Find happiness within yourself

It was a typical Sunday afternoon. Richmond Park was bustling with people jogging, walking their dogs, and chatting. Some sat alone, soaking in the sunlight. With her teary eyes, Tanvi looked around at people enjoying themselves. But none of it brought her any joy. She replayed her conversation with Ajay in her mind. "It’s over, Tanvi. We can’t be together. I don’t love you anymore." Just like that, their relationship ended. No explanation, no apology. Heartbroken, she sat alone, hiding her crying face behind her hands. Suddenly, she heard a friendly voice. “Is everything alright?” a middle-aged woman with glasses approached her. “Yeah… I am… I am okay,” Tanvi replied, wiping her tears. The stranger smiled and said, “I am Anjana. Do you mind if I sit next to you? My legs are killing me.” “Please,” Tanvi replied, making space for her. “So, is everything really okay?” Anjana asked gently. There was something in Anjana’s tone that comforted Tanvi. “I’m just having the worst day. My partner broke up with me. Eight years… we were together and he didn’t even give me eight words of explanation,” a faint smile appeared on her face. “I understand it's tough. But you’ll get through this,” said Anjana. “Life is too short to dwell on something that wasn’t meant to be.” “But it meant so much to me. I gave eight years of my life to this relationship,” Tanvi replied. “My husband left after 14 years of marriage. Yet, here I am, strong and happy,” Anjana said with a smile. “You don’t need a relationship to find happiness. If you seek happiness, build a relationship with yourself.” “Thank you. Your words have given me strength. I wish we could talk more. But I have an important errand,” said Tanvi. “Of course. Take this book with you. I want you to have it. I’m sure it will help,” Anjana pulled a book from her bag and gave it to her. Tanvi accepted it gratefully and bid her goodbye. Feeling a bit better after their talk, Tanvi regretted not staying longer or exchanging contact information. Walking towards her cab, she glanced at the book cover and read the title – Finding Happiness Within Yourself. And just below that, she found the author’s name boldly written: Anjana Ravikumar.