Threads of Destiny

Chapter 36: Rain and All

"Ohhh, I am so tired," Khushi said, lying on the couch.

"That was one hell of a party," Shourya said, closing the door behind him.

"Maitree, you planned the hell out of that party," Rudra added, sitting on the armrest where Maitree was half-asleep.

Rudra slowly touched his pocket, feeling the ring inside. He wanted to propose, but everyone looked exhausted, and Maitree was barely awake. He sighed, gently brushing a strand of hair from her sleepy forehead.

Khushi stretched her legs out, resting them on Shourya's lap. "I swear, if one more person had asked me when the baby was due, I would have thrown the cake at them."

Shourya chuckled, rubbing her ankle. "Well, you are six months pregnant. People are curious."

Khushi shot him a look. "They weren't curious. They were nosy."

Maitree let out a sleepy giggle. "You did threaten to throw the cake."

"I was being dramatic."

"No, you weren't," Rudra chimed in with a smirk. "I saw you eyeing the cake like you were calculating the best angle to throw it."

Khushi huffed but couldn't hide her grin. "Fine, maybe a little."

Maitree sat up, stretching her arms. "Okay, okay, I'm going to bed before I pass out right here."

Rudra watched as she stood, rubbing her eyes. He had waited two years for this moment, for the right time to ask her to spend forever with him. But as she yawned and gave him a drowsy smile, he knew tonight wasn't it.

"Goodnight," Maitree mumbled, squeezing Khushi's hand before heading toward the stairs.

"Goodnight, Rudra," she added, pressing a light kiss to his cheek. "Goodnight, honey," he murmured as she walked upstairs.

Shourya raised an eyebrow, glancing at Rudra. "What's up with you?" he asked in a confused tone.

Khushi looked up at Rudra, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

Rudra sighed, sinking onto the couch. "I was going to ask her to marry me tonight," he admitted, running a hand through his hair.

Shourya and Khushi exchanged a look, their expressions shifting from surprise to excitement.

Khushi's eyes widened as she sat up straighter. "Wait, what?"

Shourya let out a low whistle, crossing his arms. "You were really going to propose tonight?"

Rudra nodded, leaning back against the couch. "Yeah... after the party, and she was exhausted. I mean, look at her—she could barely keep her eyes open." He let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "Didn't seem like the right moment."

Khushi smiled warmly. "That's actually really sweet. You want it to be special."

"Of course, I do," Rudra said, rubbing his temple. "I don't want her half-asleep when I ask her to spend the rest of her life with me."

Shourya smirked. "Fair enough. But man, I gotta say, I wasn't expecting this tonight."

Khushi reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. "She loves you, Rudra. No matter when or how you ask, she's going to say yes."

Rudra looked down at the ring in his pocket, a soft smile on his lips. "I hope so."

"Now lets see the ring" Khushi said taking the ring from Rudra

Khushi held the small velvet box in her hands, carefully flipping it open. The ring inside sparkled under the soft glow of the living room lights—a delicate yet elegant solitaire with tiny diamonds lining the band.