Threads of Friendship, Bonds of Marriage

Chapter : 14

A heartfelt thank you to my special readers, @manzitastha and @aeyshaKhan7, for your thoughtful comments and votes on every episode. Your support truly motivates me to keep writing. I also want to extend my gratitude to @jeevithanarasigowda for your votes. I hope you continue to enjoy the series. To all my silent readers, I encourage you to comment and vote as well—it means a lot to me!

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{The Proposal at Sunrise}

[The group reaches Sunrise Point, a remote mountain peak accessible only after a challenging hike. The landscape is breathtaking, with early morning mist blanketing the valley below. As they arrive at the summit, the first light of dawn begins to break, painting the sky in a mesmerizing palette of pinks, purples, and oranges. The crisp air carries the faint scent of pine. Manik discreetly leads his friends away from Mukti, making excuses, as he watches Abhimanyu approach her.]

Mukti: Where did everyone go? It's still dark.

Abhi: (in a husky voice) Mukti...

[Mukti turns to see Abhimanyu standing close. The first rays of the sunrise start to illuminate the surroundings, creating a magical atmosphere. Abhimanyu gently takes Mukti's hand, looking into her eyes.]

Abhimanyu: Mukti, I've always believed that there are moments in life that define us. This right here, with you, is one of those moments. Every step we've taken, every mountain we've climbed, has led us to this very point.

Mukti: (smiling, her eyes reflecting the first light of the sunrise) It feels like we're on top of the world, Abhimanyu. Everything seems so perfect, so serene. I've never felt so alive and at peace.

Abhimanyu: (turning to face her fully, his voice filled with emotion) Every sunrise we've watched together, every moment we've shared, has brought me here. You are my dawn, Mukti. With you, I've found a love that is endless, like the sky. Every time I look at you, I see my future, my dreams, my everything.

[On the other side, Alya clutches Dhruv's hand in anticipation.]

Alya: Unbelievable... He is going to propose her.

[Dhruv shrugs his shoulders, sharing a wide smile with the boys.]

Soniya: That's why bro was nervous.

Manik: Now shut up... Cabir is making a video...

Cabir: Yeah! If Lady Bheem finds out we ruined her proposal video with our chatter, we'll be all in trouble.

[Nandini and Navya admire the couple, lost in their own world, as the sun's rays make the scene even more beautiful, casting a new shine on their blossoming love. Mukti's eyes widen, her heart pounds, and her breath catches in her throat.]

Mukti: Abhimanyu...

[Abhimanyu slowly kneels down on one knee, reaching into his jacket pocket to pull out a small, elegant ring with a single diamond that catches the first rays of the sun.]

Abhimanyu: Mukti, just like this sunrise, you bring light and beauty into my life every day. From the moment I met you, I knew my life would never be the same. You've made me a better person, and I can't imagine a single day without you. Will you be my forever? Will you marry me?

[Tears of joy well up in Mukti's eyes, her voice trembling with emotion as she looks at the ring and then back at Abhimanyu. She stands still, unable to believe that Abhimanyu has finally proposed. Mukti doesn't speak for a good three minutes, making everyone worried. Nandini looks at Manik with concern, but he reassures her with a small blink.]