K
She changed into her comfortable clothes, fixed her hair and walked to the balcony...
Surprised to see what was waiting for her..
The recliners were turned into a makeshift bed…
Flickering candles..
Overlooking the ocean…
Dinner..
And a gift box…
She heard his footsteps. She turned and said “when did you do all this?” She asked in sheer joy. She did like it. It was hard for him to figure out what the new Khushi liked. She started walking towards him but paused, she looked around like she was trying to find an invisible object..
She asked “do you hear something? Like music?” He replied “yes, I think the party is still going on and it’s below this deck, so we can hear it slightly.” She walked to the edge, held the hand rail and attempted to look down. Like a little child.
Her face looked blissfully content. And he let her be. Was it his overconfidence or he did actually see the old Khushi in her today, right now. She closed her eyes, taking all in..
The wind.
The water.
The music.
The feeling…
She turned around to see him. Her husband. Who was already watching her, intently. He smiled and said “let’s eat?”
She replied “dance?” Stunned to hear that, he didn’t know how to react. She got closer to him and said again “dance?”
They could barely hear any music, but she wanted to dance. And he accepted, happily.
Her body rested on his, without any restrictions of anyone watching them. He held her, tenderly, in his arms while they both swayed together...
Music was done.
So was their few minutes of dance.
Dinner finished.
They were laying on that bed..
She was resting on his arms..
She admired how the balcony looked so romantic, she said “did someone tell you, you are the best husband?”
He answered “actually, only you can tell me that. And you haven’t yet.”
She smiled and replied “I will. Someday.” And giggled.
He turned to see his beautiful wife and said “I have something for you.” And he reached the table to pick up the present and gave it to her.”
She looked at it, and then back at him and said “you already did so much, why this?” He replied “nothing is enough.”
She held the present and said “but I did not get you any present?” She was lost in thoughts now…
He brushed her face and said “you are my present” and kissed her hair..
“Open it.” He said. She sat up, and started opening it. It was a small square box. A jewelry box. She opened it. It was a ring. A beautiful ring.
She liked it.
She smiled and said “are you proposing me?” out of nowhere.
And chuckled.
While continuing to admire that ring..
“Yes.” That’s all he said without moving from his spot. She thought she misheard him. She turned to see him..
He was still laying on that bed. His face resting in his palm..
Observing her..
Attentively..
He stayed put. Without moving. She noticed his grin.
She held the ring, showed it to him, still holding it, and demanded “who proposes like this?
“I do,” said her husband. And without any warning, he pulled her in, back in his arms and whispered “I can’t live like this anymore. I want you back in my life. Whole heartedly. All of you. And Aashna. With me. Not in parts. Not in pieces. Not in separate homes. Not in secret. I want us to be together. I want YOU. All of you. With me. Forever.”
Too astounded to say anything…
The ring now buried in her fist…
Thoughts jumbled…
Words lost..
Too perplexed to say anything. He felt her distress, clear on her face.
He climbed her, gently, moved her hair from her face, looked directly in her eye and spoke “you don’t have to decide right now. Take your time. This wasn’t to pressure you. This was to let you know I am ready. Whenever you are. You can put the ring away for now.” And he attempted to take the ring to put it back in the box, but she didn’t let him. That was a good sign.
He let her hold it, smiled, and touched her lips with his. Sealing his offer. He placed her properly on his arm again and said “Happy New Year.”
Part K.5 Continues...
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