The morning sun slanted into the courtyard as Ann watered the tulsi plant. She hummed softly, her steps lighter than usual. Her heart was brimming, and for once, she wasn't afraid of her own feelings.
"Ann."
She turned quickly. Dennis was standing at the gate, his expression gentle, as if he sensed the change in her.
"Dennis… you came early," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
He stepped closer, lowering his tone so only she could hear. "Something tells me you have news."
Ann's lips trembled with a smile. She looked around—the house was quiet, her parents busy inside. Gathering her courage, she met his eyes.
"Last night… I spoke to Amma and Appa," she said softly.
Dennis's brows lifted. "You did?"
She nodded. "I told them everything. That we've spoken… that I feel safe with you… that I'm happy about our marriage."
Dennis's breath caught, his usually steady composure breaking into visible relief. "And… what did they say?"
Ann's eyes glistened as she whispered, "They were happy. Truly happy. Appa said nothing matters more than my smile. And Amma said thank you for trusting them."
For a moment, Dennis couldn't speak. He ran a hand through his hair, his chest rising with unspoken emotion.
"Ann," he said at last, voice rough, "do you know what that means to me? That you opened your heart to them… and that they accepted me not as a stranger, but as your choice."
Her cheeks warmed at his words. "It wasn't difficult. Because it felt right."
Dennis stepped closer, lowering his voice even more. "So… this is no longer only my dream. It's ours. Officially."
Ann laughed softly, though her eyes shone with tears. "Yes. Ours."
There was no need for grand gestures. The quiet in the courtyard, the sunlight falling between them, the tulsi leaves trembling in the breeze—everything seemed to bless their moment.
Dennis's POV
I thought I was the one chasing her heart. But today, she came toward me on her own. And nothing… nothing feels greater than that.
From inside, Arun's mischievous voice broke the stillness. "Amma, Dennis anna and Akka are whispering again!"
Ann flushed crimson while Dennis chuckled. "I suppose your brother will always keep us honest."
She shook her head, embarrassed, but in her heart there was only joy—joy in knowing she had spoken her truth, and joy in seeing Dennis's eyes shine brighter because of it.