“In this version of us, we hardly ever fight, but our love is the purest of honey sweet candy. We wake up in the morning next to each other, not entwined like in the movies because lets face it, I like my space and you love me enough to indulge me, but we’ll still be by each other’s sides. And that’s what counts, really. In this version of us, you’ll be the doctor, making all the neighbourhood kids happy with your cinnamon soaked sweets and I’ll be the perfect wife painting her days away. I’ll paint trees upon trees for you, and skies filled with joy. Some days, you’ll wake up and cook me breakfast, and I’ll sway in our living room, to the sound of clattering pots in the kitchen. Some days, I’ll cook you dinner and you’ll look at me with your dopey smile and squinty eyes. And I’ll kiss you good morning and good night every day for the rest of my life. In this version of us, we’ll still fight but we’ll forget about it by the end of the day. And the neighbourhood kids will gather around at our porch listening to your tales of grandeur that you wished to achieve, but never achieved. And I’ll confirm every single story as true, because our love is your grandest conquest and here you are, by my side through it all. What more could I ask for ?”

“I’ve learnt to deny myself the chance to wander because I’m scared that I’ll give myself the chance to dig deep and find the emotions I’ve long buried. I’m scared that if I run too wild, I’ll find myself in your doorstep at 2 am- with my heart against my palms. “I still love you.””

…but ours was different. People count days and time all the time. But ours? I was so overwhelmed; so happy, that I lost track of time. All I knew was that we’ve been together for almost 2 years until I realized how tired and unhappy you became. Until your phone and your friends were the only ones you smile at. Until your eyes became strange and your kisses were quick and different. I’m not yours anymore, am I?

“How do you know that you are in love with her?” He looked up from his book and thought for a while. Then he smiled, as though he found an answer. “Simple,” he said, “I started to look forward to a new day after her.”