Chapter 22- Confidence

Three months has gone by. And in these 3 months, Shivanesh and Amrita never stopped talking to each other. For Shivanesh, he was sure that his feelings for Amrita was love. And for Amrita, her insecurities were starting to slowly melt. She knows that Shivanesh will always be there for her and he will never treat her like how Suresh treated her. Shivanesh always treated her with respect. He is always supportive of whatever she does or choose to do.

He was now a renowned lyricist who writes lyrics for many famous local musicians. And she was a year away from completing her studies and come home. Shivanesh always checked in on Amrita’s condition. They text as often as they could. Talking to each other seem to be as easy as drinking water. Amrita was starting to build a trust on Shivanesh day by day. But rust alone seem to not be enough for her to go on with the relationship. She was not confident that she is ready for a relationship.

Amrita knows that it is bad of her to make Shivanesh wait for her answer. But then, she is also afraid that Shivanesh would stop waiting for her and moves on with a different girl. Amrita was going home in 2 weeks and meeting Shivanesh was a must- do agenda on the her trip list this time. They have been planning on where they wanted to go and what they wanted to do. Amrita wanted to e sure of her feelings. She wants to be sure because she has decided that if she is not sure, she does not want Shivanesh to wait for her as she is starting to feel selfish about making Shivanesh wait for uncertainties and not pursuing other ladies.

Shivanesh knows that loving someone would need all the patience in the world and he is sue that Amrita is worth all the time and patience in the world. He does not want to force her into a relationship especially when she is not sure, but he does not stop reminding her about how much he loves her. Shivanesh wants to always be the support system for her. He wants to make her laugh when she is not feeling like it and be the shoulder for her to cry on and ears that never endingly listens to everything she has to say.

Two weeks went by fast enough and Amrita was walking out of the Arrival Hall. She was excited to be meeting her family as she misses them a lot. She called her mother while waiting for her luggage to let her know that she has landed, and she would be out in a while.

“Amma, I just arrived. You are here?” Amrita asked.

“Actually, I am not at the airport. But someone else is there to pick you up,” her mother told her.

“Who? Why are you not here?” Amrita asked.

“Someone. I asked for this person’s favour because I had something up suddenly,” Amrita’s mother said.

“Okay. I will see you in a while,” Amrita said feeling slightly disappointed as she was really hoping to see her mother.

                                               

“See you later, child. Love you,” Amrita’s mother said before ending the call.

After collecting her luggage , Amrita walked out still wondering who has her mother sent to pick her up. Amrita stopped her steps when she saw who was waiting for her outside the Arrival Hall.

#

Two days before.

Shivanesh decided to visit Amrita’s family. In his mind and heart, he knows that it is right as a gentleman that he properly seek for her parent’s permission and blessing before courting Amrita. He wants to do everything the proper and night way when it comes to Amrita. She is , for him, a miracle in a thousand years and he would do anything to show her how much she means to him.

Shivanesh was so nervous standing in front of Amrita’s parent’s house. He woke up early to pick the right attire to wear so he would look presentable and proper . He ironed his clothes, shaved and styled his hair well. He wanted to be taken seriously by Amrita’s parent because Amrita Is like life and death issue to him. He took a few deep breath before finally pressing the door bell. Shivanesh was sure that he was going to turn back when he saw Amrita’s father at tho door but his foot was rooted on the floor.

“Yes?” Amrita’s father asked.

“Hi, uncle. I am a friend of Amrita . I have something I need to discuss with you,” Shivanesh said outside the gate.

Amrita’s father came out to open the gate.” Why? Is Amrita okay?” Amrita’s father asked.

“No, uncle. Everything is okay. But I really want to discuss about something else. Can I come in?” Shivanesh asked.

Amrita’s father gave him a weird and curious look before inviting the boy in. Shivanesh was getting more and more nervous as he walks into the house. Once he was inside, Amrita’s father offered him a seat. Shivanash saw Amrita’s mother walking out of the kitchen.

“So. Why are you here, son? Anything important?” Amrita’s father asked.

Shivanesh waited for Amrita’s mother to take a seat next to her husband. He answered once she has seated as he wishes to say it to both of them.

“Uncle, Auntie. Let me introduce myself properly before l start. My name is Shivanesh. I am a friend of Amrita. We meet when we both attended tuition for SPM. I am not sure if you have heard of me from Amrita,” Shivanesh said carefully trying not to sound too nervous.

“Yes, Amrita mentioned to me before. You even want out recently, together right? Nice to meet you, boy,” Amrita’s mother said.

“But you are not here to just introduce yourself, right?” Amrita’s father asked.

“Yes, uncle. You are right. I am actually here to ask for your permission and blessing to properly court Amrita. I know, as parents, you would want to find the best guy for your daughter. I may not be the best in your eyes, but I have been in love with Amrita for a very long time. Don’t worry. I am not a stalker or anything. Amrita knows well of my feelings for her, but she has not reciprocated. It gives me a chance to do things the right way. I am not using thing method to bulldoze my way through. But Amrita is worth millions of diamonds and I want to do everything the right and proper way when it involves her. I love her very much and have very high respect for her. She makes me to constantly want to be a better man for her and for myself. She is m motivation. She is my muse. I am not saying all this to impress you both. But I think you as her parents should now about how I feel for her as she adores and respect you both a lot. So, it is only proper if I seek your permission and blessing to court your daughter. May I have your permission to do so?” Shivanesh said. He was so nervous till his hands were cold and sweaty that he was worried he might forget the script he has been practicing for hours.

“Before we say okay, we need to know more about you. Tell me about yourself,” Amrita’s father told him.

Shivanesh told Amrita’s parents everything they wish to know about him. He told them about his family, education and his job. He opened everything about his life and his feeling towards Amrita. He wants her parents to be confident in him before he moves further with Amrita.

After talking for about 1 hour, Amrita’s father understood about Shivanesh even more. He liked the boy because, regardless of the circumstances thrown to him, the boy has been resilient and comes out of it, he liked the fact that Shivanesh respects his daughter and them that he has come to properly ask for permission and blessing before taking the next step with their daughter.

“Shivanesh, you have my blessing only if you can give me your word that you will keep my daughter happy and not hurt her,” Amrita’s father said.

“I give you my blessing too. But if you ever hurt my daughter, be sure to face my wrath,” Amrita’s mother said.

“Thank you, Auntie. Thank you, Uncle. I promise to try my best to take the best care of Amrita and make her happy.” Shivanesh said. “There is something else I would like to ask. I know Amrita is coming home in 2 days. If it is okay, can I pick her up at the airport?” Shivanesh asked.

“Of course. Just be safe,” Amrita’s mother told him.

#

Shivanesh smiled when he saw the shocked Amrita at the Arrival Hall. It was sure that she didn’t have a clue about him picking her up. Her mother kept the secret well. He slowly walked towards Amrita with his smile growing. He was so happy to see her there.

Amrita could feel her breath stuck on her throat and her heart rate rising as Shivanesh walked to her. Everything was moving in slow motion for her. She does not know why but Shivanesh looked handsome walking towards her. Amrita woke from her trance when Shivanesh touched her hand on the luggage trolley handle.

“Hi Beautiful. How was your flight?” Shivanesh asked.

“Good. Okay,” Amrita cursed to herself when she heard how her voice trembled out of her mouth.

“Shall we?” Shivanesh said while pushing her luggage trolley towards the exit.

Amrita just nodded and followed behind Shivanesh. Her head was a mess since she saw Shivanesh outside the Arrival Hall waiting for her. She was not concentrating about the things around her that she did not realize how close she was walking to Shivanesh until she bumped into the back of his body.

“Ouch,” Amrita said quietly. She felt more embarrassed when she heard Shivanesh chuckle. She was so embarrassed to look at him that she was just looking at the floor.

“Are you okay?” Shivanesh asked turning to her.

Amrita just nodded without looking up.

“If you don’t look at me now, I am going to kiss you,” Shivanesh said.

Amrita got shocked and looked at Shivanesh and regretted it the moment she met his gaze. The way he was looking at her was definitely the look every girl would dream to get and it was not helping her in any ways as she could feel heat creeping up her face.

“Since when were you shy around me? I never knew I could affect the stubborn girl in you like this?” Shivanesh said. He slowly placed his left index finger under Amrita’s chin and lift her head upwads till their eyes met.

“Don’t worry. As much as I really wanna kiss you, I won’t until you tell me you love me too. But don’t make me wait too long because I don’t know how long I can wait,” Shivanesh said.

He slowly let go of her chin and move to hold her right hand while his right hand was pushing the trolley to his car. Amrita could feel her heart turning into a big mess. She felt a different vibe around Shivanesh. He was suddenly this really confident man who is not embarrassed to show the world that he loves her. She caught a glimpse of their intertwined fingers and felt the warmth spreading to her heart.

Shivanesh was so happy to see how his presence and touch could make a tough lioness turned in a loves trucked girl. Even though she does not admit it, Shivanesh knows that Amrita loves him too. But he wants her to admit if herself. Her wants her to say it out loud.

After placing all of the luggage into the bed of the car, Shivanesh and Amrita got into the car. While driving out of the parking, Shivanesh decided to start a conversation.

“You hungry? Shall we eat on the way?” Shivanesh asked.

“Yeah, sure. I am really hungry,” Amrita said.

“Great. What do you feel like having?” Shivanesh asked, glad that Amrita found her voice finally.

“Mamak food, please. I miss late night mamak food,” Amrita said excitedly.

Shivanesh chuckled seeing the excitement in Amrita’s face. “Oh Lord. How much I want to just kiss her right now,” Shivanesh thought to himself. He quickly reminded himself about the promise he made about kissing her only after she has confessed her feelings.

Once her parked near the restaurant, Shivanesh and Amrita got out of the car and walked towards the restaurant. Shivanesh intertwined his fingers with Amrita’s, like it was the most natural thing to do while they walked in the restaurant. Shivanesh caught a glimpse of Amrita’s shy smile as he did so. They picked a table and quickly ordered their food.

“I have something to tell you,” Shivanesh started.

“Before that. Why didn’t you tell me you are going to pick me today? How did you manage to get my mother to keep it a secret from me?” Amrita asked after finally being able to recollect her thoughts.

“Sorry. I planned it with your parents but your shocked face made it all worth it,”Shivanesh said with a chuckle.

“That is bad. Wait. You met my parents?” Amrita asked.

“That was what I wanted to tell you. I met your parents 2 days ago,” Shivanesh said.

“Why? Just to tell them that you want to pick me from airport?” Amrita asked.

“No. not just that. I met them to ask them for their permission,” Shivanesh said.

“Permission for what?” Amrita asked.

“Permission to court you,” Shivanesh said sipping his drink that was just served to him.

“What? Why?” Amrita asked.

“Amrita. You are an amazing lady and I want to do everything traditional and right when it involves you. Now that your parents have given me their permission and blessing, I want to confess to you properly that I love you. I am not using your parents to force you, but I think I should know that I am being very serious with you now. I met your parents not so they would force you into dating me. I met your parents to show to you how committed I am with you and so you become more confident of the relationship we would have once you are sure of your feelings too,” Shivanesh said looking straight to Amrita’s eyes. He was hoping that she feels that seriousness of his feelings to her.

Amrita saw the sincerity of Shivanesh’s heart through his confessions. She does not want to make him wait for long but since her parents know about him now, she wishes to at least have a word with them before making any decisions. Amrita knows what she wants to day. She reached out for Shivanesh’s hand across the table and held them. This made Shivanesh looked at her shocked.

Amrita smiled and said, “Shiva. I understand. Now that my parents are aware of your feelings, isn’t it fair that I also have a word with them?”

“Yes. I totally understand. But I just felt that I should tell you about how I felt and you deserve to know,” Shivanesh said.

Amrita just nodded and smiled. “

“So, tell me about your semester?” Shivanesh said.

They were back to being comfortable about talking to each other. That spoke to each other throughout their time at the restaurant and the drive back to Amrita’s place. Once they arrived, they saw Amrita’s parents walking out to greet their eldest daughter.

“Welcome back, girl,” her mother said pulling her into a bear hug.

“thanks, Amma. I am super tired,” Amrita said while walking into the house.

“So, how was the surprise?” her mother asked.

“About that. We should have a chat once Shiva leaves,” Amrita told her mother while going in.

Far behind, Amrita’s father was helping Shivanesh with Amrita’s luggage.

“Want to come in?” her father asked.

“It is okay, Uncle. It is getting late. My mother might get worried. Besides, I think Amrita would like to talk to you both in private. I would not want to come in between that,” Shivanesh said.

“Thank you for sending Amrita back. Drive safe. Good night,” Amrita’s father said sending Shivanesh off.

“Good night, Uncle,” Shivanesh said driving off. He felt slightly accomplished as today he confidently confess his love for Amrita. Now it is up to her.

As Amrita’s father walked in with her luggage, he saw Amrita sitting at the sofa with his wife, waiting for him to join them. He took a seat next to his wife and now was facing Amrita.

“That boy came here 2 days ago to ask for our permission and blessing to court you,” her father said.

“Yeah. He told me. He also told he that you have granted him permission to do so and gave him your blessing,” Amrita said.

“We did. Wait, Amrita. Is there something wrong? Do you not like him that way?” Amrita’s mother asked worried that they may have made a mistake.

“Frankly. I do like him. Scrap that. I really love him. I have been for a while now. But I was not confident about a relationship. All kinds of questions were going on in my head. What if he is not serious? What if he hurts me? What if he does not like me the way I like him? But today, I am confident that he would give that he would give me nothing but happiness. He would not hurt me, and he will be committed in our relationship because he made a promise with you,” Amrita said.

“Are you okay if I date him?” Amrita asked her parents.

“Yes, dear. We are okay. We just want happiness for you all the time,” her father said.

That night, Amrita planned on how she should confess to Shivanesh. She is now very much sure and confident enough. Shivanesh has buried all her insecurities deep in the ground.