103~ Our Eleventh Monthsary

: He Proposed! :

Let’s have it at the Palm! We both broke into the same suggestion at the same time and since then it was official that we were going to have our 11th Monthsary at the Palm Café and Restaurant. We had gone to the Palm’s for a couple of meetings already before this with its manager; Robert, to discuss our Engagement Party plans. Being Malay, all our major events are made through a whole manner of disciplined mutual agreements hence likely missing the greatness of moments like getting proposed- like in the movies. As usual, before deciding anything, everything must be in line with every elder. Thus, since everything about Our Engagement was all settled already, NorMala had no idea what she was in for this Monthsary, except her mention that it was one of her dreams to have a proper proposal for her engagement.

On that afternoon, Syazwan picked NorMala up all suited up smart and handsome. NorMala found it a bit strange at first but let it go by reassuring her suspicion by thinking perhaps he had just wanted to make the extra effort. We made our way to The Palm’s and ordered our lunch meals as soon as we were comfortable. We decided to have our Monthsary there mostly because we wanted to have a try at its food and service. So far, it was all good and up to our standards. The place is compartmentalized into two dining areas; one hemmed with wide clear glass windows and doors, there is a bar in the middle and just outside sits a charming pool. The pool is mostly used for the fitness facility above the restaurant but private function hosts are allowed to use it to their advantage too. We had never been to the pool area and NorMala suggested that perhaps it would be a good idea to check it out after Our lunch. At first, Syazwan rejected the idea, afraid that we didn’t have time since we had a previous engagement to attend after. But, as soon as he started to notice that there were a quite a number of people coming in, he abruptly changed his mind and took NorMala up on her offer. Then she had begun to realize that something was really up; judging by how her finace- to- be was acting so differently. She asked him why the weirdness? He replied nonchalantly that he merely wanted to see the pool and take some pictures there. NorMala just played along with his plans. We got up from the table and walked outside to the pool, it was empty. We watched the ripples on the water and stared through it looking at the patterned mosaic tiles. We noticed a seating area with umbrellas on a leveled veranda and Syawan requested we take Our pictures there. After we were done, we sat there for a bit just enjoying the noon breeze and that’s when it all happened.

Syazwan called out NorMala for her attention as he took out a small red box and got down on one knee beside her chair. NorMala just smiled and covered her mouth with surprise, realizing what it was all about now. She laughed shyly and Syazwan took her hand and uttered the words, “Siti Normala Binti Haji Awang Damit, will you be my wife?” gleaming a wide smile while holding out a ring. It was her old ring that he had given to her from the beginning of their relationship. NorMala had given it back to Syazwan for safe keeping to bare her fingers from any rings which was just another self preparation for their coming engagement rings. She smiled excitedly looking at him and replied “Yes! I will”- followed with a giggle. It was really all quite funny how everything was played into the whole proposal especially being in broad daylight, this didn’t help in making the moment more romantic than it should’ve been she thought. She had always pictured a romantic scene to be at night view rather than day light. Syazwan did think the same too and actually did plan for Us to have the celebration that night but since unavoidable circumstances forced us to move it up to lunch time, it was inevitable. Furthermore, since it is never in our hands that things take a change in plans sometimes, it is nevertheless considered to be the norm. Syazwan carefully took the ring out and slipped it on NorMala’s finger. After that, he led her down the steps of the veranda and we left for home to prepare to go to the football field. Syazwan had a family game to participate in. We all then went out for dinner for some good local ‘soto’ soup noodles after and as soon as we were washed up from the days’ events, we cribbed in for a dvd the rest of the night just resting ourselves or perhaps preparing energy for the next months big day! Oh Boy, we can’t wait! :D

With special thanks to Syazwan for wanting to make his fiancé-to-be, NorMala’s dream come true~ and know that it did, just because it was you at the end of that ring :) Also for making the 11th Monthsary mean so much more than just another Monthsary to Us.