Love, Undiscovered

Short Story

The phone rang, breaking the stillness.

“Papa, we just landed,” Neha’s voice came gently from London. “You should’ve come with us. I know it's a difficult time with Mom gone. How will you manage all alone without her? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Ashok said, forcing a smile she couldn’t see. “Take care, beta.”

He ended the call quickly. He didn’t want her to hear the ache in his silence.

Outside, the garden waited—wild in places, yet still blooming. Jasmine, marigold, hibiscus... all touched by Sumi’s hands (His beloved wife). She had made this space come alive, the way she once did with everything—quietly, patiently, without asking for much.

Ashok sat on the bench she loved, watching the sky fade. He’d always been too busy—meetings, travel, business—while she built a life around him with soft strength.

As the evening chill set in, he slowly climbed the stairs and entered their room. It smelled faintly of sandalwood. His eyes fell on her old cupboard—the one she refused to replace, the one he never cared for.

He opened it.

Dried flowers. Faded cards. A worn scarf. And a photo—him proposing, her glowing.

His hands trembled.

“Sumi… you loved me every single day. And I… I never truly saw it.”

In that quiet room, love finally spoke - too late, yet forever!!

• Written by Sushma Roy - Luvv It