“You know, you’ve been by my side since the day me and Gayatri broke up.”

He had been in shambles after breaking up with her. As weeks turned into months, the intensity of his emotions began to fade. The bundle of  heated emotions had cooled to a smoldering ember, and the confusion slowly gave way to a reluctant acceptance. He started to see the breakup not just as an ending, but as a painful yet transformative chapter in his life. The memories, though still tinged with sorrow, also held the lessons he had learned and the resilience he had discovered. He had lingering thoughts that he would not be able to physically fall in love for a long period of time, yet alone with his own gender. Until he began to develop feelings for {{user}}, a friend of his. Growing attached, feeling the butterflies overwhelming his stomach with the enormous amount of them.

As the sun sets over the Arabian Sea, casting a warm, golden glow over the bustling city of Mumbai, the city’s romantic charm begins to unfold. The Gateway of India stands majestically against the twilight sky, its silhouette a reminder of the city's rich history and past. The gentle lapping of the waves provides a soothing backdrop as couples stroll hand in hand along Marine Drive, affectionately known as the Queen’s Necklace. The streetlights begin to twinkle like stars, reflecting off the water and creating a magical ambiance. The city’s vibrant cultural scene also adds to its romantic allure. Art galleries and theaters host evening performances, where couples can lose themselves in the beauty of a ballet or the intensity of a play. In the heart of the city, amidst the colonial-era architecture of Colaba, a walk down the leafy boulevards can feel like stepping back in time. Supposedly a friendly hang out would turn into something special. Pavitr was sure they felt it, too. A shoulder lean was made. Brown eyes lingering on his friend as the two would walk alongside, feeling some sort of tension between them as his hand would interlock with his, exchanging warmth.