Page 47 of Mrs. Pandey
She sighed, then looked up at me. "Prashant..."
"Yes, I'm listening," I said, placing my hand over hers.
Her hand was small, warm, and soft, comforting in a way nothing else in the world ever was. I loved holding her hand. And I wanted to hold it forever.
But she pulled away gently.
"Why don't we just eat?" she asked instead, suddenly changing the subject. "Let's eat and just have fun."
I nodded, forcing a smile, trying to push back the sinking feeling in my chest. We ordered our usual two cappuccinos and a plate of cookies.
As soon as the cookies arrived, I grabbed one and took a big bite. Ira immediately glared at me.
"You eat like a pig," she muttered.
She leaned over and wiped a crumb off the corner of my mouth. Her fingers lingered for just a second too long. I almost leaned in to kiss her. Almost. But we were in public. There were kids at the next table. It wouldn't be right.
Instead, I just smiled.
"So," she began, taking a small bite of her cookie, "we're being posted to different units. Crazy, isn't it?"
I nodded slowly, not sure where this was going.
"I've gotten so used to you being around," she continued, her voice softening. "You're always there for me... when I'm sick, when I'm down. Just always there."
She looked down into her coffee for a moment, stirring it absently.
"But now we won't be around for each other anymore," she added with a sigh.
She glanced at me, then continued. "I heard you're being posted to Jammu. Your hometown. That's nice, you'll get to see your family more. That's important."
She took a long sip of her coffee, then looked away, as if something was bothering her.
"I'm being sent to Assam." She groaned quietly. "I mean... I wish they'd post me anywhere but Assam. It's just... far. And it's just so sudden, you know? We've been together for three years and now, all of a sudden..."
Her words trailed off, unfinished. But the silence between us was loud.
"Then why don't you marry me, Ira?" I blurted out, my heart pounding so hard I could feel it echo in my throat. My fingers trembled, and sweat broke out along the nape of my neck as I watched her reaction.
She froze, eyes locked on mine, stunned. I reached into my pocket with shaking hands and pulled out the velvet box. Itclicked open with a soft snap. The diamond sparkled like a secret finally set free.
"I love you," I said, voice breaking. "Marry me, Ira."
"Prashant, what the..." She trailed off. Her voice cracked with disbelief.
She stared at the ring as if it were something toxic. Her smile had vanished completely. In its place was a look I couldn't quite name, part shock, part confusion, and something else... maybe disgust.
Without warning, she stood up, pushing her chair back so hard it scraped against the floor. My heart lurched into my throat. The velvet box suddenly felt heavier in my hand, like it carried not just the ring but all my silence and fragile hopes.
"Are you serious right now?" she said. She almost laughed but it wasn't a laugh with joy or warmth. It was sharp, mocking and cold. "This is a joke, Prashant. You're joking, right?"
"I'm not joking," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. I stood up too, facing her with all the strength I could gather. "I meant every word. I love you, Ira. I've loved you since the day we met at the training center."
Ira shook her head, stepping slightly back, folding her arms across her chest like she needed a shield from my words.
"You thought we were in love?" she scoffed. "Oh my god, Prashant. What kind of delusion are you living in? Are you even for real right now?"
My lips parted, but nothing came out. I looked down at the ring in my hand. It still glimmered under the café lights, but it now felt like a cruel joke.
