My Fake Marriage Proposal

When I newly arrived Dubai, my friends asked me to accompany them to a place named Carters. Since I was new to this part of the world, and English is not my first language, I thought we were going for some car racing! I quickly got dressed into a jeans and a t-shirt so I can be comfortable while I defeat everyone with my car racing skills.

I ran down excitedly to meet my friends who were waiting for me. After all the greetings, I noticed how my clothes coordinated with the boys because the girls were dressed more elegantly. I could not be bothered because I did not want an outfit to ruin my mood.

We arrived at this beautiful place with pharaoh figurines nicely placed in sarcophaguses at the entrance and the hosts greeting us. From the entrance, I could hear a band performing. I looked up and I saw the name of the restaurant: Carters.

Oh my God. I laughed and I said humorously, “I thought we were going to do some car racing.” Everyone laughed and felt bad because they didn’t tell me what it was.

As we walked inside, I felt a bit underdressed, but I did not let it bother me as the crowd was nice and our group is hilarious and fun to be with. I was lucky that they let me in that day since dress code is taken seriously in Dubai.  The way we walked in was as if we owned this place. I absolutely loved it. We headed towards the terrace where the lights were dimmed; flowers arranged strategically above every table and on the sill that surrounded the terrace. It is pretty crowded, I thought to myself as I sat down greeting the people who were already waiting for us at the table.

Everyone was drinking and enjoying their meals. There was laughter surrounding us. One of my friends, who I will call Goliath, perhaps had a crush on me. Jokingly, he asked me if I want to marry him. I said “of course!” laughing and playing along. Goliath, with his short hair and an “I don’t care” face, began preparing the ring for the proposal. We were all enjoying the night out while Goliath was taking his proposal serious. He made a ring out of a cigarette’s shining silver paper. Wow, a custom made ring just for me! Goliath had pretty neat skills I have to admit. I asked him if he wants me to give him my ring so he can at least put a proper ring on my finger, but with pride Goliath refused.

Goliath then stood nice and tall on his feet and whispers, “you better say yes”. He went down on one knee and held my hand and puts the silver paper ring on my finger and with a straight face he asked, “Ana will you marry me?” Even though it was a joke, I thought I was melting on the chair. Everyone stood up at the tables nearby, clapping, congratulating and cheering for us!

Overwhelmed by the view and the cheering, Goliath waited on one knee in front of me for an answer and I said yes. I stood up and gave him a hug for being so brave and a kiss on the cheek. People began clapping even louder. Everyone was so happy. The people seated at the tables nearby kept congratulating us. However, things began to feel too real when they actually got up from their tables and walked to us to congratulate personally.

At this point, Goliath felt the need to ruin the moment and stood up to reveal it was a joke. The people around us looked like they were cheated and seemed a bit disappointed, but I was glad he clarified it himself because I did not want to hurt his feelings in front of anyone after all the bravery he showed in public.

After a few drinks, we all went home laughing at the craziness and even today we think of it and laugh. A few days ago, I spoke to Goliath and he told me the proposal is still valid if I really meant the yes. Hmmm…