Why Do You Love Me ? (II)

Embedded in her black bean bag, with hot cappuccino in her right hand, she was dreaming about how her life had changed since the day she received that letter, a token of confession from him. She held no doubt- not anymore, for she knew every single reason as to 'why he loved her'! Interestingly, she chose to be more open and confident with him now and he just smiled every time he looked at her metamorphosed version. Even people around her- colleagues, friends and family- wondered about the mystery behind her newborn glow. She laughed more and even developed a smart sense of humor. She was still smiling, cheeks drenched in the shade of peach, eyes glittering like rose cut diamonds, never wanting to leave that chain of thoughts, when her phone buzzed. It was a text from him.

'Hey. I m leaving for Goa today. Will b back in two days. Meet me day after tomorrow? <3'

She : What? Goa? Sudden plans? You didn't tell me when we met yesterday! :/

He : Baby, I am so sorry. Immediate photo shoot came up. My manager informed me just now. Can't help. :'(

She : Okay. Will see you in two days then. Have a safe flight. Take care :)

He : Miss you already. You too tc. Love you :*

She : Love you more :*

He : No way! I love you more, idiot :* <3

She : I know, right? :P ;)

He : Hahahahah. Leaving. bye :) :*

She : Bye :*

Two days!  She sighed. 

Next day, while returning from office, she bumped into Tanya, a neighbor of his. She had only met her once when she stayed at his place for a week, so she chose just to smile. 

"Hey" Tanya initiated "How are you?"

"I am good. How are you?" She replied.

"Likewise. What a coincidence!  I talked with him about you only this morning." Tanya smiled.

"What? This morning? You mean on phone?" She felt flustered.

"Oh no no. He visited me this morning, asking me for some sugar."

"He is home?" She gaped.

"Yes. Why? Was he supposed to be somewhere else?"Tanya asked, perplexed.

"Yes-I mean no. " She ran out of words "I'll see you later Tanya. Got some errand to run."

"Okay then. Bye. See you." Tanya waved.

Unaware of anything else, she dialed his number. She was soaked with anxiety from head to toe as she waited for him to pick up the phone.

"Hey babe. How are you?" He spoke.

"Where are you?" She roared.

"Why? I am in Goa. I told you, right? Will be back tomorrow."

Deceived, she hung up.

She took a cab to his place and stormed right into his building without even halting for the entry at the main gate. Clueless of what had gotten inside of her, she was furious like a lioness, hungry for truth. Reaching his flat, she hit the doorbell. Pronto, the door opened. He was there! Standing right before her. Goa?

More than anything, he was shocked to see her. For a minute or two, there was no movement of limbs or lips. Both stood still, staring into each other's eyeballs. 

"Why? Why did you lie?" She broke the silence with her tear stained voice.

"Please. Let me explain it all" he was blocking her from entering inside.

"Let me in, you liar!" She shoved him. He stumbled and recovered promptly. But he was too late to stop her from entering.

She scrutinized the living room and kitchen. Baking trays, utensils, cook books, spices, herbs, fruit, wine, flavoring agents and other paraphernalia flooded the kitchen. It seemed like he had been preparing a grand meal.

She didn't know he cooked!

"What are you cooking all these for? Are you expecting some guests or a girl, perhaps?" Paranoia pushed her off limits.

He stayed quite, eyes never leaving the floor.

She walked toward his bedroom but he caught her hand before she even made it inside.

"Please, I beg of you. Don't go inside, just yet. I'll tell you every single thing, later."

Letting his request fall on deaf ears, she nudged him in the ribs with her elbows and let go of his hold. Turning the door knob, she opened the door.

She expected some girl in the bedroom but the view that welcomed her was totally different.

It seemed like his bedroom had been renovated. Multicolored lamps adorned the roof and lighted the whole room in alternate colors. It was breathtaking! His single bed was replaced with a king sized one. Unlit scented candles embellished the corners, already exuding pleasant scent. To top it all, his room was ridiculously clean. It was so unlike him!

Befuddled, she turned toward him. Before she could say anything, he pressed his index finger against her lips.

"Shhhhh. Just look at that wall." He commanded.

He took out a remote and pressed a button. Instantly, the lamps emitted two mesmerizing words in red on the opposite wall- MARRY ME!

The ground beneath her suddenly dissolved. She had no idea if she existed at that moment, if that was a dream or a reality-She was sinking between the two. She forgot to breathe, forgot to blink, causing her eyes turn moist. Maybe that moisture was the outcome of miscellaneous emotions she was pounced upon by. From pain to ecstasy, she felt everything that fell between those contrasting feelings. Pain- for being  so delusional- and ecstasy- for being proposed by her beloved lover.

She turned toward him only to find him in his most vulnerable position. He was crouching on the ground, eyes set on hers.

"Listen to me before you speak." He pleaded. "I never visited Goa. I had been planning this proposal for a long time. I thought to execute it in these two days. Had I known that my girlfriend was so persistent, I would have been more discreet. I lied to you. Yes I did. You now know why. I never cooked anything in my life, ever. For you, I had been learning to prepare lasagna, risotto and chocolate fudge cake. I thought to disclose this talent of mine tomorrow, the day I scheduled to propose you. Also, the arrangement in my room you see, is to woo you. I had been doing nothing but preparing myself for this very moment. Goa was an excuse to surprise you. I planned that I'd bring you here tomorrow where you'd eat your favorite  cuisines prepared by your favorite man. Then I would have taken you to my room and proposed. Don't you see idiot, I love you? You know there is no one but you. Please, hold no doubts against me. I am yours only yours. Understand?"

Teary eyed, she nodded.

"Marry me." Producing a solitaire diamond ring, he repeated the exact words that flashed on the wall.

Embarrassment swallowed her at that very moment. She cursed herself for being so suspicious when the paradox hit her with rose petals.

Without a stain of doubt, she chirped "YES!"

Overjoyed, he stood and swept her off her feet before hugging her tight while the room still gleamed in 'MARRY ME' lights with the sweet music reflecting their abiding love.