PEN DOWN OUT LOUD

  A Traditional Love Story: Love Rekindled Part 2  The precious stone, the symbol of my love and choice, had fallen from the old man's grasp, and in that moment, I knew I had been given a second chance. I held the stone close to my chest, feeling its warmth, as if it understood my heart’s desire. Without hesitation, I sought out the man I truly loved, the one who had always been in my heart. I found him near the edge of the village, where the hills met the sky. His presence, as always, filled me with a peace I couldn’t describe. With trembling hands, I took the stone and held it out to him. "This," I whispered, "is for you. You are the one I choose." I stood there, holding the stone out to him, my heart pounding with a mixture of fear and hope. For a moment, he didn’t speak. His eyes, dark and full of emotion, searched my face, as though he couldn’t believe what was happening. The breeze stirred the air between us, but everything else seemed to stand still. ...

A Traditional Love Story: The Precious Stone  Part 1 In the mystical world of dreams, there exists a tradition where a girl is bestowed with a precious stone. It’s a symbol of her heart, her future, her love. The stone is to be given to the man she desires, the one she wishes to marry. The stone, once given, binds two souls, promising unity and partnership. On this particular day that I turned 25, amidst the wise elders, I was the chosen one to receive the coveted gem, a symbol of my love's commitment. I was given not one, but two stones, a rarity that signified an abundance of love and fortune. But before I could choose the man I longed for, an old man, known for his cunning ways, snatched one of the stones from my hand and swiftly presented it to the elders. He claimed that I had chosen him as my life partner, insisting that the stone was his proof. The elders believed him without question. A small gathering was held, and it was announced to the community that I had found my life...