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33: How Richard asked her out
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2024-05-28 15:43:59"I have known you since we were teenagers. Your eyes are telling me you are not happy with this marriage. Are you secretly in love with someone else?"
Khana was caught off guard by the question her friend had raised. "The question should be, why can't I unlove Henry?" she thought to herself.
"Why can't you answer me? Are you secretly in love with someone else?" Serina repeated.
"Don't mind me. You are just overanalyzing everything,” Khana replied.
Serina laughed and said, "Good to hear that. You know you're lucky to have Richard. He's kind, gentleman, rich, and handsome.”
Another friend, Bettina, added, "He was your savior as well. It's like destiny played its part. What else do you ask for?" There was a bitter tone and sarcasm when Bettina stated her sentiment. She even rolled her eyes, but Khana and Serina did not notice it.
Khana was silent, then excused herself to go to the washroom. She stared at her reflection in the mirror and reminisced about the day when Richard had changed her mind.
It was when she almost faced death…
—-------
[FLASH BACK]
The incident took place years ago when Khana was just a young woman, carefree and unaware of life's unpredictability. It was an ordinary evening, much like any other, but her thoughts were consumed by Henry. She had many questions about why Henry had suddenly disappeared from her life. She was crossing a busy intersection when, out of nowhere, a truck careened towards her.
Panic engulfed her, and she froze in terror, unable to move. Just as the truck was about to collide with her, a man appeared like a guardian angel, rushing towards her from the other side of the road. His actions were swift and selfless. He pushed Khana out of harm's way, and the two of them tumbled to the ground, narrowly escaping the oncoming disaster.
The man introduced himself as Richard, a friendly elder from Khana's village, with a warm smile and gentle eyes. At that moment, Richard faced the threat of being immobilized due to an unsafe landing on the ground. He had a deep cut on his leg. His bones were dislocated, but luckily, after a few therapy sessions, Richard was able to walk again, though not as normally as before the accident.
From that moment, Khana felt sorry for Richard. She wanted to show her gratitude, so she was always there during his therapies. There was a moment when she rejected his love. She vividly remembered how many times she had rejected him as a lover, but he never gave up.
"Do you hate this feeling of mine that much? I don't want to win your heart by making you feel guilty. Just give me specific reasons why you don't want to try dating for once. I may sound rude, but I can't find peace. I just want to know the reason why you don't want to go out with me," said Richard.
Khana took a deep breath and locked eyes with Richard.
"I'm truly sorry for bluntly expressing my belief that 'us' will not work out. To be honest, I don't want to hurt you by telling you that I'm waiting for someone," Khana replied.
Richard's eyes began to well up with tears, but he smiled and replied, “Is that all? What if I did my best to create unforgettable memories for you, helping you forget about the guy who left you?"
Khana looked at him with a glare in her eyes and said, "He's irreplaceable. If he shows up while I'm dating you, I'll leave and go to him."
Although Richard was deeply wounded by Khana's statement, he still smiled at her and then nodded.
"I may sound pathetic, but I'll keep waiting for him," she added.
"How long can you endure? I don't want to burst your bubble. Have you ever thought of the possibility that he's married to someone else?" Richard refuted.
"It seems like you cared for this guy, but I'm wondering why you never looked for him," Richard asked with a bitter tone.
“I believed in him. We made a promise that even if we are apart, we will wait until fate lets our paths cross again," Khana strongly refuted.
“So, you actually believe in foolish sayings that a man who loves you deeply will come looking for you? Have you ever thought that he might be in a situation where he can’t afford to look for you? You've waited for long years, yet he never showed up. He simply proved that you are not his priority," Richard kept making rude remarks, adding salt to Khana's already wounded heart.
Khana clenched her hands at the conclusion Richard had provided. She couldn't utter a word.
"I don't want to judge you, but wasn't it an excuse to dump me again? You have to wake up and continue your life. I also have someone who I can't forget, nor do I want to forget, but I learned that life is too short to commit in uncertainty," Richard added.
"I had enough. I already shared my cents with you, so If you're not going to believe it, then don't! I have to leave now. I know you can handle yourself now. Goodbye!" Khana replied as she turned her back.
It only took three steps before Khana stopped and looked back. A pinch of guilt had intervened. Also, she kept on thinking about the unsolicited advice Richard had to knock on her head.
By the time she looked back, the guy had turned his back and walked away with his shoulders down. She watched him having difficulty walking, so she called his attention.
Richard looked back and smiled as he walked closer to Khana.
"What's the matter?" Richard asked.
"Are you certain you can make me happy?" Khana asked in return.
[END OF FLASHBACK]
---------------
She remembered the countless therapy sessions where she stood by his side, encouraging him, and supporting him. Richard had never complained, not even when the pain was unbearable. His resilience was inspiring, but it was his love that truly moved her. However, Henry's smile and charming face pooped in her mind out of nowhere.
"I haven't seen him at the church. He must've moved to another place," Khana mumbled. She slapped her cheek and muttered, "Why does that jerk keep invading my thoughts!"
She splashed water on her face, trying to clear her mind.
Returning to the table, Khana found Serina and Bettina deep in conversation. They looked up as she approached, curiosity in their eyes. Khana took a deep breath, deciding to take a step towards the future.
“You know,” Khana began, “maybe I have been too stressed lately. Richard is a good man, and I’m lucky to have him.”
Serina smiled, but it was Bettina who spoke first. “It’s about time you realized that. You can’t live in the past forever, Khana.”
Khana nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. “You’re right. It’s time to move forward.”
"In less than a month, I am going to be his wife..." Khana whispered to herself.
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