With My Cousin

"Come on, Prayen, just imagine there's a flower in your hand and say 'I love you' to her."

He hesitated for a second, running a hand through his hair. "Anika, you're insane."

And then he dropped to one knee in front of me. His eyes met mine, and everything - the laughter, the background noise - faded a little.

"Pakhi," he said softly, voice steady but playful. "Will you marry me?"

For a moment, no one spoke. My heart did a stupid flip, and I swore I forgot how to breathe. His eyes were shining with that teasing spark - but there was something else there too, something unspoken that made my cheeks heat up.

Then Risha and Anika exploded into laughter.

"OH MY GOD," Anika shrieked. "He actually did it!"