The Devil's Sweetheart

Jasmine scented candles hung from naked tree branches lit up one by one with each step she took. Spread down the walkway were petals of different flowers as far as she could see, slightly moist so that they wouldn't make a crack sound when accidentally stepped on it. Her breathing momentarily ceased in surprise, awed by the grandeur of this place. At a distance, she could see a tall and striking imposing figure, as radiant as the sun, spreading light in her world. 

''One hour seems like an eternity without seeing you.'' His words, smooth and voice as vibrant and soft like melting honey, pulling her into his depths. ''I missed you, sweetheart.''

''I missed you too.'' She whispered, her eyes shone lodes of stars when she saw his face. ''Was it hard to do it by yourself?'' She asked, glancing at the surroundings. It was simply breathtaking.

''I can bring the mountains at your feet if I could see a smile on your face.'' He emphasized, walking towards her with a smile that could even distract the angels.

Not a word came out of her mouth. Leena felt like she was swimming in his love, weightless. The second he appeared in front of her, she jumped on his feet, throwing her arms around his neck, taking him by surprise. ''I have no words to express how happy I am. This is beautiful.''

''I am glad you like it.'' Devin smiled, pressing a kiss on her cheek. Gently pulling her to the ground, he guided her towards a lake that was glimmering with the bright moon shone upon it. Leena's mouth wide opened at the sight of it again. Rose petals arranged beautifully in heart-shaped, and to its left, a marquee of an umbrella was sitting with two chairs underneath. It was exactly opposite to the 'proposal under stars dream' she imagines in her dreams. Her fantasy paled in comparison seeing the beauty of it. Everything was custom-made according to her taste. How long has he been preparing this? ''Have I stepped into heaven at last?''

''Drama queen! You should be voted as number one on drama creating.' He chuckled, placing his head on the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent; his arms automatically went to her waist.

''If I were a drama queen, I would be on clouds sprinkling rains.'' She replied with levity.

''So, I can conclude my sweetheart is impressed?'' He asked. His warm breath fanning her neck under the cool breeze was making her hard to resist his charms.

''You know the answer already.'' She tilted her head, glancing at his eyes.

''I want to hear from your mouth.'' He added, turning her around.

''I don't have words to describe this breathtaking beauty,'' Since the smell of food was wafting into her nose, Leena tried to take a peek at it, but Devin grabbed her chin to bring her sole concentration on him alone.

''Leena...'' Grabbing her hand into his, he breathed in and out. He doesn't know what's scaring him, but he was feeling quite nervous today. Not even when he expressed his feelings to her for the first time in his home, he felt anxious, but today, he felt highly strung.

Seeing his state of agitation, Leena was confused. ''Are you nerv_''

''You are right. I am nervous. An hour back, I was standing here alone thinking of so many things to say to you, but now I am speechless when you are standing in front of me. This is what you have been doing to me. You make me feel nervous and excited at the same time.'' Holding her hand, he breathed in deeply and started.

Leena was on tenterhooks as she bit her lips timidly on what was about to come.

''I never believed in love at first sight, but you happened. As soon as you walked into my life, I understood why I have been single for my whole life. The day you stepped into my life, there is not a day I think about you. I won't mind losing my sleep if I have to take care of you. I am significantly less talker, but I don't get tired of listening to your stories. When I am in the middle of the meeting or eating your favorite food, you cross my mind, scratch that... you cross my mind throughout the day. I can't explain with just words how much you mean to me, but you are the only one I am afraid of losing.''

He squeezed her hand gently to soothe the anxiety when he felt her suppress her muffles. ''Let me finish my speech, sweetheart. I will allow you to cry after it.''

''Hmm...'' That was the only thing Leena could manage to say.

''I don't want to have a fantastic couple of months or years with you and then call it over in a flash. I want to be with you forever. I want us to last. I will stick to you together like glue no matter how hard life gets. No matter how many times we fight, I am never going to stop loving you, and I promise you this."

"I cannot read stars or converse with the fates, but I do know this. Until I am dead in the dirt, I will love you. No matter how difficult it gets or how desperately someone tries to tear us apart, I will love you, and protect you with my heart."

Devin paused taking a deep breath before continuing.

"The day I will go on my knees for a girl is the day I decided to tie a shoelace for my daughter, and I have long decided that day and the girl.'' All of a sudden, Devin kneeled in front of Leena and grabbed her hand. ''And the girl can be no one other than you. I love you, Leena. I have fallen for you, truly madly, deeply before I knew what love meant. Just say yes.''

The barrier broke with his last words, and not a word came out of her mouth. Leena wiped the tears with her sleeves. She has been trying her best to keep her emotions in check, but it has reached the pinnacles.

''As long as I am alive.'' She couldn't stop her sniffles. Who wouldn't fall for this idiot? One of the best moments in her life has happed today, and she swore she would forever cherish this moment. Without further ado, Devin slipped the ring onto her finger and kissed on top of it. 

 Getting up from the ground, he brought Leena to his feet and kissed her forehead. ''I wanted to make a custom-made ring, but this holds a special place in my heart. If you don't like it, I will_.''

''I loved it. Devin.'' Leena's eyes twinkled as she traced her hand on the ring. True to his words, the ring holds a special place in her heart, also. She has kept it safe, and nothing is an excellent occasion than this day to wear it. Speaking of the ring, Leena looked at the small chestnut box she was holding in the other hand. She released herself from him, maintaining a little distance.

''Devin....'' Leena called him.''Do you remember our first encounter?''

''I would never forget that.'' He smiled

''When I first met you, I honestly wanted to run away, scared that you would sue me.'' She smiled, remembering their first bizarre encounter. ''But I found myself falling harder for you. If I know what love is, it's because of you. Reese once asked me what's my favorite thing in the world is, and you obviously know what answer I would have given.''

''What is it now?'' He asked in a low whisper. It would be obviously clothes.

''I would close my eyes and say, my favorite dress would be wrapped in your arms like a cocoon.'' She held his hands when she felt them tremble lightly. ''You are the best thing I have ever planned, and I am lucky to have met you. Thanks for coming into my life."Opening the box, Leena traced out the ring and gently took it out. ''May I?'' She asked like a prim and proper lady.

''Of course.'' He chuckled at how serious she has turned.

The moment Leena slipped the ring into his finger, Devin lifted her by the hips and spun her around until her head was spinning. ''I love you,'' Devin whispered, bringing her to the ground.

''I love you more. No, I love you to infinity,'' Leena pecked his lips, wrapping her arms around his neck.

''Aren't you hungry?''

 "There is no space in my body. You are filled in it'' Leena giggled at her cheesy pick-up line. ''I also wanted to get down on one knee and propose you. But you know, why I didn't do it?''

''Even if I don't ask, you will not sleep without vomiting. What is it?''

''Cheeky boy. You know me very well. '' She pinched his cheeks as if he was a kid. ''I was scared I would unzip your pants when I get on my knees. So, I skipped the idea of getting on my knees." Leena covered her mouth suppressing her giggle, watching Devin's dumbfounded expressions.

Devin: '' ''

''Crazy idiot.'' He muttered under his breath.. I have to put work to her mouth today.