Beneath the Fireworks
The first time Shyam saw Raitha, she was standing alone in the corner of their high school courtyard, her gaze fixed on the fluttering petals of a cherry blossom tree. She held a notebook in her hands, scribbling something so furiously that she didn't even notice when Shyam tripped over a loose rock and fell flat on his face.
Laughter erupted around him, but Raitha looked up sharply. Her eyes met his, and in a moment of shared embarrassment, she smiled. Not a mocking smile like the others, but one of warmth. Shyam dusted himself off, his cheeks burning, and hurried away, too flustered to speak.
He didn't know it then, but that was the moment his world began to revolve around her.
---
Their paths crossed often after that. Shyam, a shy and clumsy boy who preferred the back row of the classroom, and Raitha, a quiet but confident girl who always sat by the window.
It wasn't until the annual school festival that they truly talked. Shyam had been assigned to the food stall, struggling to grill skewers without setting the booth on fire. Raitha, passing by, couldn't help but giggle at his frantic attempts.
"Need some help?" she asked, stepping behind the counter.
Shyam nodded, too stunned to respond. As they worked together, Shyam found himself stealing glances at her. She wasn't like anyone he'd met—kind yet teasing, focused yet carefree. By the end of the day, when the fireworks lit up the night sky, Shyam found the courage to ask, "Do you want to come watch them with me?"
Raitha hesitated for a moment before nodding. They stood side by side, the explosions of color above mirrored in her eyes. Shyam's heart raced, not from the fireworks, but from the girl standing beside him.
---
High school turned into college, and their bond deepened. They studied together in the library, shared late-night snacks after exams, and cheered each other on through life's challenges. But as the years passed, Shyam began to feel the weight of his feelings.
He wanted more than friendship, but he was terrified of losing what they already had.
One summer evening, as they walked home from the market, Shyam blurted out, "Raitha, do you ever think about… us? I mean, more than just friends?"
Raitha stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening. Shyam's stomach twisted in knots. Had he ruined everything?
But then she smiled, a soft and knowing smile. "I thought you'd never ask."
Relief and joy washed over him as she reached for his hand, their fingers intertwining for the first time.
---
Their relationship blossomed like a spring flower, growing stronger with each passing season. They visited each other's families, shared their dreams, and supported each other through life's ups and downs.
Every year, they made it a tradition to attend the fireworks festival together, reminiscing about the day their story began. It became their special place, a reminder of how far they'd come.
One year, as the fireworks painted the night sky in shades of gold and crimson, Shyam turned to Raitha. He had something important to say, but the words caught in his throat.
"What is it?" Raitha asked, tilting her head.
Shyam took a deep breath and reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. "Raitha, you've been my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the love of my life. Will you marry me?"
Tears filled her eyes as she nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "Yes."
The crowd erupted into cheers as they kissed beneath the dazzling display of lights, their love story sealed with the promise of forever.
---
Their wedding was a simple yet magical affair, held in the same village where Shyam grew up. Friends and family gathered to celebrate their union, showering them with love and blessings.
Raitha wore a flowing white gown, her hair adorned with tiny flowers, while Shyam couldn't stop smiling in his tailored suit. As they exchanged vows, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them standing on the precipice of a new life together.
And when the night came, they returned to the fireworks festival, now as husband and wife.
---
The final firework of the evening was the grandest of all, a cascade of golden sparks that illuminated the entire sky. Raitha leaned her head on Shyam's shoulder, her fingers tracing circles on his hand.
"Do you remember the first time we watched this?" she asked.
"How could I forget?" Shyam replied, his voice filled with emotion. "That was the day I fell in love with you."
Raitha chuckled softly. "You were so awkward back then."
"And you were perfect," he said, planting a kiss on her forehead.
As the crowd began to disperse, Shyam took Raitha's hand and led her to a quieter spot by the river. The reflection of the fireworks danced on the water, creating a scene so breathtaking it felt like a dream.
"I have one more surprise," Shyam said, pulling out a small notebook.
Raitha opened it, her eyes widening as she flipped through the pages. It was filled with sketches and memories of their journey together—moments he had captured over the years.
"Shyam," she whispered, her voice trembling. "This is beautiful."
"It's our story," he said, his eyes glistening. "And it's only just beginning."
Raitha wrapped her arms around him, her heart overflowing with love. As their lips met in a tender kiss, the final firework exploded above, showering them in a cascade of light.
---
Beneath the fireworks, their love shone brighter than ever, a beacon of hope and happiness that would guide them through whatever lay ahead.
And for the rest of their lives, they carried that night with them—a testament to the power of love, friendship, and the magic of a single moment shared beneath the stars.