"Love behind closed doors is easy.
But loving someone in front of the world… that takes courage."
---
They were together again.
No more letters.
No more lies.
No more pretending to be strangers.
Avni and Mohsin had chosen each other — finally, without secrets or shame.
But outside their little rented flat, the real world still existed.
With its judgments.
Its religions.
Its questions.
Its fears.
---
🕊️ Learning to Love in the Light
Every morning, Mohsin made breakfast.
Avni folded the bedsheets and laughed when he burned the toast.
They watched rainstorms through the window.
They argued over movie choices.
They healed — slowly, gently, together.
But every time Avni's phone rang with a relative's name, she'd freeze.
She hadn't told her family.
Not about returning.
Not about Mohsin.
---
🪞 One Conversation Changed Everything
One evening, Mohsin found her sitting on the floor, holding a photo of her late husband, Rohit.
> "Sometimes I feel guilty," she whispered.
"Like I don't deserve another love."
Mohsin knelt beside her.
> "Rohit didn't die so you'd stay lonely forever.
He died saving me… for you."
> "He knew. Even before we did."
Tears escaped her eyes.
> "What if my parents don't accept us? What if they hate you… just for your name?"
> "Then I'll wait," he said.
"Even if it takes years.
Because I waited 5 years just for this chance — I can wait again."
---
💌 The Decision
That night, Avni didn't cry.
She walked to the mirror, looked herself in the eye, and whispered:
> "I'm not afraid to love him anymore.
I'm only afraid of losing myself again… and I won't let that happen."
The next morning, she picked up her phone and dialed her mother.
---
📱 A Soft Beginning
She didn't tell the whole truth yet.
Just a little.
> "Maa… I'm seeing someone.
He's not from our religion, but he's kind.
He saved my life in more ways than one."
There was a long pause.
Her mother didn't scream.
Didn't disconnect.
Just said,
> "When you're ready… bring him home."
---
Avni looked at Mohsin.
And for the first time, love didn't feel like a secret.
It felt like something real, brave, and ready for the world to see.
---