Couple 1 (⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡

"I am enough to be beautiful
But not to be captivated

I am enough to be seen
But not to be admired

I am enough to be options
But not enough to be prioritised

I am enough to be granted
But not to be cherished

I am enough to be liked
But not to be loved

I am enough to be everyone's options, but not a choice. That's what I am." I said while looking at the table about myself.

I lowered my head, only to glance up and find everyone staring at me with a mix of emotions - some pitied me, others looked sympathetic, and a few seemed worried. But I didn't want their pity, so I tried to lighten the mood, saying, ''Chill, guys, I'm just being a bit poetic.'' But before I could finish, someone appeared beside me, gently pulled me to my feet, and wrapped their arms around me in a warm hug.

I stood frozen, my arms at my sides, as the warmth of the hug enveloped me. But my heart ached to wrap itself around this comforting presence, to surrender to the tears that threatened to overwhelm me. I yearned to pour out all my emotions, to unburden myself of every sorrow and complaint. I longed to lose myself in the safety of this warm embrace. But I remained still, paralyzed by the fear that this moment, like all others, would soon pass, and everyone would leave once their duty was done.

Then, all too soon, the emptiness crept back in, and I felt its familiar ache. But this time, it was different. I didn't want it. I wanted to hold on to the warmth, the comfort, the sense of being wrapped in someone's care. Please please, just for 10 minutes. I won't be greedy after this 10 minutes . Please don't leave me so soon. My heart was screaming, but my voice was trapped inside. And then, like a whispered promise, I felt a soft, gentle kiss on my forehead. It was a tender touch that seemed to say, 'You're not alone.' and suddenly don't know why, my eyes drifted close. My heart stopped screaming, like she also got what she wanted. But I didn't want to open my eyes, to break this moment as I want to savour this moment, to feel this, to cherished it. I just stayed still there with closed eyes. And suddenly a lone tear escaped from my eyes, which I didn't want to escape from its cage.

As I stood there, paralyzed by emotion, a warm hand gently wiped away my tears. I was too overwhelmed to open my eyes, but the soft pressure of his lips on my forehead remained, as if they too were reluctant to let go. I didn't want him to pull away either, so I savored the sensation. But then, all too soon, his lips detached, leaving me feeling bereft. Yet, before I could even process the loss, his soft, gentle voice whispered against my forehead, "You are more than enough to be mine. Would you like to give us a try?"

I remained still, unable to utter a word. Slowly, I opened my eyes, and they met his hazel brown gaze. His eyes were simple yet profoundly deep, as if they could see right through to my soul. My small, fragile form was reflected in his eyes, and I saw myself through his gaze - vulnerable, exposed, and bare. The depth of his eyes seemed to hold a world of understanding, and I felt like I was drowning in their warmth.

Before I could gather my thoughts or respond, I was enveloped in another warm hug, this one from behind. It was my sunshine, wrapping me in their loving arms. The unexpected hug was like a ray of warmth, melting my fears and doubts, and filling me with a sense of comfort and belonging.

Couple 2(⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)⁠❤

"What are your true intentions with me?" I asked Avi, my gaze drifting toward the serene Ganga ghaat as he attentively wiped my feet with his towel placing my feet on his thigh.

Avi's voice was laced with a casual nonchalance, his eyes locked onto mine despite his bent position. "Nothing much," he said. "I just wanted to include you in my prayers, worship you like my own Devi Mata. I want to be your devoted follower, willing to do anything for my goddess, even if it means surrendering my life."

"But why me?" I asked, my voice heavy with emotion, as Avi's words left me stunned.

Avi's expression remained serene, his eyes shining with conviction. "Why not you?" he replied. "If there's a reason to love you, to worship you, then this isn't love for me. It's just a transaction, a payment I'm willing to make. But for me, you're the reason I believe in love, patience, and the purpose of my existence. You're the reason for my happiness, my peace."

Avi's voice took on a poetic tone. "Just gazing at your picture brings me immense peace, a sense of calm I've never found elsewhere. Seeing your smiling face surrounded by others is the greatest gift I could ask for. A single glance from you inspires me to work tirelessly for you."

He paused, his words dripping with emotion. "Aap woh uljhi hui suljhan hai, jisse mein kabhi suljhana nahin chanhuga, magar usi uljhan mein zindegi bhar bina suljhe hue rehna pasand karunga.
(You're the tangled thread that I, despite wanting to, cannot untangle. Yet, I'm willing to spend my entire life with that tangled thread, unresolved and unbroken.)
You've thought of everyone, brought happiness to all, and provided solutions to their problems. But I simply want to follow in your footsteps."

Avi's voice cracked with vulnerability. "Because, in the end, you don't need me; you don't need anyone. But a mere person like me wants you, like his life.
Kyunki aap humari poori zindegi hai.
(Because you're my everything)."

As I listened to Avi's heartfelt words, tears began to well up in my eyes. I slowly attempted to slide my feet off his thigh, but he gently yet firmly held them in place.

"Ab aap yeh bhi humse chinna chahte hai, jeene ke liye kuch toh wajah chod dijiye."
("Don't take this away from me too,") Avi whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.
("Leave me with some reason to live.")