The Pale Glow of Longing

In a peaceful valley lived a woman named Maya and her husband, Arjun. They shared a bond of deep love and understanding. One spring, Arjun had to travel to a distant land for work, promising Maya, 'I will return before the flowers fade.' As the days passed, Maya waited by the window every evening. She ate her meals, but the joy had left her eyes. Slowly, a noticeable paleness began to wash over her face. Her skin, once glowing and bright, took on a yellowish, weary hue. Her friend, Sarah, noticed this and asked worriedly, 'Maya, you look unwell. Are you falling sick?' Maya smiled sadly and replied, 'I am not sick, Sarah. It is just that my heart misses him so much that my body is showing it. This paleness seems to sit upon my skin, proudly claiming that it was caused by my love for him.' When Arjun finally returned, he saw the change in her face and realized how much his absence had affected her. He held her close, understanding that true love leaves its mark even on one's appearance.