I'll Always Be There For You

"I'll always be there for you Neha. Are you willing to be beside me for the rest of your life?" Vihaan said while holding a cute little ring in his hand. Yes, he was finally proposing to his school crush. Vihaan and Neha were friends for more than a decade. She was his first love and he was her first unpaid therapist who turned into a lover. Neha had been waiting for this moment for so long that she had prepared a speech as a reply. But right now, her only response was crying in his arms. They were in Leafy Trails. It was her favorite place in the city. It was a book cafe that had a beautiful interior. The cafe was just like her. Books, aesthetic interior, and peaceful. Except for angry Neha was a fearful sight.

 Today her favorite cafe was lightened up by yellow fairy lights. The room was filled with white roses. Yes, she hated red roses. All the tables in the room were removed and there was only one table in the middle. There were two cups which were the symbol of their friendship.

Vihaan was everything that a girl would ask for. He was caring, mature yet fun. You would always feel safe in his company. Most importantly, he was passionate about his career. But, she never asked god to give her Vihaan. It just happened. Like many love stories, this love story also started when the world was at a halt.

They started to talk to each other in lockdown. Like many of us, they both were having a hard time staying home. Neha started to suffer from anxiety and depression during this period. In those tough times, her family and Vihaan were the people who helped her to remain sane. In 2 years they just talked endlessly. First crush, biggest regret, biggest achievement everything was discussed through written words. After a few months, Neha started to feel something for Vihaan. Though she didn't realize it then.

One day, Vihaan was out with his friends for an entire day. That day, they both didn't talk at all. As the day passed, Neha became restless. Her overthinking mind imagined every bad thing that could have happened to him

Finally, he texted her in the evening. Her throbbing heart and mind slowed down when she saw his message. That day, she finally realized that she has fallen for her best friend. She texted him and confessed her feelings for him. When Vihaan read the message, he couldn't believe it. His school crush was asking him out! He was on cloud nine. He told her that he felt the same way.

3 years have passed since their confession. They both have grown as a person and together as well. Their relationship went through many ups and downs. But they surpassed all the obstacles together as a team. Now, this proposal is going to start a new chapter in their story. " Say something idiot!!" Vihaan said after 5 minutes. Neha realized that she had been in his arms crying and thinking about their journey till now. " How dare you call me idiot????" Neha snapped with teary eyes. These were her first words when she was proposed by the only guy whom she loved. "That's your answer?" Vihaan asked. "Not stupid. "My answer is..... Hell yeah," she answered and again hugged him. After this, they went to eat chaat and celebrated without spending much money.

They have planned to have a wedding after 6 months. So, both of their families started preparation at the speed of light. 10 September was the day when they confessed their feelings. They chose the same day for a wedding. ( According to her, it's easy to remember the date). They got married at mandap on the side of the beach. The wedding was spectacular. All the close family members and friends gave them blessings. This was a milestone in their relationship.

Now, their married life began. They both lived with his parents and were happy with each other. Both focused on their career and each other. Surprisingly they were able to achieve a work-life balance.

Days and months passed and a year passed after their wedding. They were celebrating their anniversary in the Leafy Trails when Neha got a call from her manager. She excused herself and went into another room to talk. Vihaan saw this and his gut feeling told him that something was up. This was the thing about him. He always sensed it when something was up with Neha. She used to tease him that he had installed CCTV cameras everywhere. Neha returned after 10 minutes. When he looked at her, clouds of overthinking had covered her smile. The earlier smile was nowhere to be seen. " Hey everyone, I have something to share," she said and sank into the chair. "What happened beta?" Her mother-in-law asked her. " I have been promoted." She told this as if she was fired. " Then it's good news dear. Why are you so upset?" Vihaan asked with concern. " They want me to come to the US office for 6 months," she said. "Ohhhhh," everyone said at once. Their reaction was happiness and sadness at the same time. After 5 minutes of awkward silence, Vihaan finally spoke. " Neha you should go." " What?" She asked with surprise.

 "Yes, you should go. You always wanted this opportunity and you have got it now. It's just a matter of 6 months. It will pass in the blink of an eye." "Yes. Vihaan is right. You won't get this opportunity again." Her father-in-law told her. " Are you sure guys?" She asked." Yesss" Everyone almost shouted in unison.

This was the beginning of an unexpected end.

Neha moved to the US within one week. Neha and Vihaan juggled their time differences a lot. They eventually managed to adjunct their routine to find each other. Vihaan was talking with her while driving. She was asking him to cut the call. He didn’t listen to her. “ I miss you dearly. I can't wait to see you… “The call got disconnected in the middle of his sentence. Vihaan met with an accident while talking. He died on the spot. Neha’s world turned upside down when she got a call from her parents. She immediately came to India.

When Neha got home, everyone was sobbing and consoling each other. She went to their room quietly and closed the door. She cried and cried that day. She wanted to tell him that she missed him too. She just couldn’t handle this. She took their photo on the nightstand. She cried at the sight of their happy life. “ I need you Vihaan. I need you. I can’t take this at all” She said while staring at their frame. She calmed herself a little bit. She was just sitting there and she heard something.“I'll always be there for you Neha.”