Dennis could hardly sleep that night. The glow of Ann's words echoed in his mind: "If you really love me, tell my father."
Most men would have hesitated, afraid of rejection, but Dennis was not most men. He had built his career by making bold choices, and now his heart told him this was the boldest—and most important—decision yet.
Dennis's POV
Why wait? If I delay, doubts will creep in. I don't want to waste weeks sending messages or trying to "impress" her. If she values her family so deeply, then that's where I need to start. With her father.
By morning, his mind was made up. He spoke to his parents over breakfast in Jacob's house.
"Amma, Appa," Dennis said, setting his cup down, "I need you to come with me to meet someone today."
His mother looked up curiously. "Someone? Who, Dennis?"
Dennis took a deep breath. "Her name is Ann. She's Jacob's neighbor. I want to ask for her hand in marriage."
His father almost dropped his spoon. "Marriage? Already? You've only been here two days!"
"I know it seems fast," Dennis admitted, "but my heart is sure. I've never spoken to anyone with such honesty as she did. If she is willing, and her family agrees, I don't want to waste time."
Jacob, who had been listening with a smirk, leaned in. "I told you Ann is a good girl. But Dennis, are you ready for this step? Marriage isn't a software project you can just debug if things go wrong."
Dennis chuckled softly. "I know. That's why I want to do it the right way—from the beginning."
His mother, after a pause, touched his arm. "If this is what you truly want, we'll stand with you. But remember, it's not just about your feelings. Ann must also want this."
Dennis nodded. "I know. She said it herself—if her family is happy, she will be too."
Meanwhile, Ann was in the kitchen helping her mother knead dough for chapatis. The events of yesterday still echoed in her mind.
"Ann, why are you so quiet today?" her mother asked, glancing at her.
"Nothing, Ma," Ann murmured, her hands moving automatically.
But her thoughts were racing.
Ann's POV
What if he really comes? No… he won't. Men say such things but never mean them. He will forget, and life will go on as before. Yes, that's best.
She shook off the thought and focused on rolling the dough. But her heart betrayed her, beating faster with every passing hour.
By afternoon, a knock echoed at their door. Ann's younger brother ran to open it, only to return wide-eyed.
"Appa, some people have come. With Jacob uncle."
Ann froze, the rolling pin slipping from her hand.
Her father, a calm, dignified man, walked to the veranda. There stood Dennis, neatly dressed, with his parents beside him. Jacob smiled reassuringly.
"Brother, these are my relatives," Jacob said warmly. "They have come to speak with you."
Ann's father offered them seats. "Please, come in. What brings you here?"
Dennis's father cleared his throat. "We won't hide our purpose. Our son, Dennis, has seen your daughter Ann. He has spoken to us about her, and we believe he is serious. We would like to ask for her hand in marriage."
The words hung in the air like a sudden storm.
Ann, listening from the kitchen doorway, nearly gasped. Her heart thundered. He really came.
Her mother glanced at her in shock, then back at the guests.
Her father, after a long pause, turned to Dennis. "Son, you've seen Ann only once or twice. Marriage is not a small step. Why are you so certain?"
Dennis looked directly at him. "Uncle, I work in the city. I meet hundreds of people. But Ann… she carries herself with honesty and dignity. She told me clearly—if I want her, I must come to you. I respect that. I respect her. And I promise, if you give her to me, I will honor her all my life."
His sincerity filled the room. Even Ann, standing hidden, felt tears sting her eyes.
Her mother leaned toward her husband and whispered, "He speaks truthfully. Look at the way his parents sit—humble, respectful. Maybe this is fate."
Ann's father sighed deeply, his protective heart warring with his daughter's future. Finally, he looked at Ann, who was still standing half-hidden.
"Ann," he called gently.
She stepped forward, her cheeks flushed, her eyes lowered.
"Do you agree to this?" her father asked.
Ann swallowed hard. "Appa… if you and Amma are happy, then I am too."
Her father's face softened. He turned to Dennis's parents, a small smile breaking through. "Then let us accept this proposal."
The room filled with warmth as hands were shaken, prayers whispered, and blessings exchanged.
The house was quieter after Dennis and his parents left, but the silence carried a different kind of weight—a hopeful one. Ann's father sat in his chair on the veranda, his hands folded behind his back. Her mother busied herself in the kitchen, though her smile refused to fade.
Ann, however, could not escape the pounding of her heart. She slipped into her room, closing the door softly behind her.
Ann's POV
It all happened so quickly. Yesterday I only teased him—if he loves me, talk to my father. I thought it was impossible. But today… he stood in our house, his parents beside him, asking for my hand. Did I do the right thing? Am I ready?
She touched her face with her hands, feeling the heat in her cheeks. It wasn't fear exactly, but a swirl of emotions she couldn't yet name.
Dennis's POV
She trusted me enough to test me. And I proved it, not just to her, but to myself. This is only the beginning.
The proposal was done, but their story was only beginning to unfold.