The afternoon was lazy and golden, the kind of day when time itself seemed to stretch and yawn. Ann sat under the neem tree in her yard, sketching in her notebook. She didn't hear the footsteps at first—until her little brother Arun's loud voice broke the calm.
"Akka! Dennis anna is here!"
Ann's head snapped up, her heart skipping. She closed her notebook quickly, trying to look composed.
Dennis stepped into the courtyard, smiling warmly. He carried a small bag in his hand.
"Good afternoon, Ann," he said politely. Then, turning to her father who sat on the veranda, he added respectfully, "Uncle."
Her father nodded with approval. "Come, Dennis. Sit. Ann, bring some tea."
Ann stood, flustered. "Yes, Appa."
Inside the kitchen, her mother gave her a knowing smile. "Your Dennis has come again, hm? Already behaving like family."
"Amma!" Ann whispered, blushing.
When Ann returned with the tray, she saw Dennis talking with her father about village crops and new irrigation methods. He listened carefully, nodding at every word, his city polish softened with genuine humility.
As she set down the tea, her father chuckled. "You see, Ann, this boy may be from the city, but he speaks like he belongs here."
Ann glanced at Dennis, who gave her a small, private smile—the kind that said, I'm not here for the fields, I'm here for you.
Later, as they walked toward the gate, Arun tagged along. "Dennis anna, will you take me to the city one day?"
Dennis laughed. "Of course. But only if your sister allows it."
Arun smirked. "She already allows everything you say."
Ann gasped. "Arun!" But Dennis only grinned, clearly enjoying her embarrassment.
When Arun ran off, Dennis turned to her. "It feels different now, doesn't it? To walk here, to sit with your parents… not as a stranger, but as someone they've accepted."
Ann held his gaze, her fingers nervously twisting the edge of her dupatta. "Yes… different. But good."
Dennis's voice softened. "Then let's use this time to really know each other. Not just as Ann and Dennis… but as the family we're going to build."
Her heart swelled at the words. For the first time, she didn't look away.
Ann's POV
This is no longer a dream or a secret. It's real. And maybe… it's even more beautiful this way.