The result verdict has finally come, releasing them from the bondage of a relationship that was no longer what they imagined to be. They were together for 7 years. How short that must have felt.
It is quite hard to believe that eight years have gone by since they decided to let go of each other. It was a bit noisy, bitter, and public, involving other people. Both have their own faults, both have their pride. They were firm. They wanted to get out of each other's company.
Some marriage don't work, no? And theirs was just one. They tried, I know, but the crack was so deep and pronounced that they simply cannot patch it up.
Anyway, time passed, and he finally made the decision to go through the legal process (annulment), to truly free themselves from the knot of a legal marriage. That took over two years, considering there is no divorce in the country. But alas, they're now legally free.
The kids who were 6 and 3 then are now young teenagers. They have been asked by people time and again, "Is your mom checking on you?" They just smile and shake their heads. Some are simply curious, others may be genuinely concerned. I couldn't even bring myself to ask them such in our conversations, knowing it may refresh the pain. Yes, they have been emotionally wounded at a very tender age (and who knows if such a wound ever heals). They are scarred, yet they are trying to live life quietly and gracefully.
The parents are now free from each other, but that doesn't include getting out of their responsibilities to their children. But one had been acting so for many years now. That's her lose, sadly...
Photo by Mahesh Mohan. No copyright infringement intended. 04062026/07:55ph