Dear Ravi:

My editing:
Hi Jerry. I’m messaging because my exams are over at last and I am not as distressed as I was before. My thinking is clearer and my understanding has improved. I now accept that we both are governed by social and cultural rules, and so, I have done a great wrong: I betrayed our sis/bro relationship.

Through our whole communication, you loved me as a brother, and as a brother only. Your behavior was strictly that of a sister. You have done no wrong. It was I who failed to live up to your trust and faith in me. I made a big mistake. And then I made things worse, pointing the finger of blame at you when it was me who was at fault, not you.

I miss you and the bond we shared. If it is indeed over, I must accept it. If it is your need now that I will no longer message you, then I must comply. This would be the loving thing for me to do. I must not again violate your rights and disregard your feelings.

My depression and pain, these are mine to deal with, my responsibility and not yours. Your responsibility is to do what is right for you.

I regret betraying our sis/brother bond and am more than willing to do all that I can to resurrect it and make it better. I will be the best brother a sister can have! But you would be the one to decide if you will give me another chance, and if you do, it will be you to decide if I succeed.

—

anita