A SUITABLE MAN✔️

13

As the celebration continued to unfold around them, Shrika felt a playful impulse rising within her. With a cheeky smile, she suddenly bent down on one knee in front of Sreethan and  her eyes are sparkling with mischief. 

Shrika : Sreethan ! 

 She proclaimed dramatically.

Shrika : will you go on a date with your fiancée ? 

He let out a hearty chuckle as he is caught off guard by her playful spirit. 

Sreethan : Well, since you put it that way... yes, I will ! 

He replied with a grin spreading across his face.

Shrika : Great ! Let's go ! 

 Shrika exclaimed by standing up and taking his hand. They made their way out of the garden, heading toward a nearby hilltop that overlooked the town. The path was lined with trees and pretty flower plants, the evening air is fragrant and refreshing.

Once they reached the bench at the top, they settled down and  the view is stretching out before them in a breathtaking panorama. The sky was serene same like their hearts. Shrika looked around and her heart is light. 

Shrika : Isn't this just perfect ? 

She said and her voice is filled with excitement.

Sreethan : It really is ! 

 Sreethan replied by looking at her with admiration. Shrika launched into a stream of chatter, talking about everything from her latest event planning ideas to her favorite movies. It was easy and effortless, her energy infectious.

But then, as the conversation flowed, Sreethan's expression shifted. He stared out at the horizon and is  lost in thought for a moment before speaking softly. 

Sreethan : You know, I wish my parents were alive to see this. They would have loved being here with me today.

The weight of his words hung in the air, and Shrika's heart ached for him. She reached out, placing her hand over his. 

Shrika : I'm so sorry, Sreethan. I can't imagine how hard that must be. But you know, you can consider my parents as your own. They'd love you just like I do.

He turned to her with  a sad smile forming on his lips. 

Sreethan : Thanks, Shrika. That means a lot to me.

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the wind rustling through the trees. Shrika could sense the heaviness in the air, so she decided to lighten the mood. 

Shrika : You know? 

she said with  a playful glint in her eye, 

Shrika : you could actually kiss me instead of staying like a touch-me-not plant.

Sreethan hesitated with  his cheeks flushing slightly. 

Sreethan : Uh, well...

Before he could finish, Shrika leaned in closer by  wrapping her arms around him in a warm embrace. 

Shrika : Come on, don't be shy ! 

she teased, and before he could protest, she pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.

To her surprise, he melted into the hug by relaxing against her. 

Sreethan : Okay, okay, this is nice.

He admitted and his voice is soft. 

Sreethan : I guess I'm just not at all habituated to affection display.