Not A Couple

20. Will you marry me??

I reached Irene's place around 7 in the evening. The sun wasn't feeling very well today and decided that he would sleep earlier than normal and it felt like it was midnight already when I saw her. The happiness on her face reminded me of a full moon. Bright and shiny but a dark patch or two faltering her beauty. I cupped her face in my hands and apologized for leaving without asking for an explanation. Maybe I was being too generous with her but I knew that if I didn't give us a chance I would regret it for the rest of my life.
She kissed my cheek to welcome me. She isn't someone who takes the lead...like ever when it comes to showing physical affection but I guess it was her way of apologizing.
I entered the place and it was decorated with candles. It almost seemed like I wasn't in her apartment. It was what people would call paradise on earth. Okay maybe not that beautiful but it felt like she had something special in mind.
"What is all this, hon??", I asked and I could see a flicker of radiance in her eyes. She was happy and the only thing which contradicted her look of happiness was the dark circles under her eyes. I guess she didn't get much sleep last night.
"You must be hungry, right?? Let me get you some food. Would pasta and steak be alright??", she asked. She knows that it's my favourite dish. What is up with her?? There is definitely something mischievous going on in that pretty head of hers.
"I would love some", I replied and she escorted me to a table. It was a table for two which I know wasn't there earlier. She must have been very busy preparing all of this for me. I feel so special. I don't think I even deserve her.
She poured some wine for the both of us and we ate in silence except the soft melody that was playing in the background.
"What would you like in desserts??", she asked.
"Whatever you have in store for me. If it's you I have as my company, then I would eat a bitter gourd for dessert"
"That was so cheesy!!"
"Getting inspired by my romance novel characters, I guess"
"Then you should start writing something else. I really don't like this cheesy side of yours. And stop nibbling on your lower lip.", she said in a higher tone than normal.
"Why should I?? Does it do something to your stomach??", I asked now biting my lip a bit seductively. Actually, I don't know how biting my lip can be seductive but that's what my characters do.
"Ohh yeah!! It makes me wanna puke"
"Really??"
"Yeah. Before we go on to do something else, I have to explain what you saw. You know that I love you, right?? Even if you don't, let me tell you that I love you and that too a lot. The day you saw me with Bran, I was not really in a good mood. I was going to perform in a fest as the lead but I sprained my ankle practising and the choreographers had to kick me out. It was my one big shot. The big break I had been waiting for my entire life. You know that I don't drink normally but that day I wanted to get wasted, I wanted to drink all the pain away. I know it may seem silly to you but I felt bad, very very bad. Bran is like one of my best friends in this university. He tried to make me understand that I will get another chance and I should not drink. When he came with me to the apartment to ensure that I reached safely, I kissed him on the cheek. I was impulsive and rash that day. He was taken aback by what I did but then one thing led to another and you know what happened."
This was a lot to take in. She initiated it, Irene who felt uncomfortable in kissing me sometimes was the one who literally invited the other guy.
I thought that maybe someone was blackmailing her or maybe threatening her but I was wrong. She intentionally cheated on me.
"Hon", she came near me and hugged me.
I pushed her away, I need some time to think everything through.
She knelt down on the floor on one knee and the only thing I could think was let it not be what I think it is. She took out a velvet box from the pocket of her sweatshirt and said,
"Robin Warner, you crazy, stupid maniac. My best friend, the constant in my life. The person who wouldn't hurt me even if I hurt you. I wanna grow old with you and complain about the pain my legs to you. I wanna hold your hand while walking. I want to kiss you senseless when the priest announces us, man and wife. I want to make all those girls jealous who want to be with the hotshot writer. I want to make memories with you. So, Robin Warner, Will you marry me??"
Ohh my fucking god!!! Is this really happening?? Just kill me. Ohh god just kill me!! I never thought that she would be the one proposing. I also want to have everything she mentioned but can I really trust her after what she did?? I need some air. I need to get out of here.
"Irene, baby I love you too but I need some time to think", I said and left her there. She was still on one knee when I left. I hope she forgives me for this but I do have to think. This is the decision of a lifetime.

How can he react like that after such a sweet proposal???
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