Reo and Me

Twenty Nine

Aisha's POV

Me and my family returned home that day after making promises with Sameer's family to set a date as soon as possible and convenient.

They wanted the engagement ASAP because they had to leave for India soon. I was lying on the bed in my room when my phone rang. It was around 8:00 PM right now. The caller ID flashed Naina. It must be around 1:30 ish in India.

"Hello?" I picked up, concerned.

"Aisha!" Naina exclaimed.

"Why aren't you asleep? Everything okay?" I asked, my head turning into a frown.

"I was at a party tonight." She said.

"What for?" I asked, when I realised she and the baby was okay.

"I'm having a boy!" She exclaimed. I could scream. Naina was having a baby boy!

"Oh my gosh I'll have a baby nephew!" I exclaimed. Naina was so happy- the pregnancy was going well and she was loving every moment of it.

"I can't wait for you to get pregnant and give ME some nieces and nephews." She laughed. I didn't reply but laughed along with her. I was still hurting but it didn't matter anymore.

Reo was still on block. I had unblocked his social media but that was because he wasn't very active. It had taken me so much will power to not open his account and just stare at the profile picture he hadn't changed since a year.

I plugged my phone into charge and just stared out of the window. The London skyline looked back at me, shining brightly.

— 2 weeks —

Time had been passing by very quickly. The engagement was happening tomorrow. We would have an informal one here in London but when we went to India for the wedding we'd have one with all the festivities.

It was 7:30 PM right now. Mom and Dad has extended their stay further. They were leaving two days after the engagement with Sameer's parents. Mom was in my room, helping me select between the two heavy Indian dresses I had.

"Why do I need to dress so much when it's an informal thing?" I whined.

"Because it's your resposibility to look pretty and we'll be taking photos." The engagement was happening at Sameer's place because, well his place was bigger.

Also he had a separate home theatre/hall which he often hosted his parties in. It would look good in photos too.

"Wear this." She handed me a wine coloured saree, which was a little see through. Well it was relatively simple. I nodded. I didn't have it in me to disagree.

I didn't know what I felt about the engagement. I wasn't too sad nor was I exhilarated. I was neutral, I guess. Maybe sometime I'd be excited. Maybe when all the festivities happened.

I dressed up in the assigned clothes and sat patiently as June did my makeup. Mom had left long ago and was busy chatting with her to be in relations.

"You really want this, right?" June asked as she put some foundation on me.

"I'm not sure. Sameer is really nice and he has been so loving with me in the past two weeks." I said. It sounded like I was trying to make myself feel better.

"You still haven't talked to Reo?" She sighed.

I didn't reply. It wasn't worth replying. Maybe I should have talked to him again. Maybe he would have met me.
Maybe we would be getting married.

I restrained myself mentally and let June put the makeup on me. She was done after around half an hour. My hair was already let loose in soft waves. I looked like the quintessential Indian to be bride.

We went downstairs into the lounge where the engagement was happening. It was quite the dramatic moment as everyone turned around to look at me. I put my head down. For some reason, i felt like crying.

I looked up and saw Sameer smiling broadly, his eyes full of admiration. I had to smile back. I sat on the sofa with Sameer beside me. June and my parents were at my side.

They handed me the ring and Sameer was handed his. I put the ring on his hand first. The platinum band shined on his ring finger. It really suited him. I apprehensively put my hand ahead. Sameer grabbed my hand reassuringly. I looked at him and he grinned.

I knew he was the right person but I wasn't sure if he was the right person for me. Reo was still floating somewhere in my thoughts. "I won't put the ring on unless you nod." I remembered what Sameer had said a week ago.

Flashback

Me and Sameer were sitting in the cafe just outside his work. My hands were wrapped around a mug of hot chocolate as he sipped on his classic Americano.

"I can't believe we'll be engaged in a week." He laughed.

"I know. It seems so quick." I said, exhaling.

"You want this, right? Be honest with me Aisha." He said seriously. The positive mood was now getting heavier.

"If I'm being honest. I don't actually know what I want. I know you're the right person; but Reo." I couldn't speak ahead.

"I won't put the ring on unless you nod. I want your approval before we do this. Okay?" He covered my hand with his. I nodded, a small smile on my face.

"Sameer. Put the ring on." His parents whispered. He looked at me intensely. I didn't know what to do. My parents were getting worried too. What would I tell dad?

I closed my eyes and nodded. All of them let out an audible sigh of relief as I forced a smile. I couldn't say no. Not at this point.

I could hear congratulations reverberating in the lounge. Our parents were shaking hands and already promising stuff, as if we were married. I could only smile at Sameer. My eyes were filling with tears but it was for the best.

I had to move on. I had spent months thinking about this. I'd will myself to fall in love with Sameer. Everything would be alright.

———