How did I get so lucky to be with her?
“Reyansh!” Her whisper pushes me out of my reverie, and I break into a genuine, happy smile for her.
“Good to see you here, Aditi,” I reply in a gentle voice while she nods in response.
“Let's move.”
“Sure. This way.”
We step into the café together, me holding the door open and guiding her toward the farthest corner of the place. It’s a lakeside café, the tables and chairs neatly lined beside the serene view, cool drafts of air brushing softly against our skin.
“Please!” I pull the chair for her, and she thanks me in a murmur. I take a seat opposite her, watching as she quietly takes in the beauty around us.
“I hope you find this place pleasant.”
“Of course, the place fits all the qualities I have mentioned. Thanks for selecting this.” She flashes a broad smile, and I take that as my little win.
“So Reyansh–”
“Before you give your answer, I would like to say something, Aditi.”
“Okay.”
“I don’t know how you took my proposal in front of the whole family, but I don’t think that alone is enough. I want to be clearer about my feelings for you.” I clear my throat, watching her visibly stiffen, her gaze still fixed on me.
“You probably already know this is my first time feeling something so real for someone. No one has ever caught my attention the way you did. Like I said that day, it’s been two years since I started seeing you differently, and a year since I finally named what I feel.”
I pause, drawing a deep breath to compose myself, relieved that her eyes haven’t left mine.
“Aditi, I like you so much that I want to date you, get to know you better, and see if we can turn this into something meaningful…something lasting. Will you give me that chance?” My words come out calm and sure, though my pulse pounds beneath the surface.
She stares at me speechless before finally speaking. “So, Reyansh…I usually like to stay grounded in reality, so I want to share what I used to think about you.”
My brows knit, but I stay silent, urging her to go on.
“Like everyone in our families, I assumed something was going on between you and Amyra Di. I thought you two would eventually become a couple, especially after what you once said in childhood—”
“Oh God! I never expected this from you,” I cut in, panic flashing through me. “Amyra and I have always shared a pure friendship. Why does everyone think otherwise?” The frustration rises asquestions flood my mind. We’ve always been just friends—why did the world twist it into something else? Why couldn’t they see it for what it was?
“I wasn’t done, Reyansh.”
“Right, go on,” I say, forcing myself to relax.
“Maybe it’s the way you two were always together, or how you seemed to prioritize each other. But let’s not dwell on that, because I don’t care anymore. I live in the present, and I believe what you feel for me is real. And…I’m ready to give us a chance.” Her last words come with a shy smile, and goosebumps race down my arms.
“Is that a yes?” I ask, just to be sure.
“Yes.” Her voice is soft but steady, her eyes shining with quiet certainty. I can’t help but grin, my heart soaring in happiness.
“Thanks for making me the happiest man today, my girlfriend.” I add the last word teasingly, earning an easy laugh from her.
“This feels exciting, Reyansh,” she says with a grin. “Let’s make memories that last a lifetime.”
“Trust me, I feel the same. Now, let’s take a food break while we continue exploring our new relationship.”
She agrees, and we order a few beverages and snacks to celebrate the moment.
“What are your plans for the future?” I ask while sipping my drink, noticing her thoughtful silence.
