A Bond sealed in Time- The Proposal

"I am in love with someone." Rohan blurted out. His heart raced like a drumbeat in anticipation, each thud echoing the intensity of his emotions. Every beat of silence felt like an eternity, the weight of those words heavy on his chest. His palms grew slightly damp, and a knot formed in his stomach, a mix of excitement and anxiety intertwining within him.

Anika, who was sitting cross legged in front of him in the college canteen, stood still, trying to register what Rohan had just said. The samosa in her hand dropped dramatically in slow motion.

"Huh?" Her eyes were still wide open in surprise.

"I said I am in love with someone." He spoke, a little slower this time.

"I heard you stupid. Ever heard of a rhetorical question?" She continued chewing on her samosa. "I just thought you did not have a heart to start with." She made a subtle remark, shrugged innocently and laughed at her own joke.

The sound of her laugh echoed through the air and danced through the room, playful and effervescent. 

She had always been the confident one, emitting an aura of positivity, ease and self-assuredness. Her eyes filled with a sparkle of enthusiasm, her genuine interest in others put everyone at ease to open up around her.

"Anika! I am serious!" He exclaimed. 

He was, actually, the serious one, focused, responsible and thoughtful. He would always weigh his words and actions carefully, considering consequences and implications before making any decisions. He rarely displayed overt emotions.

But today was different. He wanted, no, needed, to get this out.

He got on the edge of his seat, his upper body leaning forward. His legs, crossed at the ankle, begin to tap rhythmically against the floor.

She straightened up. "Oh, ok."  She took another bite of the samosa. 

The tapping of his foot gained momentum, betraying his growing impatience.

"Go, admit it to her." She stated, calmly this time.

"It's this girl... the thing is... I'm scared! What if I get rejected? What if she doesn't like me back, or worse, doesn't want me in her life... I cannot lose her." He mumbled to himself.

"It's okay you know..." Her slender fingers traced the edge of the plastic plate.

"What's okay?" He asked, watching her meticulous movements.

"It's okay to feel this way, to be scared, to admit your feelings anyway, to be accepted or rejected." She continued, her eyes now fixed on him, "because you're just being honest with her, being truthful to your feelings for her, you're being true to yourself!"

"But..." He trailed off.

"You know what? Just go and admit. Even if she rejects you, you at least won't live with a regret of a 'What if'." She stated, air quoting the words and continued, "I know it might hurt, but you'll have me."

"Awe." He made his best puppy eyes face.

"I mean, you'll have my shoulder to cry on." She gave a fake smile to tease him and got up, "Catch that!" She threw a samosa at him and ran towards her class.

He easily caught it, only to realize that it was dripped in red sauce, staining his hands.

"Hey Anika! You!" He got up too and made a sprint after her.

After college, the two of them met again in the parking area.

"It wasn't fair! You stained my hands! I got late for my class!" Rohan complained.