Boston To Bombay: Long-Distance Made Rutvi And Shariq Value Their Relationship

"A lot of us are not able to make it through but if it's worth it, do give it a shot," says Relationship and Mindset Mentor Rutvi Bhatt.

In conversation with SheThePeople, Rutvi Bhatt recalls falling in love with her partner Shariq, how distance played both a challenge and blessing for their relationship and why effort goes a long way in building a strong connection.

Rutvi Bhatt and Shariq's story

“I was in India to meet my family during winter break when I met Shariq through some mutual friends. We transitioned from strangers to friends in no time, talking over the calls and DMs. I cannot recall when we fell for each other but love was all around. I was the best version of myself when around him. Finally, I had to return to Boston after the break got over. It broke my heart to leave Shariq, but we had it all figured out. At least, that’s what we thought. He was going to visit Boston soon and we had made several plans. At the boarding gate, we exchanged hugs and kisses with the promise to see each other very soon.

Things were going on well, and we were finalising the dates for Shariq to come. But, God had other plans. Suddenly the Pandemic was all over the news and before we could grasp the situation, the world went into lockdown. I was in tears. I Facetimed Shariq and the first thing I said was, ‘Will we ever meet again?’ No one was certain if it’ll be the same again.

Things were getting tough, and I realized, long distances were not for me. More than the pandemic, anxiety was messing up with my head. ‘Rootvi, this cannot go on forever’, I said to myself. I had to do something, or else we would lose each other, in the process.

I took things a little too seriously and we made a regime! There were days when Shariq felt helpless and sad and on some, I felt really low. Shariq used to cheer me up, we would talk for hours and hours without losing sight of each other. Long distance made us uncover the facts about ourselves, we never knew.

Finally, 18 months passed, rules were relaxed. The first thing I did was to get on a flight to Bombay to meet the love of my life. Both of us were overwhelmed by seeing each other after so long. Shariq kept crying. I will never forget that day. ‘Can I survive another longer distance with Shariq?’ Yes, a hundred times but I wish we don't have to ever again.

In a way, the long distance made us stronger. We had our share of fights. The best part though, we love each other even more. We have been together for more than 3 years now.

A lot of us are not able to make it through but if it's worth it, do give it a shot.”

Narrated by Rutvi Bhatt. Written and edited by Bhavika Mittal, Team SheThePeople

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