pain followed friendship found

For four years, I was haunted by painful memories that led me into deep depression. Then, out of nowhere, I found my true love. He would be my future and make me realize that my past love was not worth holding onto.

His name is Vijay, my soulmate. He was a complete stranger, but quickly became my trusted friend without even knowing what I looked like or my name.We met on Instagram while he was trying to improve his art skills, and I have always loved arts and paintings. He is a digital artist. One day, I posted a comment on a piece of art that he also liked, turns out to be the best thing that I did to get a fresh start of my life.He sent me a friend request after liking my comment. I thought it would be nice to have a friend who shared my interest in art.

We started texting and soon began sharing our daily routines, interests, and hobbies. I could sense that he wanted to share something, but he was struggling to open up through our texts. I felt a mix of concern and empathy, knowing he was having a hard time finding the right words.

I had no idea he was struggling with something he couldn't share with anyone, but he clearly needed someone to understand him. I didn't push him to open up. Instead, I chose to share my own painful past—my experiences with love and the hardships I'd faced, including sexual abuse. When he asked why I told him all of this, I didn't have a clear answer. I just knew he had a kind heart and was searching for someone who could truly understand him. I explained that sometimes it's easier to open up to someone who doesn't know you, because you don't have to face them afterward, but it can still be comforting to share your struggles. We both needed healing. I wanted to be there for him as a friend and help him through his pain.Eventually, he became emotional and opened up about his family issues. I was moved by how he works nights after college just to support them. It's clear he feels that, despite his efforts, his family blames him for their problems. I felt a deep sense of understanding and sympathy for him, seeing how hard he works and yet feels unappreciated.

I supported him through comforting and funny texts, trying to lift his spirits. He shared stories about a trip he took with his friends to Kodaikanal, which he had kept from his parents. I hoped that with time, he would be okay and find relief from whatever he was going through.