The soft drizzle had turned the streets into a shimmering reflection of city lights, the golden glow rippling across the wet pavement. Hiten walked beside Aarya, his hands tucked into his pockets, but his fingers twitched occasionally. Every step felt like a careful balancing act between excitement and nervousness. Aarya noticed it immediately—the subtle hesitation in his pace, the quick glances toward her as if he wanted to read her thoughts.
"Are you thinking about something?" she asked softly, tilting her head, her curiosity breaking through the comforting rhythm of the rain.
Hiten shook his head, forcing a calm smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Nothing… just enjoying the rain," he murmured, but the tremor in his voice betrayed him.
They walked past the park where they had first laughed together, the benches glistening wet, the faint scent of wet earth mingling with the faint aroma of blooming flowers. The rain made the world seem softer, quieter, like it had paused just for them. Hiten led her to the rooftop of his building. The city sprawled beneath them, lights blinking like fireflies, and the drizzle made the concrete glimmer silver.
"This… is beautiful," Aarya whispered, awe filling her voice as she gazed at the skyline.
Hiten took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Aarya… I wanted to bring you here because… this place… it feels like us. Every little moment we've shared—games, laughter, rain-soaked walks, even the little fights—it's all made me realize something. I can't imagine my life without you."
Aarya felt her heart leap. She looked at him, cheeks warming, the slight drizzle clinging to her hair. "You're being really dramatic, you know?" she teased, though her voice trembled slightly.
Hiten smirked, despite the nervousness in his chest. "Dramatic? Me? Never." He cleared his throat and reached into his pocket, fingers brushing against the small box he had been carrying all day.
Then, he opened it. A delicate silver ring shimmered under the soft rain, catching the city lights in tiny flashes.
"I… I went to the shop today," he began, voice low, almost a whisper against the drizzle. "I told myself it was for my sister's birthday, but… it's really for you. Aarya… will you be with me… forever?"
Time seemed to still. Aarya's hands flew to her mouth, then she laughed softly, tears glistening in her eyes. "You… you planned this secretly, huh? Sneaky!" Her voice shook with excitement as she stepped closer.
Hiten shrugged, a small mischievous smile tugging at his lips. "I like surprises. Did you like it?"
Aarya couldn't contain herself. She threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Hiten wrapped his hands around her, as if letting go could unravel the world itself.
"I… yes… I'll be with you, Hiten," she whispered, her voice trembling with happiness, burying her face against his chest.
Hiten rested his chin atop her head, closing his eyes. A rush of relief, joy, and protectiveness flooded him. "You have no idea how long I've waited to hear that," he murmured.
Then, playfully, he whispered into her ear, "You know, I could've made this even more dramatic… like proposing in the middle of a thunderstorm."
Aarya laughed, hiding her blushing face. "Stop teasing! I already said yes, you goof."
They stayed wrapped in each other's arms as the rain continued softly around them, tapping a gentle rhythm, like the universe itself was celebrating their union. For the first time in a long while, Hiten allowed himself to smile freely, knowing that Aarya would always be by his side, just as he would always be hers. Their hearts beat in unison, silently promising that this was only the beginning of everything they would share.
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