The moonlight entering through the window cast a soft glow in the dark room.  Mohit loved the nights, he sought solace in the darkness, trying to fight the demons in his life.  Mornings brought with it the harsh reality of the world , a world where Mohit seemed to be a misfit.

It all began when he turned 14. He had chosen to wear a pastel pink shirt to school, on his birthday. He was teased mercilessly by  his classmates. ‘Sissy, Pansy’ they had called him and jeered him.  He really couldn’t understand what was wrong in liking pink colour.

Later during the summer break he had been to his uncle’s house in  Kanpur.   He had been enamoured by his cousin Diya’s colourful  skirts,  jewellery and makeup.  One day when there was no one around, he had tried to dress like her. He felt a sense of forbidden pleasure when he wore her skirt and applied the red lipstick.   Unfortunately for him, his joy was short lived.  His aunt came home soon and caught him red handed.   All hell broke loose and he was sent home  where he received the thrashing of his life.  The thought of his son wanting to dress and be like a girl had infuriated his father  beyond reason.  

Mohit tried hard to confirm to  the rules but felt miserably trapped.  Unable to express his problem and confide in his parents, he chose to run away, away from the people who ridiculed him. 

He reached the big city of Mumbai where he started doing odd jobs while studying  in evening college.   While the boys in his college  tried hard to impress and woo the girls, he dreamt of a life where he could live without having to pretend, a life where he could follow his heart’s calling.  Fear of being ridiculed and socially ostracized made him run from his identity and maintain a false façade. Payal, his classmate was drawn towards this quiet guy and expressed her interest to him. Mohit was forced to tell her the truth that he identified himself as a woman and couldn’t reciprocate her feelings.  Her shocked reaction left him feeling very mortified.  He chose to change his college  before the others could get to know. He knew he had to run, to escape the shame.

Years later at work he met Samir an understanding soul who had undergone a similar trauma. He listened to Mohit patiently and advised him that he couldn’t run forever.  Samir told him that there were many others like him and Mohit  need not feel ashamed  about it. Samir introduced him to the LGBTQ community, where finally Mohit could fit in.  Mohit found the acceptance  he was looking for. The acceptance set Mohit free from all the shackles which had bound him and he no longer felt any shame about his sexuality.  Mohit decided to stop running and come open with his friends/colleagues.   Mohit felt lighter and  happier for the first time in his life.