The morning hours flowed quietly. Kirana's home was calmer than usual that day, but her heart was beating with unusual nervousness. Today was the day Yusuf would come. She had briefly informed her parents about it the previous night. He had decided to formally talk to her parents about their relationship. š
When the sound of a car stopping at the gate reached her, Kirana's heart immediately began to pound rapidly. Dressed in simple white attire, with a calm expression, Yusuf stood by the gate with a respectful demeanor. In his hand were simple yet meaningful gifts he had brought for Mr. and Mrs. Manalo.
Mr. Manalo opened the door with a calm face.
"Ahā¦son, come in." š
Though his voice held a cautious reserve,there was no hostility.
Yusuf entered the house and greeted Mr. and Mrs. Manalo. Kirana stood quietly at the edge of the living room, her heart flowing with a mix of fear and hope that had settled within.
After everyone was seated, there was a brief, quiet silence. Breaking that silence, Yusuf began to speak.
"Uncleā¦Auntyā¦ I came here today to respectfully discuss a very important matter." š£
His voice was firm but courteous.
"I love Kirana.It's a love both of us have carried responsibly for a long time. That's why I wanted to take this relationship forward not by hiding it from you, but with your permission and blessings."
Mrs. Manalo glanced at Kirana. In her eyes was a deep love and concern for her daughter. š«
"Yusufā¦love isn't an easy thing. What matters most to us is Kirana's safety and future," she said calmly.
"Aunty,I understand that very well," Yusuf replied promptly.
"I can protect Kirana in every way and look after her with respect.My job, my lifeāI've built everything up responsibly. Her happiness is the most important thing to me." š
Then Mr. Manalo took a deep breath.
"Sonā¦trusting someone with our child isn't easy. But from the way you speak, from the sincerity I see in your eyes, I believe you're not someone who takes this lightly."
Kirana's eyes welled up unsuccessfully. She still said nothing, waiting for her parents' decision. šš
Mrs. Manalo looked at Yusuf with a slight smile.
"We won't force anything against Kirana's will.If she's happy, we won't oppose it either. Butā¦ this relationship must move forward with responsibility, patience, and respect."
Yusuf leaned slightly forward from his seat and said,
"I can promise that,Auntyā¦ Uncle. I will never take Kirana lightly." š¤
With those words, Mr. Manalo nodded in agreement.
"Alright,sonā¦ we give you our permission. Kirana is a precious daughter to us. If you can uphold that value, we have no other demands." š¤
At that moment, Kirana's heart felt lighter. A modest smile appeared on her face, and relief and gratitude shone together in Yusuf's eyes. Afterwards, all four enjoyed Mrs. Manalo's delicious meal together.
That day marked the beginning of a new phase in their relationship,with permission and blessings. š