Neelima had responsibilities towards family so did not marry. Her mother died when she was in school. Her paternal grand mother took over her respnsibility for many years till her death. At 40 Neelima decided to get married and started her search. There were many proposals but none suited the bill according to her. She got introduced to Hari a widower in his ealy forties who had recently lost his wife. Hari was well qualified and had a good job. Hari's experience with his marriage was not good and so was not thinking of marrying again. However meeting Neelima was a breath of fresh air. Neelima and Hari got close to each other. One day Hari proposed marriage to Neelima, she was happy in her mind but informed him that she needed time. She want to put Hari through some tests before deciding.One day Neelima informed Hari "Today my father will be going to my brother's place for a few days, How about having dinner with me?", Hari trusted Neelima and did not want to say no to anything she said replied "Okay is 8:00 pm a good time?" Neelima replied "Sure". Neelima cooked a sumptous meal and dressed beautifully to impress Hari and thought about all the things they could talk about. Being monitored constatntly by father this would have been a rare chance to know Hari better. She completed everything at 7:30 and waited knowing that Hari was always punctual.Hari called Neelima was excited for the first time she felt there was somebody with whom she could relate to, on the phone Hari said "Sorry Neelima I won't be able to make it today" Neelima was furious "Whats the matter?", Hari replied "I cannot tell you now will talk later" and hung up. Neelima decided this was the limit all her hopes came crashing down the first thing came on her mind - "This person is not for you".Neelima was so angry that she sent an SMS to Hari "Do not contact me in future" to this Hari replied "With folded hands I want to touch your feet to ask for forgiveness, please forgive me if I hurt you. Decide after hearing the reason". Neelima was shocked at the humble ness of Hari, nobody she ever met said anything like this to her. Next day at the strike of dawn the bell rang. It Hari at the door. By then Neelima's temper had cooled a bit. Neelima screamed at Hari "I am thoughly disappointed with you, you don't keep your word at the eleventh hour. Do you know what a big opportunity we have missed? My father will be back anytime so god knows when we will get a chance to talk freely again". Hari replied "You were alone at home, the dark night brings bad thoughts while the morning brings fresh ones, that is why I decided to come in the morning". Neelima was stunned "Was this the only reason?", "Yes" was the reply. Neelima's temper cooled down and they decided to go out. They had a great time together and Neelima slowly started falling in love with Hari. Neelima's next test would be informing the person who proposes to her that she is selling her parents house and give it to her distant relatives because they needed it.All previous suitors failed this test and never contacted her back again. Neelima's thinks "should I try this out on Hari? He has passed most of tests, what if he fails? Unfortunately the "Cry wolf" story plays out on Neelima. Her brother's business falters and is on the verge of default. Neelima decides to sell her parent's house to pay for the losses incurred. Neelima is in a trauma heris a person she finally wants to marry but will not have a house to live, her personal worth almost nothing with an old father to take care. Muster courage she informs Hari, to this Hari replies "I hope you think I am not taking advantage of your situation, If I am acceptable to you then consider marrying me, your father can stay with us. If no the I am willing to support you in whatever way I can and help you find another match". Neelima replied "But I will not not have anything with me and could be a burden" Hari replied "There are no expectations from the people you love, you can come in the clothes you are wearing, will take care of everything together"
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