Love is one of the most beautiful emotions that exists on earth. Valentine's Day, a day honoring love and lovers, is celebrated on February 14th every year. It's once again the time for people to receive special treatment from their beloved. Living in a world which moves so fast, we need to be constantly reminded of our loved ones. In fact, there are few special moments which leave behind their flavour which lingers for years to come.

When Cupid decides to strike with his bow and arrow, it is seldom off the mark; and the effects of Cupid's mischief are on display, on Valentine's Day. Cupid, in the realm of myth was a mischievous, winged child, whose arrows who would pierce the hearts of his victims causing them to fall deeply in love. In ancient Greece, he was known as Eros the young son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. To the Romans he was Cupid, and his mother Venus.

Though the Valentine's Day Festival has been heavily borrowed from the west, Indians have slowly, but surely opened their hearts to this wonderful celebration of love. With films like 'Dil to pagal hai...' and 'Mohabateein', the urge to meet a person and fall in love under a full moon night fires the imagination of the young. "It certainly would be lovely to have someone who cares for you. And what better way to express your feelings for your beloved than on Valentine's Day," says Yatin, from Thane, who was searching for a card for his girlfriend at the Archies' store in Bandra.

Women expect special treatment from their boyfirends or husbands, every Valentine's Day. Lovers, in Mumbai and around India, have begun to spend like crazy for their mates, buying cards, gifts, diamonds and taking their loved ones out on that lovely, romantic evening.

As far as women are concerned, their preparations begin a week earlier, selecting the wardrobe, buying gifts for boyfriends, contemplating about the day long affair, where to go, where to sit, where to eat, and so on. "The whole world seems so beautiful these few days. Love actually seems to be in the air. The moment you enter any gift shop, you are thrown open to a world full of love and life," blushes Minal, while looking for a gift for her husband, Prashant.

As they say those who haven't loved haven't lived. Love is nothing but companionship, the moments spent together later becomes memorable for the whole life. This is the time of year when you can't help falling in love and showing your love. We hope that this Valentine's Day serves as a reminder to live in love -- not just on this special day, but every day of the year, for all the years of our lives ! As the great bard wrote :

"Love is not love, which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove".

........William Shakespeare

By : Sharmistha Chakraborty