Maya's expression softened as she reminisced. "I didn't know for sure, Kutti. It was a leap of faith. A well thought out decision, yet still a gamble. And what way do we have of ensuring lifelong success of a relationship ? None. We could only hear their words not see their actions.
Even people who have dated for many years end up divorcing within a year. And those who've spent decades together can still split in their later years."
She continued, her voice gentle. "What I wanted was a person who would be willing to try his best to revive our relationship when everything goes wrong. When we were sent at roof to talk, your Anna didn't ask me about my hobbies or anything like that. He told me his truth.
He told me he was practically poor with no savings. Whatever I was told he has, belong to his parents and you. He said, he couldn't give me the world of my dreams right away, but he promised to work hard and be the best husband and father he could be."
Maya looked into Kongpob's eyes. "He admitted his shortcomings but assured me he would always lend an ear when I needed someone to listen. He promised I would always have his shoulder to cry on. If he could find a solution to my problems, he would do everything to find it. If he couldn't, we would bear it together. Whatever happened, I wouldn't be alone. He would always be there to double my joys and halve my burdens. That is all I wanted. I did not wanted to be queen of my husband's home but his heart. "
Kongpob listened intently, absorbing Maya's words. "That's really beautiful, Anni."
Maya smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I know right. Thats how your brother sweet talked me in to this marriage. "
Kongpob laughed " Sweet talk what sweet talk, Anni ? Isn't my Anna perfect?"
" Your Anna hasn't remembered a single anniversary on right day" his sister in law chuckled " It's either one day before or late. Once he brought me gift one month early. "
" Anna knows true meaning of surprising someone with a gift " Kong teased.
His Anni laughed " Definitely keeps matters interesting. He isn't most romantic or poetic but he is perfect for me.
It's not always about finding the perfect person, Kong. It's about finding someone who's willing to put in the effort to make things work, no matter what."
Kongpob nodded, feeling a sense of clarity. "Thanks, Anni. That really helps."
Maya grinned, ruffling his hair affectionately. "Anytime, Thambi (little brother/younger brother). Now, you sleep... you have an early day."
" Anni..." Kong stopped her " I need to ask you something. But, don't tell Anna ... what could I do for Arthit as a way to apology? It should be meaningful but not be too overt? "
" And why do you need to apologize, Kutti ? "
" I may have cursed him...like at least ten times. "
" What? " Maya's eyes widened in amusement " He told me to ..I swear. " Kong defended himself " He kept teasing me mercilessly until the driver delivered thermal socks. I was already cold and I snapped at him. I cursed him from his socks may never match to his pen may always run out of ink! " Kong hid his face in his hands " he was only trying to help me. How awful I treated him !"
" It's okay Kutti. Not many people have cursing on first meeting to boast about. "
" Anni..don't tease me. Tell me what do I do now na.."
Interesting Maya thought. " First tell me, what did Arthit do? How did he react? "
" I formed a poem for curses since he challenged I wasn't creative enough. Then he made a poem to counter that. Saying stuff like if his pillow must be too warm then be it, he will use it to warm up my cold feet and stuff like that. I was so enraged and flattered and annoyed at confused at the same time. I felt like I was living a chapter of my book as protagonist! "
