Together Forever

Chapter 14

Anika's POV

"Will you be my girlfriend, Anika?"

My heart was beating so fast, I was afraid it might leap out of my chest at any moment. Uday's eyes held mine, filled with hope, sincerity, and a touch of vulnerability.

He's a good guy, I thought, my mind racing. He saved my life, risked his own without thinking twice. He's been nothing but kind to me, and... maybe I do feel something for him.

But then, the thought of my mother echoed in my head. Mom. She told me not to get too close to him, to be careful. But if Uday is really as good as he seems... maybe even she would agree eventually. Right?

I swallowed, my gaze shifting between the ring and his face. I could see the patience in his eyes, the way he was waiting for my answer without rushing me.

What if I say yes? My mind whirled with possibilities. A part of me was terrified, scared of what this decision might mean-how it could change everything between us. But another part of me... wanted to say yes. I could feel something deep in my chest, something warm, growing every time Uday was near me.

"Uday..." I started, my voice shaky. "You're... you've been so good to me, and I... I don't know what to say."

He tilted his head, his smile gentle. "Just say what your heart feels, Anika. I'm not asking for a promise, just... a chance."

I felt my cheeks heat up, my mind swirling with thoughts of what could be. Could this work? Would we be good together?

His words played in my mind over and over again. Just say yes. I'll take care of everything. Could it really be that simple?

I bit my lip, looking down at the ring once more. My pulse was racing, my mind still spinning, but slowly, I nodded. "Okay," I whispered, almost unsure of my own voice. "Yes."

Uday's face lit up, his smile growing wider as if the weight of the world had just been lifted off his shoulders. He carefully slid the ring onto my finger, and as I looked down at it, I couldn't help but smile too.

"Anika, I can't tell you how happy I am right now," Uday said, his voice filled with emotion. "It feels like I've received the greatest joy in the world."

His eyes sparkled with a mix of relief and excitement, and I could see how much this moment meant to him. The way he looked at me, like I was the only person that mattered, made my heart flutter even more. I wasn't used to someone being so openly expressive about their feelings, and it made me feel both nervous and... special.

I smiled softly, but inside, I felt the weight of my own emotions. "I trusted you, Uday," I said, my voice steady but gentle. "So please, never break that trust."

Uday's grip on my hand tightened slightly, a warm reassurance. "Never, Anika. Not even in my dreams. I wouldn't ever want to lose what we have."

There was such sincerity in his words that it melted the last bits of doubt I had left. I could feel the intensity of his promise, and for the first time in a long while, I felt secure. The way he was holding my hand, so firmly yet gently, like I was something precious to him, made my heart swell.

"You're so important to me, Anika," he continued, his tone soft but full of conviction. "I'll make sure you never regret this decision, I swear. And I'll always be there to protect you, just like I did before."

"No, nothing like before," I said, my voice firm. "You won't risk your life for me again."

"For you, I'd gladly give my life, Anika," he replied, his tone tender yet serious.