A sudden rush of warmth spread through Somika. Wow, she thought, her cheeks flushing. It was unexpected, yet it felt so right—like a little spark of magic catching her by surprise.
When they arrived at the church, they quickly realized the students were right. Parking was a nightmare. 🚗💨
After finally finding a spot, they walked into the grand hall, ready for the ceremony. But there was one unexpected change the students and visitors were seated separately. It wasn't what they had imagined, but even distance couldn't dim the excitement of the day.
From across the hall, her phone buzzed. Dhurba's message:
"Don't worry, I'll capture every moment and take every picture of you." 📸
Somika smiled, warmth filling her heart. Even when things didn't go as planned, he always found a way to make her feel special.
Once the ceremony ended, they found a cozy little coffee shop nearby ☕. Sitting in a quiet corner, they enjoyed their warm drinks and laughed over the day's events. The evening still had more memories to offer. 🎉
As they drove away, they debated where to go for dinner 🍽️. Nothing felt quite right until Somika's eyes lit up.
"I know a place!" she said excitedly. "It's just a 10-minute drive from my home 🏠. A Nepalese restaurant that serves the best MOMO! 🥟"
Dhurba grinned. He didn't need any more convincing. MOMO was their shared love, a taste of home away from home. ❤️
"Perfect," he said. "Let's go!"
They arrived at a cozy little restaurant in Rickmansworth—The White Bear 🍽️. The warm and welcoming atmosphere immediately made them feel at ease. They ordered a feast, including, of course, their beloved MOMO 🥟.
To celebrate, they got a bottle of red wine 🍷. Somika sipped on her glass, enjoying every moment. Before she knew it, she had finished most of the bottle herself. Dhurba, being the responsible one, only had a small glass—he had a long drive ahead. 🚗
The night was perfect. The food, the wine, the laughter—it all felt like a dream.
Maybe it was the wine, maybe it was just the magic of the evening, but Somika felt something she hadn't expected. Comfort. With Dhurba, she felt safe. She didn't have to be perfect. She could just be herself.
As she leaned back, a small ache settled in her heart. A longing.
She thought of her parents.
They weren't here to see her graduate, to celebrate with her. When she first thought of moving to the UK, her mother had been diagnosed with cancer. It had been a tough decision leaving home, knowing her father would be the one caring for her mother alone.
But her parents had always been strong. They wanted her to follow her dreams, to build the future she deserved. Even though her heart ached for them, she carried their love with her, no matter how far away she was. Taking a deep breath, she smiled through the emotions.
Dhurba, ever observant, must have noticed she was tipsy by now. He offered to drop her home safely. But she hesitated.
The thought of being alone that night, lost in memories and emotions, didn't sit right.
Instead, she looked at him and softly said, "Can I just go with you?"