Embracing Love in a World of Judgment

The following day unfolded with the same frenetic pace as the one before, leaving Nil and Stranger acutely aware of the imminent departure looming over them. In the quiet solitude of her room, Lata found herself engulfed in a whirlwind of thoughts that refused to relent. As if drawn by an unspoken understanding, Stranger made his way to her door.Upon entering, he found Lata reclined on her bed, her countenance shrouded in shadow, her voice tinged with melancholy. "Kao, what brings you here?" she asked, her tone betraying a weariness that seemed to weigh heavily upon her.Stranger approached with a gentle solemnity, his presence a calm amidst the storm. "I realized I hadn't had a proper conversation with you, and tomorrow I depart," he explained softly, his expression betraying a sadness that mirrored her own. "So I felt compelled to seek you out, if only to bid you farewell properly."Lata's lips formed a delicate curve as she settled onto the edge of the bed, her slender frame finding solace against the support of the wall. Stranger, ever the silent presence, lent her a steadying hand as she eased into position. At her gentle insistence, he took his place beside her, a silent sentinel to her quiet turmoil."Son," her voice trembled slightly, the weight of unspoken words heavy upon her, "is there something you're keeping from me? Or perhaps something you haven't deemed fit to share, yet it holds significance for me?"Stranger's gaze faltered, a fleeting glimpse of vulnerability betraying the facade of composure he wore. With a soft exhale, he finally responded, "No..."Satisfied, Lata didn't press further, her gaze softening with understanding. "Son, a relationship is akin to fragile glass. Once shattered, it can be painstakingly pieced back together, yet the scars remain etched upon its surface."Meeting her gaze with a mixture of reverence and determination, Stranger spoke with a quiet resolve, "But I believe those scars hold a certain beauty. They serve as a testament to the trials endured in pursuit of unity. They signify that even in brokenness, there lies the potential for redemption—a second chance at love."Lata's tender hand found its way to Stranger's cheek, her touch carrying a warmth that transcended mere words. "You've grasped a lot," she murmured softly, her gaze locked with his in a silent exchange of understanding. "But there are depths yet to be plumbed, my dear. In youth, it's natural to stumble, to err. Yet, it's never too late. Your future awaits, brimming with possibilities. You'll carve your path, build your own haven, with a beloved partner by your side, and the laughter of children to fill your days."Stranger remained silent, his eyes betraying a tumult of emotions, each flickering across his face like shadows dancing in the evening breeze.Lata, ever perceptive, sensed his unease. "I didn't mean to unsettle you, dear," she said gently, her voice a soothing melody in the quiet room.A hesitant smile tugged at Stranger's lips, his gaze softening as he met Lata's eyes. "No, no," he replied, his words tinged with affection. "You're like a mother to me. You can..."As Nil stepped into the room, his gaze fell upon the figures seated on the bed. A gentle smile graced his lips as he approached, eventually settling himself comfortably in his mother's embrace. "Ma, did you forget about me?" he jested, his eyes flickering briefly towards Stranger.Lata, his mother, tilted her head inquisitively. "Why do you always refer to him as Stranger? He has such a fine name."Nil's expression softened as he recounted the significance behind the moniker. "Because," he began, his voice carrying a mix of reverence and nostalgia, "in a foreign land, amidst unfamiliarity, he extended his hand without needing to know my name. He simply offered his help..."Lata's eyes shimmered with understanding as she turned towards Stranger, gratitude evident in her words. "Kao, thank you for being there for my son. Your kindness will always be remembered."With a polite nod, Stranger acknowledged her gratitude, his demeanor humble yet resolute.As the day waned, the gentle hum of evening enveloped the neighborhood, where the women gathered around the shrine of Ma-Kali. With delicate hands, they adorned the deity's forehead with vermilion, the deep crimson contrasting against the darkness that was slowly descending upon the world. In this sacred act, a bond of sisterhood seemed to weave through the air, as each woman, having paid homage to the divine, turned to one another, exchanging smiles and the same vermilion blessing.Among them stood Nil and Stranger, both clad in pristine white Punjabi attire, their presence seemingly at odds with the vibrant hues around them. Yet, amidst the serenity, a playful spark ignited between the two. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Nil dared to break the solemnity of the moment, his fingers lightly brushing vermilion onto Stranger's cheeks.Startled yet amused, Stranger's lips curved into a smile as he retaliated in kind, gathering a handful of vermilion to reciprocate the jest. But before he could, Nil was already darting away, laughter trailing behind him like a comet's tail."Stranger, you can't catch me!" Nil's voice echoed through the gathering dusk.They ascended to the terrace, a fleeting moment of shared space suspended between them. The atmosphere crackled with tension, each breath a palpable echo of the adrenaline coursing through their veins. Stranger's intention hung in the air, yet fate intervened, denying him the opportunity to mark his counterpart with vermilion.As Nil sought refuge by the water tank, the confines of their arena closed in, leaving no avenue for escape. The rhythm of their breath quickened, a syncopated cadence of anticipation. With measured steps, Stranger advanced, a predator closing in on its prey. Frozen in place, Nil's muscles betrayed him, rendering him immobile in the face of impending confrontation.But just as the inevitability of their collision loomed, Nil summoned a last surge of defiance, attempting to shove Stranger aside in a desperate bid for freedom. With a vice-like grip, Stranger seized Nil's arm, driving him back against the surface of the water tank.In the hushed urgency of the moment, Nil's voice carried a note of warning, a plea for restraint amidst the danger that loomed. "Stranger, anyone could come..."As Stranger's face drew nearer to Nil's, the air between them seemed charged with anticipation. Nil's attempts to break free from Stranger's grasp were futile; if anything, the hold only tightened. Then, with a sudden and unexpected gesture, Stranger daubed vermilion onto Nil's cheeks. Nil's heart pounded fiercely against his ribs, threatening to break free from its confines. Surrendering to the moment, he shut his eyes, feeling the weight of Stranger's large hands as they traversed from his neck to his flushed cheeks.As quickly as it had begun, the intensity ebbed away, and Nil sensed Stranger's grip slacken. Opening his eyes, he found himself face to face with Stranger, who wore a teasing smile upon his lips."I forgive you," Stranger declared, his words carrying an undeniable weight. "But you will be punished, Nil."A rush of heat flooded Nil's face, igniting a deep blush. Without a word, he bolted from the scene, leaving Stranger to contemplate the palpitations in his own chest. With a hand pressed against his sternum, Stranger felt the erratic rhythm of his heart.As Nil stepped onto the streets of Samiana, an eerie silence enveloped him, sending shivers down his spine. Something was amiss. Drawing closer, he was met with a sight that left him speechless. There stood Lata, her face contorted with swollen anguish, a sight that pierced through his very soul. Sonali, with an expression laden with unspoken words, seemed on the verge of disclosing something crucial.Around him, the neighborhood seemed to hold its breath, eyes casting strange glances his way. Some whispered, others chuckled, while a few remained rigid with disapproval. Nil felt his feet quiver beneath him, a sense of foreboding creeping over him like a dark shadow.Breaking through the tense atmosphere, Nil's aunt stepped forward, her expression stern and unforgiving. "I always feared this day would come," she uttered, her voice heavy with accusation. "But I never imagined you would stoop to such depths. You've obliterated everything we held dear, left us with nothing."Trembling, Nil managed to muster the courage to speak. "What... what do you mean?" he stammered.As the flickering images danced across the screen, the room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the sharp intake of breath from those gathered around. The news report unfurled before them like a cruel revelation, casting Nil's world into disarray.His eyes, once bright with youthful optimism, now seemed to dim with each passing moment. The weight of the words, "gay series," hung heavy in the air, threatening to suffocate him with their implications.Whispers rippled through the room like a gathering storm, each syllable laced with judgment and condemnation. "Throw him out," they echoed, their voices merging into a cacophony of disapproval. " Throw him out, If you want to live here respectfully...""Such GAY..."The word seemed to reverberate off the walls, each repetition driving a deeper wedge between Nil and the world he once knew. He felt the weight of their stares, heavy with disdain and disappointment, boring into him like hot coals."I thought him very innocent," one voice murmured, the disbelief evident in its tone. "But he's such a dirt."Lata, a silent observer in the midst of the chaos, stood frozen in place, her heart heavy with sorrow. Words failed her as she watched the scene unfold before her, a cruel tableau of prejudice and intolerance.And then, amidst the sea of condemnation, a lone figure stepped forward and holding his hand tightly. Stranger's gaze lingered on Nil, who remained oblivious, his eyes glazed with tears streaming down his cheeks.Whispers began to circulate among the crowd. "Look, it's his lover," someone muttered, prompting speculative murmurs to ripple through the onlookers. "I wouldn't be surprised if they both have AIDS," another voice chimed in, dripping with judgment and prejudice."Are they... together?" queried a curious bystander, their tone laden with skepticism and disapproval.In the midst of the hushed conversation, a voice from the shadows interjected sharply, "They have no shame. But the era of forsaking our deities is drawing to a close. We must seize this opportunity..."Arguments erupted, voices rising in contention. "No, he's a scourge upon our community. We must address him first," countered one vehemently."Why would he return if he's been cavorting around?" sneered another, disdain coloring their words."Lata, speak up. He's your son! How can you remain silent in the face of this?" demanded someone, their frustration tinged with desperation.Suddenly, the resounding voice of Nil's cousin's brother reverberated the uneasy silence that had settled over the gathering. "What will she say?" he demanded, his tone weighted with accusation.Then, with a dramatic flourish, he revealed to everyone the collection of hugging photographs featuring Nil and Stranger. At that moment, the realization dawned upon both Nil and Stranger as to who had been clandestinely capturing their intimate moments the previous night."He's Kao Neptune, Thailand's wealthiest man, entangled in a relationship with his beloved, Nil, the renowned BL actor," the cousin's brother declared, his words dripping with disdain.As Nil's cousin brother moved menacingly towards Stranger, his hand poised for a slap, Nil instinctively stepped forward, intercepting the impending blow. Tears welled in Nil's eyes, but his resolve remained unyielding. With unwavering determination, he addressed his cousin's brother, his voice steady and firm. "Don't you dare lay a hand on him. While he may choose silence, I refuse to stand idly by and allow him to be harmed."In the tense air of the neighborhood, the voice of an old neighbor pierced through, sharp with accusation. "How dare you raise your voice?" he spat, his words heavy with reproach. "Because of you, we're on the brink of losing our respect."A hand, poised to strike, halted mid-air Stranger intervened, grasping it firmly. The old neighbor recoiled, incensed. "How dare you touch me?" he exclaimed, his indignation palpable."It would serve us all better if the hands of the elderly were raised only for blessings," Stranger remarked calmly, his tone carrying a hint of wisdom.Retracting his hand, the old man pressed on, his anger unabated. "He insulted our religion, our customs, our community," he accused, his voice trembling with righteous fury. "He's deserving of punishment."Stranger's response was measured, yet filled with conviction. "And what punishment do you propose? What insult has truly been committed?" he countered, his gaze unwavering. "The crux of the matter lies not in his actions, but in your own lack of reverence for your faith."With each word, Stranger's voice grew stronger, his message resonating with clarity. "For true love knows no bounds of color, gender, religion, or community," he declared.In the midst of a spirited conversation, a woman's voice pierced the air, laden with conviction. "We are not so modern; we're just social people. And our religion never accepts same-sex relationships."A smirk danced across the lips of Stranger, "You don't know...""Ah, do you know about Lord Aiyappa?" Stranger continued, their voice carrying a hint of revelation. "He was the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini, the female avatar of Lord Vishnu."With a measured tone, Stranger added, "There's no scripture in Hinduism where same-sex relationships are prohibited. Love, in all its forms, is the most beautiful blessing of God. Don't insult it.""And who are you to call anyone a culprit?" Stranger challenged, their gaze unwavering. "He simply followed his dreams. Respect is an emotion...""...unlike you unhappy people," Stranger concluded, their words hanging in the air with a sense of defiance.Nil, attentive to every word, translated the stranger's impassioned speech.In the midst of this exchange, Nil's cousin's brother chimed in, observing the scene unfolding before him. "Look at how they protect each other. But now, Nil, there's no place for you."Unperturbed, Nil countered, "You are wrong, brother...""It wasn't my place either," Nil continued, a sense of liberation coloring their words. "It's just a jail whose door I've already broken."Beside Nil, an elder figure bristled with indignation. "How dare you?" they seethed. "Then why are you standing here? Leave, you both.""Ungrateful child..." they muttered under their breath.Nil's head hung low, a cascade of tears threatening to spill from his eyes. "I will, I will..." His voice faltered, choked with emotion.Together, Nil and Stranger approached Lata, seeking her blessing. But as they bowed respectfully, reaching out to touch her feet in a gesture of reverence, she stepped back, her silence speaking volumes. Nil stood there, his heart heavy with sorrow. It wasn't merely his homosexuality that weighed upon him, but the burden of his own deceit.Amidst the heavy atmosphere, the blare of a car horn shattered the silence. Two sleek black Audis awaited their occupants. "Nil, let's go," Stranger urged, his voice a gentle yet firm insistence. "Here, no one understands you..."Yet Nil remained rooted to the spot, his stance unyielding like a stone monument. After a brief moment, Stranger tenderly grasped his waist, pulling him towards the waiting vehicle. As they departed, Nil cast one last glance over his shoulder at his mother, but she turned away, refusing to meet his gaze.Shian hastily swung open the car door, ushering them inside with an urgency that betrayed his unease. Stranger gently guided him into the car, recognizing the shock that gripped Nil's senses. All around, eyes bore into them, registering a mixture of curiosity and disbelief.As the engine hummed to life, Stranger sought to offer solace, yet Nil remained ensnared by the whirlwind of emotions. He had anticipated scrutiny, but the magnitude of it all left him reeling.Meanwhile, Achara's worry for her brother gnawed at her, compelling her fingers to hover over her phone, poised to dial. But Than's hand on her shoulder stayed her, his voice calm but resolute."Achara, they're undoubtedly preoccupied. Right now, they need each other more than anything to find their footing again."As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets of Dhaka, Stranger and Nil found themselves unexpectedly detained in the vibrant city. A missed flight to Thailand had prompted an unplanned stay at the luxurious Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka hotel, a towering beacon of opulence amid the city's frenetic energy.Little did they anticipate the whirlwind of recognition awaiting them. Amidst the swirling throngs of people, a few eagle-eyed fans spotted them, their voices rising above the din with fervent excitement."Kao Neptune! We're your biggest fans!"The chant echoed through the crowd, mingling with the sounds of the city. "Kao Neptune... Nil..."Yet, despite the adoration that enveloped them, Stranger and Nil remained silent, their minds preoccupied with the unexpected turn of events.The evening before their departure, the soft glow of twilight spilled into the room. Nil sat by the window, his gaze fixed on the world outside, seemingly lost in contemplation. Stranger, noticing Nil's distant demeanor, hesitated before approaching, not wanting to intrude on his companion's solitude. However, before he could retreat, Nil reached out and gently took hold of Stranger's hand.Drawing him closer, Nil wrapped his arms around Stranger's waist, resting his head against his chest. Sensing the weight of emotion in the air, Stranger ran a comforting hand through Nil's hair, his concern evident in his voice."Are you alright?" he inquired softly.With closed eyes and a voice like soothing honey, Nil responded, his words tinged with a sense of vulnerability. "Why does everything seem to happen to me?"Stranger, his heart aching at the pain in Nil's voice, sought to reassure him. "Nothing has happened. Try not to dwell on it. Everything will work out in the end."A small smile graced Nil's lips, a testament to the solace found in Stranger's presence. "I know that as long as you are by my side, I can weather any storm."Leaning down, Stranger pressed a tender kiss to Nil's forehead, his words spoken with unwavering conviction. "I will always be here for you, regardless of the circumstances. But this time, please don't leave."Nil nodded in understanding, tightening his embrace around Stranger as if to anchor himself in the certainty of their bond. "Hmm," he murmured softly.As the soft morning light filtered through the curtains, Stranger stirred from his slumber, feeling the weight of Nil resting against his chest. The tranquility of the moment was abruptly shattered by the insistent ringing of his phone. Groggily, he reached for it, his mind still clouded with sleep."What...?" he murmured, his voice thick with sleep, as he answered the call. On the other end, Kim's voice crackled with fury."What do you think you're doing?" Kim exploded, the anger palpable even through the phone. "You and Nil have sworn to destroy me..."Confusion flooded Stranger's mind as he struggled to comprehend Kim's accusations. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his voice growing more alert with each passing moment."Just take a look at the damn tweets," Kim spat out, the bitterness evident in every word. "You two are beyond belief."As Stranger reluctantly opened his Twitter app, a flood of notifications greeted him, threatening to drown him in a sea of discomfort. His heart sank at the disturbing images that dominated his feed, each one painted in vivid, unsettling vermilion hues. Yet, it wasn't merely the visuals that shook him; it was the venomous words that accompanied them, slicing through his emotional defenses like razor-sharp blades."One tweet," he read, dripping with scorn and disdain, "Such a nutjob he seduced Kao..."Another message, laced with cruelty, sneered, "Lose pussy."And then, the cruel taunt directed at Nil, "Nil, your per night cost..."As he scrolled further, the onslaught of hateful messages seemed to assail him from every angle. Each one felt like a personal attack."Kao, I have a much bigger ass than him. Why not taste me?" one tweet jeered, its crude insinuation leaving him recoiling in disgust.And then, the final blow, a question that felt like a dagger to the heart: "Nil, what is your rate now?"''Such a whore..!''''Kao Neptune is such a sugerdaddy...''''Sugerbaby Nil ...''''They are together in a hotel room, what will happen next.''Stranger's blood boiled with rage and frustration. He wanted nothing more than to hurl his phone across the room in a fit of anger, but the thought of disturbing Nil, who lay sleeping peacefully in his arms, held him back. With a deep sigh of discomfort, he powered off his phone, desperate to shield both himself and Nil from the toxic barrage of online vitriol.