Just A Friend?

Chapter Eight

"Alright," he finally said, the resolve in his voice finding its way through the nervousness. "I... I've been thinking a lot lately. About us. And I realize... I've realized that I can't imagine my life without you. I know I've been caught up in things, and I'm not always the best at expressing myself, but... I want you to know that you mean a lot to me."

Sweety's breath hitched as she processed his words. The room seemed to hold its breath, every sound and sight becoming a distant blur compared to the intimate moment unfolding before her. The emotions she had harbored for so long surged forth, mingling with a profound sense of relief and joy.

Prabhas's gaze was unwavering, a mix of hope and vulnerability. "So, Sweety... what I'm trying to say is... will you be... my life partner?"

The simplicity of the question, wrapped in the sincerity of his tone, made Sweety's heart swell. Tears of happiness welled in her eyes, and she nodded, a radiant smile spreading across her face. "Yes, Prabhas. Yes, I will."

As he pulled her into a tender embrace, the surrounding noise of the party returned, but now it felt like a distant echo.

"Sweety?" Prabhas's voice was tentative, breaking through her fantasy. She blinked rapidly, realizing she'd been lost in her own thoughts, and a flush of embarrassment warmed her cheeks. She quickly masked it with a smile.

"Tell me, Prabhas," she said, her voice gentle and encouraging. "I don't mind anything! Just say what's on your mind." She reached out, taking his hand in hers, squeezing it in a gesture of reassurance.

Prabhas's eyes darted around nervously, and she could see the color rising in his cheeks. He seemed to be struggling with his words, a rarity for someone usually so composed. "Sweety, I... I'm in love with Teju."

The words struck her like a physical blow. The world seemed to tilt on its axis, and for a moment, she wished it would simply end right then and there.

Sweety's mind was a raging tempest, a storm of emotions threatening to break her apart from within. The words "I'm in love with Teju" echoed in her mind, a cruel mantra that twisted her heart with every repetition. She felt as though the ground beneath her was crumbling, but she stood rooted to the spot, unable to escape the whirlwind of her feelings.

Prabhas's voice cut through the chaos, pulling her back to the present moment. He was waving a hand in front of her face, his brow furrowed with concern. "Sweety, what's wrong?" His voice was soft, filled with the kind of worry only a true friend could have.

She had to force herself to respond, to push down the overwhelming surge of pain that threatened to choke her. Her voice trembled as she spoke, trying to maintain some semblance of calm. "N-nothing, Prabhas. I'm fine."

But how could she be fine? How could she stand here and pretend that her world hadn't just been turned upside down? She couldn't look at him, couldn't bear to see the trust and obliviousness in his eyes. If she did, she knew she'd break, right there in front of him.

Prabhas continued, his voice tinged with desperation. "I need your help, Sweety." The sincerity in his words was a knife twisting deeper into her chest.

She swallowed hard, struggling to keep her composure intact. "But how... how can I help you with this?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, each word a Herculean effort to get out. She focused on the ground, on the intricate patterns of the rug, on anything that wasn't him.

"I want to propose to her, but I don't know how!" he admitted, his voice brimming with the excitement and uncertainty of someone on the verge of a life-changing moment.

Sweety's heart twisted painfully at his words. Every beat felt like it was tearing her apart, but she couldn't let him see that. She had to be strong, to be the friend he needed her to be, even if it meant burying her own feelings. "You could give her a gift when you propose," she suggested, forcing the words out despite the quiver in her voice. "It'll make it more romantic, more special."