To the ones "who could have been"

Movies are an escape... from the realities of life. And maybe that's why we crave happy endings. We root for the reel couple to come together and live happily ever after. In most of the movies they do (atleast till the end credits roll), but in a few they don't. And I absolutely love these couples, maybe a bit more because they are closer to reality.

I often wonder what if Shashi had reciprocated Laurent's feelings. He was caring, empathetic and affectionate towards Shashi.. the polar opposite of Satish. And most importantly he respected her as a person. She could just talk to him without any fear of being judged.  And they just fit...

And then Meenakshi and Jehangir were literally as different as chalk and cheese. While Jehangir was a traveller, Meenakshi was a homebody. But in a span of two days they became companions.. partners...a Mr. and a Mrs. They learnt to trust each other and share vulnerabilities. I still picture them on a treehouse drinking wine in the light of little lamps...

How can I forget Mia and Seb. It's rare to meet someone who perfectly understands your aspirations. Mia and Seb not only understood but were also instrumental in realizing each other's dreams. They were perfect for each other...

And maybe one of the best examples of unconditional love... Sid and Tara. Or even Dan and Shiuli. Their stories were doomed from the begining, but that did not stop Sid and Dan from embracing their feelings. That's brave love...

None of these couples see a "happily ever after". They come together briefly and then go on their own paths. So many unsaid words, unconfessed feelings, unfinished dreams...

But it's this "incompleteness" that makes them special. I imagine them together in some different lifetimes, some alternate universes. Till then... 

P.S. - for those who need character references, Shashi and Laurent are from English Vinglish, Meenakshi and Jehangir from Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, Mia and Seb from LaLaLand, Sid and Tara from Dil Chahta Hai, Dan and Shiuli from October. All recommended movies.