The Shared Umbrella
On the day of their first big argument, Ayaan and Leela happened to get caught in a sudden rainstorm.
The fight, which had seemed so important indoors, now felt small against the sound of heavy drops and laughing strangers. They shared one too-small umbrella, bumping shoulders, slipping in puddles. At first awkwardly, then with helpless laughter.
By the time they reached home, drenched and breathless, they weren’t sure what they had been fighting about. They only knew this: life would sometimes storm without warning — but if they held onto the same umbrella, they'd be alright.
Maybe a little wet. But still together.