Born This Way

Winner : Hi Shlok, Aksh Here

Note from Organisers: This is the winning story! It is written by Aman Jain, Indore, India. It strikes a cord as it portrays the realistic feelings of anxiety and love. Happy reading!

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"Hi Shlok, Aksh here!"

"We are playing hide and seek it seems", I said annoyingly. "I don't even know if he is gay. We just share glances and look away. I couldn't locate him on any Dating app Shilpa . This is all in my mind. I am getting delusional."

"Maybe. Maybe not. But gut feelings are there for a reason.   You are not an idiot. I mean you are, but not in this case. Just ask him, no?"

"ARE YOU MAD? Why would you say that? I don't even know him. He has just been existing for me since a year now, sitting three rows ahead in the office. We don't even have a common friend- not even a single one. And he is not GAY.
I just know this is another office crush. Just a strong one. Let's talk about something else. How is your MBA going, my fancy girl!"

She continued venting. But all that while too, my mind was stuck on Aksh, a gut in my project. Different Team, different sexuality too I guess. This stupid quarantine is not helping me getting him of my thoughts.

I stalk his Instagram profile more. That too after it is private. All I see is his profile pic. One mutual follower. Everyday thinking of clicking that 'Follow' button But refraining from doing it.

"But he must be gay? Why would he steal glances when I look at him? Why would he be watching me when I am busy pretending not watching him at office?

This blue eyed boy with a smile to die for is making me crazy and I don't like it. I make people crazy."

"Oye you were not even listening to what I was saying. I hate you. Bye."

Suddenly, Instagram had a notification - 'Aksh Saluja has requested to follow you".

The paranoid in me was numb. The atheist in me was thanking God. The Gay in me was rejoicing. The Shlok in me was  happy. What is this coincidence ? Has he been listening to me?

I will not accept the request.

Next second I accepted it.

5 minutes passed. Went through his 'Private' profile.

Looking delicious in red kurta. That yum red face in summer heat on beach. Oh, he plays badminton. He likes books too. Ew, he is into Beiber songs. Ok, that's a trade-of for my liking for biggboss.

While I was at it,message popped up- "Hey Shlok, Aksh here.  You might not know me, but we work in same project."

"Hi Aksh. Yeah. I have seen you". Seen you- I have kissed you in my mind God knows how many times.

"What's Up?How's wfh going?Just felt like pinging you."

What? Is this a joke? Is this happening? Why would he say that? I  am going to die of anxiety. Whatever this is,this is beautiful. I am  not going to ruin this. This is it. He is gay. I am gay. You, the one reading this, you are Gay. In this moment, the universe is Gay.

-Aman Jain