Blueprints of Love

32. A Proposal of His Own

The weeks after the engagement cancellation had been a whirlwind. Savi and Rajat found themselves slowly easing into a relationship that felt both familiar and entirely new. There were no grand declarations—only quiet, meaningful moments that slowly rebuilt their connection. Rajat, however, had one last surprise in store—something symbolic to mark the beginning of this new chapter in their lives.

On a crisp autumn evening, Rajat arrived at Savi's office just as the city lights began twinkling in the twilight. Savi, absorbed in her laptop, glanced up to see him standing at her door, leaning against the frame with a playful grin.

"Busy as always," he teased.

Savi rolled her eyes but smiled. "Some of us don't get to gallivant around Mumbai all day, you know."

Rajat crossed the room and held out his hand. "Come with me. There's something I want to show you."

"Now?" Savi asked, eyeing the clock. "I have work, Rajat."

Rajat's grin widened. "Your work will still be here tomorrow. But this is important."

Savi hesitated for a moment, but there was something in his expression—an invitation, a promise. With a small sigh, she grabbed her bag. "Fine. But this better be good."

The drive was filled with familiar streets, and Savi quickly realised where they were heading. As they entered their old college neighbourhood, memories came rushing back—late-night study sessions, endless coffee breaks, and fleeting glances across crowded rooms.

Their first stop was the tiny café they used to frequent. As they entered, the warm smell of brewing coffee enveloped them. The same mismatched chairs and rickety tables were still there, just as they remembered.

Rajat guided her to a table tucked into the corner. "Do you remember what happened here?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Savi smirked. "You mean the time you stole my sandwich and made me chase you around the campus?"

Rajat laughed. "I maintain that it was an act of survival. You weren't eating it fast enough."

Savi shook her head, but the playful exchange warmed her heart. As they sipped their coffee, she realised how easy it was to fall back into the rhythm of their old banter.

From the café, they strolled through the campus, eventually finding themselves in the old library. They walked through the aisles, their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet space.

"This was your favourite spot," Rajat whispered, pointing to a small nook. "I'd always find you here, buried in notes."

"And you'd always show up last minute to borrow them," Savi teased.

Rajat smiled. "It was just an excuse to see you."

Savi's heart skipped a beat at his words. How many moments like these had they shared without ever realising what they meant?

Their last stop was the campus amphitheatre—quiet, empty, and bathed in moonlight. It was a place where they'd watched performances, debated assignments, and sometimes just sat in companionable silence.

"This place holds so many memories," Savi murmured. "It feels like we never left."

Rajat took her hand, his thumb tracing slow circles on her skin. "That's because some things stay with you, no matter where you go."

Savi leaned against him, feeling the warmth of his presence. It was in these simple, unspoken moments that she felt most at peace.

Rajat took her hand and guided her to the centre of the stage. "There's one more thing," he whispered, his voice laced with anticipation.

Savi's brows furrowed in curiosity. "What is it?"

Rajat reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet pouch. When he opened it, Savi's breath hitched—it was the same watch she had completely forgotten about. The one she had lost during Meera's and Raghav's wedding in Konkan.

"Rajat..." she whispered, stunned.

He smiled, holding the watch delicately. "It took me weeks to track it down and get it repaired."

She stared at the gleaming watch, overwhelmed by the gesture. "I didn't even realise I lost it," she admitted softly.

Rajat slid the watch onto her wrist with care, the cool metal resting against her skin. "I've thought a lot about us," he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "We've lost time before—too much of it. But I don't want to lose any more."

Savi blinked back tears, his words sinking deep into her heart.

"It's time we got it right," Rajat continued, cupping her hand in his. "No more waiting, no more doubts. Just us—starting now."

For a moment, Savi was at a loss for words. She looked at the watch, the symbol of something broken but now restored, and then into Rajat's eyes—filled with hope, love, and the promise of a future together.

"Are you...?" she trailed off, her heart pounding.

Rajat smiled knowingly. "I'm not asking you to marry me today," he said. "But I am asking you to build a life with me—one moment at a time. And someday, if you'll have me, we'll make it official."

Savi let out a breathless laugh, her emotions swirling between joy and disbelief. "You're ridiculous," she whispered, her voice thick with unshed tears.

"Maybe," Rajat replied, grinning. "But I'm kind of ridiculous."

Without hesitation, Savi threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. "Yes," she murmured, her voice muffled against his shirt. "Yes to everything."

Rajat held her close, relief washing over him like a tidal wave. He kissed the top of her head, then tilted her face up to meet his gaze. "We'll make it work, Savi," he whispered, brushing a tear from her cheek. "I promise."

They stayed at the amphitheatre for a while longer, sitting side by side under the stars. The air was cool, but Savi felt nothing but warmth. She rested her head on Rajat's shoulder, their hands intertwined, both of them content in the knowledge that they were finally on the right path.

As they made their way back to the car, Savi glanced at the watch on her wrist and smiled. It was more than just a timepiece—it was a reminder that some things, no matter how lost they seem, can always find their way back.

In the quiet hum of the night, Rajat leaned close and whispered, "So, where to next?"

Savi glanced at the watch on her wrist and then at Rajat, her heart full of hope and love. "Anywhere," she said softly. "As long as it's with you."

Rajat reached over and took her hand, his fingers lacing with hers. "Then we've got all the time in the world," he whispered.

And as the night stretched before them, endless and full of promise, Savi knew that this time, they were finally on the right path—together.

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