: Published in late 2021, this anthology includes diverse stories that explore gender relations and personal desires, such as " ," a tragic lesbian love story.

: Modern romance often intersects with themes of class, community discrimination, and the struggle for survival amidst socio-political turmoil.

It was against this backdrop that romantic stories flourished, particularly on digital platforms. With physical spaces restricted, the internet became the new phambal kaba (meeting place). Social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube became the primary stage for serialized audio dramas, short films, and written fiction, creating a unique genre of "digital romance" that spoke directly to the anxieties and hopes of the Manipuri youth.

She leaned closer, her shoulder brushing his. The sound of a distant police siren wailed, then faded. “A romantic one,” she whispered. “The kind where two people choose to hear the same song, even when the world is trying to change the station.”

Based on the findings, it is recommended that:

: A novel published around this period by Dhanarani Rajkumari , uses the moon as a metaphor for resilience and love in a village setting, written during the pandemic. The Enduring Influence of Classical Romance