Nothing Fails | A Poem by Sebastian

Lisa was head over heels in love. She never felt this way before. It was a nice, warm feeling. It was a feeling of joy, of belonging. She realized that she had found an ideal soul-mate. She had discovered a person worthy of her affection. She had unveiled a guy who she could spend a lot of time with. She had discovered an individual with whom she could reveal her innermost thoughts.

She spent nights dreaming about him. His sweet face, his attractive eyes, his enigmatic personality, everything she saw in films in her imaginings. She wrote many letters addressed to him, some of which she actually handed over. She thought of him while eating, watching television, doing her homework, etc. When she saw him, she stared without feeling ashamed. When he passed by, her face lit with happiness.

They soon became close to each other. They talked while catching a glimpse of each other in the elevator, staircase, library, etc. They met after class in the canteen and talked for hours. They went out together and visited various fast food shops, restaurants, movie theatres. They really cared for each other and this was evident. They spent  their free time together, they were in love. They spent hours after hours talking to each other over the phone at night.

Their friend circles were happy. They all thought that they were an ideal couple. In fact, they soon came to be known as �the couple of the institution�. Lisa also started expressing to her parents that she had fallen in love for the very first time. They recognized that their daughter was very happy, and, she was truly in love. She had always been their favorite daughter. She was the youngest member in the family. She always received a lot of attention and affection from her parents. They were very proud of her. She treasured them a lot.

She suddenly thought of the idea of introducing William to her family. She knew that he was handsome, charming and wonderful; she thought her parents would adore him. Her parents started to respond just the way she wanted. The problem arose when William was asked the name of his father. When he stated the name, Lisa's father at once became suspicious. When he enquired further, he comprehended that the person in question was an arch rival of his. He immediately informed the boy that he could not allow his affair with his daughter to continue. When asked why, he mentioned the reasons. William left at once, without saying anything.

That night was one of the worst in their lives. William thought about life without Lisa, and, it was impossible. He could not even imagine life without her. He started crying like a baby, thinking that he had lost her forever. She was shocked  her parents behaved this way. She thought of ways possible to re-establish contact with him. 

The following day, when they were face to face on campus, they both immediately came close to each other. Lisa hugged him and started crying, saying, ' I can't live without you, I love you so much'. William gave a befitting reply, ' I will never give up on our love'.

William explained the whole scenario to his parents. His father reacted in a similar fashion. He said that a romantic liaison with his enemy's daughter was out of the question. His mother was more sympathetic, but, his father did not pay heed to anything she said. When Lisa's parents found out that she was still in touch with him, they imposed severe restrictions on her. She had to return home as soon as her classes ended; the telephone set was removed from her room, they started checking her mobile call logs as well.

Lisa reported this to her lover when they attended classes together the next day. They started withdrawing from whatever they enjoyed doing and had to do. Lisa did not eat properly, did not talk to her parents. William could not concentrate on his studies, he just spent hours sitting in his room. He was sad, depressed and miserable. He said to himself, 'Why does not God take my life rather than let me live in this pathetic manner'? The once cheerful, full of life and exuberant boy and girl, had become lifeless.

The boy's mother started her aggressive campaign in favor of her son. She argued with her husband that if they were really in love, the past should not be an issue. They should be allowed to meet each other. William�s father had become less adamant than before. Lisa's mother also turned softer. She was a woman who appreciated genuine love. Lisa's father finally gave permission to his daughter to keep association with her beloved. He said that he was making this sacrifice because he wanted to see his daughter happy.

The true lovers finally reunited. The smile in their faces, returned. The lonely days and nights ended. They were able to meet each other, express their feelings for each other. The unfulfilled days of the recent past ceased to exist. Each of them hoped that in the near future, their parents' rivalry would reduce as well. They separately promised that they would try hard to reduce the tension that existed among their families.