Him: I didn’t think caste would matter this much.
Her: I did.
Him: I mean… I knew society would talk. I just didn’t think it would reach us.
Her: It always reaches us. It just reaches me first.
Him: My family says they’re worried about our future.
Her: Mine worries about my safety.
Him: They ask if I’m sure.
Her: They ask if I’ve lost my mind.
Him: They say life will be difficult.
Her: Life has always been difficult.
Him: They want me to think practically.
Her: They want me to think quietly.
Him: Sometimes I feel like I’m fighting everyone.
Her: Sometimes I feel like I’m fighting alone.
Him: If I choose you, I might lose approval.
Her: If I choose you, I might lose dignity.
Him: That’s not fair.
Her: It was never designed to be.
Him: They say I’m brave.
Her: They say I’m ambitious.
Him: They call this rebellion.
Her: They call this audacity.
Him: I just want us to be normal.
Her: Normal was never built for people like me.
Him: Sometimes I think love should be enough.
Her: Love is enough to feel. Not always enough to survive.
Him: Do you ever feel tired?
Her: I don’t get the luxury to stop.
Him: I wish this didn’t cost you so much.
Her: I wish you didn’t just realize that.
Him: I’m scared.
Her: I’ve been scared since the beginning.
Him: If it gets too hard, I don’t want you to suffer.
Her: If you leave, I’ll still suffer — just alone.
Him: What do you want from me?
Her: Not speeches. Not guilt.
Her: I want consistency. I want courage that lasts longer than outrage.
Him: I don’t know if I’m strong enough.
Her: Then don’t borrow strength from me.
Him: I love you.
Her: Then understand this —
Love across caste isn’t proven by feelings. It’s proven by what you’re willing to lose.
Him: I’m still here.
Her: Then stay. Not loudly. Not heroically.
Her: Just… stay.
— Trivendra