Neela's Realization
Chapter 4
Note: This is two months after Chapter 3. Ray and Neela are enjoying their life in North Carolina and Ray found a job in a clinic that works to help amputees.
Neela came home to find candles all over the apartment and soft music playing over the stereo, but she didn't see Ray.
Neela: Ray?
He came out with a bouquet of roses and handed them to her.
Ray: Happy Anniversary, roomie. I got you something.
Neela: You did? I feel bad I didn't get you--
Ray: Ssshh (Ray places his finger over Neela's lips) It's ok.
Ray gives her a tender kiss on the cheek, grabs her hand and leads her over to the couch. Neela admires her flowers as Ray sits down right next to her and holds her hand.
Ray: Before you and I got together, I knew that if I couldn't be with you I still wanted you in my life, even if it was just as a friend. Our friendship is just as important to me as our relationship. You're not only the woman I love, you are also my very best friend.
Neela: I feel the same way.
Ray: You know when I first started getting feelings for you? That day Abby and I walked into Jumbo Mart and I saw you standing behind the counter with that rediculous crown on your head. (He chuckles)
Neela: (smiles) You're easy.
Ray: No I'm not. You were so cute standing there, I couldn't help falling for you.
Neela: Do you remember the time when you were telling me it's hard to meet people, and I turned around and you were standing there?
Ray: Yes.
Neela: That's when I realized I wanted to be with you. Then when you told me you would do anything for me, that's when I fell in love with you.
Ray: When you were doing your ride along and I thought you were dead, and I looked into that window and saw you sitting there with those kids, that is when I realized I was in love with you. It made me realize that I can't live without you. The year you and I were apart was the hardest time in my life, harder than when my dad left, and even harder than when I was recovering from the accident. I want to make sure that never happens again, I can't go thru it a second time.
Neela: It won't.
Neela leans in, puts her hands on Ray's cheeks and kisses him. They look deeply into each others eyes and Ray takes Neela's hand again and squeezes it.
Ray: You were the one that helped me take being a doctor more seriously and become more mature and focused. One of the reasons I started getting feelings for you was because you kept me line. You didn't let me get away with things that other girls did, you're different and I owe you so much. I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
Neela looks down and notices the diamond ring on her left hand, she gasps and puts her hand over her mouth as her eyes start to fill with tears.
Neela: It's beautiful. (she looks at him) Ray.....
Ray: It was my grandmother's and then was passed on to my mother, and now I'm giving it to you. Neela, I know you were hurt in your first marriage, but I promise you that I won't leave you. I am here to stay and I just want to take care of you. You are the only girl for me. I have never stopped loving you and I know now I never will.....Will you marry me?
Neela starts to cry
Neela: I love you so much, Ray. Yes, I will marry you.
They smile at each other and then both lean in for a passionate kiss. Ray and Neela go into the bedroom and make love. Afterwards, they hold each other as Neela puts her head on his chest and smiles as Ray caresses her back.
Neela: When do you think we should get married?
Ray: Whenever you're ready. I'll wait for as long as you need, there's no rush.
Neela: (she shakes her head) We waited for four years, I can't ask you to wait any longer. We'll start planning it tomorrow.
She puts her head up and gives Ray a peck on the lips.
Two weeks later, Ray and Neela got all their friends and family together to watch them get married. Abby was Neela's Maid of Honor, and Bret was Ray's best man. Neela was wearing a beautiful white wedding gown. She walked down the aisle. Ray and Neela couldn't take their eyes off of each other. She meets Ray at the altar, and Ray gives her an affectionate and loving smile.
Ray: You look beautiful.
He takes her hand and gives it a tender kiss, then leads her towards the minister.
Minister: Thank you all for coming. We are gathered together to see two souls: Ray and Neela, come together in holy matrimony. The Bible describes love in the book of 1 Corinthians. It says, 'Love is patient; love is kind and envies no one. Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; never selfish, not quick to take offense. Love keeps no score of wrongs; does not gloat over other men's sins, but delights in the truth. There is nothing love cannot face; there is no limit to it's faith, it's hope, and it's endurance. Love will never come to an end.' And then it goes on to say, 'In a word, there are three things that last forever: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of them all is love.' There is no greater thing than when two people come together in love and then choose to show their love in front of God and the people they care about. Ray and Neela have written their own vows. Ray you can go first.
Ray takes Neela's hand
Ray: Neela, I know that I have said things and done things that I wish I could take back. I've made mistakes and I know I'm far from perfect. I also know that I love you; that I've always loved you. I realize that I have flaws, that I'm not a.....whole man anymore but I love you so much, I have never loved anyone else and I know that I can make you happy for the rest of our lives. So, all I ask is that you be my wife and just let me take it from there. You don't have to worry about anything because I promise you I will take care of you and love you forever.
Neela is crying
Neela: Ray, you have always been the one person in my life that I could count on. When Michael died, you waited for me and I will never forget that. You were always there for me, and you know me better than anyone else. I love you for you. Legs or no legs, I will always love you. I have loved you all this time, and no matter what happens to me or to you I will never stop loving you. You are the best friend I have ever had. We have both made mistakes, but everything that has happened has only made me love you even more.
Minister: Now Ray, repeat after me: 'I, Ray Barnett, take you Neela Rasgotra'.....
Ray: I, Ray Barnett, take you Neela Rasgotra....
Minister: 'as my lawfully wedded wife in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer'.....
Ray: as my lawfully wedded wife in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer......
Minister: 'in good times and in bad times'.....
Ray: in good times and in bad times.....
Minister: 'for as long as the two of us may live here on earth.'
Ray: for as long as the two of us may live here on earth.
Minister: Now Neela, repeat after me: 'I, Neela Rasgotra, take you Ray Barnett'.....
Neela: I, Neela Rasgotra, take you Ray Barnett........
Minister: 'as my lawfully wedded husband in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer'.......
Neela: as my lawfully wedded husband in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer.....
Minister: 'in good times and in bad times'.......
Neela: in good times and in bad times.......
Minister: 'for as long as the two of us may live here on earth.'
Neela: for as long as the two of us may live here on earth.
Minister: Now Ray, take Neela's hand.
He takes her hand
Minister: Do you Ray Barnett take this woman as your lawfully wedded wife for as long as you both shall live?
Ray: I do.
Minister: Do you Neela Rasgotra, take this man as your lawfully wedded husband as long as you both shall live?
Neela: I do.
Minister: And now the rings.
Bret hands Ray the rings
Minister: Now Ray, place the ring on Neela's finger and say 'With this ring, I thee wed'.
Ray smiles and puts the ring on Neela's finger
Ray: With this ring, I thee wed.
Minister: And now Neela, place the ring on Ray's finger and say 'With this ring, I thee wed'.
Neela puts the ring on Ray's finger
Neela: With this ring, I thee wed.
Ray takes her hands in his
Minister: Now by the powers vested in me I pronouce you husband and wife. Ray, you may kiss the bride.
Ray leans down and gives Neela a loving and affectionate kiss.
Minister: I'd like to present to you, for the first time ever, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Barnett!
They face everyone and all their friends and family erupts in thunderous applause. Ray and Neela turn back to each other and go into a loving embrace. Then Neela puts her head up and whispers.......
Neela: I love you, roomie.
Ray smiles and puts his lips next to her ear and whispers......
Ray: I love you too, roomie.
The End
Sorry this took so long but this was the hardest chapter for me write out of all of them. I hope you liked it and thanks for reading!
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