Sara's Trilemma

The Proposal

**Sorry guys for the delay...Read on!**

"I am nervous," I whispered, turning on my heel to run away.

He smiled and gave a short nod. His hair was blowing in the morning warm breeze. We were standing in the uppermost balcony overlooking the vast expanse of Washington DC skyline. The sun was bright with sparse clouds in the sky, the golden sun rays bathed Sid's profile in an angelic aura.

His nod of encouragement failed to lift my nerves, still clutching his hand, I tentatively stepped inside the living area of Sid's Penthouse. As my gaze fell on my parents sitting in the left side of the room, deeply in conversation with Naina and Jason Parker. They did not know I was here to surprise them-plan of Sid's. My feet felt heavy as I slowly came into their sight, they both looked up, too shocked to react. Both of them didn't talk, but stood up and lumbered towards me in calculating steps as if I would disappear any moment.

I felt Sid push me forward, now few feet vicinity from the wondrous gaze of my parents. My mouth was dry, my tongue felt heavy to move. I could feel my inside clench as I locked with my mom's gaze. I smiled from the corner of my mouth, tentative at first.

In one stride, she clasped me in her arms, her head coming to my shoulders. "Sara! My baby!" she sobbed, tears now dripping on my shoulder as let go of my own overwhelming emotions. It seemed like years when we finally broke. Her hand stretched to wipe my tears. "Pradeep, it's our daughter!" she turned briefly towards her husband and beckoned him in the hug.

Dad, though not teary, had a tormented expressions on his face. It seemed like he was afraid to cross the invisible threshold. I had to make his job easy. I broke from my mother and stepped in front of my dad, who stood at a greater height. "I am back," I whispered and placed my head on his chest.

His stiff stance broke suddenly, and he too hugged me.

Wordlessly, when we finally settled on the couch with me in between my parents, I began to tell what had happened in the last few days with me and Sid. I told them that the letter made me realize their position and completely understand the way they tried protecting me from the harsh truth.

"Dad," I whispered. "You shouldn't have asked Sid to get me the position of the executive assistant to CEO."

He looked up, his graying hair shining in the morning light. "I know. I realize that I shouldn't take the control of your life. Even I felt strongly that with your intellectual capabilities, you can progress without any connections. It was foolish of me to ask Jay to intervene."

"Yes, I agree," I murmured, twisting my mouth to let out a small smile. "Because, you two have made me this independent girl. If I wouldn't have seen your drive towards your passions, I wouldn't perhaps, developed it myself."

"Mini, dear," he mumbled and once again pulled me to his chest.

Meanwhile, Sid's parents who had just dropped from their house, also unaware of Sid's surprise, witnessed our reunion with their son at their side.

"Siddharth had spoken a great deal about you, Sara dear. And I know why. You are a sweet girl," said Naina, smiling. Sid and Jason beamed.

I smiled, feeling a little embarrassed as all eyes were on me. "I am planning two week's stay, and then back to Mumbai. Though I will sure to visit more often."

Naina's eyes drifted to her son in concern. She seemed to hope that her son would continue staying in DC. I didn't blame her.

"Mum, dad," Sid began. "I know you guys want me here in DC, but my heart is in Mumbai," his gaze set on me, making me uncomfortable. "I want to be with Sara. I hope you will understand. And of course," turning to my parents, he continued, "Only if you guys have no problem with it."