(ROSIE'S POV)
The long-awaited day had finally arrived.
The family introduction.
I woke up earlier than usual that morning. My heart was filled with excitement, but I could also feel a little nervousness.
Today wasn't an ordinary day. Today, Jerry's family was coming to meet mine.
Today, the man I loved was taking another important step toward becoming my husband.
I sat on the edge of my bed and looked at myself in the mirror.
"Rosie, this is really happening," I whispered.
A smile appeared on my face. I thought about everything Jerry and I had been through.
The challenges.
The misunderstandings.
The moments when we had wondered whether everything would work out. And now, here we were.
I said a short prayer before getting ready.
"God, please let today be peaceful."
(JERRY'S POV)
We were already preparing to leave.
My uncle had made sure that everyone travelling with us was ready.
(JERRY'S UNCLE POV)
"Is everything complete?" he asked.
(JERRY'S POV)
"Yes, Uncle."
(JERRY'S UNCLE POV)
"The gifts?"
(JERRY'S POV)
"Yes."
(JERRY'S UNCLE POV)
"The drinks?"
(JERRY'S POV)
"Yes."
(JERRY'S UNCLE POV)
"The other items?"
(JERRY'S POV)
"Everything is ready."
(JERRY'S UNCLE POV)
"Good. Let's go."
(JERRY'S POV)
As we entered the vehicle, I felt a strange mixture of excitement and nervousness.
I had imagined this day many times.
But nothing could compare with actually experiencing it. I picked up my phone and called Rosie.
She answered almost immediately.
(ROSIE'S POV)
"Hello, Jerry."
(JERRY'S POV)
"Are you ready?"
(ROSIE'S POV)
I laughed. "I'm ready."
(JERRY'S POV)
"How are you feeling?"
(ROSIE'S POV)
"Nervous."
(JERRY'S POV)
I smiled.
"Don't be nervous."
(ROSIE'S POV)
"Easy for you to say." Huh!
(JERRY'S POV)
I laughed.
"Rosie, everything will be fine."
(ROSIE'S POV)
"I hope so."
(JERRY'S POV)
"It will." As there was a short silence.
"I'll see you soon."
(ROSIE'S POV)
"I'll be waiting." As the call ended. I felt warmth. On getting to the house,
The house was already busy.
Family members were moving around, arranging chairs and making sure everything was ready.
My mother was everywhere at once.
(ROSIE'S MUM POV)
"Hey Rosie!"
(ROSIE'S POV)
"Yes, Mum?"
(ROSIE'S MUM POV)
"Please check if everything has been arranged."
(ROSIE'S POV)
"Okay."
I moved around the house, helping wherever I could while greeting my elderly people and the younger ones.
The excitement was contagious. Everyone seemed happy. Some relatives were already discussing the arrival of Jerry's family.
I looked at the time. "They should be here soon."
My mother smiled.
"Don't worry. Everything is ready." As I said to her.
(JERRY'S POV)
When we finally arrived, I could feel my heart beating faster. I looked through the window.
There were people everywhere. My uncle touched my shoulder.
(JERRY'S UNCLE POV)
"Relax."man
(JERRY'S POV)
I smiled.
"I'm relaxed." Then I saw my father coming closer to me ..
(JERRY'S FATHER)
Hey son! I'm proud of the man you've become. Let's show them that we are from a good home too.
(JERRY'S POV)
Yes father as he tapped my shoulder.
Thank you.
We stepped out of the vehicle.
I could see Rosie standing among her family members. The moment our eyes met, she smiled.
I smiled back. For a few seconds, everything else disappeared.
All I could see was her.
My uncle greeted her family respectfully.
"Good afternoon to you all."
(ROSIE'S FAMILY MEMBERS)
"Good afternoon too . You're welcome."
(JERRY'S POV)
Everyone exchanged greetings.
The atmosphere was warm and welcoming.
(ROSIE'S POV)
Seeing Jerry standing there with his family made my heart happy.
He looked handsome.
But beyond his appearance, I was happy because of what the moment represented.
Our families were finally meeting.
My mother welcomed Jerry's family warmly.
Everyone sat down.
The elders began speaking.
Introductions were made.
There were smiles, laughter and occasional jokes.
The atmosphere was peaceful.
I looked at Jerry from where I was sitting. He gave me a reassuring smile. I smiled back.
(JERRY'S POV)
After the initial greetings, the elders began discussing the reason for our visit.
My uncle spoke respectfully.
(JERRY'S FAMILY SPOKEMAN)
"We have come with good intentions."
He explained that we had come to formally ask for the hand of Rosie in marriage on behalf of our family.
Her family listened carefully.
My heart was beating faster.
Then one of the elders from Rosie's side smiled.
"We are happy that you have come."
My uncle nodded. "We are also happy to be here." There were more discussions.
The traditional items were presented. Everything seemed to be going smoothly.
I looked at Rosie. She looked happy. I felt relieved.
(ROSIE'S POV)
I couldn't stop smiling.
Everything was going exactly as I had hoped. My mother's face was filled with happiness. The elders were communicating peacefully.
Jerry's family was respectful.
For a moment, I forgot about all the worries I had carried in my heart. Then I noticed my stepbrother. He was sitting quietly.
His expression was difficult to read. I became slightly uneasy. I looked away. I didn't want anything to spoil the day.
(JERRY'S POV)
I also noticed Rosie's stepbrother. I remembered our conversation.
* The school fees.
* The Italian shoe.
I wondered whether he would raise those issues in front of everyone.
My uncle must have noticed my expression because he leaned toward me.
(JERRY'S UNCLE POV)
"Don't worry."
(JERRY'S POV)
I nodded.
"Yes, Uncle."
The discussion continued. Everything remained calm.
Then Rosie's stepbrother cleared his throat.
(ROSIE'S STEPBROTHER POV)
"I have something to say."
(JERRY'S POV)
The room suddenly became quiet.
I looked at him.
Rosie looked nervous. My uncle remained calm.
The man looked around the room before speaking.
"I don't think we can continue until certain things are settled." My heart sank. I knew it.
The trouble had finally begun.
(ROSIE'S POV)
I looked at my mother. She looked worried.
My stepbrother continued speaking.
"There are certain responsibilities that must be fulfilled before this marriage can proceed."
My heart began beating faster. I knew exactly where this was going. I looked at Jerry. He remained calm. His eyes met mine. And somehow, that small look reassured me.
Whatever happened next, I knew we would face it together.
The family introduction had begun beautifully. But now, the real test was about to begin.