She said YES!

Months turned into years, and the love between Niveditha and me continued to deepen. It seemed like nothing could come between us, and our connection remained unwavering. My mother, the pillar of strength in our lives, blessed our relationship wholeheartedly. As our love story evolved, we realized that it was time to take the next step on this incredible journey we were sharing.

I decided to take a big step with my savings. I picked out a beautiful gold ring with a shiny red ruby on it. This special piece of jewelry seemed just right to show how much I cared for Niveditha and how unique our relationship was. I've always been a person who doubts things and thinks a lot before making decisions. But this time, it felt different. Choosing this ring and making this decision itself was surprisingly easy for me, and I think it's because of the deep love I have for her.

The ring symbolizes the love and affection I feel for Niveditha. It's like a little piece of our relationship that I can carry with me all the time. Making this choice with my savings was not a big deal, but I did it with joy because I wanted to show her how much she meant to me.

The proposal was an important milestone in our journey, and it was carefully planned to make the moment memorable. I invited Niveditha to meet me at the cherished lakeside spot where we had spent countless moments together. It was the place where we had woven the fabric of our love story, creating memories that would last a lifetime. I could only imagine the confusion on her face immediately after I informed her to meet me and now I started to imagine how would she react to me.

As the day approached, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Although I was confident that she would say yes, the significance of the moment weighed heavily on my shoulders. Seeking blessings from my mother before setting out was a heartfelt gesture to bring luck and guidance to this auspicious and heartwarming occasion.

I took the time to dress in my finest attire, meticulously tucking in my shirt and ensuring everything was perfect. The mirror became a close friend as I repeatedly checked my appearance. Nervousness played tricks on my confidence, and my heart pounded with anticipation as I headed to the lakeside.

My mother's blessings added an extra layer of significance to the proposal. The act of seeking her support emphasized the love and tradition that would guide our shared journey. As I moved towards the lakeside, the weight of the moment was palpable, but my heart was resolute, knowing that our love was strong enough to face whatever lay ahead.

Niveditha, adorned in a striking red kurta with Kundans, arrived at our meeting point. Her hair was neatly pleated, and her wrists were graced with silver bangles, making her look enchanting. The setting sun bathed the lake in a warm, golden light, enhancing the beauty of the moment.

The glistening water and the serene surroundings provided a perfect backdrop for our special moment. As we stood by the lake, the beauty of the place perfectly matched the elegance of the ring I held in my hand. The tranquility of the lake mirrored the serenity in our hearts, and the anticipation in the air was almost palpable.

Taking a deep breath, I reached into my pocket, retrieved the ring, and knelt before Niveditha. The moment was charged with emotion, and I was overwhelmed by the significance of what I was about to do. With sincerity in my eyes, I posed the heartfelt question, "Will you do me the honor of becoming my life partner for all the lifetimes ahead?"

Niveditha, initially in shock, looked into my eyes as tears welled up in her own. The depth of her emotions was evident, and she accepted the ring with a tender, tearful smile. In that beautiful, wordless moment, our souls connected, and our love deepened. We knew that this proposal was just the beginning of a remarkable journey together, and it filled us with hope and excitement for the future.

With fingers entwined, Niveditha leaned her head on my shoulder. In a soft, tearful voice, she expressed a heartfelt desire. "I know this is sudden, but can we invite my mother to our wedding? She may not have been the mother I hoped for, but she will always be my mother. Besides, she's the only family I have left." Her eyes sparkled with hope as she looked into mine, seeking my understanding.

I simply nodded, expressing my agreement. It felt like the right thing to do, and her wish became mine as well. With the decision made, we sought blessings from my mother, who supported us wholeheartedly. The next morning, we embarked on the journey to Niveditha's mother's village.

Nervousness was evident on her face as we journeyed to her mother's home. Her grip on my hand was tight, but she wasn't facing the uncertainties alone. I was there by her side, providing support and comfort.

Niveditha's Point of View:

It had been over a year since I left my home, the one where I lost both my grandparents, I had no one left, my father was my hero but he left me at a very young of mine and my mother...she is still alive but it has been few years since I left her and went to live with my grandparents many more years had passed since she had emotionally abandoned me. As we approached my village, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of hope and anxiety. I had so many questions and doubts swirling in my mind. Would she come to my wedding, or would she believe I was only interested in her money? Did she ever think of me or the family we once were? Did the loss of my grandparents weigh on her conscience? Will she embrace me the moment she sees me tightly? or will she hold a grudge against me for not going back to the house when she asked me? The weight of their absence still lingered, and I wondered if I was making the right decision by inviting her.

Another concern loomed large – my stepfather. How would he react upon seeing me? Would my presence stir up old wounds and cause unnecessary tension? Did he ever think about my father and feel guilty for sending her only daughter away and declaring his son as the heir of the family property that my father earned? or am I thinking really bad about him? What if he became a nice person? What if he truly regrets what he did to me? I grappled with whether I should share these thoughts with Mohan, even though it was my choice to make this visit. The anxiety weighed heavily on me, but I found solace in the fact that I wasn't facing these uncertainties alone. Whatever may come, I knew Mohan would be there, offering his unwavering support and being my comforting presence. While I didn't have all the answers, our shared journey gave me comfort, despite the uncertainties ahead. I had no answers, but all I knew at the moment was to hold his hand as tightly as I could. He in return understood my concern and gave me the boost that I very much needed at the moment.

As our car pulled up to her mother's house, the nervousness intensified. I hesitantly knocked on the door, and it was answered by a young man. He inquired about our identity and purpose, and for a moment, I felt like retreating. I asked Mohan if we could leave, and he held my hand firmly nodding to my response, and together we informed the young man that we must have come to the wrong address.

Just as we were about to turn and leave, we heard her voice – my mother's voice. The uncertainty surged, and I couldn't help but look back at her. She graciously invited us inside, and we accepted her hospitality.

What struck me immediately upon entering her home was that it felt unfamiliar. There was no trace of me or my father anywhere, and it was as if our presence had been entirely erased from her life. The atmosphere was tense as we took our seats, and I sat beside Mohan, the young boy beside us looking bewildered by the situation.

My mother offered us tea, and we sat across from each other. The young boy curiously asked, "Maa, do you know who they are?"

"Yes, beta (son)," she responded calmly, "she is your father's friend's daughter."

Hearing her words was the last thread of hope I had held onto. She was not even claiming me as her own daughter. I could feel the anger that had been building up within me since my childhood bubbling over, and my words flowed like a dam bursting. "I don't care," I told her. "My father's money built this house, and now you and your husband conveniently enjoy it, while kicking out his only daughter. I gave you countless chances to make things right, but you wasted every opportunity. You lay claim to this house, but you have no right to it. You gave up your only daughter for your husband and a child born from him. You've lost me, and I despise you."

I left her house in a hurry, holding Mohan's arm as we went. I didn't even look back. It felt like a big moment, and I had a strong feeling of finally putting things to rest. I couldn't wait to start the next chapter of my life with the man who had always been there for me.

Back then, when I was speaking those words to her, I didn't think much. I was too caught up in my emotions. What I was really thinking about were all those years when I longed for a family I didn't have. But then my grandparents stepped in and made sure I had that sense of family. Now, I have Mohan, who takes care of me like a father, and his mother has become like a second mother to me. They both treat me as if I were their own, and it means the world to me. It's like I finally got the family I always wished for, and I couldn't be happier.

Our shared journey continued, strengthened by the challenges we had faced together. Our love had triumphed over uncertainties, and we were ready to face the future, hand in hand.