"Why don't we get married?", Meera's words danced in the crisp winter air, her youthful exuberance painting the world in hues of possibility. At fifteen, her spirit radiated warmth, her smile a beacon of hope against the backdrop of the cooling season. Alex, caught off guard by her proposal, felt the weight of uncertainty settle upon his shoulders. Her beauty, illuminated by the soft glow of the sun, held him captive, her pale skin a canvas of innocence and determination. "Ye... yeah, that is an option," he began, his words faltering against the tide of emotions crashing within him. "I mean, it is really... what do I say... it is possible, but wouldn't it be weird? I mean, we are deciding our future, which is... at least seven years ahead. Seven years is a long time, Meera. "Meera's eyes, brimming with unwavering determination, locked onto his, her gaze piercing through the veil of doubt. "Yes or no, just answer that," she pressed, her voice tinged with urgency. "This cannot be decided right now, Meera," Alex replied, his mind racing with a thousand uncertainties. "You know too many factors are at play, what if our parents oppose, what if we fall in love with someone else."
"Cut the logical," Meera interjected, her hand Placed on his heart, "Just answer from your here, yes or no?. ", Hesitantly, Alex uttered, "Yes.", A radiant smile graced Meera's lips, her eyes alight with joy. "Then it's Promise," she declared, her words weaving a bond that would endure the test of time. "A promise which we will always follow."
"You really are the biggest idiot," Alex's words cut through the air, tinged with annoyance and a hint of exasperation. "I mean, I always believed you were an idiot, but now, I'm sure. Thanks for confirming that fact, Meera. " Meera couldn't help but roll her eyes at his remark, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "But I'm your idiot now," she retorted, her tone teasing yet affectionate. "Learn to deal with it. You have... how many years did you say?"
"I said seven years, learn to listen", Alex replied, a smirk playing on his lips as he braced himself for her response. "Seven years? plenty time for preparations, right? ... well, All the best for dealing with me," Meera shot back, her laughter echoing in the space between them. "The biggest challenge of my life is about to come in seven years," Alex mused, his voice tinged with a mixture of determination and anticipation. "Let's see if the National Science Fair champion will be able to pass it." Meera's curiosity was piqued by his cryptic statement. "Yeah, I'm interested in the results now. Can we just start it today?" she asked eagerly. A playful smile tugged at the corners of Alex's lips as he glanced at her. "This experiment, children can't do, so wait a little, honey, will you?" he teased, his affection for her evident in his eyes.
Meera's cheeks flushed with a delicate pink hue as Alex affectionately called her "honey." His playful teasing only intensified her embarrassment. "Wait, Meera, you're blushing over me calling you 'honey'? You actually are a little kid, aww," Alex teased, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Feigning nonchalance, Meera attempted to hide her embarrassment.
"Shut up, I am not blushing," she retorted, her voice betraying her attempt at composure. But Alex wasn't about to let her off the hook so easily. "Honey, you are blushing. Aww, look, so cute," he teased, a grin spreading across his face as he watched her squirm. "Shut up, I am not," Meera protested, her cheeks flaming even brighter as she buried her face deeper into her arms, seeking refuge from his teasing gaze. "Well, enough teasing, Meera. I gotta go; my classes are gonna start, bye I guess," Alex announced reluctantly, a hint of regret in his voice as he prepared to leave. "Yeah, go build a good future for us, okay Alex?" Meera replied, her voice filled with unwavering support and encouragement. "Of course, I will," Alex affirmed, determination gleaming in his eyes as he turned to leave for his house, each step carrying him closer to his dreams. But before he could take another step, Alex paused, a sudden impulse driving him to speak his truth. "Before I go, I want to say one thing," he began, his voice soft yet resolute.
"I am glad that I met you, and even more glad that you asked that question today. I have always loved you and I will always love you. ", Meera's heart skipped a beat at his confession, her breath catching in her throat as she processed his words.
"Meera, what happened?" Alex asked, concern in his voice as he saw her catching her breath. "Shut up and go away," Meera snapped, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Who says such a thing? I can't go home now. My family will see me flustered, and when they ask me why, what will I say?",
"Well, you have to go. Staying outside for long is a bad habit, Meera," Alex said gently. "Don't you have classes to attend to?" she retorted, still flustered but managing a hint of a smile. "Oh, shit, bye Meera, see you tomorrow," Alex said hurriedly as he rushed off. "Bye, Alex," Meera replied, watching him go with a mix of affection and amusement.
They shared a laugh, two hearts unaware of the path their promise would lead them down. For seven years, both worked toward a future shaped by that winter afternoon. But time's hand has its own design.
"Are you ready for our date, Alex? I am just so excited. Finally, we can be alone in a zoo. There will be so many animals, I am just so excited!" Meera exclaimed; her enthusiasm palpable as she jumped with excitement.
"We will not be alone... I mean, I gave money to the zoo to not let anyone else come, but there will still be staff there. So, we will not be alone exactly, but it will be close enough," Alex explained, a hint of annoyance evident in his tone as he glanced at Meera. "How did you get so much money in the last seven years? Mind sharing with me?" Meera asked, her curiosity tinged with a touch of coldness. "It wouldn't matter if I teach you this or not. It is useless to you after all, so why waste time learning pointless things?" Alex replied, his response carrying a subtle edge as he brushed off her inquiry.
"Well, let's make our way to the zoo. Any cars you are particularly interested in? I am sure my garage has them," Alex suggested, trying to maintain his composure despite his annoyance. Meera paused for a moment, considering her options. "How about the Cuda Convertible model 1971? Let's go in that," she suggested with a mischievous grin. Alex's frustration grew as he realized her choice. "You... you are truly something else. You choose the only car which I don't have," he replied, his annoyance palpable. Meera looked smug, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips. "I know," she said simply, enjoying his reaction a little too much "that's why I said it."
Trying to regain his composure, Alex cleared his throat. "Any other car you are interested in, Empress Meera? This humble servant is willing to accommodate your desires," he said with a forced smile, gesturing around the expansive garage. Meera scanned the array of luxury vehicles, her gaze lingering on each one thoughtfully. "All other cars are not that good, but if I have to choose one, then let's take your upgraded Ford F-series," she declared confidently. Alex's confusion was evident as he blinked in disbelief. "Out of a Bugatti, Mercedes, Audi, Lamborghini, Land Rover, and frickin' ten hyper cars of different brands, you choose a Ford F-series? Something is seriously wrong with your brain," he exclaimed, unable to comprehend her choice. "Well, leave it. This car is still a beast compared to the norm," Alex said confidently, "Can we stop talking about the cars and start talking about the animals, please? I don't know much about cars, so I am kinda lost," Meera interjected, eager to shift the focus. "Sure, get in. Let's stop talking about the cars and begin talking about animals. By the way which one are you excited to see?" Alex asked as they settled into the car. After thinking for a moment, Meera replied, "Penguins." "Good choice," Alex responded immediately, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I am excited for your reactions. You've never been to a zoo before, right?" Alex asked, turning to Meera with a curious expression. "Sadly, yes... But we are going today, so why be sad?" Meera replied instantly, her enthusiasm shining through despite her past missed opportunities. "Exactly. Why be sad?" Alex agreed, a reassuring smile lighting up his face as they set off for their long-awaited adventure at the zoo.
"Penguins are waiting, so I will speed up. Plus, we don't have the whole day for the trip," Alex announced, his tone indicating a sense of urgency.
Meera looked at him in confusion. "We have the whole day. What are you talking about? Yesterday, you said we would spend the whole day at the zoo. Did the cat get your brain?" she quipped, puzzled by his sudden change in plans. "No, Meera, a lot of things are on my mind. Let's just hope this date fulfills its function," Alex replied, his voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "It will, don't worry. And drive a little slower, the zoo won't run away," Meera reassured him, her confidence unwavering as they continued on their journey to the zoo."But it will close in the evening. We won't have enough time for all the animals. Should I still slow down?" "No, don't slow down. And I'm changing the song," Meera told Alex, reaching for the radio.
"I like this song. Don't change it," Alex protested. "But I don't like it," Meera argued. "This time you compromise, my love," Alex said, a playful grin on his face. Meera blushed deeply, so embarrassed that she forgot about the song altogether. After a while, they both reached the zoo, excitement and anticipation filling the air as they prepared for their long-awaited adventure. "Ready, Meera?" Alex asked, pointing towards the entrance of the zoo. "Always ready," Meera replied with a bright smile. "For which animal?" Alex asked, knowing the answer. "For every animal," Meera replied instantly, her enthusiasm evident. "Expected," Alex said with a grin.
"Well, let's quit dilly-dallying and enjoy our date. First stop, the panda exhibit. Or do you want something else, Meera?" Alex suggested. Meera replied, "penguins, first them.", "We will be able to feed the pandas," Alex reminded her. Immediately, Meera changed her answer. "Let's go toward the pandas," she decided, this continued for half a day where she kept on bouncing from one exhibit to another without a break. After running for half a day, Alex was tired, while Meera seemed to be still good as new. Catching his breath, Alex finally spoke up, "Meera, stop... let me breathe... I can't keep up." Stopping immediately as she heard him, Meera turned to him, a teasing tone in her voice. "Tired already? I thought you could keep up with me, but what a letdown," she said playfully. "I'm not a superhuman that I can keep up with you," Alex replied between pants.
"Yeah, I know. Let's hold hands; maybe this will help you," Meera suggested. The moment these words left her lips, the atmosphere shifted from joyous to somber. "Meera, you know we can't, did you forget" Alex said softly, the weight of reality pressing down on them. "I forgot, i am sorry, that i forgot... umm " Meera murmured, guilt coloring her voice for the thoughtless remark. Trying to lift the mood, Alex quickly added, "Wait, the penguin exhibit is just a little further. Come on, quick, the penguins are waiting."
Alex couldn't resist teasing her. "Don't you have someone even cuter than them who is just following you everywhere?" he asked smugly. Meera, completely focused on the penguin in front of her, replied without hesitation, "No, I don't.". Meera's reply completely shattered Alex's confidence, leaving him feeling as though his worth had been utterly destroyed by some penguins. As Meera realized the impact of her words, it dawned on her that it was already too late. Alex was practically sulking, questioning why he had brought her to a zoo rather than a private beach. In an attempt to ease the tension and make him feel better, Meera said, "Penguins are surely cute, but men are handsome, and you are the most handsome man I know." "Is that why you had a Gojo Satoru fan memoir in your room?" Alex retorted, "You know he is not real. In real men, you are the most handsome person I know. Don't worry," Meera assured him, hoping to reassure him of his worth. After some time of playful banter, Alex began to revert back to his normal self. "Well, Meera, it is time for lunch," he announced, ready to move past the earlier misunderstanding." Meera, are you going to watch the penguins while I eat?" Alex asked. "No, I will not. I will watch you eat," Meera replied with a smile. "Sure, dear," Alex said, smiling back as they made their way to the lunch area. Alex called over a staff member, "Excuse me, can you take my food order?" "Yes, sir. What would you like?" the staff member asked. Thinking for a while, Alex said, "A double cheeseburger, a large soda, and medium French fries, please." As the order was being prepared, Alex and Meera talked about a plethora of topics, their conversation flowing effortlessly. When the food finally arrived, Alex started eating while Meera watched him, a content smile on her face.
After some time, Alex's demeanor shifted. He stared blankly at his meal, and a few broken words slipped from his trembling lips, "I am... i am... really really sorry, Meera." As he spoke, tears began to fall, cascading down his face in a relentless stream. Meera's expression morphed from contentment to deep concern, her heart breaking as she watched him crumble before her, the weight of unspoken emotions crashing down like a tidal wave.
"If I hadn't made that promise to you on that day, if i didnt do it, maybe you would have found peace in the afterlife, but i had to agree to you at that instant... my mistake caused... you to become like this" he sobbed, his voice a fragile whisper. "Maybe you would be in heaven now, free from all this suffering. But because of me... because of me and my idiotic thinking, you're trapped here, unable to move on. I am so so so so so sorry, Meera. I couldn't protect you the day of your crash, and now I am the reason you are stuck in this limbo, unable to find peace. It would have been better for you if I had never existed."
His voice cracked under the weight of his guilt and sorrow, "Every attempt to make things right has failed, just like everything else I do. I am such a disappointment, aren't I? You don't even need to say it; I already know," he choked out, his body racked with sobs. The enormity of his regret and helplessness pressed down on him, suffocating him in a torrent of pain and self-reproach.
"I fell in love with the logical Alex who always found a way," Meera said softly, her voice steady and soothing. "Don't worry, you will find a way. Don't be so hard on yourself."
Alex, still in tears, looked at her with eyes filled with anguish. "I fell in love with you too, Meera. But what kind of lover am I? I've condemned you to wander this earth after your death. What kind of love does that? I can't even be a good friend," he choked out, his voice breaking. "I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry. I am a failure. I couldn't protect you. I couldn't set you free. I am sorry."
Meera's gaze remained fixed on Alex, her expression a mix of sorrow and determination. "I fell in love with the logical Alex who always found a way," she repeated, her voice firm yet tender. "Don't worry, you will find a way. Don't be so hard on yourself."
Meera, her voice filled with sympathy, continued, "Our promise was to get married, not because of how we looked, but because of the genuine feelings we had for each other. It might sound selfish, but I don't mind being here, being with you. If you can adjust to having a ghost as a lover, then choose me. If you can't, I'll still be here, waiting. So, choose."
"Meera, I choose you," Alex said, his voice growing steadier with each word.
A soft smile touched Meera's lips. "I know," she whispered. "After all, this is THE DREAM WE PROMISED."