Some Of Bombay's Greatest Love Stories

Since branded boxes of chocolates, big bouquets of flowers and printed cards with cute messages have come to embody Valentine’s Day, the essence of what this holiday truly represents has gotten lost somewhere in the bargain between fancy dinners and expensive gifts. In an attempt to move past the clutter of corporate companies cashing in on tacky, plastic hearts, we’ve decided to try and recapture the true essence of February 14—a day dedicated to the celebration and declaration of love.

From five decade-old stories of love strengthening through political riots, to innocent budding romances ignited through stolen glances and notes passed, we’ve collected 12 beautiful stories of love as told by Humans of Bombay, including special mentions for friendship and self-love. Because it’s the littlest love stories that are really the ‘greatest.’ With one story as lovely as the next, we were reminded of the real reason we have a day like Valentine’s—because pure, unadulterated love is really worth celebrating.

A perfect mix of love and friendship. It all started with two children playing together in their building, and is now 50 years and counting.

“When we were children, we would look forward to going down in the evening and playing with our building friends. My...

Posted by Humans of Bombay on Thursday, January 28, 2016

From surviving partition riots in Sindh to building a life together in Mumbai.

“I was married at a very young age of 15. Back then we were living in Sindh when the riots broke out and we had to...
Posted by Humans of Bombay on Sunday, December 13, 2015

A house of love built in Goa, as promised.

 “My parents have always been very strict with my sister and me, so even if we had to visit friends the both of us would...

Posted by Humans of Bombay on Monday, December 7, 2015

Even at 60, the spark of romance was kept alive in little things and grand gestures.

 “We were in the same batch and class in medical college. Back then, we had these study groups, so 6-7 of us would be...

Posted by Humans of Bombay on Monday, November 23, 2015

When you work together, play together, love together.

“We work in the same firm, but she’s at a higher position than me.””And how is that working out?””It’s great...my boss gets me coffee in bed!”
Posted by Humans of Bombay on Thursday, September 3, 2015

The smallest of gestures can make you feel safe, like a hand holding yours while crossing the road.

“My husband and I had the best time after he retired. We would never be idle - we used to paint together, spend hours...
Posted by Humans of Bombay on Monday, November 16, 2015

A love message just has to be delivered, even if it’s through the umpire of a cricket match.

“I knew his friends because they were my seniors while I studied in Xaviers. He was heavily involved in cricket at the...
Posted by Humans of Bombay on Wednesday, November 4, 2015

53 years of marriage making it hard not to believe in love at first sight.

 “In those days we needed a visa to visit Goa, so I’d gone to the city of Karwar with my friends to get it. We stayed...

Posted by Humans of Bombay on Thursday, September 24, 2015

Surviving the partition of India together, with just 2 rotis and a blanket.

“I was married extremely early but thankfully my husband was my friend before anything else. We grew up together and...
Posted by Humans of Bombay on Thursday, September 17, 2015

Even a 7-year-old piece of tissue can make the best Valentine’s day present.

“We’ve always lived two lanes away from each other and started hanging out through common friends. We’d been best...
Posted by Humans of Bombay on Saturday, August 8, 2015

Special Mentions

In the spirit of all that lovin’, we have to acknowledge the strength of friendship, a different kind of special love. 

“She’s my best friend.””Why?””No reason...she just is.”
Posted by Humans of Bombay on Sunday, November 1, 2015

Going one step further, there’s no better kind of love than self-love, so this one’s dedicated to all those learning to love and respect themselves.

 “I knew when I was 16 and I was sure of it when I was around 20. I told my sisters, cousins and important friends first,...

Posted by Humans of Bombay on Saturday, July 18, 2015