The sun had barely risen when Romy returned home, the familiar walls of his house offering little comfort. The absence of Monty, his wife, was a void he couldn't ignore. He reached for his phone, fingers hesitating before typing a message:
"Hey, sweetheart. I miss you. How are you?"
He waited, the screen remaining silent. Monty's lack of response was a weight on his chest. Trying to distract himself, Romy joined his family at the breakfast table.
"Someone looks lovesick," his sister teased, nudging him playfully.
"Had a good time on your honeymoon?" his mother inquired, a knowing smile on her face.
Romy forced a smile, nodding. "It was... unforgettable."
Meanwhile, Monty stood outside a locked door, the muffled sounds of sobbing reaching his ears. He knocked gently.
"Preety? It's me, Monty. Please, open the door."
After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing Preety's tear-streaked face.
"Monty," she whispered, her voice trembling. "He's taken her."
"Who? What's happened?"
"My father," she choked out. "He's kidnapped my girlfriend. He said if I don't marry Romy, he'll... he'll kill her."
Monty's heart sank. The weight of deception, of secrets, pressed heavily on his shoulders.
"I... I need to tell you something," he began, leading her to sit down. He recounted his own tale, of catching Naina with someone else in Switzerland, of the heartbreak, and how Romy had been there, a beacon in his darkest moments.
Later that night, Romy's phone buzzed with anticipation. He typed another message:
"Do you still miss me?"
A moment passed before Monty's reply appeared:
"Yes."
Romy's fingers danced over the keyboard:
"How much do you miss me?"
"As much as you do."
Romy smiled, his heart fluttering.
"I'm feeling the sweetness of your candy lips," he typed, biting his lip as he sent it.
Monty's heart raced, the words igniting a fire within him. Romy insisted on a video call. Panic surged through Monty; he was back in his male form. Thinking quickly, he wrapped a towel around his head, mimicking long hair, and answered in a soft, feminine voice.
"Hey, love," Romy greeted, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her.
"Hi," Monty replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
Their conversation flowed, filled with laughter and longing. But then, a sudden knock at Monty's door shattered the moment.
"Just a minute!" he called out, panic evident in his voice.
Romy's brow furrowed. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes," Monty lied, forcing a smile. "Just someone at the door."
As he ended the call, tears welled up in his eyes. The weight of his deception, the impending revelation, and the fear of losing Romy consumed him.