"It's all due thanks to you we end up here".Mark said sarcastically.

"Well,you could've waited if you wanted."Akio replied,angrily.

"what are you trying to say? Huh? First you invite me to share an umbrella,Then you lose it and you shout at me? Is something wrong in your head?"Mark said in defence.

A middle-aged man was witnessing the chaos silently.He chose to speak up.

"Are you guys done? I just stopped by to ask whether you needed help.."

"Yes we do need help."both said,embarrassed.

They were led by the man to a cottage..It was traditional Sichuan Architecture house made of wood...A beautiful garden uplifted the beauty of the already beautiful house...The rain had soaked the wood and the house was smelling like a sandalwood forest..They entered the house lighted by paper lamps that gave out a soft glow to every thing.They were warmly welcomed by an another middle-aged man.He assisted them to refresh themselves and they all sat down for dinner.

A freshly boiled hot-pot soup was brought to the table,not to forget,accompanied by Chengdu's special crayfish sides.

Every one picked a piece of meat and dipped it into the soup.They devoured it in one-bite.

Mark had never tasted anything like it.He forgot about everything but cleaning his plate.

"Yeah.Go on ,you glutton."Akio said,mockingly.

"It's not you who is paying for eat.So,shut up and eat." Mark said, irritated.

"Are you guys like a couple or something? One of the men questioned,suspiciously

"NO.WE ARE NOT"Both's voices synchronised.

"I was watching you.You fight in the same way me and my wife fight over small things."He said,with pride gleaming upon his face.

"Oh,by the way,where is your wife? haven't seen her since we came."Akio inquired.

"My wife? HE is sitting right beside me"he said pointing to the other man sitting beside him.

A sound of chopsticks falling was heard...Mark and Akio were shocked to the core..They had seen many BL couples in movies and dramas,but never in real life.

They tried to change the topic..but the situation became even more awkward..

After a series of awkward encounters,It was finally time to leave.The rain had stopped pouring and the sky was clear. Akio and Mark thanked the couple profusely and departed.

It was sunset time and the sun was already fading into the horizon.The sky was adorned with shades of pink,blue and purple with tinges of orange.It was beautifully reflecting off the surface ot the tea which the couple was drinking,sitting in the veranda of the house.

"Say,will there be a day when people will not belittle people like us?"one of them asked the other,placing his palms on the others'.

"There will be a day when we will have equal rights and will not be mocked.The day is nearer than you expect."Said the other.

They both spent their day staring into the horizon,where they could see a bright future awaiting them.

The day had passed and a new day awaited all.However,some people's mornings were not as peaceful.

The loud buzzing of the doorbell woke Mark up.He opened the door and saw the landlady standing.

"I hope you have no problems here.Is everything so far all right?"She asked,with a commercial smile.

"Yes it is."Mark replied drowsily.

"Well then,I might be causing you some trouble,but it will be fine."she said,flaunting her commercial smile."You see,we had some accommodation problems and only you live alone..so we have to shift a tenant in your block.I hope it's fine with you."

The tenant entered the house.It was none other than Akio."Well,it seems that fate has brought us together again."He said,with a smirk.

what was with these chain of coincidences..could they be hinting at something?