THE FIREWORKS CHAPTER.1 [
THE HIT OF ROMANCES ]
"Well, it's almost the end of the year, huh? Only two months left to go."
Shyam, a young man living on a remote island south of Nektoria, was the kind of person you'd call average—at least as far as main characters go. Yet, there was one thing that set him apart: his unspoken love for Rakhi, a girl he had admired since their school days. They still lived in the same village, but despite being so close, Shyam could never muster the courage to speak openly to her. Love has a way of tying tongues, doesn't it?
It was October 30, 2024—just one day before the Nojorgora Festival. For weeks, Shyam had counted down to this moment, hoping to finally ask Rakhi out. Hidden feelings, kept locked in a fragile heart like glass, were ready to spill out, hoping someone deserving would cherish them.
As night fell, Shyam stood outside Rakhi's house, his palms sweaty, his heart racing. Pressing the doorbell, he waited anxiously.
Moments later, the door opened. There she was—Rakhi. Her long, dark hair swayed gently in the breeze, her eyes gleamed like they held the stars, and her angelic face was unforgettable. She was around 20, and her beauty could leave anyone speechless.
"Hey, Shyam! What brings you here today?" she asked with a warm smile.
Shyam felt his heart pounding, as if it could power an entire city. His voice faltered, but he managed to say, "H-Hey, Ra... Rakhi, I w-was wondering... if you... if you'd like to, uh... go on a d-da-date with me tomorrow?"
Rakhi smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Why not?"
Those two simple words almost made Shyam faint. His face lit up with the kind of smile only lovers know, his mind blank as if all rational thought had vanished. Somehow, he found the strength to ask, "What time should we meet?"
That night, Shyam couldn't sleep. He kept replaying the moment she said why not, the magical sparkle in her eyes, her angelic voice. It felt like a dream—one too beautiful to be true. He spent the whole night imagining their date, but eventually, exhaustion claimed him.
(Honestly, this moment would sound better in Hindi:
"Hum puri raat sochte rahe jitna humse socha ja sakta tha,
lekin ek dimag se kitna hi socha ja sakta tha.")
The next day was a blur of excitement. Shyam picked out his best clothes and got ready faster than ever before.
"Ah! It's almost time for our meeting! Mom, I'm heading out!" he shouted, running out of the house.
The meeting spot was a park, quiet and peaceful because most people were busy with the festival. Shyam arrived early, nervously pacing as he waited for Rakhi. After a few minutes, she appeared.
The sight of her almost made him lose his balance. She wore a bright red sari, her lips painted with the perfect shade of red, glowing bangles jingling softly on her wrists, and a golden necklace that shimmered in the sunlight. She stood out even in a crowd, and today, she was here for him.
"Hi, good evening!" Shyam greeted her, trying desperately to keep his emotions in check. But his racing heart betrayed him.
Rakhi smiled. "Let's go. The fireworks start at 8:00, and it's only 6:42. We have plenty of time to spend together."
They wandered through the park, talking and laughing, though Shyam barely managed to get a word out. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions, but one thing was clear—this was the happiest day of his life.
Before they knew it, time flew by, and the clock struck 7:39. Suddenly, Rakhi grabbed Shyam's hand and pulled him toward a tall staircase leading to an empty viewing spot.
"Every year, I come here to watch the fireworks," Rakhi explained. "But I always watch them alone. Today, I have you. I'm so grateful you asked me out. I've had the most fun I've had in years—maybe ever. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed the festival this much."
Her words carried a sincerity that left Shyam speechless.
"But," she continued, her voice softening, "I didn't bring you here just to say thank you. I brought you here to tell you something else."
Just as the first firework lit up the night sky, its golden light illuminated Rakhi's face. She looked radiant, like an angel descended from the heavens. And in that magical moment, she spoke the words Shyam had only dared to dream of.
"I love you, Shyam. I've loved you since we were kids. I just never had the courage to tell you. But when I saw you asking me out yesterday, it gave me the little push I needed. So, will you… will you be my life partner?"
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Written by: [noobsuper]
This story is based on real events, with some moments enhanced to add a touch of romance and a hint of anime magic.