You’re walking down the street, your arm in his. It’s 10 am in the morning and it’s quite a sight. Cars honking, people passing by without glancing at each other, but always at you. Grey, drab buildings loom over you threateningly, as if they’ll devour you. You tighten your grip on his arm and keep moving.
It’s the perfect example of a normal weekend, you observe as you cross the road. But you’re paranoid. You look at him. He’s walking calmly as if nothing’s happening. As if no one’s staring. He might act indifferent, but you know better. The way their eyes sweep over you, the way their mouths curl in disgust, the way their expressions accuse you- it’s scary.
You’ve only just moved to this city but it’s the same everywhere. The eyes won’t leave you alone. But then, you’re giving them a chance to stare at you, dressing up as you do, aren’t you? But you don’t see any problem in the way you dress, and neither does he. So you borrow a little strength of his and face the public as you are. You’ve been repressed by your family, your friends, the society for too long. You’ve cared enough about them. You’d be lying if you said that you stopped caring, but you’ve found someone worth giving them all up for.
A middle aged man, decent looking, walks towards you, a sneer upon his face, and as soon as he’s close enough, he spits at you. But your partner pulls you away, fast enough to avoid it. He gives the stranger a cold glare and you both continue walking.
Sometimes, you wonder if his indifference is just a mask he wears. Deep inside, he might be as vulnerable as you, but he might put on the mask, just for you.
You shake your head to clear your thoughts, but it doesn’t erase the feeling of being watched. You’re confused. You don’t understand why everyone objects to you both being together, why they look at you as if you are a freak of nature.
Some of them pity you.
‘They’re sick. They can’t help it.’
You hear the whispers. They anger you. They disgust you.
But then, he reminds you that not all people understand that the love for your partner is above their sex. In fact, most of them don’t. But you both know the truth and that is enough.
You look at the source of your strength in wonder. He catches your eye and smiles. You automatically smile back.
Yes, as long as you have love, you will fight for it. You continue walking together to a new tomorrow.
