Their new home was tiny — one narrow bedroom, a small kitchen, and a balcony that barely fit two chairs.
But to Aziz and Riya, it felt like a palace.
Because it was the first place where they could breathe freely.
The first place where they could be themselves.
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🌙 First Night in Their New Home
When they entered the apartment for the first time, Riya placed her hand on the dusty windowsill and laughed softly.
"It's not much," she said.
Aziz stepped behind her, gently wrapping his arms around her waist.
"It's ours."
For the first time in years, she leaned back into someone without fear.
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💛 Small Struggles, Big Love
1. Money Problems
Rent took most of their savings.
Some nights, they ate only dal and rice.
Aziz worked long shifts at the workshop—sometimes 12 hours.
Riya baked biscuits and small cakes to sell in the neighborhood.
But even in those struggles, they found joy.
Riya would wait for him at night with tea.
Aziz would come home exhausted, but when he saw her smile, all fatigue melted away.
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2. Learning to Live Together
Aziz was young and messy. Riya was older and neat.
He left clothes on the chair; she folded them silently.
She forgot where she kept things; he teased her gently.
One day, Aziz tried to cook.
The kitchen filled with smoke.
Riya rushed in, coughing.
Aziz scratched his head. "I think the stove hates me."
She laughed — a real, full laugh she hadn't felt in years — and wiped his forehead with her dupatta.
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3. The First Real Fight
It happened over something small.
Aziz was stressed about money.
Riya was worried he was pushing himself too hard.
Harsh words were exchanged.
Riya went silent.
Aziz stormed out for a walk.
But when he returned an hour later, he saw her sitting on the bed, eyes red but waiting for him.
He sat beside her.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
She leaned on his shoulder.
"We're all we have now, Aziz. We don't fight… we fix."
And they held each other until the tension faded.
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💛 Moments of Love
🌥 Early Mornings
Aziz would wake up early, even when tired.
He'd make tea and bring it to her in bed.
She'd open her eyes slowly, smile, and whisper:
"You spoil me."
"I like it," he'd say.
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🌆 Evenings on the Balcony
Their balcony became their world.
They sat there after dinner, legs touching, sharing a blanket in winter.
Riya would rest her head on his shoulder.
Aziz would play with her fingers absentmindedly.
They talked about nothing and everything —
their fears, their dreams, their future café,
their plans to someday buy a bigger house.
But in that moment, the small balcony felt perfect.
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❤️ Soft, Quiet Romance
Aziz adored the way Riya smiled when he surprised her with flowers — even cheap roadside ones.
Riya loved how he always took her hand when they crossed the street, as if she was the one who needed protection.
He kissed her forehead often.
She kissed his hands, grateful for everything he was giving up for her.
Their love wasn't loud.
It wasn't dramatic.
It was soft.
Steady.
Deep.
The kind that grows without being noticed…
…until suddenly it's the strongest thing they have.
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🌙 A Promise for the Future
One night, lying together on their small bed, Aziz whispered:
"Someday… I'll give you a better life. A home with more than one room."
She touched his cheek gently.
"Aziz… I don't need a big house. I chose you. This small home, this life — it's my peace."
He took her hand and held it against his chest.
"And you're mine."
They fell asleep like that — hands intertwined, hearts steady, knowing they had made the bravest choice of their lives.