Love Warrantied

We stepped out of the cafe. It had been difficult making an explanation about the position we were in to Isabella. But we just confided in her & told her that we were dating. Her reactions were embarrassing, but nevermind. Our shift was done. And now it was date time! We were going to the park. It was dark now, & the wind was cool & humid. It felt like it would rain.

"Arjun," said she.

"Hm?" we walked side-by-side. I was taller than her. Her beautiful blonde hair flowed to the back. I kind of felt under-dressed, even though I was in my utmost "wearing to impress" outfit. She was in a coat above a top & jeans with a scarf. She looked stunning, quite always. Whereas I was in an old jacket above my regular tee & pants. Nothing fancy. Well, to be honest, she wasn't wearing fancy too - but she still looked better than me always. I just don't know how!

"Hold my hand."

I did.

I obviously couldn't see it, but I could feel my cheeks getting redder. I held her hand, her fingers clasped inside of my hand. She looked at my hand. And then at me. "Not like that..." said she. She freed her hand & held my hand up. By the way, we had decided to walk to the park, it wasn't far away. There were many people walking with us (on their mobile phones, of course). But I was kinda glad not getting attention.

Nevertheless, she held up my hand gently & slowly touched my palm. Then, she gently shoved her fingers in between mine & clasped my hand, interlocking our fingers. Her left hand & my right. They were like one now! "That is how you hold a hand." She looked at me & smiled.

I suddenly felt innate warmth. I kissed her. Short & sweet. She grinned. "Gettin' naughty, huh?" she said as we continued walking. "That too in the public! Kinky..." I just chuckled foolishly. Mildly blushing. "Oh my God! Oh my God!" said she as she looked at me. "Are you blushing?" I looked at her. Fuck! I was blushing real hard. Noooooo. "Awww! You are blushing, man! You are blushing! So, cute! So, cute!" she looked at me impressed. Oh my god! So, embarrassing. I wanted to run away, but she was holding my hand.

"Cutiepie." said she. And burst out laughing. A few people glanced at us for a second & continued with their lives while I steadied my gaze on her. She was laughing. Wow. So, gorgeous!

We soon reached the park. It was kinda late, people were leaving. It was a small park. The lights were on. We found a secluded bench & sat down.

As we did, Gwendolyn grabbed my arm & rested her head on my shoulder.

...

...

I melted.

...

Wow. I was really achieving something, here! She did it so casually. So, so, casually! Without even realizing how much the gesture means to me. I was almost about to cry. But then she--

"Arjun."

"Hm?"

"Do you love me?"

What!?

"Wh-why that question?"

She looked up at me now. In my eyes, her eyes shone. "Do you? Yes or No."

I looked into her eyes. The only thing shining for me in the world in that moment. The fields were quite & the lights were dull. But her eyes held secrets unknown to many, yet visible to me. I could see an insurmountable amount of tension & grief & pain in her eyes. A bruise so intense, that it hadn't ever been rubbed off her psyche. She was suffering with something. What was it? I didn't know... But I knew one thing. In that moment, at that time - I made a vow. I vow to never leave her, no matter what happened with my life. This was the girl I was going to marry. This was the girl I was going to love for the rest of my life. And thus, I said with complete confidence.

"Yes."

damn, i was so naive, i had no idea what all was to come