On the veranda, Ann's younger brother, Arun, ran up to his father.
"Appa! Is Ann really getting married? To that city uncle?"
Her father smiled faintly. "Nothing is decided yet, son. But yes, that young man has asked for her hand."
Arun grinned mischievously. "He looks serious. And rich! Ann will have her own computer now."
His father chuckled, shaking his head. "Marriage isn't about computers, Arun. It's about responsibility and love."
Arun shrugged. "Still… I like him."
That evening, Ann sat with her mother while they prepared dinner. The crackling of the firewood filled the silence until her mother spoke softly.
"Ann… you were quiet today. Are you unhappy with this proposal?"
Ann's fingers trembled slightly as she folded the chapatis. "No, Amma. It's just… everything happened so suddenly. I don't even know him properly."
Her mother placed a gentle hand on her arm. "That's what marriage is, my child. Two strangers, becoming companions. What matters is that he came with respect, with his parents. That shows his seriousness. And we will not force you. If you are truly unhappy, say so."
Ann looked at her mother's kind face, tears welling in her eyes. "I'm not unhappy, Amma. Just… nervous. But when I heard his words, I felt he was honest. He didn't try to hide his intentions."
Her mother's smile deepened. "Then maybe this is the right path for you."
At Jacob's house, meanwhile, laughter echoed as Dennis's parents and Jacob discussed the events of the day.
"Dennis, you shocked us," his father said, sipping tea. "We thought you would take months to find a girl, and now in two days, you've chosen your life partner."
Dennis grinned. "Sometimes, Appa, the heart doesn't need months. It just knows."
Jacob clapped him on the shoulder. "You did well. Ann's family respects honesty, and you gave them that. But now comes the real part—winning Ann's trust. Families may agree, but marriage is not between parents. It's between two hearts."
Dennis nodded, his expression serious. "I know. I don't just want her family's approval. I want her to see that I'm worthy of her trust. That will take time."
Dennis's POV
She didn't say much today. She barely looked at me. But in her silence, I could sense her dignity, her caution. That only makes me respect her more. I will prove to her that my words weren't empty. That I came not just to ask, but to stay.
The next day, Ann went to college, but she felt different. Every whisper of her classmates seemed louder, every glance heavier, though they knew nothing of what had happened.
Her best friend, Meera, noticed immediately.
"Ann, something is going on. You look… strange. Did something happen?"
Ann hesitated. She had never hidden anything from Meera, but this was too big. "It's nothing," she said finally, forcing a smile.
Meera narrowed her eyes. "Nothing? You can't fool me. Either you tell me, or I'll ask your mother next time I visit your house."
Ann sighed, lowering her voice. "Someone came to my house yesterday. He… proposed marriage."
Meera's eyes widened. "What? Already? Who? Tell me everything!"
Ann pressed her lips together. "His name is Dennis. He's Jacob's cousin. A software engineer. He saw me once and—" she shook her head—"he came with his parents the very next day."
Meera gasped. "That's like something from a film! What did you say?"
"I told him… if my family is happy, then I'm happy."
Meera clasped Ann's hands dramatically. "Ann, this is incredible! But… do you like him?"
Ann looked out the window, thoughtful. "I don't know yet. He seems honest. But my heart… it's still learning what to feel."
Back in the village, Dennis found himself restless again. He walked along the lane near Ann's house, careful not to seem intrusive, yet hoping for a glimpse of her.
Fate granted his wish. Ann was returning from college, her books balanced neatly in her arms.
Their eyes met again, longer this time. Dennis gave a small smile. Ann hesitated, then returned it, faintly but sincerely.
It was enough.
"Good evening," Dennis said softly.
"Good evening," Ann replied, her voice steady though her heart raced.
He walked beside her for a few steps, keeping a respectful distance. "I hope yesterday didn't trouble you. I didn't mean to rush."
Ann looked at him carefully. "You surprised me. But… I respect that you spoke to my father directly. Few would do that."
Dennis's heart lifted at her words. "That's because I respect you, Ann. I don't believe in hiding behind messages or games. You deserve honesty."
Ann's cheeks warmed, but she managed a calm reply. "Honesty is important. I hope it stays that way."
Dennis stopped, meeting her gaze earnestly. "It will. That's my promise."
Ann looked at him, curiosity softening her expression. "And what if my father had refused?"
Dennis smiled gently. "Then I would have respected his answer. But I would never have stopped respecting you."
Her cheeks warmed, and she quickly looked away. Silence lingered between them, broken only by the rustle of leaves.
"Ann," Dennis said finally, his voice steady, "I don't expect you to love me instantly. I only ask for one thing—time. Time to show you who I am, and why I came to you with certainty."
Ann's lips curved into a faint smile, though she tried to hide it. "We'll see."
Dennis's heart leapt at her words.
She nodded once, then walked ahead, her steps quickening. But her lips curved into a shy smile she couldn't hide.
That night, Ann lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
Ann's POV
Why does his voice echo in my head? Why do his words matter so much? I don't know if it's love yet… but maybe love doesn't come like lightning. Maybe it comes quietly, like the sound of footsteps beside you.
And somewhere, Dennis too sat awake, thinking of her.
Dennis's POV
One smile, one small nod from her, and it feels like I've won a treasure. I don't need her love instantly. All I need is a chance to earn it.
The night sky stretched endlessly above them, two hearts beating in different homes, yet slowly, unknowingly, finding their rhythm together.