My Mr. Artist

Chapter 18

Three Years Ago

Late at night, in a room where the only source of light came from the moon through the open windows, a person stood leaning against the sill, wearing only his pants and lost in thought. He gazed outside, a cigarette tucked in the corner of his mouth, while his long fingers searched for his phone. Balancing it on his shoulder, he dialed a number and waited for the call to be picked up.

In his other hand, he held a blue velvet ring box containing a beautiful diamond ring, sparkling as brightly as the full moon in the sky. He imagined his lover's face when she would put it on, that shy yet bright smile, her beautiful dimple on display, the one he loved the most. He would do anything for that smile. Lost in his fantasy, the ringing stopped, indicating the call had been answered.

"What! Speak fast, Ansh, I don't have much time!" the voice on the phone barked, annoyance lacing the tone, as if it were the worst time to call.

"I'm going to propose to Kiyah," Saransh declared, straight to the point. The person on the other end froze, trying to process his words.

"Are you serious right now? Wait, it's nighttime there, you must be drunk," Arnav reasoned aloud.

"I'm serious, Arnav. I want to settle down with Kiyah. I can't imagine my life without her. I don't know what it takes for marriage, but I want to be tied to her, to share my life with her. I don't want to play this girlfriend-boyfriend game anymore. She deserves her rightful title and place beside me," Saransh justified, turning to stare at his love, who was bundled up in a blanket, sleeping peacefully on the bed, exhausted from their earlier activity. He knew it was his fault for pushing her limits today, but what could he do when he had to leave for work abroad in a few hours and would be away for more than two months?

"Ansh, marriage means building relationships between two families. You haven't even told her about your family, about who you are! Her family will need to know you too. Have you thought about that? Are you in your senses? What if your family doesn't approve of her? You know your relationship with your family right now," Arnav exclaimed, concern in his voice.

There was a moment of silence, broken by Saransh.

"I'll first tell her everything about me and then propose. She will decide whether to accept me, and if she doesn't, I will do everything to ask for her forgiveness. I know she will understand. As for my family, they didn't even accept me, so how can they accept her? Still, I will visit them to show how important she is to me. If they are still not ready to accept us, I will continue as I am right now."

"I think you should first return to your family. Maybe your old man has calmed down after seeing how successful you've become, and..." Arnav started, only to be cut off by Saransh.

"He will never, Arnav. You know his prestige and pride will never allow it. I just feel bad for my mother and brother; they suffer the most because of my grandfather's decisions. But I think I'm much better off now — neither controlled by anyone nor forced to sacrifice what is dear to me," Saransh said, leaving nothing for Arnav to respond.

Another moment of silence passed before Arnav spoke again.

"Are you okay being away from your family and that high-class society you've been part of since birth?"

"I'm with my people now, Arnav. People who understand me, my dreams, my passion, and with whom I can interact without barriers. I'm really where I should be," Saransh said, looking lovingly at Kiyah.

"Okay, then. I'm always with you," Arnav sighed, sadness in his voice, but loyalty in his heart. "Have a safe journey, then. See you soon." He was excited to meet Ansh in person after so long.