Confession with Love

Tanmay stood at the doorstep of Aditi's home, his palms slightly sweaty. He had faced boardrooms and intense negotiations, but this was different. This was personal. He knocked on the door, and Aditi's mother, Mrs. Sharma, opened it with a warm smile.

Mrs. Sharma: "Tanmay! What a surprise! Come in, beta."

Tanmay: "Thank you, Aunty." (He steps in, his eyes scanning the familiar home that Aditi often spoke of.)

Just then, Mr. Sharma walked into the living room, setting down his newspaper.

Mr. Sharma: "Tanmay! What brings you here?"

Tanmay took a deep breath.

Tanmay: "Uncle, Aunty, I won't take much of your time, but I have something very important to ask."

They exchanged a look before nodding for him to continue.

Tanmay: "I love Aditi. With all my heart. And I want to spend the rest of my life with her. Before I ask her, I wanted your permission and blessings. Because I know how much she loves you both, and her family means everything to her. If you don't approve, I won't go through with this."

A silence filled the room, but it wasn't tense. It was heavy with emotions.

Aditi's mother wiped a tear before smiling.

Mrs. Sharma: "Tanmay, we have seen how much Aditi glows when she talks about you. And if there is anyone we can trust our daughter with, it is you. You have our blessings."

Mr. Sharma: (Nodding) "Just promise me one thing—keep her happy."

Tanmay exhaled in relief, smiling.

Tanmay: "Always, Uncle. That's the only thing I'll ever want in this life."

Mrs. Sharma hugged him, while Mr. Sharma gave him a pat on the back. It was done. Now, all he had to do was ask the love of his life. 

Tanmay had spent the last two days making sure everything was perfect. He had filled his home with Aditi's favorite lilies, lining the entrance with roses and candles. On either side of the proposal space, the most important people in their lives stood—her family, his family, their closest friends.

The centerpiece of it all? His living room, which he had redesigned using all of Aditi's Pinterest inspirations—the same furniture she had adored, the soft, warm lighting she loved, and a cozy bookshelf. But the real surprise? A dedicated shelf filled with all the albums and lightsticks of EXO, the K-pop band she had secretly loved but never told anyone about.

Now, all that was left was bringing Aditi home.

Tanmay waited at the airport, his heart pounding. The moment he saw her walking out, slightly tired but still effortlessly beautiful, he smiled.

Tanmay: "Welcome home, Miss Sharma."

Aditi raised an eyebrow, chuckling.

Aditi: "Tanmay? What's with the formalities?"

Tanmay: "You'll see."

He took her luggage, guiding her to the car. She felt something was different, but she didn't press him for answers. When they reached his place and he opened the door, she gasped.

The flowers, the candles, the people—all of them looking at her with knowing smiles.

Her breath hitched. She turned to Tanmay, eyes wide.

Aditi: "Is this...?"

He didn't answer. Instead, he took her wrist and led her inside, straight to the living room. And that's when she saw it—the room she had dreamed of, now a reality. And then, her eyes fell on the shelf.

Her hands flew to her mouth, tears threatening to spill.

Aditi: "How... how did you...?"

Tanmay: "I listen. Always."

She was already overwhelmed when he suddenly dropped to one knee, pulling out a ring. But it wasn't just any ring—it was inspired by her favorite K-drama character's ring.

Then, he spoke.

Tanmay:

"I want you. All of you. I want you in the morning, rolling over and kissing me on the cheek with bedhead and sleepy eyes. I want you in the evening, coming home, and wrapping me in a big bear hug. I want you to tell me about your day, about what's on your mind, and all your inner monologues. I want to watch movies with you, cook dinners with you and for you, take long walks with you, share inside jokes with you, laugh until I cry with you, go to faraway places with you, stargaze on clear nights with you, and build a dream home with you. And I want it for the rest of my life."

Aditi let out a soft, shaky breath.

She knelt down to his level, cupping his face.

Aditi: "I thought I was the writer here, but you just stole the words right out of my heart." (She chuckled through her tears.)

She took his hands in hers, her eyes shining.

Aditi: "Tanmay, you have been my safe space, my comfort, and my greatest love. I have never been more sure of anything in my life than I am about you. Yes, yes a thousand times, yes."

The crowd erupted in cheers as Tanmay slipped the ring onto her finger before pulling her into the tightest embrace.

She was home. And so was he.

The atmosphere in Tanmay's home was filled with joy, laughter, and warmth. The dining table was set beautifully, adorned with Aditi's favorite dishes. Their families and closest friends had gathered to celebrate the moment that had just changed their lives forever.

Aditi sat beside Tanmay, still stealing glances at her ring, while their friends playfully nudged each other, eager to tease the newly engaged couple.

Ananya (Aditi's best friend): "So, Tanmay, tell us, when did you decide that you wanted to marry our dear Aditi?"

Tanmay (grinning): "The moment she started stealing my hoodies and never returning them."

Aditi (rolling her eyes): "Excuse me? I returned them... eventually."

Aarav (Tanmay's best friend): "Bro, that's how it starts. First, it's hoodies. Then it's half your wardrobe. And soon, your entire life is theirs." (Laughs)

Aditi (smirking): "Isn't that what love is? Sharing and caring?"

Ananya: "Exactly! And now, Tanmay, there's no escape. Welcome to the 'Husbands of Aditi Club.'"

Everyone bursts into laughter while Tanmay shakes his head playfully.

Aditi's mother, Mrs. Sharma, looks at Tanmay with a warm smile.

Mrs. Sharma: "Tanmay, you have no idea how happy you've made us today. Aditi has always been fiercely independent, but with you, she has found a home. That means the world to us."

Aditi squeezes Tanmay's hand under the table, feeling emotional.

Mr. Sharma (nodding in approval): "And I have to admit, the way you came to ask for our permission first, that was a rare gesture these days. It showed us how much you respect our daughter and our family. That's what truly matters."

Tanmay smiles humbly.

Tanmay: "Aditi is my everything. I wouldn't have had it any other way."

Tanmay's mother: "Aditi, beta, I knew you were special the moment I saw how you handled my son. No one has ever been able to keep him in check the way you do!"

Tanmay's father (laughing): "True! And I have to say, we are so happy to officially welcome you to the family."

Aditi blushes while everyone cheers.

Aditi (turning to Tanmay, narrowing her eyes): "Okay, but there's one mystery we still need to solve—how did you know about my EXO obsession? I never told anyone at the MBA!"

Tanmay (smirking): "Let's just say I listen more than you think. And maybe, just maybe, I've caught you humming their songs more than once."

Ananya (gasping dramatically): "OH MY GOD! So you were secretly a fangirl this whole time! And you never told us?"

Aditi (muttering, embarrassed): "I just didn't think you guys would get it."

Aarav (laughing): "Well, apparently, Tanmay got it! And went all out!"

Tanmay: "If it makes Aditi happy, I'll support it. Even if that means learning the names of all the members."

Aditi (teasing): "Okay then, tell me, who's the leader of EXO?"

Tanmay (pausing for a second before confidently saying): "Suho."

Aditi (shocked): "Wait, you actually know??"

Tanmay (grinning): "I told you, I listen."

Aditi stares at him, her heart melting all over again.

Aarav stands up, raising his glass.

Aarav: "Alright, enough teasing. Let's raise a toast—to Aditi and Tanmay, the couple who proved that love is about understanding, patience, and the little things. To a lifetime of happiness!"

Everyone raises their glasses, clinking them together with cheers of joy.

Ananya: "And to Tanmay, for successfully planning the most thoughtful proposal ever!"

Tanmay (laughing): "It had to be special. After all, she's my forever."

Aditi leans into him, whispering, "And you're mine."

As the night continues with food, laughter, and heartfelt conversations, one thing is clear—this was just the beginning of their forever.