The Price of Love

In a small town in Uttar Pradesh, Rajukaka and Manjukaki lived a modest life with their only daughter, Sonam. She was their pride a talented Kathak dancer with dreams of making a name for herself.

Meanwhile, in Lucknow, Mitesh, the son of wealthy businessman Mr. Raghav Agrawal and his wife Smitha, lived a privileged life. Their family believed in traditions and statue specially dowry (dehej pratha).

The Kathak Dance Competition in Lucknow was a prestigious event. Sonam’s performance mesmerized the audience, her dance reflecting a caged bird yearning for freedom.

Among the spectators was Mitesh, who had no real interest in dance but was captivated by her. Their first meeting led to conversations about dreams, struggles, and ambitions. Over time, their friendship turned into love.

One evening, Mitesh confessed:

"Sonam, tum sirf ek acchi dancer nahi ho. Tum meri zindagi ka woh geet ho jo mujhe jeena sikhata hai."(Sonam, you’re not just a great dancer. You’re the melody that teaches me how to live.)

Sonam blushed but hesitated. "Mitesh, tumhare parivaar ki soch alag hai. Woh kabhi mujhe apnayege nahi."(Mitesh, your family won’t accept me.)

When Mitesh introduced Sonam to his parents, Mr. Raghav Agrawal was furious.

"Ek gareeb ladki hamaare ghar ki bahu? Agar shaadi karni hai toh dahej ke saath hogi."(A poor girl as our daughter-in-law? If you want to marry, it must come with dowry.)

The next day, he met Rajukaka and demanded a grand dowry cash, gold, and a luxury car.

Rajukaka’s voice trembled: "Main sirf apni beti de sakta hoon, paisa nahi."(I can only give my daughter, not money.)

That night, Mitesh came to Sonam. "Bas thoda waqt do, main sab sambhal lunga."(Give me some time, I will fix everything.)

But Sonam shook her head.

"Agar pyaar ki keemat paiso se lagani pade, toh woh pyaar nahi, ek sauda hai."(If love has to be measured in money, then it’s not love but a deal.)

She walked away, choosing dignity over compromise.

Rumors spread in the town. People whispered, “Bechara Rajukaka, dahej nahi de saka, toh beti ki shaadi toot gayi.”(Poor Rajukaka, his daughter’s wedding broke because he couldn’t give dowry.)

Rajukaka, unable to bear the shame, took an extreme step. That night, he attempted suicide.

Mitesh rushed to the hospital, guilt weighing on him. He saw Sonam, broken but holding her father’s hand.

With his last breath, Rajukaka whispered:

"Beta, maine tumhare liye kuch nahi kar paya..."(Daughter, I couldn’t do anything for you…)

Sonam, through tears, replied:

"Aapne mujhe izzat di hai, woh kisi dahej se kam nahi."(You gave me dignity that is worth more than any dowry.)

Rajukaka left the world, and Sonam was left alone with her pain.

Mitesh begged Sonam for a second chance, but she shook her head.

"Jab mujhe tumhari zaroorat thi, tumne kuch nahi kiya. Ab der ho chuki hai."(When I needed you, you did nothing. Now it’s too late.)

Months later, Mitesh’s wedding card arrived in Sonam’s hands. His father had arranged his marriage to a rich businessman’s daughter, ensuring a grand dowry.

On the day of his wedding, Mitesh stood in a lavish mandap, but his heart was empty. He saw Sonam’s face in every diya, every decoration, every sindoor tray. But Sonam was nowhere to be found.

Meanwhile, in a small house, Sonam lit a diya in front of her father’s photo. She had given up on love, but not on her fight against dowry.

Mitesh got married, but he never truly loved again.

And so, their love remained incomplete just a painful memory in a world ruled by greed.

Moral of the Story:

Love without courage is meaningless.

Dowry destroys families and true love.

Some love stories don’t end with a wedding they end with regret.