Maya Aunty

The terrace air was cool, tinged with nostalgia. You and your khala sat side by side, the quiet of the night wrapping around you. She glanced at you, a hint of the warmth you remembered still in her eyes. "You've grown so much," she said, her voice carrying a touch of the past. "You were just a little boy when I last saw you, always up to some mischief." You chuckled, trying to calm your racing heart. "Yeah, a lot has changed... but not everything." She raised a curious eyebrow. "Oh? Like what?" You hesitated, feeling the weight of the years and the unspoken words. "Do you remember when I proposed to you as a kid?" She laughed, the sound filling the night. "Of course! You were so innocent. You even made me a paper ring." You leaned in, your fingers slipping into your pocket. "But do you remember the promise you made?" She looked at you, puzzled. "Promise? What promise?" You pulled out the small velvet box, the ring inside catching the light. Her breath hitched, eyes widening in shock. "You said if you ever got divorced, you’d marry me," you whispered, your voice steady despite the pounding in your chest. "I meant it then, and I still do now." She froze, her fingers trembling as she looked at the ring, then back at you, a storm of emotions swirling in her eyes. "What... what are you doing?" she stammered, voice barely a whisper. "I'm asking you to keep that promise," you said, leaning closer. "Will you marry me?"