Interchanged Hearts: A Week of Unexpected Love

Ramya and Ashok sat in the therapist's office, their faces tense and anxious. Ramya looked at Ashok and said, "I hope you're not going to regret that I dragged you here." Ashok looked back at her and shook his head. "No, I think we need this. Things have been rough, but this is something new. We need to try something different."

The therapist, a kind and gentle-looking woman, smiled at them both. "Thank you for coming in today. Can you tell me a bit about what's been going on in your relationship?"

Ashok spoke up first. "In our relationship, Ramya is the angel, and I am the devil. We've been together for five years, and we've had some great times. But there have been a lot of disagreements along the way."

Ramya nodded in agreement. "I thought we were a perfect couple, but we've been arguing a lot lately. It's been going on for the last three months. We both talk, but neither of us listens."

Ashok sighed heavily. "I once met up with another girl. Ramya hasn't forgiven me for that yet. It's been a source of tension between us ever since."

Ramya looked at the therapist, a pleading look in her eyes. "We want that joy and vigor we had in the beginning to return. We want to be happy again. I'd like to build the trust in Ashok again."

The therapist nodded sympathetically. "I understand. Trust is a vital component of any relationship. It's not easy to rebuild, but it's certainly possible. Let's start by talking about your communication. What do you think could be improved?"

Ramya spoke up first, "We haven't got married yet. Ashok is afraid to take the next step, and I'm striving to relate to his fear."

Ashok nodded in agreement. "I think I'm too timid compared to her. I'm afraid if we stay together for much longer, she will reach the conclusion that I'm boring, and it'll be a good bye."

The therapist listened attentively, nodding empathetically. "I see. It's common for couples to experience fear and uncertainty when it comes to making a big commitment like marriage. Can you tell me more about why you're afraid, Ashok?"

Ashok took a deep breath before answering. "I'm afraid of making a mistake. What if we get married and it doesn't work out? What if we're not happy together in the long run? I don't want to hurt Ramya or waste her time."

Ramya reached out to hold Ashok's hand. "I understand your fear, but I don't think we should let it control us. We've been together for five years, and I know in my heart that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. But we need to work together to overcome this fear."

The therapist smiled encouragingly. "That's a great start. It's important to remember that fear is a natural part of the human experience. It's okay to feel afraid, but it's not okay to let fear hold us back from what we truly want."

"I don't want to do this for another two years or so, hoping for nothing," Ramya said, her voice heavy with emotion. "If this will help him to decide to finally be with me and start our life together, I will be really happy."

Ashok looked at her, his eyes softening with affection. "I know, Ramya. I don't want to keep you waiting any longer. I want to be with you, but I have some fears and doubts that I need to work through."

Ramya sat across from the therapist, looking apprehensive. Ashok fidgeted beside her, his eyes darting around the room. Finally, the therapist spoke. "So, how did you two meet?"

Ashok cleared his throat. "It's a bit of a funny story, really. I was riding my bike home from a dance class and I wasn't really paying attention. I accidentally rode into Ramya on the sidewalk."

Ramya rolled her eyes, but a small smile played at the corners of her mouth. "He knocked me right off my feet."

Ashok grinned. "But I managed to get her phone number before she stormed off."

The therapist chuckled. "Well, it sounds like a memorable way to meet someone."

Ramya shrugged. "It was just luck, really. But we hit it off right away. We started dating and things were amazing."

Ashok nodded. "We were like two crazy kids in love. We didn't really care about anything else except each other."

The therapist interjected, "Can you tell me more about what happened?"

Ramya took a deep breath before responding. "Well, we started having some disagreements about our future. Ashok wasn't sure if he was ready to commit, and I was getting anxious and impatient."

Ashok looked down at his hands, guilt written all over his face. "I know I was being selfish, but I just wasn't sure if I was ready to take that step. I didn't want to make a mistake and hurt Ramya."

Ramya looked at Ashok, her eyes filled with love and compassion. "I just want to be with you, Ashok. I don't need anything else. I don't need fancy cars or big houses. I just need you."

Ashok felt his heart swell with emotion. "I know, Ramya. And I want to be with you too. I just need some time to figure things out."

The therapist nodded, "It sounds like you're struggling with some deeper issues that are holding you back from making a commitment. Can you tell me more about what's going on?"

Ashok took a deep breath before responding. "I'm afraid of failing. I'm afraid of not being able to provide for Ramya, of not being a good partner, of not being able to live up to her expectations."

Ramya reached out to hold Ashok's hand. "I don't have any unrealistic expectations, Ashok. I just want to be with you and build a life together. I believe in you, and I know you can do it."

Ramya looked at Ashok with a wistful smile. "We clicked from the moment we saw each other. We thought there is no chance that anything might separate us."

Ashok nodded in agreement, his eyes glimmering with nostalgia. "Yeah, those were simpler times. But then life happened, and we had to face some tough challenges."

Ramya turned to the therapist and said, "I am an interior designer. I love creating beautiful spaces that reflect people's personalities and make them feel happy and comfortable in their own homes."

The therapist nodded and smiled. "That's wonderful. It sounds like you have a real passion for your work."

Ramya nodded eagerly. "Yes, I do. And I think that's one of the things that drew Ashok and me together. We both have a strong sense of purpose and creativity."

The therapist turned to Ashok and asked, "And what about you, Ashok? What do you do?"

Ashok replied, "I am into logistics. I work with businesses to help them streamline their supply chain and improve their operations. It's not the most glamorous job, but I find it challenging and rewarding."

The therapist nodded. "That sounds like a very important job. It's great that you're able to use your skills and expertise to help others."

The therapist listened intently as Ashok spoke about their past. "It sounds like you both used to have a lot of fun together," she said. "What changed?"

Ashok sighed. "I don't know. It's like we got so caught up in the day-to-day routine that we forgot how to have fun. We stopped making time for each other, and we started taking each other for granted."

Ramya nodded. "And then the trust issues started creeping in. It's hard to have fun with someone when you don't trust them completely."

"We want to get back to being that crazy couple," Ramya said. "The ones who live in the moment and enjoy life together. But we know we have a lot of work to do."

The therapist smiled. "It won't be easy, but I believe you can do it. Remember to communicate openly and honestly with each other, and always make time for fun and connection. With time and effort, you can build a strong and loving relationship."

Ramya shifted uncomfortably in her chair, her eyes downcast. "Ashok has always had a hard time expressing his feelings. He doesn't like to talk about them, and he's never actually said he loves me. Sometimes I don't know where we stand, and it's frustrating. I just wish he could open up and tell me what's on his mind."

The therapist listened carefully, jotting down notes on her notepad. "It's not uncommon for some people to have difficulty expressing their emotions," she said gently. "Ashok, can you tell us why it's hard for you to say 'I love you'?"

Ashok shifted in his seat, his face flushing with embarrassment. "I don't know," he mumbled. "It's just... not something I'm used to saying. But that doesn't mean I don't care about Ramya."

Ramya looked at him, her eyes softening. "I know that, Ashok. But sometimes it's hard to feel it when we never hear it."

The therapist nodded thoughtfully. "Words of affirmation are important in any relationship, and it sounds like Ramya would benefit from hearing that you love and appreciate her. Perhaps we can work on some exercises to help you express your feelings more freely."

Ashok fidgeted in his seat, avoiding Ramya's gaze. "I have to be honest with you, we had a rough patch a few months ago. We took a break from our relationship."

Ramya's face fell, but she tried to hide her disappointment. "I didn't know it was that bad," she said quietly.

Ashok sighed. "It was mostly my fault. I wasn't happy and I thought being single might be better for me. But I soon realized that I didn't want anyone else but you."

Ramya's expression softened. "I missed you too, Ashok. But we can't keep going through these ups and downs. We need to work on our communication and our trust."

The therapist nodded in agreement. "Taking a break can sometimes be helpful in gaining perspective, but it's important to address the underlying issues before getting back together."

Ashok and Ramya exchanged a solemn look. They knew they had a lot of work ahead of them, but they were determined to make their relationship stronger than ever before.

In the therapist's office, Asin and Mohit sat across from each other, both looking a bit nervous. The therapist, a kind and wise woman with a gentle voice, sat in a comfortable armchair, ready to guide them through their concerns.

"We have been dating for less than a year," Asin began, her voice soft and uncertain.

Mohit nodded in agreement. "That's right. But we have shared plans, and our families will soon unite."

The therapist leaned forward, her gaze gentle but inquisitive. "It sounds like you both have a lot of hope for your future together. What is causing you to feel nervous or uncertain?"

Asin looked down at her hands, twisting a ring on her finger. "Well, Mohit is still in my training. I am constantly training him to be my future roommate. Soon he will run like clockwork."

Mohit laughed, a warm and genuine sound. "It's true. Asin is a bit of a princess, but I knew that to be with her, I had to treat her like a princess."

The therapist smiled, nodding in understanding. "It's important to understand each other's needs and make compromises for a healthy relationship. But Asin, you mentioned feeling afraid that Mohit might not be the right person for you. Can you tell me more about that?"

Asin sighed, looking up at Mohit. "I love him, but I'm scared that maybe we're not meant to be together. What if we're not right for each other?"

Mohit took her hand, his eyes kind and reassuring. "I'm looking for a woman to spend my life with, and I have found her. I know we can make it work."

The therapist leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. "It's natural to have doubts and fears in a relationship. But it's important to communicate and work through those fears together. Asin, have you talked to Mohit about your concerns?"

Asin nodded slowly, her expression serious. "I have, and he's been great about it. But sometimes I still feel like I don't know where we stand."

The therapist smiled warmly. "That's where communication comes in. Keep talking to each other, keep sharing your fears and hopes. With time and effort, you can build a strong and lasting relationship."

Mohit squeezed Asin's hand, his eyes meeting hers with love and determination. "I'm willing to work through anything with you, Asin. Together, we can make it work."

Asin and Mohit sat on the couch in the therapy room, facing their therapist. The air was tense, as they talked about the rocky road that had led them to this point.

"We have cheated each other...fire for fire, tit for tat," Asin admitted, her voice heavy with emotion. "There have been times when he has broken my trust, and I have broken his. We have both hurt each other. But for last 2 months we have not"

Mohit nodded in agreement. "Our relationship early on was not mature," he said, taking Asin's hand in his. "But we have worked through all the worst stuff. Maybe that's why we are so in sync."

Asin playfully hit Mohit's arm, and he winced. "Ouch," he said, rubbing his arm. "Sure that hurt."

"Our relationship status is very complicated," Asin said, her expression serious. "When we started dating, he unfortunately cheated on me with his ex-girlfriend."

Mohit hung his head in shame. "I feel stupid, what can I say?" he muttered.

Asin continued, "I don't fully trust him. He is still a bit rambunctious, let's say. And that's why I cheated on him, as tit for tat, and it continued. But I still get butterflies, and I am very happy with him."

Mohit looked at Asin, a small smile on his face. "Now I am the strong one in the relationship," he said. "When we are together, it's always fun. We are both comfortable and having a good time. We don't have any strengths, but no weakness either."

Asin spoke up again. "I would like to see if I can trust him," she said, her eyes searching Mohit's face. "How lasting our relationship is, and how much we love each other. Will this turn into something really serious, or is it maybe a fleeting love?"

The therapist listened intently, nodding occasionally as Asin and Mohit spoke. "It sounds like you both have been through a lot together," the therapist said. "But you're still here, still trying to make it work. That says something."

Asin and Mohit looked at each other, their eyes locking. They both knew that the road ahead would not be easy, but they were willing to try. They were in it together.

Ramya sat nervously on the couch, glancing over at Ashok beside her. They were on their second day of therapy, and the tension between them was palpable.

The therapist spoke up, breaking the silence. "Do you have any questions for each other?" she asked.

Ramya hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "Well, I do," she said, turning to face Ashok.

Ashok shifted in his seat uncomfortably. "I do have some too, but..." he trailed off.

The therapist urged him on. "Yes?"

Ashok sighed. "We don't usually talk about things like this. We don't see the need."

Ramya looked at him with frustration. "I want to. So speak for yourself. You're the one who doesn't want to discuss this."

Ashok looked down at his lap, seemingly avoiding eye contact. The therapist's gaze flicked between them, sensing the tension.

"Well then, Ashok," she began. "During your break in your relationship with Ramya, did you have sexual contact with another woman?"

Ashok's eyes widened in surprise, but he answered honestly. "Yes."

Ramya's mouth fell open in shock. "I didn't know about that," she said quietly.

The therapist turned to her. "You didn't?"

Ashok spoke up quickly. "I mean, well, you didn't ask. There was never a question about it, so I didn't answer it."

Ramya shook her head in disbelief. "There was."

Ashok shrugged. "Well, I don't remember that."

The therapist pressed further. "You didn't feel the need to tell her?"

Ashok hesitated. "I mean, I don't know. I guess we didn't touch on that subject. We steered away from it."

The therapist's eyebrows raised in surprise. "How long was the break?"

Ramya spoke up. "Three months."

The therapist looked at her in disbelief. "Three months?"

Ramya corrected herself. "Maybe just two."

Ashok nodded. "Two."

Ramya looked hurt. "I didn't expect this from you, Ashok. I thought you were someone different. You have always told me after I caught you once that you were now disgusted by other women and that you'd never even think about it. You presented yourself as the ideal man after that."

The therapist turned to Ashok. "Why didn't you tell Ramya this?"

Ashok stumbled over his words. "Uh, maybe I wasn't fully conscious of it?"

The therapist looked confused. "Weren't fully conscious of what?"

Ashok admitted reluctantly. "It happened after a night of drinking, but I don't really drink anymore."

The therapist leaned forward. "Where did this happen?"

Ashok hesitated before answering. "On a trip."

The therapist pressed further. "What trip?"

Ashok looked uncomfortable. "A trip with my buddies."

Ramya looked at him with suspicion. "When I asked you said no."

The therapist interjected. "So you know which trip this was?"

Ramya nodded. "Yes."

The therapist turned to Ashok. "And you purposefully lied when she asked you?"

Ashok looked defensive. "No."

Ramya cut in. "What do you mean you asked so many times?"

Ashok looked confused. "About what?"

Ramya was growing more and more frustrated. "Don't play dumb."

Ashok looked uncomfortable. "Which trip do you mean?"

Ramya's eyes narrowed. "Which? There were others?"

Ashok admitted reluctantly. "There were two."

Ramya demanded, "Tell me which one."

Ashok's voice trailed off as Ramya pressed him for details about his break in their relationship. "The second one," he finally said when asked about which trip he had been on. Ramya's eyes narrowed. "Meaning what?" she demanded.

"You didn't ask about that one," Ashok said, avoiding her gaze. Ramya's heart sank. "Where was it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Delhi," Ashok replied.

The therapist spoke up, breaking the tense silence. "Does this change anything for you, Ramya?" she asked. Ramya's mind raced. "Yes," she finally said, her voice trembling. "We were in touch back then."

The therapist confirmed what Ramya had suspected. "This was just before you got back together," she said. Ashok interjected. "Not just before," he said, his voice defensive.

Ramya couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Ashok, please," she pleaded. "I thought you didn't have any secrets from me. Turns out you have something to hide." The therapist tried to defuse the situation. "You were honest with each other after you got back together," she reminded them.

The therapist then turned her attention to Ashok. "You woke up next to this girl and texted Ramya?" she asked. Ashok hesitated. "We didn't text each other when I was away," he said. Ramya cut him off. "We did," she said firmly.

Ashok finally relented. "Fine, maybe we were in touch," he said, his tone defeated. Ramya's heart sank even further. "We were," she said quietly, feeling a sense of betrayal wash over her.

The therapist got up from her chair and walked over to Ramya and Ashok, who were seated on a couch. "In my session, I do things differently, which you will get to know in the coming days," she said. "Why I do it is because most of the time, you guys don't tell us the exact things. So we check with your friends as well."

Ramya and Ashok exchanged a quick glance, wondering what the therapist was getting at. Ramya felt a pang of anxiety in her chest, unsure of what was about to come next.

"So, in one of our questions with Ashok's friends, they told me that you are in a relationship with Ashok for money," the therapist continued, her voice steady.

Ramya's eyes widened in shock, and she felt her face grow hot with anger. "No," she protested. "What? Please..."

Ashok nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on the therapist. "You know, I had my doubts. I really wondered if that might be the reason why Ramya was putting so much pressure on us to get back together. Like, what really motivated her to push so hard for reconciliation?"

The therapist raised an eyebrow, looking back and forth between the couple. "Where did your friends get this idea?" she asked.

Ramya rolled her eyes. "They're just jealous because they don't have money," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "This question is so absurd. I fell in love with him 5 years back when he had no money. How many times was I the one who paid on dates?"

Ashok nodded, his eyes softening. "Right now, I have no doubts," he said, reaching over to take Ramya's hand.

"But why did you have doubts in the first place?" Ramya demanded, pulling her hand away. "Right now, I really feel disrespected."

The therapist leaned forward, her eyes locked on Ramya's. "It's natural to have doubts, especially when you hear something like that," she said. "But what's important is that you communicate with each other and work through those doubts together."

Ramya took a deep breath, feeling her anger begin to fade. "I just can't believe that someone would think something like that about me," she said softly, her eyes fixed on Ashok's.

Ashok nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "I know," he said. "But you have to remember that we know the truth. We know how we feel about each other, and that's all that matters."

As Asin and Mohit sat in front of the therapist, she asked Asin a question that made Mohit sit up straighter.

"Did you date other guys during your relationship in the last two months with Mohit?" the therapist asked, looking at Asin.

Asin hesitated for a moment before answering, "Yes."

Mohit's expression changed, and he looked at Asin in disbelief. "Bravo..what else can I say?" he said sarcastically.

Asin quickly defended herself, "Come on, it was only coffee and a stroll. So don't blow this up."

"But why?" Mohit asked, trying to understand.

"There was a point when I didn't feel good around you, and I needed someone," Asin replied. "You don't always listen to me, and I needed someone who was more empathetic towards me. There was betrayal in our relationship, and that was hard for me. And there were rough patches. Maybe I needed to get back at you, however that may sound."

Mohit sighed and shook his head. "Cool," he said. "I am a bit vindictive. I wanted to even out the score. But I am sorry; I don't feel good about it. I shouldn't do things like that."

"Now I don't know if you are the bad guy or me?" Mohit said, his tone full of frustration. "Honestly, it's hard to accept. I thought we had an honest relationship, and it turns out we don't. So, wow, this is brutal honestly. It changes how I look at you right now. Seriously, we agreed to an honest relationship after whatever happened, and this one isn't."

"And you are honest with me?" Asin countered.

"Well, yeah, after hesitating," Mohit admitted.

"OK, if you say so, I think a bit differently," Asin said, her tone slightly softer

The therapist leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Mohit. "Are you still in touch with your ex-girlfriend who Asin doesn't know about?"

Mohit hesitated for a moment before answering. "No," he finally said, but the therapist was not satisfied. "We do a background check, remember?" she reminded him.

Mohit furrowed his brow, thinking hard. "Okay, yes," he admitted reluctantly. Asin's face darkened. "You're such a hypocrite," she spat. "That's the ex you actually cheated on me with."

The therapist's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Oh," she said softly, recognizing the gravity of the situation. Mohit tried to explain himself, his words tumbling out in a jumbled mess. "You know everything," he said. "Like when I met up with her."

Asin's eyes widened. "You meet up with her?" she asked incredulously. Mohit backtracked, trying to make it sound like it was all innocent. "For example, I met up with her at a show," he said. "Or when we see each other at a sauna."

Asin shook her head in disbelief. "You cheated on me by accident?" she asked. Mohit tried to defend himself, but he only seemed to be digging himself deeper into a hole. "It was a chance encounter," he protested. "I don't mean it like that. We always ran into each other by chance."

Asin's face twisted in anger. "You're making it worse for yourself," she said coldly. Mohit slumped back in his chair, looking like he knew he was in trouble.

The couples arrived at the therapist's office, wondering what the session had in store for them today. As they sat down, the therapist began, "I have a new therapy technique that I think will help you all. For the next week, I want to switch things up. You will not be talking to your original partner. Instead, Asin, you will be staying with Ashok for one week, and Mohit, you will be staying with Ramya."

The couples were taken aback, unsure of what the therapist was trying to accomplish. "Why are we doing this?" asked Asin, feeling skeptical.

"I believe that in strong relationships, honesty and trust are crucial," the therapist replied. "By switching partners, you will learn to trust and communicate with someone new. It's not going to be easy, but it's worth a try."

Mohit was hesitant, "But what if we don't like it? We don't want to risk our relationship for an experiment."

The therapist smiled and replied, "I understand your concerns, but sometimes, the best way to strengthen a relationship is to take a risk. You can always come back to your original partner after the week is over. Besides, this will give you a chance to see things from a different perspective."

Asin and Mohit exchanged worried glances, but they knew the therapist was right. They both agreed to try the experiment and see where it took them.

As the day wore on, Mohit and Asin couldn't help but feel uneasy about the impending separation. 

"I don't want to leave you this way," Mohit said to Asin. "But everything's okay," she reassured him.

"Do you promise?" Mohit asked, searching for some sign of hesitation on Asin's face. 

"Yes, but the very idea that I may not be able to speak with you is terrible," Asin admitted. The thought of being away from each other for a week filled them with apprehension.

Meanwhile, Ashok and Ramya were also preparing to switch partners for a week.

 "We will talk when we have the opportunity," Ashok told Ramya, trying to remain composed.

"Come on, I wasn't going to cry," Ramya said, trying to hide her own anxiety about the situation.

 As the time to switch partners drew closer, Asin and Mohit exchanged a few more words.

"Have fun," Asin said to Mohit.

 "Will you have fun?" he asked. 

"More than you," Asin replied confidently. 

"Yeah? You're sure about that?" Mohit challenged her. 

"Yeah," Asin said with a smile. 

"We'll see., replied Mohit"

Day 1

Asin and Ashok sat across from each other in the living room, sipping tea and chatting about their respective relationships. Asin opened up about the issues she was having with Mohit and how he always avoided talking about their problems.

"He deals with them internally," Asin said, frustration evident in her voice. "But I want to get everything out in the open, and it just leads to more fighting because he doesn't want to talk."

Ashok nodded sympathetically. "I get it. Communication is key in any relationship, but not everyone is comfortable with confrontation."

Asin sighed. "I just wish he would keep an open mind and try to work through our problems together."

Curious about Ashok's relationship with Ramya, Asin asked, "How long have you been together?"

"We've been together for five years," Ashok replied, a small smile playing on his lips. "We actually had a three-month break at one point, but then we started living together right after that."

Asin raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Living together after a break? That's bold."

Ashok chuckled. "We wanted to try something different. We weren't officially together, but we started sharing a place because I wanted to move out of my parents' house and start my adult life. And things just fell back into place between us."

Asin nodded thoughtfully, taking a sip of her tea. "I guess it's true what they say - absence makes the heart grow fonder."

Meanwhile, Mohit and Ramya were settling into their new living arrangements for the week. Mohit felt a little uneasy being away from Asin, but he was determined to make the best of it.

"So, what do you like to do for fun?" Mohit asked Ramya, trying to break the awkward silence that had settled between them.

Ramya smiled warmly. "I like to read, watch movies, and cook. What about you?"

"I like to play sports, listen to music, and explore new places," Mohit replied, feeling more at ease now that they were talking.

Ramya nodded, impressed. "You sound adventurous."

"I try to be," Mohit said with a grin. "Life's too short to play it safe all the time."

As they chatted more, Mohit found himself enjoying Ramya's company and forgetting about his worries for a while. Maybe this week wouldn't be so bad after all.

As Mohit and Ramya continued their conversation, Ramya expressed her thoughts on unrequited love, "I think that the worst thing is when one person loves, and the other one does nothing because they are being loved." Mohit nodded in agreement, "Yeah, exactly."

Ramya then added, "It's important to find someone who shares the same values and goals as you. That's the key to a successful relationship." Mohit smiled and replied, "Have you noticed that we have the same notions about life?"

Ramya nodded, "Yeah, it's really interesting. It's like we are on the same wavelength." Mohit agreed, "Cool right? I think we are the right people in the right place." The two continued to talk and get to know each other better, enjoying the easy and comfortable conversation they were having.

Ramya and Mohit continued their conversation, sitting at the bar with their drinks in hand. Ramya looked at Mohit curiously and asked, "Are you happy with her?"

Mohit took a sip of his drink before responding confidently, "Of course. With this woman, I've put my well-being first. I feel fucking amazing when I'm with her...and it's magical."

Ramya laughed and teased, "I get the feeling that you may have an altar with her picture."

Mohit chuckled, "No, not quite. But I do adore her."

Ramya's expression turned serious as she looked at Mohit intently. "But something's wrong, I can tell. If not, we wouldn't be here."

Mohit shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I'm conflicted, and I kind of don't know, you know?"

Ramya nodded understandingly. "Let's have a drink...okay?"

"Sure," Mohit agreed, grateful for the distraction from their heavy conversation. They continued chatting, discussing everything from their shared interests to their personal struggles, and the drinks flowed freely.

Asin and Ashok sat comfortably on the couch, both feeling more at ease with each other after their earlier conversation about their relationships.

"I think a lot is going to change after this. Emotionally for sure," Ashok said, breaking the silence.

"But only for the better, right?" Asin replied, looking at him with a small smile.

Ashok nodded. "Yeah, only for the better."

Asin could sense that Ashok was feeling uncertain about his relationship with Ramya, so she prodded him. "Does this reassure you that Ramya is the one?"

"It hasn't reassured me yet," Ashok admitted. "But I know it will definitely help. If we survive this, it will definitely help."

Asin nodded in agreement. She could tell that Ashok was starting to open up to her more, and she felt grateful for the chance to get to know him better.

"If I see that a certain relationship could be something more, I often don't think rationally and just follow my emotions," Asin said, trying to offer some advice. "And on one hand, it's good, but on the other hand, you know..."

"It just has to have that something, right?" Ashok said, finishing her sentence.

Asin smiled at him. "That something. You can see it right away."

"Or it has to be the right time," Ashok added. "A look or something, and you just know."

Asin nodded, feeling a sense of understanding between them. She knew that building a strong relationship was never easy, but she was hopeful that this experience would bring her closer to Mohit.

Ramya expressed her thoughts to Mohit about her relationship with Asin. "What you need most is trust," she said, "because of past infidelities on both sides. You guys should get to a point where there are no more lies." Mohit nodded in agreement. "I understand," he said. "I will work on being more open and honest with her."

Ramya continued about Ashok, "What I like about him is he is super protective, and what I like the least is he is super intense. I like to be on my own. I am a free spirit." She took a sip of her drink and continued, "What I don't like is when I have to go out and I have to text him everything I do. And he says it's not a big deal to send a WhatsApp, and I respond, yeah, but if you are out and you have to be on your phone..."

Asin sat across from Ashok, her mind reeling with worry. She knew she needed to talk to someone, to get her thoughts out into the open, and Ashok was the only person she could trust. She took a deep breath and began to speak.

"When I want to be alone with somebody, it doesn't feel fair to Mohit," she said. "You don't know how it is between us. I'm scared of Mohit's reactions after this, because they've been terrible before."

Ashok listened intently, nodding his head in understanding. "You seemed like a really great pair," he said. "I thought 'fucking incredible,' you know?"

"In general, we are," Asin replied. "It's just that in situations like this, I'm scared. He's definitely the jealous type. It stems from demons in our past. It's tough, I'm not gonna lie."

"You shouldn't be afraid of him," Ashok said firmly. "That's not what a fucking relationship is about."

"I know," Asin said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You know what I mean," Ashok continued. "I don't think this should happen in any partnership. Now I'm worried for you."

Asin nodded, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. She knew that Ashok was right, but it was hard to break free from the patterns of the past. She wanted to believe that things could be different between her and Mohit, that they could overcome their demons and be happy together.

Mohit leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Ramya. "Do you miss Ashok?" he asked.

Ramya nodded, her eyes softening. "Definitely," she replied.

Mohit raised an eyebrow. "First time without contact?"

Ramya nodded again, a hint of sadness in her voice. "Mm-hmm," she said. Then she turned the question back to him. "But you're chill, right? You don't miss Asin?"

Mohit paused for a moment, considering. "I'll likely surprise you with my answer," he said.

Ramya shook her head, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "No, not at all," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Mohit chuckled. "Actually, I don't miss her at all," he said, watching Ramya's reaction closely.

Ramya's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?" she asked, her tone incredulous.

Mohit nodded, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I'm just so happy when I'm with you," he said, reaching out to take her hand in his. "I don't feel like I'm missing anything."

Ramya spoke up, "Please stop flirting. We barely even know each other."

Mohit laughed awkwardly, realizing he had let his guard down a bit too much. "Sorry, I didn't mean to come on so strong. I just feel like we have this connection, you know?" he said, trying to backtrack.

Asin opened up to Ashok, feeling vulnerable and unsure about her relationship with Mohit. "For the last 4 months things haven't been good between us," she confided. "I don't like these situations because I'm afraid it will get physical, you know? Our relationship is amazing until something goes wrong."

Ashok listened intently, a concerned look on his face. "It can't be amazing if this is how you're feeling," he said gently.

Asin let out a sigh. "You know, it's just...," she trailed off, not sure how to express herself.

"I hear you," Ashok said. "I can tell your trust with guys is either hanging by a very thin thread or it was."

Asin nodded in agreement. "We've been through many situations like this," she admitted, her voice tinged with sadness.

Day 2:

Asin and Ashok moved around the kitchen with ease, each grabbing ingredients and utensils as needed. As they worked together to prepare breakfast, the conversation turned to a topic that had been on Asin's mind for a while.

"So, what should we make first?" Asin asked, looking over at Ashok as they stood side-by-side at the stove.

"Let's start with some masala chai. And then, we can make some dosas and chutney," Ashok replied, pouring water into a pot and setting it on the stove to boil.

As they waited for the water to heat up, Asin mustered the courage to ask a question that had been on her mind for a while. "Hey, can I ask you something?" she said tentatively.

"Sure, go ahead," Ashok said, turning to face her with a curious expression.

"Why don't you want to get married?" Asin asked, feeling a bit nervous.

Ashok paused for a moment, considering his response. "Marriage is not something I think about. It's not a priority for me," he finally said.

"I understand," Asin replied. "But do you never think about it?"

"Honestly, no," Ashok said. "I'm not against the idea, but it's just not essential for me."

Asin nodded slowly. "Yeah, I know what you mean. I'm not really sure if I want to get married either."

"Really? Why not?" Ashok asked, his eyebrows raised in surprise.

"I guess it just scares me," Asin admitted. "The idea of wearing a ring and calling someone my husband, it troubles me and stresses me out."

"I get it," Ashok said, nodding in understanding. "It's a big commitment, and not something to take lightly."

As they continued to cook together, the conversation turned to other topics, but Asin couldn't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, she had found someone who understood her fears and uncertainties about marriage. It was a small comfort, but it was enough to make her feel a bit less alone in her thoughts.

Mohit walked into the kitchen and noticed Ramya sitting at the table. He went to the coffee machine and started making himself a cup of coffee. Ramya looked up and greeted him.

"Hi," she said.

Mohit turned around and smiled. "Hey there. How are you doing?"

"I was waiting for you so we could have breakfast," he continued.

"Great," Ramya replied, sounding a bit unsure.

"How are you holding up?" Mohit asked, concern etched on his face. "I know it's the first time you're living with a stranger in an apartment. It must be hard."

Ramya let out a sigh. "To be honest, I was up all night."

"Oh, that sucks," Mohit sympathized.

"It does," Ramya said, looking down at the table.

"It takes time to get used to new things," Mohit reassured her. "You'll feel better in a couple of days."

"Yeah," Ramya replied, still sounding unsure.

"For me, it's easy, but it's a big change for you," Mohit continued. "It's only the first day. You haven't seen anything yet."

Ramya looked up at him and managed a small smile. "Thanks, Mohit. That means a lot."

"Anytime," Mohit said, smiling back at her. "Now, let's eat some breakfast!"

Asin and Ashok were dancing while cleaning their apartment. The music was blasting from the speakers, and they were both in high spirits, enjoying the activity. Asin was impressed with Ashok's moves and asked to see more. They laughed and twirled around each other, feeling the energy and excitement.

Asin commented, "I like cleaning together."

Ashok replied, "It's so much better doing it together. I'm having so much fun."

They continued their cleaning dance routine, and Asin remarked, "I'm not used to someone cleaning up. Mohit used to do the vacuum cleaner twice a year. I don't think he knows where the sponges are."

Ashok chuckled, "He's more like a roommate than a partner."

Asin nodded, "He lives the good life."

Ashok shared, "I like to keep things clean."

Asin replied, "That's nice."

Asin then opened up to Ashok, "I would like to be less like a mom with Mohit, telling him what to do all the time. It's not just the cleaning. If he has an appointment, I'm the one reminding him. I want him to realize that he has to do his own chores and let my brain rest a bit."

Ashok empathized, "I understand. When Ramya gets home, it's always tidy."

Asin asked, "Does Ramya clean up from time to time?"

Ashok responded, "Yeah, sometimes. It's not her thing, but I'm happy. I didn't expect this. I didn't think you were as methodical as me."

Ramya and Mohit sat across from each other at a fancy restaurant, their first dinner together outside their apartment. The aroma of delicious food filled the air, and Ramya couldn't wait to dig in.

"It looks so good, I don't know where to start. What should I eat? You've ordered so much," she said with a smile.

"Let's dig in," Mohit replied, already swallowing his first bite.

Ramya watched him and then asked, "When you go to a restaurant, how does it work? Who chooses?"

Mohit pointed towards himself and said, "I book the table to make her happy. We go to the restaurant once, twice, or even three times a week."

Ramya raised her eyebrows. "Per week?"

Mohit chuckled. "Yeah."

Ramya realized they were both homebodies. "I don't leave the house that much," she admitted.

Mohit was curious. "Really? Does he get home late every night?"

"I wanted to ask you about that. Let's say you get off work at 10:00 pm, does Asin wait for you for dinner?" Ramya asked.

"No, she can't wait until 10 pm," Mohit said.

"That's what I do," Ramya said.

Mohit was impressed. "Normally, she wouldn't. That's really nice of you."

"The problem is that when we eat, he's often on his phone," Ramya said, frowning.

Mohit shook his head. "Oof."

"It's hard for us to talk," Ramya said. "That's why I don't like waiting for him."

"That's shocking. It's a bit sad. A cell phone can hurt a relationship," Mohit said.

"I totally agree," Ramya said. "What's more important? Friends and clients or his girlfriend?"

The clinking of silverware and glasses filled the restaurant as Mohit and Ramya enjoyed their dinner together. Mohit took a sip of water and cleared his throat.

"Balancing work and time at home is crucial, Ramya. Ashok could give you all the affection you need if he prioritizes it," Mohit said, looking at her intently.

Ramya's eyes flickered with annoyance. "So what?" she asked, setting her fork down.

"Isn't that what you're looking for?" Mohit continued, leaning in closer.

Ramya sighed. "Yes, but I chose Ashok as my partner. He has his flaws, but so do I. We have to work with them," she explained.

Mohit raised an eyebrow. "But you want things to change, right?"

Ramya nodded. "Yeah, sure, I want things to change, but this is a daily habit," she said, picking up her water glass.

"What happens every day?" Mohit asked, concerned.

"When he comes home, he's on his phone," Ramya replied, looking down at her lap.

Mohit's expression softened. "I didn't know things were that bad," he said sympathetically.

Ramya gave a small shrug. "It's pretty much the norm for us now," she admitted, feeling a sense of defeat.

Ashok opened the door and greeted Asin with a warm smile. "Hey there," he said. Asin returned the greeting and stepped into the apartment, a tiny dog in her arms. "I brought Daisy with me," she said, holding up the little dog for Ashok to see.

"A little dog... it's tiny," Ashok observed.

"Yeah, she is small. I decided to adopt a dog with Mohit," Asin explained. "She's basically my little baby. It's a kind of commitment. It shows Mohit that I really want to be with him, and we don't need other commitments like marriage or children."

Ashok smiled as Asin set Daisy down on the floor. "She likes you," Asin said, smiling.

"Really?" Ashok asked, surprised.

"Yes, she does," Asin replied.

"Can I feed her?" Ashok asked.

"Please do," Asin said, handing Ashok a small bowl of dog food.

"Like this?" Ashok asked, scooping some food into the bowl.

"Perfectly," Asin said, watching as Daisy eagerly began to eat.

"Are there portions, or does she eat what I serve?" Ashok asked.

"I think that's enough," Asin said, nodding towards the bowl.

"There you go, Daisy. Enjoy and settle in," Ashok said, watching as the little dog happily ate her meal.

Asin called out to the dog, "Daisy!" The little dog turned her head and looked up at her. "She listens to you?" Ashok asked, amused.

"Yeah," Asin said, smiling. "Watch this. Daisy, sit." The little dog obediently sat down, much to Ashok's surprise.

"You see that? Hard work," Asin said, laughing.

"Stand up," Ashok commanded, but the little dog remained seated.

"That won't work," Asin said, shaking her head.

Day 3

Ashok and Asin sat together in the quiet of the spa, their conversation drifting from topic to topic until Ashok noticed the tattoo on Asin's arm.

"Why this tattoo?" Ashok asked, gesturing towards the ink. "What does it mean?"

Asin hesitated for a moment before responding. "It's for my mom," she said quietly. "We grew apart when I was young, around 12 years old. There was a sort of break, and we never really recovered from it."

Ashok listened attentively, sensing there was more to the story. "Were you ever close?" he asked.

Asin shook her head. "There wasn't much affection left, so I closed myself off to be alone."

Ashok pondered her words for a moment. "But would you change that?" he asked. "Would you want to be closer to your mom?"

Asin thought for a moment before answering. "No," she finally said. "I've accepted it and moved on."

Ashok leaned back in his chair and regarded Asin thoughtfully. "You know, I sense that you don't necessarily like being loved," he said. "Have you thought about that?"

Asin nodded, her expression pensive. "Of course," she said. "I want to be more expressive, more open, but I feel blocked."

Ashok nodded in understanding. "I've been working on that myself," he said. "I've realized that I only do things that are useful for me, and I've known for months that if I don't change, she'll leave me. I don't even know how she managed to stay with me for so long, to be honest. I'm thankful for this experience, it's been really helpful."

Mohit and Ramya were having a chat at a nearby coffee shop. Mohit looked troubled as he spoke.

"You want to go to the US?" asked Ramya, confused.

"Yeah, for a long time. It's been my dream since I was a kid," Mohit replied.

Ramya took a sip of her coffee and looked at him. "How do you feel about Asin not wanting to go with you?"

"It bothers me to realize that I have to choose between love or my childhood dream, which is linked to my career," he replied, sighing.

"How will you do it? You will have to make a decision," Ramya said.

"I feel we have reached the end of the relationship as it is. Now it's time to decide, a crossroads," Mohit said, looking down at the table.

Ramya placed her hand over his. "Could you leave her?" she asked.

"That's why I put myself in this situation, in this experience, to force myself to make a decision. I am doing this so we are able to choose. I may regret losing my girlfriend, but I won't regret why I did it," Mohit replied.

Ramya nodded, understanding his dilemma. "Okay," she said softly.

"And to have peace of mind because it was life, it was fate we had no other option," he added.

"I think you guys need to sort out your priorities," Ramya said, trying to console him.

Mohit took a deep breath, knowing that it was time for him to make a choice. It was a difficult decision, but he knew he had to do what was best for him and his career.

Ashok had taken Asin to his house in his native place, and they were joined by his friends. They all raised their glasses for a toast, "To friendship!"

One of his friends asked, "So what's the goal for the week?"

Ashok replied, "The goal is to find trust and to stay together. It's either a yes or a no to marriage and togetherness."

His lady friend questioned him, "But why don't you want to get married?"

Ashok explained, "First of all, commitment, money..."

Asin interrupted, "Money? How so? You can spend so much on your car, but not on marriage?"

Ashok sighed and admitted, "Exactly, fair enough. You can call me a hypocrite."

Asking his married friends, "You guys are married, right? You guys are getting comfortable?"

His lady friend responded, "Not at all. It's not just a routine. It will only strengthen your bond."

Ashok argued, "Or destroy it."

Another friend chimed in, "Not at all. Marriage can be a beautiful thing."

Asin added, "I don't get it. You're always so positive, so why don't you apply it to your relationship? And you have a real example here of a healthy marriage."

Asin was sitting with Ashok's friends in the living room while he was busy in the kitchen. She opened up about her concerns regarding Ashok's fear of commitment.

"I have the impression there is a fear of commitment..maybe related to his family or his past," she said.

Manoj, one of Ashok's friends, chimed in, "His parents are divorced. Maybe that plays a part."

His lady friend nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's related."

Asin continued, "Because what happens if Ramya wants kids? She won't wait for five or ten years for him to tell her he still doesn't want children. And she will be in her mid-30s. What's she going to do?"

Ashok's other friend Vinu joined the conversation, "I could see him getting married more than having children."

His lady friend added, "Me too."

Mohit and Ramya were on a shopping spree, looking at clothes, bags, and shoes. Mohit asked, "Are you more into bags, clothes, or shoes?"

Ramya replied, "All of them."

Mohit then saw a bag that Ramya was holding and said, "This is nice."

Ramya said, "I like tiny bags."

Ashok, who was also with them, showed another bag and said, "This is nice too. I'm going to give you a makeover."

Ramya agreed, and Mohit started showing her some clothes. "You should try this on. Is it your size?" he asked.

Ramya went into the trial room, and after a while, she called out to Mohit, "Hey, Mohit, look at me!" She came out of the room wearing a new dress.

Mohit exclaimed, "Magnificent!"

Ramya said, "The heels are a bit high."

Mohit responded, "You look like a bride."

Ramya asked, "Like an angel?"

Mohit then asked her, "Would you marry me?"

Ramya laughed and replied, "No, I would rather have Ashok kneel."

Ramya then asked Mohit, "Do you often go shopping with Asin?"

Mohit replied, "We go shopping all the time. One day, a sales assistant was flirting with me."

Ramya asked, "Really?"

Mohit continued, "Yes, very insistent. She was saying things to me, and I was saying no. We left, then went back. Asin lost her temper, and we had to leave for good."

Ramya said, "I would have lost my temper too."

Mohit said, "It's normal."

Ramya then said, "I would tell Ashok we are leaving."

As they continued shopping, Ramya opened up to Mohit about her insecurities in past relationships. "Whenever he went out, I would send him messages," she admitted. "I would go through his things, and if a girl was talking to him, it was a catastrophe. It was impossible for me to trust him fully."

Ashok and Asin sat across from Asin's father at a quaint restaurant, enjoying a quiet dinner together. Asin was hesitant to leave her family behind and start a new life elsewhere.

"My family keeps me here. I don't see myself leaving Bangalore," Asin said.

"But you have to spread your wings," her father replied. "You can't stay with us forever."

"What if I could?" Asin asked.

"You always have to try things in life, otherwise you'll have regrets and remorse," her father said. "Please don't do that."

Ashok chimed in, "Should she try to go and live abroad with Mohit?"

Her father paused for a moment before responding, "You should try to live your own life."

Ashok teased, "Listen to Dad, the voice of reason."

Her father smiled, "Don't limit yourself, Asin. You forget that we are mere visitors. We come and we leave."

Asin looked conflicted, "Yeah, but no..."

The conversation continued throughout dinner, with Asin and her father discussing the pros and cons of leaving home and starting anew.

Day 4

Asin barged into the apartment where Mohit and Ramya were staying, accompanied by Ashok. Her expression was steely, and her eyes flashed with anger. Mohit, Ramya, and Mohit's friends had been at a party a few days ago, and Mohit had kissed a girl there. Asin had found out from Mohit's friend and had come to confront him.

Asin demanded, "I know. Face me in front of everyone."

Mohit hesitated, looking down at the floor. "Well, I just…"

Asin interrupted him, "He kissed that girl and now sends DMs." She turned to Ashok, "I checked his Instagram."

Mohit's face twisted into a look of disbelief. "There were no DMs… stop."

Asin was incredulous. "You are joking."

Mohit tried to calm her down. "You are making a scene."

Asin shot back, "A scene? I am making a scene, really?"

Mohit stood up, getting defensive. "There were no DMs at all."

Asin's anger flared up, "There were not… what is this then? Come on, admit it… grow a pair." She shoved her phone in Mohit's face, revealing the intense chatting between Mohit and the girl he had kissed.

Asin seethed, "Are you fucking kidding me? I mean it. It's no bullshit. It's over. We are over."

Mohit tried to reason with her, "No, it's not. We talked about it."

But Asin was unforgiving, "It's over."

Mohit relented, "Okay, what do you want me to say?"

Asin's voice dripped with sarcasm, "Now that you are single, are you happy?"

Mohit looked defeated, "We talked about it."

Asin was unyielding, "No, you are a liar. You didn't tell me everything."

Ramya had been feeling increasingly frustrated with Mohit's behavior, and it all came to a head when Asin stormed into their living space. "I have been covering for you, Mohit, but now I am starting to get really upset," Ramya exclaimed, clearly agitated. Asin interjected, "You were covering for him, but apparently he was not."

Ramya turned to Asin, pleadingly, "Go on." Asin continued, "Mohit snitched on you...apparently, you were receptive to what he was doing. Not only were you receptive, but you made it clear to him that if you were single, you would be interested. It's clear even Ashok knows about it now."

Ramya was taken aback, "Come on, we just got along. Nothing happened. This is crazy. You are children! You can't fathom two people just getting along. Even physically, I don't like him. I told him he is not my type. You can see it's not like that," she gestured towards Ashok's body.

Mohit remained silent, and Ramya turned to him, "I won't talk now because I am getting mad. Say it, Mohit."

Mohit finally spoke up, "It's not a big deal. That night we got up to get a bottle of beer, and Ramya said, 'You like to tease me to play a little bit. If you wanna play, do it all the way...'"

Ramya interrupted him, "It wasn't like that, you're crazy! I said you're playing a lot with me, but I also said playing this game is useless. It'll get you nowhere."

Ramya was seething with anger as she faced Mohit and Asin. "What annoys me is that only certain words were kept and what I said was taken out of context...that makes me mad," she declared, her frustration evident in her voice.

Mohit tried to explain, "I answered because she said something..."

Ramya cut him off, "I didn't say it like that Mohit...we got along really well you and me but I didn't try to seduce you."

Mohit interjected, "No, you didn't. Come on, let's put it in context."

Asin urged Mohit to speak his mind. "Then say what you have to say."

Mohit clarified, "I'm not saying you said anything crazy. There was a game of seduction, I played it a bit. And I know when someone is receptive and when they are not."

Ramya insisted, "I didn't want to be blunt that night, but you never gave me..."

Mohit interrupted her, "Didn't want to be blunt?...Admit you didn't want it to stop at all."

Ramya felt her blood boil. "Because we got along so well, I didn't want to get tense or awkward when we did something together."

Mohit called her out, "Bullshit Ramya, come on...Just admit it, and I will leave you alone."

Ramya was livid. "If I really wanted to play, I would have."

Asin, who had been listening to the exchange, couldn't take it anymore. "It's pissing me off you are all fake," she exclaimed before storming out of the room.

Asin was back in her hometown of Alappuzha, a beautiful place that always made her feel at peace. She had been away from it for so long, spending her time in the hustle and bustle of the city, dealing with her own personal turmoil. But now, she was back, and she felt like she could finally breathe again.

As she was enjoying the beauty of her hometown, she received an unexpected visitor. It was Ashok, her experiment partner. They hadn't seen each other in a while, but it was as if no time had passed at all.

"Wow, it's so beautiful here," Ashok remarked as they walked along the river. Asin smiled, feeling proud of her hometown.

"I'm so happy to see you again," Ashok continued. "You're like my protege, and I like you."

Asin couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in Ashok's presence. He had been her rock during some of the most difficult moments in her life. As they continued their walk, Ashok picked a flower and handed it to Asin.

"Make a wish," he said.

Asin hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to wish for. But as she closed her eyes and blew the petals off the flower, she knew exactly what she wanted.

"If only it were that easy," Ashok said, noticing the sadness in her eyes.

"You wish I could forgive Mohit," Asin stated.

"If you can't forgive him, then you don't have to," Ashok replied. "But maybe this is a sign. Either way, this is only making you want to recharge. You need to put yourself first and think with a clear head."

Asin nodded, knowing that Ashok was right. She couldn't keep living in a constant state of emotional turmoil.

"I did what I had to for you to be okay and feel strong," Ashok said. "He took you for granted, and that's the issue. You don't exist in that relationship."

Asin knew that Ashok was speaking the truth. She couldn't keep making excuses for Mohit's behavior. It was time to face the reality of the situation.

"If he keeps this up, it's impossible," Asin said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We don't feel the same. It's too hard to handle. I can't keep saying okay, fine, you cheated, but it's not that bad. It's not the end of the world."

Ashok listened intently, knowing that this was a difficult decision for Asin to make. He didn't want to influence her choice or force her to do something. He just wanted her to make the right decision for herself.

"I won't try to influence your choice or force you to do something," Ashok said. "Just please make the right decision."

Asin nodded, feeling grateful for Ashok's support. She had gone through every emotion with him, and she knew that he would be there for her no matter what she decided.

"Anyways, I will always be there for you, no matter what you decide," Ashok said. "Your Ashok will be there for you."

Asin smiled, feeling a sense of comfort in Ashok's words. She knew that she had a difficult decision to make, but with Ashok by her side, she felt like she could handle anything.

Mohit sat anxiously on the couch in his living room, waiting for his father's arrival. He had been expecting him for a while, and when the doorbell finally rang, Mohit jumped up to answer it.

"Hey champ, how are you dad?" Mohit greeted his father with a hug.

"It's been a while," his father replied, returning the embrace.

"How's it going? Do you want coffee?" Mohit offered.

"Good, a big one," his father replied with a smile.

Mohit made them both coffee and they sat at the table, sipping their drinks. After a few moments of small talk, Mohit finally spoke up.

"The issue is I screwed up. I kissed another girl, and I want to know if it's normal or if I have to fight against myself forever. What should I do?" Mohit asked, looking at his father for advice.

His father took a deep breath and replied, "Well, it's the same for me."

"That's why I'm telling you. I know you'll never judge me, and also you'll try to give me the best advice. No one on earth is more like me than you, you know. So, I needed your opinion," Mohit explained.

"I would say that you should definitely fight. Fight your demons," his father advised.

Mohit nodded, taking in his father's words.

"I made a mistake with your mom, and I paid for it," his father continued. "I think you should really make an effort. Go back to therapy or somewhere else if that's not where you want to go."

"I would like it to work," Mohit admitted. "And the real question is, am I ready to spend the rest of my life with her being faithful?"

"Yes," his father replied firmly.

"You think so?" Mohit asked, a hint of doubt in his voice.

"I know you. I know it hurts you when you hurt someone," his father reassured him. "If you could rip your own heart out, you would do it. I am sure of it, son. Fight for your love."

Mohit nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to fight for Asin and their relationship.

Ashok had been avoiding Ramya ever since he found out about her involvement with Mohit. But now, he felt like he needed to talk to her, to hear her side of the story. He drove to her apartment and knocked on the door. When she answered, he asked to come in.

"Is it true that you actually said if you want to play go all the way?" Ashok asked, getting straight to the point.

Ramya looked down, "Not like that," she said, "I laughed with him as I laugh with everyone else... maybe I shouldn't have because I knew he liked me and we go along so it could have been confusing."

Ashok pressed on, "So all that game thing came from him?"

"He was the one flirting with me," Ramya admitted.

Ashok's heart sank. He had suspected as much, but hearing it from Ramya still hurt. "Did you flirt back?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

"I didn't, but I responded to his flirtation," Ramya said. "It's true that I let things happen, and maybe unconsciously I got into this, or at least I didn't put a stop to it because these last three months you were ignoring me. That's the truth... I don't know... I don't know what to say. I know I shouldn't have let it happen... but as a woman, I felt good to have someone giving me attention. Unconsciously, it felt good because you ignored me for months."

Ashok felt a twinge of guilt. He knew he had been neglecting Ramya, but he hadn't thought it would lead to this. "I don't want you to feel guilty because I could have done it too," he said. "So, I will suck it up... come here."

Ramya walked towards Ashok, and they embraced. "I love you," she said. "My love."

Ashok held her close, hoping that they could move past this and rebuild their relationship. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to fight for her.

Asin sat in silence as Mohit's words washed over her. It had been a year since they first met, and despite Mohit's infidelity, she had forgiven him. But as their relationship progressed, Asin felt like Mohit was only thinking about himself and not her. It was a hard truth to swallow, but it was one she couldn't ignore any longer.

"Are you okay?" Mohit asked, breaking the silence.

Asin looked at him with tears in her eyes. "I'm stressed," she said, her voice trembling.

Mohit's expression softened. "You look upset. What's wrong?"

Asin took a deep breath. "I thought about everything. You cheated on me once, and I forgave you. But then we went through something else, and I thought you would change. I thought you would be more open to me, but instead, you only thought about yourself. Going through that was really hard. Even when I was with Ashok, I could only think about you, about us. I thought I wanted you to see a new woman when we meet again, a woman who is more positive and more confident, but I didn't see any change on your end. I felt like there was no place for me in your life, and it's been really hard to deal with."

Mohit's face fell, and he looked down at the ground.

"You hurt me again," Asin continued, her voice shaking. "You only thought about yourself. You were enjoying yourself, and you hurt me once again."

"We talked about the alleged kiss," Mohit said, his voice barely above a whisper. "It was just for a few moments, it was a game."

"It's not a game," Asin said firmly. "It's my life. For me, there is no excuse. You disrespected me by doing it. You only thought about yourself. I asked myself many times if my father knew about this, would he accept how much I suffer? I don't think I deserve this. During our time together, I cared for you. I have been respectful. Yes, there were some tit for tat, but I was angry then. I am trying to be self-confident, and when stuff like this happens, it destroys me. I always end up questioning myself. I think maybe I am not pretty enough for you."

"You are perfect," Mohit said quickly. "That's nonsense. Don't say stuff like that."

"You don't understand," Asin said, her voice breaking. "While I am trying to build my self-confidence, your behavior makes it worse. It doesn't go up, it goes down."

"I know," Mohit said softly.

"I don't know what I want," Asin admitted.

"I swear it's not you," Mohit said, his eyes pleading with her. "You are more than good. You have got everything to succeed in life. You are beautiful, you are kind, you are brave, you are courageous. So I beg you, don't lose the confidence that you gained during these weeks because there is nothing wrong with you. You are great. I swear. You are not perfect, but you are close. I swear."

Asin looked at him, tears streaming down her face. "Right now, I just can't forgive you," she said. "What I need is a respectful and healthy relationship to be sure I won't doubt myself. And despite the good times we had together, I have decided to part ways. It's very hard, but I think it's for the best, at least for me."

"Do what you have to," Mohit said, his voice resigned. "But I will fight for you."

"I would have preferred you hadn

"I would have preferred you hadn 

"I would have preferred if you hadn't hurt me again, so it didn't have to come to this," Asin said, her voice breaking. "But I think I have to put myself and my own happiness first. That's it, I don't know what else to say."

Mohit nodded solemnly, his eyes downcast. "I get it," he said quietly.

Asin took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I am really sad it came to this, but I can't take it anymore. I can't keep suffering like this, crying my eyes out. So I prefer to leave."

With that, Asin turned and left the room, her heart heavy with emotion. She knew that ending things with Mohit was the right decision, but that didn't make it any easier. She had invested so much of herself in their relationship, only to be hurt time and time again.

Mohit watched her go, feeling a sense of loss wash over him. He knew that he had made mistakes, but he had hoped that they could move past them and build a better future together. Now, it seemed that their relationship was over for good.

Top of Form

Ashok and Ramya had met up after a few days of their last conversation. As soon as Ashok saw Ramya, he complimented her.

"You look handsome," said Ramya responded with a grin.

"How are you, my princess?" asked Ashok, smiling back.

"I missed you," Ashok continued.

"Me too," Ramya replied. "I am convinced I want to move forward with you. I love you, but I realize a lot of stuff wasn't right. I know neither of us will tolerate it anymore, and if things go wrong again, we will split."

"I went through many stages," Ashok replied, "a lot of them I felt you drifting away, and I felt closer to you. Now I have fallen in love with you again. I love you without any filter. I love you like a first love in a middle school or in high school. It's crazy; I wasn't expecting it. But now for the first time, I am with you, and I don't want anyone else. No one could give me what you do. I wouldn't be as happy with another woman."

"Nothing drives me but love," said Ramya. "During this experience, I realized you were the love of my life. You proved many beautiful things to me. And thanks to this experience, I became a new woman. I want to show you I will always be there, and I want to build a new family with you."

"Yeah," said Ashok. "You know, marriage really terrifies me. This experience has taught me that I am not opening up enough, that I wasn't showing you that I love you and that I was being hard on you. So it helped me a lot. Now, I made a decision."

Ashok got up and took a ring from his pocket. He knelt down in front of Ramya.

"Ramya, will you marry me?" Ashok asked, looking into Ramya's eyes. "Will you be Mrs. Ashok? I want to build a life with you. I love you more than ever, and I want us to spend our life together. Please."

Ramya was crying as Ashok proposed to her.

"I can't wait," she said, hugging him.

"It's okay. I will never leave you again. I will never leave you, okay?" said Ashok, comforting Ramya.

"Oh my God, you are the best," Ramya said between sobs.

"Listen, I am really happy because today is very special. I dedicate this moment to my mother because I know she would be so happy to see I am..." Ashok started.

Ramya started crying even harder. Ashok hugged her tightly.

"My mom would have loved you so much. She would have loved to see her daughter-in-law. Really, I swear," said Ashok, trying to calm Ramya down.

"I am sorry," said Ramya, wiping her tears.

"It's okay," said Ashok, comforting her.

"I would have loved so much to meet her," said Ramya.

"I know. She is here always watching us," said Ashok, assuring her.

"She would be proud of the person you are. I am so proud to be your future wife," said Ramya, looking into Ashok's eyes.

"Mrs. Ashok," said Ashok, grinning.

"That sounds great," Ramya replied. "I will have the best name. That's the only reason I want to marry you."

"So that's why. Oh damn, it's incredible," said Ashok, laughing.

"Oh, f**k, I got makeup on you," said Ramya, noticing the stain on Ashok's shirt.

"It's nothing. Who cares?

The air was filled with the sound of guests ululating as Ashok made his way towards the marriage venue. He was surrounded by females holding thali, and he looked every bit the excited groom. Meanwhile, Ramya was getting dressed, talking to her sister about her nervousness.

"I don't think I will be able to fully grasp everything until I see him," Ramya said with a hint of anxiety in her voice. "I am starting to get nervous. I am so stressed."

"Don't worry, it will be okay," her sister reassured her.

As the bride and groom emerged, the guests cheered and the sound of ululating intensified. The couple exchanged garlands, and finally, they were married.

At the reception, the atmosphere was electric with guests cheering and clapping. Ashok and Ramya took to the dance floor, and he whispered into her ear, "I am proud of us. We have come a long way in the past 5 years. We are here with all these people who love us, who are there for us. It's a crazy achievement, and to make you my wife is even more beautiful."

Ramya smiled at his words, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. They kissed, and Ashok whispered again, "I love you."

Ramya replied, "Thank you. I love you too."

Ashok and Ramya invited Mohit and Asin to a private resort party, and only the three of them were present. However, Mohit didn't show up, leaving Ashok and Ramya confused. Asin explained that she had parted ways with Mohit after a disagreement, but things had improved since then.

"I left Mohit after what happened. We met once again. I told him I am parting ways. I stayed with my cousin, and for a while, Mohit kept texting me. He wanted to see me, but I was really cold with him. I was mean, and he was the opposite - he was nice to me," Asin recounted.

Ramya nodded in understanding, "Sure, you bet."

Asin continued, "A month later, I decided to forgive him and give him a second chance. I felt like something had changed. He really stepped up. We're back together, and it's going better."

Ramya smiled, "So tell us about your plans."

"We're going to the USA next week," Asin said excitedly.

Ashok chimed in, "Awesome."

Asin added, "We're just waiting for the paperwork."

Curious, Ashok asked, "And where is Mohit now?"

"He is here," Asin exclaimed, as Mohit appeared from behind her. "He came with me. We wanted to surprise you guys."

Mohit ran towards them, "Hey family!" Everyone cheered and hugged each other, excited to spend time together.