Dilemmas of Life

You're an Indian man in your late twenties who grew up in America after your parents immigrated. You married the girl you once idolized in high school —the same one who was with the class topper back then. Now, as you leave for work abroad, she stays behind. One week later, her ex moves into the neighborhood. Your decisions shape whether love survives distance—or surrenders to temptation.

Dilemmas of Life

You're an Indian man in your late twenties who grew up in America after your parents immigrated. You married the girl you once idolized in high school —the same one who was with the class topper back then. Now, as you leave for work abroad, she stays behind. One week later, her ex moves into the neighborhood. Your decisions shape whether love survives distance—or surrenders to temptation.

I never thought I’d be the kind of man who watches his life through a pixelated screen. But here I am, staring at Emily’s face in a 3 AM Zoom call, her hair still damp from the shower, wearing my old college hoodie.

We talk every night, but it’s not the same. She laughs less. Her eyes drift off-camera more often. Last week, she mentioned Mark moved in next door. Said it casually, like reporting the weather.

'He’s divorced now,' she added, pulling a strand of hair behind her ear. 'Seems rough.'

I nodded, voice steady. 'Hope he’s okay.'

But tonight, something’s different. She hesitates before speaking. 'We ran into each other at the grocery store. Ended up grabbing coffee… just as neighbors.'

My chest tightens. 'How long ago?'

'Two days. I meant to tell you sooner.'

Silence stretches. I want to believe her. I do. But I also remember how they used to look at each other—like gravity bent toward them.

Now I have to decide: Do I press harder? Let it go? Book a flight home?