Winter Break in India: Love, Betrayal, and Self-Discovery

Fiction | Chapter Two | Steve and Glenn | By John Laing

Delhi, India. They did not want to celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, so they settled on the “Winter Solstice.” Steve felt Hanukkah was just Christmas wrapped up for Jewish kids with little significance. “A family holiday only has as much meaning as the family gives it, no?,” Steve winked to Glenn.

Steve and Glenn’s love story had been a journey of challenges and triumphs. After a memorable summer in Europe, they navigated their first semester apart at Harvard and Yale, meeting in person whenever they could. Now, they were spending a month in India during their winter break, eager to experience the vibrant culture of South Asia and deepen their bond. Glenn’s parents had made the trip possible as is Christmas present. His dad pointed out defensively to his colleagues that he had not sprung for business class.

However, the trip was shadowed by Steve’s recent diagnosis of HIV. He had been determined to live openly and honestly, and Glenn had supported him every step of the way. But he had learned in the university infirmary and did not wish to trouble his parents. He also did not want a feeling of “I told you so,” as his mother had said her biggest concern with ‘this lifestyle’ was its ‘risks.’ Steve was undetectable thanks to medication, but the diagnosis had brought a new layer of complexity to their relationship. They decided that this trip would be a time for healing and reflection, as well as exploration.

In Delhi, they marveled at the historical monuments and indulged in the local cuisine, making sure to find vegetarian-friendly options for Glenn. It was in this city that they met Krishna, a university student from Kolkata who was also traveling throughout India as he was taking a year off from his studies “to clear my mind.”

Krishna, with his keen interest in politics and international relations, quickly bonded with Glenn over discussions about India’s role in the global arena, its economic growth, and its social challenges. Neither were fond of Modi.

Steve, meanwhile, had arranged for his parents to join him for a weekend in Mumbai. He had found heavily discounted flights and inexpensive Airbnb accommodations; he wanted them to see the world as well. They had been supportive but worried about his health in general — they though he looked stressed from his first semester in the Ivy League and wanted to spend some time with him.

Steve hoped the visit would allow him to share his HIV diagnosis and help them understand he was managing well and continuing to live a full life. While Steve flew to Mumbai to meet his parents, Glenn stayed behind in Delhi, where Krishna was also coincidentally staying at the same historic hotel.

Glenn’s mother had chosen the property. Set in the heart of Delhi, the hotel had been given the UNESCO award for cultural and heritage restoration. It was nestled among the narrow alleys of Chandni Chowk and seemed to be as mysterious as it was romantic.

One evening, with Steve still in Mumbai, Glenn and Krishna met for drinks at the hotel bar. Their conversation flowed easily, covering a wide range of topics from India’s diverse culture to its geopolitical stance. Krishna spoke passionately about the importance of youth involvement in politics and the need for more progressive policies. Glenn shared his views, drawing parallels between Indian and American politics, and they both found common ground in their admiration for liberal leaders like Gandhi.

As the night wore on, and the drinks flowed freely, the atmosphere between them grew more intimate. They found themselves sharing personal stories, exploring their thoughts on love, identity, and the complexities of modern relationships. Caught up in the moment, they ended up spending the night together. It was a decision born of a mix of curiosity, loneliness, and a momentary lapse in judgment.

The next morning, Glenn woke with a mix of emotions—guilt, confusion, and a strange sense of detachment. He realized the gravity of what had happened and the implications it could have for his relationship with Steve. He left Krishna’s room quietly, needing time to think and reflect. As he opened his own door, his cell rang. It was Steve. An innocent question, “What are you doing now?,” sent shivers through Glenn’s soul.

Meanwhile, in Mumbai, Steve’s weekend with his parents was a mix of warmth and tension. They expressed their concerns about his health and future, but also reassured him of their love and support. Steve felt a sense of relief, knowing that his parents were beginning to accept his relationship with Glenn and his health condition. As he said goodbye to them at the airport counter and watched them as they cleared security, he felt a renewed sense of purpose and resolve.

Returning to Delhi, Steve sensed a change in Glenn. There was a distance in Glenn’s eyes, a hesitation in his touch. After some gentle probing, Glenn confessed about his night with Krishna. Steve was stunned, feeling a rush of emotions—hurt, betrayal, and anger. Yet, beneath it all, he recognized the complexities of their situation, the pressure of maintaining a long-distance relationship, and the emotional toll of his diagnosis.

They spent the next few days in Delhi, grappling with the fallout. Conversations were tense, filled with questions of trust, commitment, and the future of their relationship. They visited spiritual sites, seeking solace and guidance, and even attended a meditation retreat, pre-booked, hoping to find clarity and peace.

Ultimately, Steve and Glenn decided to take a step back and reassess their relationship. They agreed that their love was deep and real, but that they needed to address their individual issues and emotions before moving forward together. The trip to India, meant to be a time of healing, had become a catalyst for difficult truths and necessary change.

As they parted ways, with Steve heading back to Chicago and Glenn to New Haven, they left with a sense of unresolved feelings but also hope. They promised to stay in touch, support each other, and give their relationship the space it needed to heal and grow. Their journey in India had been one of discovery—not just of a new culture, but of themselves and the challenges they faced as a couple.

Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three (to come)

Winter Break in India: Love, Betrayal, and Self-Discovery (Dec. 25, 2023)

#LoveAndBetrayal, #TravelAndDiscovery, #HIVAwareness, #InterfaithCouple, #CulturalExploration, #PoliticsAndIdentity, #IndiaTravel, #RelationshipChallenges, #LGBTQLoveStory, #SelfDiscovery, #Fiction, #ChristmasInIndia