49 A Messy Cartoon

Arnav didn't know how long they stood there, how long she cried and how long he kept patting her on the back, trying to soothe her.

After what almost felt like an eternity, her sobs slowly ceased. Realising she had been holding onto Arnav all this long, she quickly let go of him, embarrassed. He should not have seen her in this state, she thought to herself.

However, as Arnav glanced at her, he couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Her face was red and blotchy, eyes bloodshot and eyelids puffy, none of which made her look attractive but still he found her cute. Her crooked nose was as bright red as a tomato. She looked like a cute teddy bear.

Arnav couldn't hold in his smile. Smiling, he took out his cellphone, turned on the camera and said, " Look at your face! "

Sofya wiped her tears as she looked at the camera. She truly looked like a cartoon, a messy cartoon.

" You look like a cute teddy bear. " Arnav replied, laughing. Hearing his voice, her eyes widened in astonishment. She had never heard him laugh before, it was unrestrained and joyous. She smiled a little.

As soon as Arnav noticed her facial expressions, he quietened down, turning back to his usual cold self. Before he could speak anything, Sofya said in a cracked voice, " I'm sorry! "

" What for? "

" For.. for the accident and for ruining your shirt. " she replied, pointing at the wet marks on his shirt.

" It's ok. You are fine now. " and to her surprise, he again pulled her into a comforting hug. Despite the heaviness in her stomach, it fluttered at the feeling of her body pressed against his. She sunk into the the warmth of his side, appreciative of the small gesture. His touch made her body warmer somehow, the future seeming a little less bleak.

" Let's get married. " Arnav said, still holding her close against his chest.

" We will, in two weeks time. " Sofya replied, not understanding the actual meaning of his statement.

Arnav released her, looking her into the eye. Sofya held his gaze, staring at him with warmth. Sighing, Arnav put his hand into the pocket and withdrew a small velvet box.

Getting down onto one knee, he opened the box to reveal a beautifully carved diamond sapphire ring.

" Sofya Khemka, I want to spend my rest of life with you. Will you marry me? "