Miss Sales Manager 28 Bonding Time

Tina was surprised.. even shocked to some extent.. she really didn't expect to see Fred's parents.. but she quickly came out of her surprise and smiled at them.. she said, 'please come in..! ' his parents smiled shyly.. his mom said, 'sorry dear.. Fred thought it would be a good surprise.. he flew us down on such a short notice.. ' Tina smiled as they walked in..

Tina's mom came out, she too was surprised, but she recovered quickly and said, 'please sit, make yourselves comfortable.. Tina.. go call your dad.. ' Fred stood and said, 'Aunty, I got something for you..' he gave her a bunch of flowers and a bottle of red wine.. Tina's mom smiled and said, 'oh, dear boy.. thank you.. why so formal.. ' she loved his manners.. she took the flowers and arranged them in a beautiful vase, and placed it on the dining table..

Tina's father came and greeted Fred and his parents... suddenly the house was lively... it was full of people.. everyone was talking to each other with warmth.. Fred's dad liked Tina very much.. Fred was the only child... he always wanted to have a daughter.. he didn't let Tina leave his side as he told her anecdotes of his army days.. she heard them with full attention.. she was always fascinated by men in armed forces.. and the way he smiled.. she felt as if she was talking to an older version of Fred.. though Fred resembled his mom, the tall body build, the smile and twinkle in his eyes, came from his dad..

Fred found Tina to be a replica of her mom.. he thought about all the hearts she broke when she was young.. surprisingly, she chose to marry a simple man.. Tina's dad was plain looking and was without any specific appeal to his appearance or personality.. he wondered how Tina's mom fell for him.. but the way he spoke, put Fred's heart at ease, he was warm and caring..

Fred's mom was quite taken by Tina's appearance.. she didn't expect that she would be such a ravis.h.i.+ng beauty.. she always wanted Fred to marry a Malayali girl as she too was a Malayali... so she made sure that Fred visited Kerala often and made him meet all eligible young ladies who were in her close circles.. but he fell for a north Indian.. she pushed all those thoughts away.. Fred's happiness was more important.. it's his life after all....

Tina's mom announced that Dinner was ready, she set the table, and asked everyone to sit, as both the families were Catholic Christians, they had a habit to pray and thank G.o.d before a meal.. they did so together.. Tina and Fred smiled at each other.. their families were bonding.. so well.. what more they want..

Everyone enjoyed the dinner, Fred's mom said, 'Tina dear.. do you cook? ' Tina nodded and said, 'yes aunty, but I am not very good.. ' she said, 'oh dear, your mom is a great cook.. I am sure you cook well too..you are just being modest.. you know..I taught Fred how to cook.. he does a fair job.. next time when I come, I hope to taste some of your cooking.. ' she smiled affectionately.. Tina felt good and nodded in agreement..

Fred and Tina helped Tina's mom clear up the table, then Fred said out aloud, 'Tina, can you show me your garden? ' She was surprised.. Tina said, 'sure, Uncle, Aunty.. you want to come along? ' Fred said, 'let them all sit, they just had dinner.. ' he added little quickly.. Tina felt little odd, yet she shrugged and said, 'ok' and took Fred out..

As soon as they stepped out, Fred grabbed Tina's waist and kissed her.. she was surprised, but she obliged and kissed him back.. he kept his fingers in her hair and kissed her pa.s.sionately.. after what felt like a good amount of time, Tina pulled out, she was breathless.. Fred said, 'show me your garden.. ' she said, 'if you let me move..I will..' and rolled her eyes..

Tina's house was a beautiful place.. it was a two storeyed villa surrounded by garden on all the four sides.. it felt like a safe haven.. her mom had lot of vegetables grown in the kitchen garden.. Tina had floral plants in one part of the garden.. her father and mother both liked gardening.. so did Tina.. nothing cleared her head like a day spent de-weeding the garden..

As she was showing Fred around, he stopped her and came in front of her, he was on his knees.. and took Tina's hand into his.. he said, 'Tina, my love.. will you marry me? '...