“'Not all relationships lead to marriage"' they always say but I didn't believe that. And before you blame me for not believing or being so fast in tagging me a simp, you should first feel and see the kind of love I shared with Bambi. It was the best thing that has ever happened to me and to her. I mean, I know that because that's what she told me all the time while looking me in the eye with smooches and kisses.
Well, it wasn't long before she dropped the bombshell.
For months as I tried healing, I had flashbacks of that day. The music was loud, bouncing off the plaster walls just like the night of our signout party. Just that, that day, it wasn't a sign-out party but my cousin Nathan's wedding day. He was my sidekick in the bachelor's world, but that day, it dawned on me that he was leaving me behind.
Well, I consoled myself with the fact that It wouldn't be long before I joined him on that journey to be a husband and father. I had told him before how I planned to ask Bambi to marry me on his wedding day, just before his wedding started. And he agreed.
I had everything planned, making sure I invited Bambi. There was nothing to fear, everyone in my family knew of her. She was more like family now. And I was sure she wasn't going to say no. What we shared was deeper than you could imagine.
I remember that morning, while everyone was getting ready to drive down to the venue of the wedding. I sat in the living room, feeling both nervous and excited, fiddling with the tiny box in my pocket.
I mumbled my rehearsed words waiting for Bambi to step in. I had seen her earlier, she looked beautiful that day. With her tight-fitted gown that had a big split from her legs down to her thighs. I watched her walk into the room looking radiant, everything in me reassured me that she was the one and that I wasn't making a mistake.
I watched as she walked up to me and sat beside me on the big couch I was sitting just in the living room. I could feel everyone's eyes on me waiting for when I would go on one knee and pop the question.
"Hey," she said to me, all smiles.
"Hey,", I replied, clearing my throat, at the same time a little bit nervous. "You look so beautiful".
"You tell me that every day" she replied, blushing and holding my hand.
"I know, but today, I mean it", I pushed, still trying to remember all I had practised.
"Okay, thank you. You don't look bad yourself" she said, drooping a gentle kiss on the back of my hand.
Gently I dropped on one knee and while looking her straight into her eyes. She gasped in the realization of what I was about to do. I could feel the excitement, surprise and something odd on her face. But I didn't bother about the latter.
"Bambi, from the first day we met, you've been my everything," I began, my heart pounding. "I've come to realise that life without you will be unbearable." I proceeded to bring out the tiny box and opened it to reveal a modest ring inside. "Will you marry me?" I asked, my hands shaking, my heart pounding.
I was confident of a positive answer until I saw the excitement on her face fade into confusion. That was when I understood the odd look I had seen earlier on her face. That was when I knew she was about to break my heart before my family. That was when she dropped the bombshell.
I watched as her eyes moved from me to the floor. Then a single tear rolled down her cheeks. "I'm sorry. I can't. And trust me, it isn't you, or that I don't love you, it's me," she sniffed hard.
I heard silent whispers from the family. A cold chill ran through my spine.
"What? Why?" I asked, my voice barely audible. It was now laced with suppressed tears.
"Marriott I thought we were compatible. My mum had always told me I was AA, but last month I decided to confirm myself, and I did some tests. Marri, I'm AS and I've been trying to tell you but I didn't know how."
"But... Bambi, at least look at me." I held her face and turned it to face mine. "We... You" I found myself mumbling, searching for the right words and questions.
"Trust me when I say that I do love you. But we don't want kids that will suffer for our foolishness" She turned and looked me in the eye.
Then she stood up and looked around. There was remorse in her eyes, I guess for breaking not just my heart but that of my family too. Then she walked out of the house and out of my life.
I stood and sat on the couch, lost and short of words. It wasn't her fault. It wasn't mine either. It was nature's fault. We were compatible at heart but not in health. And although it is painful, the decision she made was best for us and everyone we claim to care for.
"Everyone leave us alone!" I heard Nathan yell. "Leave the room please!"
While the footsteps were gone. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Nathan. "You and I know that was the best decision, right? Tough but best." He asked. That was Nathan for you, he was best at being blunt.
"I guess," I mumbled.
"No, you don't guess. You know it's the best decision" he tapped my shoulder and stood up. "Come on, cheer up, I still need my best man. Maybe you can wed one of the bridesmaids too today as my consolation to you", he joked.
I stood up and slipped the ring box back into my pants pocket. Its presence was now a bitter reminder of what just happened. Then I tried to put on a cheerful face. I still had the best-man duty to do. But deep down, as I stepped out of the house, I knew I would never be the same. I had just lost a big part of me.
It was a very difficult thing for you to live through, but everything that happens happens for a reason. Many times life doesn't give us what we want, despite how much we want it.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Excellent day.