Life was becoming steady for Aziz and Riya.
The café had regular customers, and their home felt warm every night.
But peace never lasts long when people are looking for something to talk about.
And their neighbor — Meera, a young woman who secretly liked Aziz —
had been watching them closely.
---
🌫️ Rumors Begin
Meera often saw Aziz leave early for work and return late, while Riya managed the café alone. She noticed Riya wearing sindoor some days to avoid questions, though she wasn't married.
Slowly, her jealousy turned into bitterness.
One afternoon, Meera whispered loudly to another neighbor:
"Have you seen them? Living together without marriage. It's shameless."
Another woman nodded.
"They even run a shop together. God knows what goes on inside."
By evening, the entire lane was buzzing.
Whispers grew sharper.
Eyes lingered longer.
Customers looked uncomfortable.
A few even stopped coming to the café.
Riya felt the sting immediately.
---
🌧️ The Day Riya Broke Down
One evening, as Aziz entered the café after work, he saw Riya wiping the counter with shaky hands. Her eyes were red.
He rushed to her.
"Riya? What happened?"
She tried to smile but failed.
"They're saying terrible things, Aziz… about us. About me."
Aziz's expression hardened.
"Who?"
"Meera and the women around her. They say I'm too old for you… that we're living in sin… that I trapped you…"
Her voice cracked.
Aziz gently lifted her face.
"You didn't trap me. I came to you. I chose you."
"But society doesn't want to understand," she whispered.
Aziz held her tightly, his jaw clenched.
"Then we'll give them something they have to understand."
---
🔥 Aziz Confronts Meera
Aziz went straight to Meera's door that night.
She opened it, pretending to be innocent.
"Aziz? Oh, what a surprise."
Aziz didn't raise his voice.
"Stop talking about us. Whatever you feel about me is your problem. But you don't get to destroy Riya's dignity."
Meera's smile faded. She knew he had understood her intentions.
Aziz continued:
"She is the woman I love. And I won't let anyone hurt her."
For the first time, Meera looked ashamed.
Aziz walked away, leaving her speechless.
---
🌼 The Decision
That night, after closing the café, Aziz and Riya sat on their balcony.
Riya leaned into him, exhausted.
"How long will we keep fighting these people, Aziz?"
He wrapped his arm around her.
"We won't fight them," he said softly.
"We'll shut their mouths."
Riya looked at him, confused.
"How?"
Aziz took her hand gently.
"Riya… let's get married."
She froze.
"A-Aziz… are you sure? Marriage is a big step. And people will judge you even more because I'm older."
He smiled softly.
"Let them judge. They don't know what we have. I want you as my wife. Not because of pressure… because of love."
Tears welled in her eyes.
"Aziz… I never imagined someone would want to marry me again."
He kissed her forehead.
"I always wanted it. Now I just want it sooner."
She whispered:
"Yes."
---
🌙 A Simple, Beautiful Wedding
They didn't want drama.
They didn't want crowds.
Just truth, love, and a peaceful beginning.
💛 The Ceremony:
A small temple decorated with marigold flowers
A priest who asked no questions
One borrowed red saree for Riya
A simple kurta for Aziz
Two garlands
And their clasped hands
Riya's hands trembled as Aziz tied the mangalsutra around her neck.
He placed sindoor gently in her hairline, and she closed her eyes, overwhelmed.
The priest blessed them:
"May you protect each other from the world."
And they did.
---
🌟 Returning Home as Husband and Wife
When they returned to the café-lane as a married couple, the neighbors stared in silence.
Some were shocked.
Some embarrassed.
Some ashamed for judging too quickly.
But Aziz held Riya's hand proudly in front of everyone.
His voice was calm but firm:
"This is my wife. Respect her."
Riya felt the world lift off her shoulders.
For the first time, she felt protected — not hidden.
---
💛 Ending the Day With Love
That night, they sat together in their little home, everything quiet and peaceful.
Riya whispered:
"I never thought I'd get a second chance at life."
Aziz pulled her close, smiling softly.
"You didn't get a second chance… you created it. And I'm honored to be part of it."
The rumors had tried to break them.
Instead, they made them stronger.
And now, they were not just lovers —
they were partners, soulmates, husband and wife.