Love Never Ends - Episode 11

Riya and Deep both were busy with their office work. It was early March and Riya was still in fix to talk to Deep. Financial year-end was approaching and she found no good time to talk to Deep because of work pressures. She had not even told him about the people she had met recently. Her inner voice was telling that Deep would be able to guide her in what she wanted in life. Here Deep was planning his trip to India in April once Riya would be free from her professional work. He was also trying to complete off his professional responsibilities as he planned to take a long leave. He had decided to surprise her.

But life decided to surprise them both. News started coming about the coronavirus pandemic and before they could think and decide, international travel got banned. Deep was clearly disappointed. Riya unaware of Deep's plan started working from home. Their video calls now were of more duration and more frequent. Slowly they introduced their family members to each other. Deep contemplated about expressing his feelings but then he didn't wish to hurt her in any way. And now that he could not travel he didn't want to take any chance.

Listening to corona spreading fast across Zurich filled Riya with anxiety and fear. Here in India, we have families and friends but there Deep being alone started worrying her. Deep was relaxed and composed. Riya tried to hide her anxiety but would fail. It was then she started realizing his place in her life. She started understanding that this feeling of concern was not just friendship but more intricate. She had read a lot about soul connections and she felt there was a strong bond between them. It felt as if she had known him for years. Their wavelengths matched so perfectly. Many times he understood her feelings without her saying anything. She was craving for his presence around her. Was she in love with him?? She knew Deep liked her but what if he didn't love her. She had faced disappointment in life once, now she was afraid to express what she was feeling. They both were praying for the pandemic to end soon.

One morning in December, Riya got a call from Deep."Good morning, Miss Sunshine".

"Hey Deep good morning. You calling me so early? All fine?"She asked a little concerned.

"Yes yes, all ok. Can you please do me a little favor? I have some things to be picked up from a person. He will be waiting at Powai lake. Can you just go and pick them up for me?"He asked.

Riya was a little surprised with this off-the-track request but being Deep she readily agreed. She went there and boom, she got the most beautiful surprise of her life. Deep was there waiting for her. She could not believe that it was Deep. She ran and hugged him. It was as if they were meeting after ages of wait. Since the travel ban was lifted and the pandemic had subsided a bit, Deep had traveled to India. He had completed his quarantine period without letting Riya know anything. Riya could not control her joy and excitement.

"What brings you here, Mr. Singh?"She asked teasingly.

"I am here for my marriage" He replied with glee.

"Marriage!!"Riya exclaimed bewildered." I didn't know you were engaged".She looked quite serious now.

Deep burst into laughter and said "Chill Riya" I'm joking. I was just checking your reaction. Riya clearly couldn't hide her relief.

He held her hands and said, "Riya, I want to waste no more time in life and just say what I have been waiting to say for so long. I love you. I want to spend every moment of my life with you. I want to experience the world with you and create beautiful memories. Will you be my companion for life, my bestie, my confidante. Will you marry me?"

Tears of joy had already started flowing across Riya's cheeks. It was as if he was saying her words. She could find no words to express her joy." I love you too" she said as she embraced him lovingly.