The warm, golden sunlight filtered through the train windows as Ramakrishna and Anuradha settled into their seats on the train from Narsapuram to Hyderabad. The rhythmic sound of the wheels on the tracks was oddly comforting, and the hum of voices around them only made the atmosphere feel more familiar. Ramakrishna glanced out the window, a slight frown creasing his forehead as he thought about the visit to Anuradha's sister's home. It had been a long time since they had been there, and it was supposed to be a joyous occasion.
Across the aisle sat Sujatha and Srinivas, a couple they had met briefly at a family gathering several months ago. Sujatha, with her sharp eyes and warm smile, struck up a conversation with Anuradha. They were both eager to share stories about their children and the changes that had come with time.
Srinivas, meanwhile, was quietly engrossed in his phone, checking work details, when the train suddenly jolted to a stop at a small station. "I’ll just step out to fill the water," he said, unaware of the urgency in the air. The train was preparing to leave soon.
As Srinivas moved toward the water station, the conductor’s horn blared loudly, signaling the train’s impending departure. "We have two minutes, only two minutes!" the conductor yelled as he moved through the compartments. Sujatha’s heart skipped a beat. Her husband was still not back.
"Mr.Ramakrishna, can you check if Srinivas is alright?" Sujatha asked, anxiety creeping into her voice.
Without a word, Ramakrishna stood up and moved towards the door, where the train was already preparing to depart. Just as Srinivas approached the train, the doors began to close, but Ramakrishna called out, stopping them just in time. “Quickly, Srinivas!” He grabbed his friend’s arm, helping him climb aboard, much to Sujatha's relief.
“That was close,” Srinivas said, catching his breath. “Thank you, Ramakrishna.”
With a simple nod, Ramakrishna returned to his seat, but the bonds between the two families had already begun to form. They exchanged contact details, and the brief, tense moment had woven them closer together than they had anticipated.
The next few months passed with the two families keeping in touch more regularly. They met for dinner once when Ramakrishna's son, Akash, prepared to leave for college in Tadepalligudem. Srinivas’s family, who lived in the same town, offered guidance on the transition. Conversations over the phone grew longer, and meetings were filled with laughter and shared experiences.
Sujatha and Anuradha found common ground in their love for cooking, often exchanging recipes and even sending each other care packages with special spices. Ramakrishna and Srinivas began discussing family matters and business prospects, learning that their professional paths had some surprising similarities. It was during one of these conversations that the idea of a potential marriage for their children arose.
One evening, Ramakrishna brought up the idea of introducing his niece Kinnera to Srinivas’s nephew, Venkatesh, who worked in Seychelles. "What do you think about a match between Kinnera and Venkatesh? They could be well-suited for each other," Ramakrishna suggested.
Sujatha was hesitant at first, voicing concerns about Venkatesh’s work abroad, while Kinnera’s family was equally uncertain about sending her so far away. Still, they agreed to move forward with the initial steps of exchanging photographs and astrological charts, eager to see where the stars might lead.
Kinnera’s father and Kinnera sat at the office table, her father asked her to see his details first, then his photo. Kinnera refuses to see his photo instead, of which she wants his details and her dad’s opinion on this match. Her dad saying that He is Venkatesh and working in an island called Mahe, Seychelles, near east Africa. By hearing that it’s so far, she said, Daddy, please don’t think of this type of match. ignore this, we will go for another match, who will stay near to our family. She had always imagined her life close to her family, in Narsapuram, not moving to an island across the world. She could see her mother’s excitement, but Kinnera felt torn.
As Venkatesh is a very nice guy and their family is very supportive and good nature, Kinnera’s mother and her sisters trying to convince her like think once he is a very nice guy distance not a matter for us if the person is right one, we will meet yearly once and we will talk every day by video call don’t worry about the distance. Think about him and make your own decision. Though Kinnera and her dad were not interested in the distance that they would be missing each other. Kinnera is in a confusion of moving on with this match or not. Meanwhile, while she is with her best friend, “I don’t know if I can do this,” Kinnera confessed to her best friend Alesi one evening. “The distance… I can’t even picture it.”
Alesi, ever the pragmatic one, had always supported Kinnera's independence, and now, she urged her to trust the process. “Why don’t you meet him first? Maybe you’ll feel differently after you get to know him. He could be the one.”
Kinnera reluctantly agreed, though her heart was not fully in it. When they finally met, the awkwardness between Kinnera and Venkatesh was palpable. Neither felt an immediate connection, but they agreed to spend time together, each trying to remain open to the possibility of a future together.
Their first conversation, though tentative, revealed that they had more in common than they initially realized. Kinnera admired Venkatesh’s calm demeanor, and Venkatesh was struck by her independent spirit. It wasn’t love at first sight, but the seed of mutual respect was planted.
Kinnera and Venkatesh’s families had planned to meet at Kinnera’s house. The meeting was set for 9:00 AM, following traditional customs. However, Venkatesh’s family didn’t arrive until after 1:00 PM. Kinnera and her father, both very particular about punctuality, were frustrated by the delay.
As the hours passed, Kinnera, already uninterested in the match, expressed her irritation to her mother. “They don’t even follow basic timing! They’re not just half an hour late—they’re three hours late! What kind of behavior is this?” She was quick to find fault, using this as a reason to reject the proposal. Her mother said, There may be a particular reason to be late at this moment, try to understand dear.
To calm herself, Kinnera listened to her favorite Krishna devotional song, Achyutham Kesavam. The peaceful melody helped her relax a little as she waited.
Finally, Venkatesh’s family arrived. Few people came—not for an engagement or ceremony, but just to meet Kinnera. She stepped out in a traditional blue saree, adorned with flowers, representing the typical grace of an Andhra girl. She greeted the guests politely and answered their questions about her education and other details.
At one point, Kinnera’s father introduced Venkatesh. “Amma, this is the groom, Mr. Venkatesh.” Kinnera glanced at him briefly. She didn’t feel particularly impressed or unimpressed—her lack of interest in the match made her indifferent.
After the formal introductions, Kinnera’s family arranged for her and Venkatesh to have a private conversation.
The meeting started awkwardly, but both were curious to learn more about each other. They spoke about their families, dreams, and uncertainties. Kinnera noticed Venkatesh’s sincerity, and he admired her confidence and straightforwardness.
“What do you think about this match, Venkat?” Kinnera asked directly.
She continued, “If you like or dislike me, please say it now or take some time to decide and tell me before leaving my home. But don’t give vague answers like ‘we’ll let you know later.’ This is about our lives, not something for our families to bargain over. We should think seriously about our future.”
Venkatesh, impressed by her honesty, nodded. “My family and I respect you and your family. That’s why we’re here. I wanted to understand your opinion. What do you think about me?”
Kinnera hesitated. “You seem genuine, and I like that. But I’m worried about moving far away after marriage. I’ll miss my family, especially my dad.”
Before they could continue, a relative interrupted, saying Venkatesh’s relative was calling him. He left without concluding anything to Kinnera, Kinnera was upset. Kinnera’s family came and asked her what she decided? “How can I decide on something so important when our conversation is unfinished?” she told to them. She began to wonder if Venkatesh could make decisions independently, and this dependency on others bothered her.
Later, Venkatesh was standing outside of the Kinnera's Home and taking time to think about the match, as he believed in not making immediate decisions. Kinnera’s mother asked Venkatesh if he could speak with her again. “She has more to talk,” she explained. Venkatesh agreed and returned to speak with Kinnera, but she refused to talk. Her elder sister encouraged her. “Please talk to him one more time,” she said. “Don’t rush to a decision. He came back for you. Give him a chance.”
Reluctantly, Kinnera turned to face Venkatesh. When their eyes met, she saw them filled with emotion—regret and concern, which took her by surprise. In that moment, her opinion of him softened. She realized he genuinely cared about her feelings, even though they barely knew each other. His sincerity touched her deeply, and her earlier frustration melted away. Overwhelmed by the emotional connection, Kinnera fell in love with Venkatesh.
Later, Kinnera told her family, “I’m okay with this match.” Her decision wasn’t based on love but on respect for Venkatesh’s honesty and the possibility of building a future together with trust and understanding.
That day marked the start of their journey—not one of instant love, but of two people discovering each other and finding common ground for a life together.
As the wedding day approached, Kinnera felt a growing anxiety, something she couldn’t quite put into words. Why hadn’t Venkatesh sent any message? He hadn’t even messaged her after January 17th. It was now mid-February, and with Valentine’s Day approaching, she felt a pang of doubt. "Maybe this is all happening because of family pressure," she thought.
Just as she considered calling off the engagement, her phone buzzed with a new message. It was from an unknown number. A photo of her and Venkatesh, edited with hearts around them, appeared on her screen. The message read: "Happy Valentine’s Day, Kinnu!"
Her heart lifted. It was Venkatesh, and for the first time, she felt a spark of something more. Her palms grew cold with excitement, and her heart felt heavy with a mix of happiness and anxiety. She replied, sending her own Valentine’s message and saving his contact under the name “Mr. Cool” because he had a remarkable knack for staying calm under pressure.
The months leading up to the wedding were filled with phone calls, messages, and moments of shared laughter and understanding. Despite the physical distance, Venkatesh and Kinnera grew closer, discovering more about each other with every conversation.
For Kinnera’s birthday, Venkatesh surprised her with thoughtful gifts that reflected his growing affection and understanding of her personality. The gifts were not extravagant—a beautiful watch, a few of her favorite books, and a box of chocolates—but they were deeply meaningful. Each item spoke volumes about how much he had paid attention to her likes and dislikes.
Kinnera was overjoyed, not because of the gifts themselves but because of the effort behind them. She couldn’t help but feel touched by the fact that Venkatesh, who she had learned rarely gave gifts to anyone, had gone out of his way to think of something special for her. It wasn’t just the items but the thought, care, and time he had put into choosing them that made her feel cherished.
For someone who wasn’t used to expressing his feelings through such gestures, this act spoke louder than words. It was his way of showing her how much she mattered to him, and for Kinnera, that realization was the most precious gift of all.
This thoughtful gesture solidified her belief that Venkatesh was a man of substance—someone who didn’t express love in grand, dramatic ways but in quiet, meaningful acts that spoke directly to the heart. It made her look forward to the life they would build together, one thoughtful moment at a time.
With each day, their affection for each other grows, and soon it’s time for the wedding. But as their wedding day draws near, COVID-19 restrictions come into effect, grounding flights and making travel difficult. Venkatesh’s company initially denies him leave, then he gives his resignation to attend his wedding. Fortunately, his boss finally agrees to grant him leave, allowing the wedding to take place on May 14th.
Venkatesh landed in Hyderabad on May 2nd, but was unable to come to Narsapur due to COVID and quarantine restrictions. After quarantine, he went to his native place near Narsapuram, that is Teparru. On May 8th Venkat went to meet Kinnera in her favorite blue color shirt with red roses and dairy milk chocolate, which is Kinnera’s favorite. When Kinnera had seen him after a long while, she felt excited and most importantly she felt relaxed that her king was in front of her to marry her. Finally, the day comes on May 14th, they married. Two souls met together.
Following the wedding, Kinnera and Venkatesh settle into newlywed life, enjoying their time together.
Life has a way of moving on, even when the heart isn’t ready. Kinnera and Venkatesh, newly married and enjoying the happiness of their new life together, were settling into a peaceful routine. This calm was something Kinnera had always wished for after years of chaos. But just when life seemed steady, it suddenly changed.
One evening, Venkatesh got a call from Kinnera’s sister. Her voice was shaky as she shared heartbreaking news: Alesi, Kinnera’s closest friend, had passed away. She asked Venkatesh to break the news gently to Kinnera and support her during this painful time.
Venkatesh didn’t know how to tell Kinnera. He waited for the right moment, unsure how to begin. Later, as Kinnera casually mentioned that Alesi had been in the hospital for two days, she said, “I’ll call someone there and check if she’s home now.”
Venkatesh hesitated and said softly, “No need to call… she won’t come… she can’t come home again.” His words were heavy, and Kinnera froze, realizing what he meant. Tears filled her eyes as the truth hit her.
“Let’s go to the hospital now,” Kinnera said urgently. But as they got ready, their families tried to stop them, saying it wasn’t good for newlyweds to visit mourning places. Kinnera was torn, desperate to go but unable to ignore her family’s words.
Finally, Venkatesh convinced his mother to allow them to go, and they left for the hospital. However, when they got there, calls from relatives kept coming, urging them to return home. Overwhelmed and uncertain, they eventually left without seeing Alesi.
This became one of Kinnera’s biggest regrets. She never got to say goodbye to her best friend, and that pain stayed with her. The emptiness Alesi left behind was hard for her to bear.
During those difficult days, Venkatesh was Kinnera’s biggest support. One night, as she cried uncontrollably, he held her close, wrapping her in his arms. She buried her face in his chest, her tears soaking his shirt.
“I’m here, Kinnu. I’m here,” he whispered again and again, his own heart heavy with sadness.
In that moment, their bond grew deeper. Kinnera leaned on Venkatesh in a way she hadn’t before, trusting him with the most vulnerable parts of her heart—the parts Alesi had once supported.
Sitting in his arms, Kinnera realized Alesi was no longer there to be her strength. But in her place, Venkatesh stood firm. He wasn’t just her husband; he had become her anchor in the storm of grief.
The days that followed were tough. Kinnera found it hard to focus or feel happy about anything. But Venkatesh stayed by her side, gently helping her move forward. Slowly, she began to find strength again.
Months passed, and though Kinnera would never forget Alesi, she found peace in carrying her friend’s memories in her heart. She also discovered a new depth in her relationship with Venkatesh, realizing they could face any challenge together.
Finally, the time came for Kinnera to move with Venkatesh to Seychelles. Her family accompanied her to Hyderabad, to her in-laws’ home, for a final goodbye.
At the railway station, Kinnera looking at her father clearly, feeling the sadness of leaving him. As the train began to move, she caught one last glimpse of him standing on the platform, his figure slowly fading from view.
“I don’t know when I’ll see him again,” she thought, her heart heavy. She didn’t realize that this fleeting image would become her last memory of him—a moment she would hold in her heart forever.
The transition to Seychelles wasn’t easy. Kinnera missed her family deeply and struggled with homesickness. But the simplicity of life—cooking together, learning to navigate a foreign culture, and finding joy in small moments—helped her heal. Venkatesh, too, was adjusting to life with Kinnera. The isolation of their early days in Seychelles became a bonding experience that cemented their connection.
Upon arrival in Seychelles, they enter a 14-day quarantine due to COVID regulations, staying in a hotel before moving into their staff quarters. Both Kinnera and Venkatesh are new to cooking, so they rely on YouTube tutorials to make simple meals with a rice cooker, improvising along the way. Kinnera learns to cook rice and egg fries and simple curries with limited source, making the most of their limited resources and turning the quarantine period into a fun bonding experience.
After quarantine, they move into their staff quarters, where Kinnera meets friendly neighbors and settles into her new life. She cooks daily and eagerly waits for Venkatesh to return each evening, cherishing the simple, beautiful rhythms of married life.
Kinnera began taking daily walks, finding a sense of peace amidst the beauty of nature. Alesi had always loved nature, and now, in its gentle whispers—the rustling of leaves, the soft breeze against her face, and the vibrant colors of flowers—Kinnera felt her friend's presence. Each step she took felt as though Alesi was walking beside her, silently reminding her to find joy in the simple moments.
While Kinnera found solace in her walks, her married life was taking a different shape. Like every newly married woman, she had certain expectations from her husband. She longed for shared expressions of love, open conversations, and a sense of emotional connection that would ease the ache of leaving her family behind in India.
Venkatesh was a good man—a supportive partner who always looked after Kinnera’s well-being. But he had a reserved nature, often holding back his feelings. His stoic demeanor sometimes left Kinnera feeling lonely, especially in the early days of their marriage. She wished for more—more warmth, more romance, more of the excitement she had imagined as part of newlywed life.
However, as time passed, Kinnera’s cheerful personality began to work its magic on Venkatesh. Her laughter, her love for the little things in life, and her genuine care slowly helped him open up. Venkatesh began to blossom in their married life. The two started sharing moments of romance, playful teasing, and deep conversations. Their bond grew stronger with each passing day, and they began creating memories that felt like the essence of love itself.
One evening, after a quiet dinner together, they headed to bed. The night was calm, with the faint sounds of waves lapping at the shore—a reminder of the beauty of their life in Seychelles. Just as they were settling in, Venkatesh’s phone rang.
It was his co-brother, calling with urgency in his voice. As Venkatesh answered, his expression changed, the warmth in his face replaced by a shadow of worry and sorrow. A tragic piece of news was beingdelivered—a phone call that would soon shake the peaceful world they had built.
Venkatesh turned to Kinnera, struggling to find the words to share what he had just heard. As he prepared to speak, Kinnera could feel the air in the room grow heavy, signaling that something significant and heartbreaking was about to unfold.
Six months after Kinnera and Venkatesh's life had begun to settle into a comfortable rhythm, a tragic event shattered their peace. One quiet evening, after dinner, Venkatesh received an unexpected call from his co-brother. The news he received left him in shock: Kinnera’s father had passed away suddenly from a heart attack.
Venkatesh was devastated by the news, knowing how much Kinnera adored her father. He hesitated, unsure of how to tell Kinnera, as her father was the center of her world. Instead of immediately telling her the truth, he gently told Kinnera that her father was in critical condition, hoping to soften the blow and give her time to process the difficult news.
In a state of urgency, Venkatesh made arrangements for an emergency flight to India. The stress of the situation grew when they arrived at the airport, only to be told they needed to take a COVID test. It was late at night on a Sunday, and finding an open testing clinic was a challenge. Thankfully, with the help of Venkatesh’s boss, Srikanth, and their neighbor Sourabh, they managed to get tested and received the results in just two hours. Finally, they were able to board their flight to Hyderabad.
Once they landed in Hyderabad, the journey to Kinnera’s hometown, Narsapuram, was long and filled with sadness. When they arrived, they were met with a large crowd gathered outside her home. The grief-stricken Kinnera, unable to hold back her emotions, rushed to her father’s body, calling out for him, "Daddy…daddy…" hoping for him to respond, but it was too late.
The funeral proceedings proved to be even more difficult when locals questioned who would perform the rites, as Kinnera had no brothers. But Kinnera and her sisters—Geethika, the eldest, and Triveni—took charge. Despite the emotional weight of the moment, they decided to handle the funeral on their own, with Geethika leading the way. Their mother, in-laws, and extended family provided strong support during this challenging time.
Kinnera’s father had run a successful welding materials and fabrication business, Sri Maruthi Industries, which was now left in her hands. Kinnera, determined to help manage the business, proposed staying in Narsapuram while Venkatesh returned to Seychelles for work. However, her mother insisted that they should stay together, as it had been her husband’s wish for them to be united.
Geethika and Triveni took charge of the daily operations of the business, while Kinnera and Venkatesh managed the finances from afar. Even though Kinnera was grieving the loss of her father, she found strength in taking responsibility for the business he had worked so hard to build. And with Venkatesh’s unwavering support, she began to heal, learning how to juggle the challenges of running a business while coping with the deep pain of her loss.
Back in Seychelles, Kinnera remains deeply affected by her father’s passing. Unable to see her sadness, Venkatesh encourages her to take up a job, which she does as an e-commerce executive. Their lives grow busy with work, and they continue to support their family’s business from abroad. Through his constant presence and understanding, Venkatesh’s support becomes her anchor, and Kinnera’s love and respect for him deepen.
For Easter, they plan a getaway to the tranquil island of La Digue with close family friends. There, away from work and stress, Kinnera finds a moment of peace, reflecting on her father’s words: “You are like a lion. Why are you feeling very low, Be strong.” Sitting beside Venkatesh on a rock by the beach, she resolves to carry forward her father’s legacy with strength. Together, they discuss their future, embracing the challenges they’ve faced and looking forward to bringing joy to their families.
Through all their trials, Kinnera and Venkatesh have discovered a deep resilience in each other. Their bond, forged through loss, grief, and shared challenges, has only grown stronger. Together, they have learned to navigate the ups and downs of life, facing every obstacle with unwavering support for one another.
As their journey continues, they are slowly finding a new sense of balance, where the weight of their past struggles is softened by the strength they draw from each other. Their love, once built on excitement and hope, has transformed into a deep-rooted partnership, filled with understanding, patience, and mutual respect. They know the road ahead will not always be easy, but with each other by their side, they are ready to face whatever comes their way.
Ten years ago, during a chance train journey, Ramakrishna and Anuradha met Srinivas and Sujatha. This encounter sparked a strong bond between the two couples. 7 Years later, as their nieces reached marriageable age, they decided to bring Kinnera and Venkat together, believing their meeting was destined. It felt as if fate had already woven their story long before they realized it. That unexpected train journey became the first chapter of a story that would change their lives forever.
THANK YOU!
Kinnera Sankarapu.
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