An Unusual Love Story

‘Are you sure, Rhea?’ asks my mother.
‘Of course I’m. Survival of the fittest, mother. I’m not going against Darwin. Also I don’t want unnecessary scars on my body.’
It’s a known fact that we are all born to die. And frankly, I don’t understand why it has to be made into such a big deal. If it were not for my mother I would have said that to the bunch of people outside my house, some of them with young kids, shouting slogans, waving placards, literally wanting me to cut one of my beating hearts out. “Save A Life. Donate!” they shout.
For someone who is one in billions, 7.125 billion to be exact, I expect to be treated better. Scientists are still befuddled regarding my condition that gave me two hearts in my mother’s womb. But years of research and sticking needles into me have led them nowhere, and they have labelled me as a freak mutation. It’s so rare – literally one in all humankind – that they didn’t even name the anomaly (as they call it, I will call it awesomeness). I wanted to name the condition myself, something on the lines of Rhea’s Heartsawesome but the doctors aren’t thrilled with the suggestion. Instead they want to cut one of them out and save a life. Huh?
An IQ of 180, increased concentration, exceptional athleticism and a phenomenal metabolism rate – are just the few boring benefits of an increased blood circulation. Why would I ever give that up?
No, never I will give that up for anyone. Due to my two hearts, I had to face many problems in my childhood. And you too know it very well. And now, when I have learnt to live with both my hearts, they want it. Why should I give it to any stranger. What will I get in return ?? Money ?? I don’t want it.
Since my childhood, I have always been rare and want to remain the same throughout my life. I have taken up many pains due to it in my childhood, and when the time has come to enjoy its fruitful effects, people want me to give it up. Where were those doctors when I was having my periods at the age of 9. Its only I, who had to suffer the pain. It seemed so awkward of me, when others girls of my age use to enjoy playing games on rides and see-saws, I just had too stand far and saw them. When the girls of my age didn’t even know what menstruation is, I was undergoing through it at that age. I used to cry with pain, at the start of each menstruation cycle. Then no one came to me to ask for my extra heart. And today, when a rich woman has fallen ill, doctors are asking for it and giving me lessons of donation and goodness and helping those in distress.
It’s my heart and I am not going to give it to anyone. It’s my final decision. Tell the doctors to find for anyone else.

Even Rahul says, the reason behind my extra fairness and pink cheeks is due to the increased blood circulation of my second heart.
I can’t make him sad too. And mom, you know na ?? He was the first person in my life who always stood by me since we met each other. He always helped me to uplift my morale whenever I felt down.
Mom, “Yes, I know dear. Ok, don’t give your heart to anyone. I also don’t want you to get unnecessary scars for any stranger. I will ask your father to handle the problem his way. ”
“Thanks mom for always supporting my decision.”
“Ok, mom…… I am going to get ready…… Today, Rahul has promised me to take me for a movie in the evening……”
“Yes, sure …… You must get ready now……”

My relationship with Rahul started 4 years back, when I was in 12 std. I desperately wanted a good friend because everybody kept distance from me due to my ailment. Also, I was very fat at that time and looked more mature than other girls of my age. It was only Rahul who helped me with my studies, assignments, project works and a lot of stuffs through which one has to go in a school life. He is a good guy and ever handsome. Many girls had crush on him. I too had crush on him since 8th std but never had the courage to express it because I always thought Why he would accept the propose of a fatty, fleshy and over-mature girl, he being himself so cool and handsome I could never thought of it. Actually, it all started when I was in 11th std, in the month of  February while my friends were busy exchanging chocolates, roses and gifts, I didn’t have any one even to talk too, not even any female friends. Thinking all of this, I was sitting at the corner of our school playground and crying, when from behind a guy knocked me, it was Rahul. I hurriedly tried to wipe my tears and pretend to be normal, but he caught me. He asked, “What happened, Rhea ? Why are you crying ??” I tried not to reply the question and change the topic but he kept asking me repeatedly. Though unwillingly, because I thought he would also laugh at me, I had to tell the reason behind my tears. He reacted in a completely different way than expected. He listened to all my matters with utmost sincerity and gave me some genuine advices. That day we talked with each for about two hours. He made feel good and first time he only made me feel proud for having two hearts. Before that day, I considered myself a sinner for having two hearts. Then onwards, he everyday used to talk to me and helped me in controlling my mood swings and over-excitement which was a major problem with me due to increased blood circulation. He completely reformed me. Since he came to my life, everything changed. My perspective for everything around me completely changed. He instilled a sense of positivity in me. He only made me feel that if  I lose my extra weight and become slimmer than I will be the most beautiful girl of the school. I didn’t realize it at first but then I did as he said but I had faith in him as he was my only friend. After 6-7 months of hard work and exercise , the results came out was amazingly awesome and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I lost 8kilos and was looking absolutely beautiful. I kept looking at myself  in front of mirror for 15 minutes. Now, my years ago dumped intention of proposing Rahul came to my mind and exactly one year after on the same day we had become friends, I proposed him and he happily accepted it. We were very close friends for an year and had shared very bit of our life with each other, what else is needed for a good relationship. The years don’t matter much in a friendship, the only thing that matters is how well we understand each other.
Four years and still counting, we are together but only thing that I want is Rahul to propose me. As a girl, I too wish the male counterpart to propose me as every girl wishes . Yes, he has not proposed yet. He still considers me a good friend and not girlfriend.
Whatever be I will never forget his contribution  in my life. Even if he leaves me, I will keep loving him. That’s what love is all about. The other name of love is sacrifice. If he loves any other girl , I will let him , I will not stop even once. Already he has done a lot for me. That’s the only way I can show my gratefulness to him. A smile sparked on my face thinking all of this. Suddenly, I remembered I need to get ready. I was getting late. Rahul has asked me to meet sharp at 5:00pm at Dwarka Mor metro station and it was already quarter past four. I quickly get ready and pick my purse. “Bye, mom… I will be back before 10 pm. Don’t worry…”.
I took an auto-rickshaw and reached the metro station. There he was already there waiting for me. He was wearing a red polo and blue jeans and was looking quite smart. He hold my hands said, “The train is coming let’s go else we have wait for 15 more minutes. I have already got the tickets.”
We boarded the train and reached our destination. From there we reached a TDI Mall to watch movie. I asked him, “So, which movie are we going to see ??” He replied, “Fitoor.. Its an awesome movie…I have heard of it ”.  He got the tickets and then we enter to watch it. The movie was so beautiful… I got myself drowned in the story of the movie.
‘INTERMISSION’  It flashed on the screen. Rahul stood up from his seat, and said “You please be seated here. I’m coming in a minute. I took out my phone to check if I had any call. Suddenly, I saw my name on the screen.
“Rhea, I love you. Would you be my life partner ?” This message was flashing on the screen with ‘Rahul’ written on the bottom of the screen . And I was just dumbfounded. I couldn’t  believe my eyes. Rahul was standing near the screen. I rushed towards him and just hugged him tightly. And replied with tears in my eyes, “Yes, dear… yes…”. He kissed me on my forehead and I felt like my life was complete now. I needed nothing else.