What Ails You, O Innocent Heart?

دل ناداں تُجھے ہُوا کِیا ہے

آخر اِس درد کی دوا کِیا ہے

Dil-e-nadaan tujhe hua kya hai?
Aakhir is dard ki dua kya hai?

(What ails you, O innocent heart? And what cure exists for this affliction?)

Love. Lust. Adoration?.
پیار عشق محبت

Since the beginning of time, these words have filled libraries, inspired poetry, birthed novels, and become the reason behind countless stories of joy and tragedy. From one generation to another, this emotion has been dissected, romanticized, and misunderstood. Yet despite all the literature and lived experiences, the essence of love still remains a mystery. No one seems to have a definitive answer.

What is love, truly?

Is it a sacred bond? A fleeting feeling? A soul connection?

If love is as beautiful and profound as we are told, then why do betrayals exist?
Why do hearts drift apart after promising forever?
Why does affection turn into obligation, and loyalty start feeling like a burden?

Why does the heart, once so full, begin to feel empty again?
Is the human soul even capable of loving one person entirely, for an entire lifetime?
Or is it simply not in our nature?

Do hearts change?
Do feelings evolve?

So many questions.
And yet, no real answers.

After living through seasons of affection, heartbreak, attachment, distance, and growth, I have slowly come to a personal conclusion. It may not be poetic, but it feels real.

Love, at its core, begins as attraction. A spark ignited by something we see or feel, often influenced by timing, hormones, chemistry, and perhaps even a little illusion. It then transforms into affection, a warmth that draws us closer. We begin to crave that person's presence, feel safe in their company, and imagine a future around them.

It feels like love. We tell ourselves it is love.

And perhaps it is.
At least for a while.

But something curious happens when that longing is fulfilled.
When you finally have what you once yearned for, the pull starts to fade.
The intensity softens. The magic doesn’t vanish overnight, but it becomes quieter. Less obvious.

That is where the real test begins.

Because love — true, lasting love — is not just about the initial fire.
It is about keeping the flame alive once the wind starts to blow.

You have to sustain it.
You have to make an effort to hold on, even when the feelings are not as loud.
You have to nurture it with understanding, compassion, and patience.
You have to show up, again and again, even when the thrill has turned into routine.

You have to rediscover the reasons you fell in love in the first place.
You have to rebuild, recommit, and remind each other why you chose one another.

And maybe that — this silent, stubborn devotion to stay and grow together — is what real love actually is.

Not just the heady emotions at the beginning, but the quiet decision to continue choosing that person, every single day, even when it’s no longer easy or exciting.

Otherwise, I must confess, I don’t fully understand what love means anymore.

I want to quote @event-horizon here because something she said truly hit me somewhere deep:

"I think loyalty is the most attractive quality in a partner."

And I couldn't agree more.

Loyalty is such a beautiful concept.
It surpasses love, passion, and every other fleeting emotion that often falls under the umbrella of “romance.”

Because while feelings may come and go, loyalty stands firm.
It’s quiet, consistent, and deeply reassuring — the rarest kind of beauty.

_{DIY: Another idea that came to life — the lamp is finally here!}