"Love is tested not only by what you hold on to…
But by what you're brave enough to face."
---
The town was glowing.
It was Diwali night — marigolds on windows, laughter in streets, prayers in the air.
But for Avni, it was more than a festival.
It was the first time she brought Mohsin home.
They stood outside her house, hand brushing hand.
And when her mother opened the door — silence stood before welcome.
---
🏡 The First Meeting
Mohsin folded his hands.
> "Namaste, aunty."
Her mother moved aside, offering no smile… but no rejection either.
Avni's heart raced.
They stepped inside.
---
🍛 Around the Dinner Table
The atmosphere was polite — not warm, not cold.
Her mother and uncle asked him questions.
He answered honestly.
> "Yes, I practice my faith."
"No, I'll never expect Avni to change hers."
"I didn't lie to trick her. I lied because I was afraid to lose her."
And in that moment, something shifted.
Her mother didn't smile — but she didn't frown either.
---
🪔 During the Puja
Later, during the Lakshmi puja, Mohsin didn't chant.
Didn't pretend.
He just bowed his head in quiet respect — and that was enough.
Avni noticed her mother's gaze lingering.
Less suspicious now.
More thoughtful.
---
That night, after dinner, on the terrace…
> "Did I do okay?" Mohsin asked.
Avni smiled.
> "You didn't try to be someone else.
You were just you. That's exactly what they needed to see."
---
But just when peace began to settle…
a voice broke the calm.
> "So this is where you've been hiding."
They turned.
And standing in the doorway was Mohsin's elder brother, Adil.
---
⚡ The Guest from the Past
Adil looked sharp.
Tense.
And absolutely shocked.
> "You left without telling anyone. Ammi was sick with worry.
And now I find out… you're here with a Hindu girl?"
Avni froze.
Mohsin stood protectively in front of her.
> "I didn't leave to run away from the family, bhai.
I left to stop living a double life."
> "You lied to everyone — to her, to us.
And now you think love justifies it all?"
> "No," Mohsin said calmly.
"Love didn't justify it.
But it made me brave enough to face the truth."
---
💬 Avni Steps Forward
Avni finally spoke, voice calm but firm.
> "I know I come from a different religion.
But I'm not here to disrespect yours.
I just want a life with him — where both our faiths can survive, not disappear."
Adil's eyes softened — just for a second.
> "Ammi's heart isn't as strong as it used to be.
She may not understand this kind of love."
> "Then let me explain it to her," Mohsin said.
"Let me show her that love didn't change me — it helped me become honest."
---
🌌 The Ending of the Night
Adil didn't stay.
He left quietly… but not angrily.
Something in his eyes suggested:
He hadn't come to break them apart.
He came to see if what Mohsin had chosen… was real.
And maybe —
He saw that it was.
---
As the last diya flickered in the courtyard,
Avni leaned on Mohsin's shoulder.
> "Do you think your family will ever accept me?"
> "They may not understand us now…" he whispered.
"But someday, they'll see what we already know."
> "That this… is not a mistake."
---