lot

Riya walks to Naina's room. She finds her crying looking at her papa's photo.

Riya: Don't feel bad for what papa said

Naina: I know ma ...I love him so much and I know him very well. He said all those things for me to hate him a bit so that I can give Karan a chance

Riya: <Surprised> Then why didn't you tell him that?

Naina: 

Because I love him. I want him to know that I was convinced with his words and felt bad. He is bad actor but I want him to win, I love him a lot . Any man can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a “Dad". I might find a prince, but my dad will always be my king