Akash tells a story of love, ideology, and sacrifice, where a revolutionary heart finds a match in a woman who embraces a life less ordinary, exclusively for Different Truths.

The one I loved turned out to be a bourgeois. Yet, I didn’t value the love of the one who genuinely loved me with everything. We are people with revolutionary thinking. For us, the pain of separation is an intense feeling, difficult to express.

But she came back to me, with countless unspoken words of love. However, I still had apprehensions—would the one I love again eventually adopt a bourgeois mentality?

I told her, “Look, we didn’t become communists just to win elections or gain political power. There are countless reasons behind our being communists. So, whether we achieve zero or a hundred, I will remain a communist forever. This heart will never change its allegiance.”

I noticed she was silently listening to me and said, “If you decide to be with me, you’ll have to accept a lot of terms. Life with me won’t be easy.” I paused for a moment. She was still looking at me with an intense gaze, her eyes diving deeply into the ocean of my heart.” I added, “No matter what job I do in life, a significant part of my income will go toward educating underprivileged children. Perhaps I won’t be able to bring education to every corner of society, but I’ll do as much as I can and never give up.

“I won’t live a life of unnecessary luxury. Instead of an AC, we’ll have two fans—I won’t be part of the global warming crisis by installing an AC. I’ll walk wherever possible rather than take a rickshaw or an auto. I’ll always jump to help anyone in trouble on the road.

“I might not be able to care for my parents as much, so you’ll have to take care of both of them. Don’t worry; tell your father that his son-in-law is a communist and won’t accept any dowry.

“Throughout my life, I’ve been frugal, except when it comes to books. So, don’t expect expensive gifts from me. However, I’ll always do my best to fulfil your wishes in my own way.

“Life has already thrown many storms my way, and I know more will come. So, think carefully—do you want to tie your life with mine and make it more difficult, or marry a well-employed guy your father chooses and settle comfortably in life?”

I took a breath. I had said a lot in one go. She lowered her head, deep in thought. I could sense that accepting all my conditions might not be easy for her. Suddenly, in the midst of my own thoughts, a cool hand touched mine. I looked down to see her holding my hand with her soft fingers. She said, “If there’s anyone I’ve truly loved, it’s you. Your words have engraved themselves in my heart like a manifesto. Don’t worry, I’ll never make any demands. I’ll live with you just the way you want.”

She gripped my hand more tightly and said, “I’m ready, comrade. I’m ready to join you in the battle of life.”

That day, I understood that just as Comrade Buddhadeb Bhattacharya had found Comrade Mira Bhattacharya, I, too, had found my partner. If there’s a definition of a perfect life partner, for me, she had become exactly that.

Picture design by Anumita Roy

Akash Paul

Akash Paul, a renowned criminologist and author of two globally acclaimed textbooks, pioneered post-crime analysis in criminology. His expertise spans criminal profiling, economic behaviours, and sexual offenses, with notable contributions to crime prevention strategies. An insightful critic of contemporary society, he also writes poetry, short stories, and novels, blending creativity with profound societal analysis.

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