Ties That Bind

Chapter 5 Defying Restrictions

As fate would have it, Rohan entered Shivin's life at a time when he needed guidance and support the most. Their shared interests and mutual fluency in British English allowed them to connect on a deeper level. They spent quality time talking to each other on the phone, finding solace in their conversations and battling the loneliness that often plagued their hearts. During their conversations, Rohan shared the challenges he faced after his girlfriend left him for someone else, believing that someone else was necessary to bring him ecstasy.

Shivin disagreed, emphasizing that true contentment stems from within and doesn't rely on external factors. Shivin's positive mindset and unwavering self-confidence struck a chord with Rohan, aiding him in rediscovering his own identity. Rohan saw Shivin as a guiding light in his life, recognizing that he possessed valuable lessons and a contagious positivity. Shivin's moral compass and innate charm captivated Rohan, making him an influential presence. They shared identical perspectives on strict, overbearing brown parents. Being only children, they were cherished yet constrained, regarded as precious gems in their families.

Rohan happened to live in Bangalore, and he suggested the idea of meeting in person. Shivin, aware of his priorities and commitments, explained that it would only be possible for him to meet after his 12th grade. Nonetheless, the bond between Shivin and Rohan continued to grow stronger. They connected on Instagram, where Rohan found Shivin's posts aesthetically pleasing and admired his overall appeal. As Rohan scrolled through Shivin's Instagram posts, he couldn't help but be captivated by the aesthetic and allure they exuded.

The vibrant colors, breathtaking landscapes, and carefully curated compositions showcased Shivin's artistic eye and attention to detail. Rohan found himself leaving comments filled with genuine admiration, appreciating Shivin's talent for capturing beauty in the world. He praised Shivin for his ability to make ordinary moments extraordinary through his lens, and commended him for his unique perspective and creativity. Rohan's compliments reflected his genuine awe and respect for Shivin's photography skills, bringing a sense of joy and encouragement to Shivin's artistic journey.

In their heartfelt conversations, Rohan and Shivin often vented about the challenges they faced with their Indian parents. The bitterness had driven a wedge between Rohan and his parents, and Shivin couldn't help but wonder if he would face a similar fate. Rohan shared the pain of his shattered dream to study abroad after completing his 12th grade, as his parents had not supported his aspirations.

The disappointment hovered, leaving him with a sense of resentment towards them. Despite his love for them, Rohan confessed that he couldn't forgive them for crushing his lifelong dream. As an only child, he felt the weight of unfulfilled ambitions on his shoulders, believing that his parents prioritized their own plans over his desires. Both Rohan and Shivin agreed that parental support for their children's dreams seemed to be a rare occurrence, often burdened by expectations and predetermined paths.

Shivin found solace in phone calls with Rohan. While his school friends doubted his aspirations of studying abroad, Rohan was the only one who wholeheartedly believed in him. With each phone call, Rohan reaffirmed that dreaming of going abroad was not odd and that Shivin was on the right path. The hope that Rohan instilled in Shivin's heart was immeasurable, reminding him that he was not alone in his journey.

Rohan became more than just a mentor to Shivin; he became a friend who understood him deeply. Their connection grew stronger within just one week of knowing each other, and Shivin cherished the fact that Rohan was only one call away. The liveliness and spirit of Shivin's personality reminded Rohan of his younger self, reigniting a sense of purpose within him. Rohan felt a strong sense of responsibility toward Shivin. He wanted nothing more than to see him succeed and make his dream of studying abroad a reality. With an unwavering grit, Rohan vowed to do everything in his power to assist Shivin in achieving his aspirations.