The Long Drive to Love: Adventure, Freedom & Finding a Soulmate
In the vibrant city of Jaipur, Anika Mehta lived a life many envied. A 27-year-old with an MBA from a prestigious university, she was thriving in her career at a leading marketing firm. Her professional success was the pride of her parents, but it came with an unspoken price: relentless pressure to get married. Every Sunday, she was sent off to cafes and coffee shops to meet potential grooms—engineers, doctors, and businessmen. Yet, none of them seemed to share her adventurous spirit or understand her dreams.
Anika’s heart yearned for something beyond corporate corridors and arranged meetings. She was passionate about traveling—exploring India’s untouched corners, immersing herself in its diverse cultures, and documenting it all through a blog she dreamed of launching one day. But every time she brought this up with her parents, they dismissed it as a passing hobby, unworthy of her “serious” life ahead.
The Breaking Point
One Sunday morning, after yet another heated argument about meeting a suitor, Anika decided she’d had enough. She stormed out of the house, the weight of their expectations pressing on her chest like a boulder. As she stood at the gate, taking deep breaths to calm herself, her eyes fell on a modest silver sedan parked nearby. The driver, a young man casually dressed yet neat, sat inside, scrolling through his phone.
Without overthinking, Anika walked to the car, opened the back door, and slipped into the seat.
“Start the car,” she said briskly.
The driver turned, visibly startled. “Where to, ma’am?”
“Anywhere,” she replied, her voice sharp. “Just drive. I need to get out of here.”
He hesitated. “Ma’am, I need a specific destination.”
Anika sighed. “Take me out of the city. Somewhere with smooth roads and beautiful views. Somewhere I can breathe.”
After a brief pause, he nodded. “Alright, ma’am.”
The car pulled away from the curb, and Anika leaned back, staring out of the window. The city’s chaos faded behind them, replaced by the open highway, where fields of mustard and rows of trees stretched to the horizon. The steady hum of the engine began to soothe her restless thoughts.
An Unexpected Conversation
“Why are Indian parents so obsessed with marriage?” she muttered, more to herself than to him. “They don’t understand that not everyone fits into their timeline. Why can’t they give us space to figure things out?”
The driver said nothing, his eyes focused on the road.
“What’s your opinion?” she asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
His hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel. “I think everyone deserves the time to find their own path.”
Anika blinked, caught off guard by his thoughtful response. “You’re surprisingly sensible,” she said. “Most people would have lectured me about duty and tradition.”
He smiled faintly but didn’t reply.
After a few moments, she leaned forward, resting her arms on the back of his seat. “What’s your name?”
“Arjun,” he said.
“Well, Arjun, tell me something about yourself. Are you married? Or are your parents pestering you too?”
He chuckled softly. “No, I’m not married. My parents are supportive. They’ve always encouraged me to follow my passion.”
“Your passion?” she asked curiously.
“Driving,” he said simply. “I’ve always loved being on the road. After I graduated in mechanical engineering, I realized a corporate job wasn’t for me. So, I bought this car and started my own business.”
Anika stared at him. “Wait, this car is yours? I thought it was a company car.”
“Nope, it’s mine,” he replied, smiling. “I wanted the freedom to work on my own terms.”
“That’s incredible,” she said. “But doesn’t it get tough? I mean, can you really make enough money doing this?”
Arjun glanced at her in the rearview mirror, amused. “I manage well. After covering all my expenses, I earn about ₹1-1.5 lakh a month. Plus, I get to take time off whenever I want.”
Anika blinked, stunned. “You’re kidding. You earn more than most of my colleagues, and you have all this freedom?”
“Something like that,” he said, grinning.
Anika laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. “Here I am, slogging away in an office, thinking I’m living the dream, and you… you’re actually living it.”
A Change of Seats
Anika leaned back, her thoughts swirling. After a few minutes of silence, she suddenly said, “You know what? This feels weird. Sitting back here, I mean. It’s like I’m some fancy client.”
Arjun chuckled. “Would you like to sit in the front?”
“Yes,” she said, grinning. “That would be much better.”
He pulled over to the side of the road, and Anika hopped out and into the passenger seat. Settling in, she smiled at him. “Much better. Now I feel like we’re just two people having a conversation.”
Arjun smiled back. “Where to next, co-pilot?”
“Anywhere the road takes us,” she said with a dramatic flourish.
A Chilling Evening
The two continued talking as they drove through scenic routes. Arjun shared stories of his road trips to Ladakh, the backwaters of Kerala, and the winding roads of Himachal. Anika, in turn, shared her dream of starting a travel blog and her frustrations with the societal expectations she constantly faced.
As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Anika suddenly exclaimed, “I’m starving.”
Arjun grinned. “I know a dhaba nearby. It’s famous for its food.”
“Perfect!” she said.
When they arrived, the aroma of freshly cooked parathas and chai filled the air. They sat at a simple wooden table under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights, ordering parathas, dal, and steaming cups of chai. The evening breeze carried a chill, but their conversation kept them warm. They laughed, teased, and shared snippets of their lives.
By the time they finished their meal, it was dark. Arjun insisted on paying the bill despite Anika’s protests. “It’s my treat,” he said with a grin. “Consider it a thank-you for the company.”
The Proposal
As they drove back to Anika’s house, the night air was filled with a comfortable silence. Anika gazed out at the starry sky, her heart lighter than it had been in years.
When they reached her doorstep, Arjun hesitated. “It’s late. Your family must be worried.”
Anika sighed. “They’ll probably scold me, but honestly, I don’t care. Today was one of the best days of my life. Thank you, Arjun.”
He smiled. “I’m glad I could help.”
As Anika stepped out of the car, her parents rushed to the door, their faces etched with worry. “Where were you?” her mother demanded. “Do you have any idea how late it is?”
“Chill, Mom,” Anika said, holding up a hand. “I’m fine. In fact, I have someone special I want you to meet.”
Before her parents could respond, she turned back to the car and called, “Arjun, come out and meet my parents.”
Arjun hesitated, then stepped out of the car, walking up to them with a polite smile. “Good evening,” he said, nodding respectfully.
“This is Arjun,” Anika said, her voice steady and confident. “I’ve chosen him as my life partner.”
Her parents stared at her in stunned silence. “What are you saying?” her father finally managed.
“I’m saying I’ve found someone who understands me,” Anika said. “Arjun shares my passion for travel, my love for adventure. He’s kind, hardworking, and he makes me happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
Turning to Arjun, she smiled. “Arjun, will you marry me?”
His face turned crimson, but he managed a shy smile. “Yes, Anika. I will.”
A Life of Love and Adventure
Though Anika’s parents were initially hesitant, they couldn’t deny the happiness radiating from their daughter. Over time, they came to accept and even admire Arjun for his sincerity, humility, and love for Anika.
Anika and Arjun built a life filled with love and adventure. Together, they explored India’s hidden gems, with Arjun driving and Anika documenting their journeys on her now-famous blog. Their stories captivated audiences, turning the blog into a thriving business that brought them both recognition and financial success.
From the deserts of Rajasthan to the mountains of Meghalaya, from bustling cities to serene villages, they saw it all—together. Their life became a testament to the beauty of following one’s passion and the joy of finding a partner who truly understands you.
In the end, Anika and Arjun proved that happiness isn’t about meeting societal expectations but about creating a life that’s uniquely yours.
