Today’s prompt for #FridayReflections is…
“Then I wondered if everybody has that person that haunts them, the one that got away.”― Marlon James, A Brief History of Seven Killings
The first thought that comes to my mind when I think about ‘the one that got away’ is unrequited love. But it could be about the missed opportunities, or the relationships that didn’t work out, as well.
‘The one that got away’ brings to my mind the thought that a relationship or an opportunity should have worked but somehow it didn’t turn out as per the expectations and their paths diverged.
How would one feel about ‘the one that got away’? What would be the dominant feeling? Would it be regret or hurt or pain or doubt or…? Would the various ‘could have been’ scenarios create havoc in the head? Would the heart shed silent tears?
I remember writing a 100 word story on this very thought a few years ago, which I believe is apt for this prompt. So here’s a rehash of an old post…
La douleur exqise*… the words that explained how he felt.
He knew that she would never be his. But when does love follow rules?
For months, he felt a heavy stone on his heart, with sad tears washing it.
The pain was killing him and he believed that he’d never get over her.
Then just like a new day, change came his way.
He realized that he was done with regrets. He had to move on.
He understood that some people can be a part of your history but never your destiny!
Slowly, he felt his heart begin to heal…
*La douleur exqise – It means, the heart wrenching pain of wanting affection of someone unattainable.
Linking this to #FridayReflections
39 Responses
La douleur exqise: sounds aptly poignant. Well-written, Shilpa.
Thanks a lot, Damyanti!
Life always throws different challenges at us and make us think of various ‘could have been’ scenarios.
I think its better to let go or as you said La douler exqise. Lovely post.
True, could have been scenarios bring nothing but pain, regret, yearning, sadness… it;s best to move on. Thanks Deepa, glad you liked this post!
A door closes, another opens – exqise indeed –
True that…
A song by Katy Petty comes to my mind:
In another life
I would make you stay
So I don’t have to say
You were the one that got away
The one that got away
Aww! That’s so beautiful, SG!! Thanks for sharing!
I love this line! “He understood that some people can be a part of your history but never your destiny!”
Great story!
Thanks a lot, Magickmermaid. Glad you enjoyed this story!
It is simply superb Shilpa. Love the line on history and Destiny.
Thank you, Lata 🙂
Well said Shilpa, some people are simply meant to a part of your past.
True and it’s best to move on!
The story is powerfully weaved and the pain that afflicts the mind and soul. It’s better to move on and start all over again to see things with a fresh perspective.
Agree with you, Vishal. It is not possible to move forward while looking back.
He understood that some people can be a part of your history but never your destiny! So true words. Really a good take on the prompt !!!
Thank you, Vasantha!
People are part of our history but don’t they in some way affect your destiny? Isn’t everyone sent in your life to teach you something?
Oh yes, everyone we meet is there to teach us something in life and guess that’s part of our destiny!
It’s only when we let go and accept the bitter truth, that we begin to heal. I think I remember reading this 55’er before on your blog.
True that. It is tough to move on but sooner or later we’ve all got to let go of our past! Yes, this is an old post 😛
Coming to your blog after ages! Glad that some people still continue their blogging old way
Hello there!! Good to see you here!! 🙂
Are you back to blogging? Cant access your blog!!
here
Unrequited love. I am fortunate enough that I never experienced it. But there is a “what if” in my husband’s family. His brother had an attraction to the girl who lived next door to his cousin. But the girl ended up marrying the cousin (and is still living happily ever after, incidentally). An interesting “what if” for our family, because she ended up not getting away, after all.
Aha! That’s interesting. Glad that at least one of them is happy. 🙂
Ok – I’ve read way too many crime stories. The One That Got Away conjured in my mind only images of police and crime scenes and that “one” who was almost caught, running away into the darkness 😛
I love the last but one line in your poem: He understood that some people can be a part of your history but never your destiny!
Yeah, in crime stories, the one that got away would have committed a perfect crime.
Thanks Priya, glad you liked this attempt!
Reminded me of a telugu movie I saw very recently “Ninnu Kori” means wanting you 🙂 a love story that touches you… how despite of love each other, due to circumstances, they couldn’t be part of each other’s life…
In life too, no matter what – some people are never meant to be with us… its important to learn and move on… meaningful post shilpa:)
Yes, some relationships are not meant to be…
For one’s own peace of mind and happiness, it’s best to let go of the past and move on. Thanks a lot, Genevive, glad you liked this post!
Yes…some are part of history. It’a always good to let them be there rather than dragging them to the present.
My favorite is, “He understood that some people can be a part of your history but never your destiny!”
Thank you, C!! 🙂
‘Better to have loved and lost than not loved at all’!
That’s an interesting perspective to have, the one that will give you inner peace! 🙂
Your 100 words post says it all. The one that got away could be a career option not chosen, love interest not pursued, or unrequited love. In all these cases some regret is bound to be there.
Yes, regrets are there for all missed and lost opportunities.