The Muddy Staircase - Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Days passed.

Nothing changed.

They still exchanged silent smiles.

They still stole little glances.

They still walked away without saying a single word.

The only thing that changed…

was Karthik’s daily mission.

Roasting Johan.

Every.

Single.

Day.

“At this rate, you’ll become a grandfather before proposing.”

Johan simply smiled and ignored him.

Then came a day neither of them could ignore.

It was Rhea’s last day of college.

Once today ended…

there would be no more waiting outside the college gate.

No more buses.

No more accidental meetings.

No more excuses.

Karthik looked at Johan seriously.

“This is it.”

“Today you’re talking to her.”

“If you don’t…”

“…I will.”

Johan looked at him in horror.

“You wouldn’t.”

“Try me.”

A few minutes later, Rhea walked out of the college gate for the very last time.

Karthik nudged Johan.

“Go.”

Johan slowly walked towards her.

Every step felt heavier than the last.

Rhea noticed him.

She smiled.

Johan smiled back.

Then…

he simply walked past her.

Without saying a word.

A few steps ahead, he turned around and helplessly looked at Karthik.

He silently mouthed,

“I couldn’t.”

Karthik closed his eyes.

“Unbelievable.”

As Rhea walked past him, he politely stopped her.

“Excuse me…”

“Can I have a minute?”

She immediately recognised him.

Johan’s friend.

She nodded.

Karthik smiled.

“He’s a little nervous.”

“But he has something important to tell you.”

“If you’re free…”

“…could you meet him at the café nearby?”

Rhea smiled.

“Of course.”

“But give me an hour.”

“It’s our last day of college.”

“I want to spend some time with my friends.”

“No problem.”

Karthik checked his watch.

“Shall we say… five o’clock?”

He laughed.

“My friend will definitely need this one hour.”

“He’s been preparing for this…”

“…since your two-braid days.”

Rhea laughed softly.

“I’ll be there.”

She walked away.

Leaving Karthik smiling to himself.

A few seconds later…

Johan came running.

“What?”

“What did you tell her?”

“Did you tell her I love her?”

“What did she say?”

Karthik stared at him.

“You idiot.”

“If I had to tell her you’re in love with her…”

“…why on earth did you fall in love yourself?”

Johan stood speechless.

Karthik continued,

“She’ll be at the café.”

“Five o’clock.”

“You tell her everything.”

Then his smile faded.

“And listen carefully.”

“If you miss this chance…”

“…you’ll lose her forever.”

The seriousness in his voice made Johan realise this was no longer a joke.

Without another word, Johan looked at the time.

“Oh no…”

“I have to go home.”

“Why?”

Karthik asked.

Johan smiled.

“I’ve been keeping something for this day.”

“What is it?”

“I’ll tell you later.”

“But if I’m late…”

“…you stay with her.”

“Tell her I’m on my way.”

“I’ll keep updating you.”

Before Karthik could ask another question…

Johan had already started his bike.

Within twenty minutes…

he reached home.

He rushed straight to his room.

Opened his wardrobe.

Unlocked a small hidden drawer.

Inside…

carefully preserved for years…

lay a diary.

Beside it…

a tiny velvet box.

The diamond pendant.

The gifts he had imagined giving her countless times.

His phone rang.

Karthik.

“Another thirty minutes for five.”

“I’m ready.”

“I’ve taken everything.”

“I’ll be there on time.”

Then Johan smiled to himself.

“Proposing to the girl of my dreams…”

“…isn’t going to be as simple as she thinks.”

“I’m coming.”

He disconnected the call.

At exactly 4:55 PM…

Johan stood outside the café.

Karthik was already waiting.

He looked at his watch and smiled.

“Perfect.”

“You’re just on time.”

Johan, however, looked anything but calm.

His face was pale.

His heartbeat had completely taken over.

Karthik placed both hands on his shoulders.

“Listen.”

“Don’t panic.”

“Don’t overthink.”

“Just tell her everything.”

“I’ll wait outside.”

“You go.”

“She’s already inside…”

“…waiting for you.”