In 5 years

Boy meets girl, and boy meets boy

It was the first day of our unconventional arrangement—our marriage, if one could call it that. Viar and I found ourselves thrust together into this unfamiliar territory, and I must confess, the whole experience felt like a dizzying haze, a blend of confusion and anticipation. I was determined not to dwell on the implications or emotions that accompanied it. To me, this was merely an arranged union, carefully orchestrated and devoid of any romance or heartfelt sentiment—a simple obligation, nothing more than a social contract between two individuals.

We had been paired together by an unseen hand, our distinct personalities colliding in this unexpected partnership, which was as intriguing as it was unsettling. I found myself ruminating over the possible reasons for our match, as no explanations were ever provided—only vague reassurances that the pairings were meticulously calculated. It was a mystery left for me to unravel, and so I speculated, piecing together clues that hinted at the hidden logic behind our selection.

Reflecting on my life, I considered my career as a mathematician for a prominent organisation that prided itself on innovative solutions and problem-solving. My analytical mind, honed through years of rigorous study and practice, undoubtedly played a role in this arrangement. The logical patterns that governed numbers and equations were now mirrored in the complexities of my personal life. When I thought about my heritage—the finely woven threads of Indian, European, and East Asian descent—I recognised that this multicultural background might also contribute to the rationale for our pairing.

My striking blue eyes, a vivid contrast against my warm, golden complexion, have always been my favourite feature, even if it feels somewhat vain to acknowledge. I couldn’t help but marvel at how fortunate I was; I often received compliments that boosted my confidence. Having occasionally stepped in front of the camera to model for various clothing brands, I knew I was fortunate to possess not only a keen intellect but also a certain aesthetic appeal.

Then there was Viar, who seemed as if he had won the genetic lottery. Standing tall and imposing at 6'4", he boasted a stature that many men would envy, complemented by an athletic build that spoke of strength and vitality. His presence was undeniably commanding; he walked with a grace that suggested confidence and power. The way he carried himself, with a calm assurance, only added to the intrigue of our pairing. Something was captivating about him, a blend of charisma and mystery that hinted at untold stories lurking beneath the surface.

As the hours passed in this strange new world we were navigating together, I wondered what lay ahead for us, two disparate souls bound by circumstance, caught in a web of expectations and unknown possibilities.

What he lacks in intellectual prowess, he more than compensates for with an abundance of raw strength and unyielding determination. While I wouldn’t categorise him as unintelligent—quite the opposite—his cognitive abilities are merely average when set against my own, which occasionally leads to a hint of frustration on his part. I can't resist the temptation to tease him about this disparity, playfully tossing jabs that always provoke a chuckle or a playful retort, showcasing his spirit. Despite this cognitive divide, we are perfectly complementary, fitting together like pieces of a well-crafted puzzle in countless ways.

He was an extraordinary athlete, a champion weightlifter who dominated the competition for four consecutive years, his impressive physique a testament to the countless hours he poured into training. The dedication and discipline he showcased in the gym were nothing short of inspiring; his commitment transformed mere weights into tools of power he wielded with finesse. In stark contrast, my victories lay in the realm of academia, where I earned accolades and recognition for my research, forging a path paved with intellectual triumphs. Together, we radiated a unique energy; our physical allure heightened by his rich, diverse heritage that intertwined the vibrant cultures of Maori, Pacific Islander, and Brazilian ancestry. I often marvelled at how his multifaceted background lent him an extraordinary charm, making him captivating in even more ways than one.

At times, I find myself lost in daydreams, imagining the vivid tapestry of our future had we chosen to raise children together. They would have undoubtedly inherited his impressive strength, paired with my insatiable intellectual curiosity, forging remarkable individuals who could carve their own legacies in the world. Yet here we stand at this crossroads in our lives, confronted with the fading light of what once was, and it may feel as if our journey is reaching its conclusion. However, deep within, I am assured that our story is nowhere near finished. It is a narrative woven with the threads of bravery, unbreakable love, and steadfast support for one another.

In every embrace, we fully, unconditionally accept one another, solidifying a bond that rises above the trials we encounter. This chapter may be drawing to a close, yet the essence of our shared journey—brimming with laughter, trials, and profound affection—will continue to flourish within the depths of our hearts.

We are unconditional. It was Autumn when we married. I always loved the autumn colours. It's a different type of year. Nature loves change, and so do I. Nature doesn't care if we are not ok with that. But just like nature, humanity can also have a flipside. Humans can be cruel, just like nature, but nature loves the nurtured. We should be like nature. If we do not recognise when we ned to nurture, then nature will take over.

The weather was pristine, with a crispness in the air that invigorated the spirit. The calmness enveloped us like a warm embrace, and the clear blue skies stretched endlessly overhead. It felt as if nature itself had conspired to create the perfect day for a wedding. The stunning combination of the azure sky and the blazing hues of autumn, with trees adorned in shades of amber and crimson, painted a scene that seemed pulled straight from a fairytale. Every detail hinted at a future filled with light and joy, as if our destinies were intertwined and scripted in the stars above. As we stood before the celebrant, hearts racing with anticipation, ready to exchange vows that would bind us for eternity, an overwhelming certainty washed over me. In just a few short months of getting to know one another, we had forged a connection that felt inexplicably profound. It was more than just chemistry; it was as if our souls harmonised perfectly, an unspoken understanding that made us feel like one singular entity. After we signed our marriage certificate, the sight of those formalised declarations momentarily grounded me. We also completed a legal agreement with the state, outlining the responsibilities our union entailed. While this paperwork felt somewhat ordinary against the magical backdrop of our day, I realised that it was still a necessary step towards building our life together. Yet, in that heart-stopping moment, nothing else mattered but the sweet connection of our lips, a tender kiss that sealed our commitment and brought our hearts even closer. The whole thing felt like we had never gouched even though we had already been with each other intimately, and it's important to note that intimacy is traditionally forbidden until after the marriage ceremony—a rule often skirted by many. As long as no one discovers the transgressions, the consequences remain at bay. However, the risk is palpable; I'd heard tales of those who faced dire repercussions. Adrian and Connor were among them, their reality a stark reminder of the rigid boundaries that could shatter lives if crossed.