“Nikki?”

A voice I knew all too well cut through the crisp autumn air, carrying warmth that stood in stark contrast to the chill creeping along my skin. The golden hues of the setting sun painted the rooftop in a dreamy glow, but the presence behind me sent a shiver that had nothing to do with the cold.

I turned, my heart skipping as I faced him. His sharp features seemed to hold the light of the sunset captive-the way the shadows played along his jawline, accentuating the beard that framed his face so perfectly. Those spectacles of his simple yet elegant, only made him look more composed, like someone who can see straight through to the core of everything.
His eyes lingered on me, carrying something unspoken, a gravity I couldn’t ignore.

“So, what are you doing…?” I had just started when I saw him getting on his knees before me.

As he knelt, the pristine white of his Indian attire glowing softly in the golden light of the sunset caught my sight. The intricate embroidery on his kurta caught the fading sun rays, shimmering like tiny constellations.
My eyes slowly met his eyes. His glasses framed his deep, soulful eyes, which held a blend of nervousness and unwavering determination. The faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips softened the sharp lines of his face.

The sight of him kneeling, his gaze locked onto mine, sent a wave of emotions crashing over me. In that moment, he wasn’t just the man I knew- he was a dream taking shape before my eyes, offering me his heart with unwavering sincerity.

And when he said my name, the world around us faded, leaving only him, me and the unspoken promise hanging in the air.

“Nikki, I know that what happened on that day was just an accident, a mistake that I will never ever regret because it brought us here today. I am thankful to the universe that the roses went to the rightful person and we got in that mess.”

The way he said next sentence with his voice trembling yet steady with conviction, made my heart skip a beat.

“I don’t know where life will take us from here, but I know I want every moment of it to be with you.” After a pause he asked, “Nikki, will you be my partner for life?”

His confession made me lose my already fragile grip on reality, as my heart swelled with emotions I could no longer contain. In that moment, there was no doubt in my mind- I wanted this, I wanted to keep this moment, locked safe away from others.

I gathered all the courage I could and mustered my way towards him. I knelt before him and reached for his waiting hand. It made him happy as a smile tugged at the corner of his lips; he raised his eyebrow at me as if waiting for my reply.

I shyly nodded my yes, feeling a rush of embarrassment, and to hide it, I wrapped my arms around him in a hug.

The loud clang of something metallic crashing to the ground jolted us out of our daze, and we both turned towards the sound, my heart sank as I looked at the person standing in front of us.
With a voice, heavy with betrayal, she broke the silence, 'Nikki, how could you?"