A Web of Love and Deceit

Lonliness in the storm

Warning: Homophobia, violence, mob lynching

What hurts the most isn't the suffering itself—it's the suffocating weight of loneliness. When you have someone to weather the storm by your side, even the fiercest tempests feel conquerable, as if together you could endure even greater trials. But when the one you count on suddenly leaves, for reasons you may never truly understand, the storm swallows you whole. You're left adrift, spiraling deeper into the chaos, until the fight drains from your soul. And in that moment of surrender, you close your eyes, letting the relentless fury of the storm claim both your mind and body, because there's no one left to fight for—or with.

Ram clung to Aadhi, his body trembling as sobs wracked him, tears soaking into Aadhi's shoulder. The three of them—Ram, Aadhi, and Shivada—were crouched on the ground, a heavy silence enveloping them, broken only by the sound of Ram's anguish. Aadhi's own tears spilled unbidden, streaking his face as he tightened his hold on Ram, silently offering what comfort he could. Shivada sat frozen, her chest constricting painfully. She couldn't reconcile this broken version of Ram with the strong, unyielding cousin she had always known—the one who faced every storm with a smile, defying odds and emerging triumphant.

The sight of him so shattered stirred a rage deep within her. Where was his boyfriend? she fumed. Where was the person Ram trusted, the one who should've been here, holding him through this storm? Her fists clenched as her thoughts churned. She vowed, in that moment, that she would find the answers—and the strength to make things right.

Aadhi crouched beside Ram, his voice soft and soothing. "Ram, we're here for you. You know that, right?"

Ram nodded, tears still brimming in his eyes, but he managed a shaky smile. "I know, and I'm so thankful for that. I don't know what I'd do if you guys left me too. I might've lost my sanity, you know?"

"Shut up, Ram!" Shivada snapped, her voice tinged with both frustration and affection. "You think we'd hate you for something that's not in your control? Those assholes can go and rot in hell. You don't need them." She huffed, crossing her arms, her fiery demeanor making Aadhi's lips curl into an involuntary smile. She was impossibly cute when she got angry.

Ram caught the subtle look Aadhi gave her and felt a pang of sadness. He missed his lover—missed what they had shared before fear and cowardice tore it apart.

"Who is your boyfriend, Ram?" Shivada's voice broke through his thoughts, firm and resolute. "Tell me, and I'll drag his sorry ass here, even if he's in London."

"She's right," Aadhi chimed in. "He should be here for you. Does he know what's going on? Do you want to call him? Take my phone—call him and explain everything. He'll come, Ram. He has to."

Ram laughed, but the sound was hollow, devoid of any humor. How could he explain that Aadhi's own brother was the one he loved? That Aadhi's brother had abandoned him out of fear of judgment?

"It's fine, Aadhi. Let him stay in the dark. I don't want to drag him into this mess."

Aadhi frowned, studying him. "By any chance... do I know him?"

Ram's head snapped up, panic flashing in his eyes. "No! Never! Not a chance! Why would you ask that?" he shouted, his voice trembling.

Aadhi's eyes narrowed slightly, but he chose not to push. Instead, he shrugged and offered a small smile. "Okay, Ram. I'll head out for now, but I'll be back in the evening. You take care, okay?"

Ram nodded, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Aadhi stood, turning to Shivada. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead and murmured, "See you later." Then he left, descending the stairs with measured steps.