Epilogue
Kavya
A few years later
A lot has happened in the past year. Firstly, I resigned from my job because I just couldn’t continue working for Akash after everything that happened. While I understand he wasn’t entirely at fault, facing him every day and trying to maintain our friendship became too painful for me. Despite his apology and my attempt to forgive, our relationship has changed significantly, now more akin to that of acquaintances than close friends. Secondly, I’ve successfully launched my own small marketing firm, and this venture has brought me immense happiness. Life couldn’t be more perfect now that all the nightmares are behind me.
I’m lost in thought when a soft voice brings me back to reality.
“He has Dad’s eyes, don’t you think?” Nisha asks, her voice trembling as she watches Rahil in Reyansh’s arms, her eyes filled with unshed tears .
“Yeah, he does. And Mom’s smile,” I add, nodding as I glance across the living room at my two-year-old son, Rahil, in Reyansh’s arms as he chats with his parents and Sunita Aunty.
We’re gathered at Reyansh’s parents’ house for our weekly family dinner, a tradition we’ve held since the day we got married . Yes, Reyansh and I are happily married, and it feels as if all the stars have finally aligned. Each day is a beautiful reminder of how far we’ve come together, and I can hardly believe the happiness we’ve built.
“Mom and Dad would have been so proud of you, sis. You’re such a wonderful mother already,” Nisha says, squeezing my hand. I turn to meet her gaze.
“I miss them so much, Nisha. They should be here, holding him, giving me advice...” My voice falters, breaking. I let out a heavy sigh. “I just miss them.”
Nisha wraps her arms around me. “I know, sis. I miss them too, every single day,” she whispers softly. “But you have something they would have loved more than anything — their grandson. He carries their love and spirit with him, keeping them alive within us. They are a part of us, and they always will be.”
Tears stream down my face, “You’re right. And...” Smiling through my tears, I pull back and meet her gaze. “I’m so lucky to have you by my side again.”
I still can’t thank God enough for bringing my sister back to me. Looking at her now, I’m in awe of how she made it through it all. It’s been a long, painful journey, f rom the coma that had me fearing the worst to the moment she finally opened her eyes. Each step of her recovery was nothing short of a miracle.
Also, the man who put her in that state is now serving a life sentence , but it was Nisha’s bravery during the trial, facing him and reliving that trauma, that truly showed her strength. With the support of a therapist, she confronted her fears, tackling the nightmares and anxieties that no one should ever have to face. She even found the courage to start working again, piece by piece rebuilding what was broken.
“I’m back on my feet only because of you. I couldn’t have gotten through this without you. You’ve been my rock through all of this,” she says, squeezing my hands.
With a soft smile, I shake my head. “It’s not me, but your own strength. You’ve faced every challenge head-on and emerged stronger. Mom and Dad would be so proud of you too, Nisha. The way you fought through every hardship definitely honours their memory. You’ve shown incredible strength, and I know they would be looking down at you with immense pride.”
She wipes a tear from her cheek. “And there’s another thing Mom and Dad would be happy about — Reyansh as your life partner. Waking up to my sister being engaged with such a wonderful man instead of that slimeball, Deepak, was the best news ever. He’s amazing, sis. The way he loves you and Rahil... it’s like he’s here to protect you both forever. And he’s been like an elder brother to me, always making sure I’m okay .”
That’s true. Reyansh’s affection for Nisha is genuine. He regards her as his little sister, always saying how much he missed having one. In fact, his parents have taken Nisha under their wing and care for her like our parents would have if they were alive.
I glance towards my husband, who’s holding Rahil like he’s the most precious thing in the world. “He’s been wonderful, and I’m incredibly fortunate to have him as my husband. I don’t know what I would do without him. He’s been my anchor. And, not to mention, he spoils me and Rahil rotten,” I agree.
She smiles warmly. “You’re lucky, you know?”
“Of course, I know. I’m lucky not only because of Reyansh, but also because I have you as my pillar of strength.”
She smiles softly. “I know how much I mean to you; you don’t have to say it. Also, I understand you have your own family now, with responsibilities and all, but I also know that you’ll always be there for me when I need you. Remember what Dad would say — We’re family. We stick together, no matter what. And your little guy…” she gestures towards my son, where my husband is gently kissing his forehead, “is going to grow up knowing just how blessed he is to be surrounded by such amazing people.”
“Yeah, he will,” I agree, my gaze shifting to Rahil. “But be warned…” I pause, turning back to Nisha, “As his aunt, you’re going to be the target of a lot of his tantrums .”
She grins back. “I am totally ready for it! Aunt Nisha is going to shower him with so much love and spoiling!”
That makes me laugh. “I am sure he’ll love that.” Taking a deep breath, I add, “ You know, one day, you’re going to find your forever too. ”
“One day, yes,” she says wistfully.
“And when that day comes, it will be as beautiful as you deserve, Nisha.”
“Well, I am ready and waiting for that day to come, but for now, I think you’re the lucky one enjoying the bliss of a happily married life,” she teases. “And by the looks of it, I think it’s my cue to leave; your husband needs you to himself,” she adds, nodding towards my husband.
I turn just in time to see Reyansh hand Rahil to his mom , placing a kiss on her cheek and whispering something in her ear. Her face softens, and she smiles warmly. He then excuses himself and heads towards me , his eyes sparkling with that familiar look that still makes my heart skip a beat.
“Time for me to spoil and pamper my nephew,” Nisha says, setting her drink on the table and walking over to Rahil. She stops briefly to exchange a few words with Reyansh before heading toward Rahil, already reaching out to him with a playful twinkle in her eyes.
“Did my wife miss me?” Reyansh whispers as he kisses my forehead.
“Maybe a little,” I smile up at him.
He laughs softly and sinks down onto the couch beside me, his arms slipping around my shoulders, pulling me close until my head rests comfortably against his shoulders. “It’s still surreal to think I’ve been blessed with the most incredible wife and the most adorable kid. I couldn’t have asked for a more precious gift. You make me feel like the luckiest man on earth,” he says. I can’t see his face, but I can hear the smile in his voice.
“And you make me feel like the luckiest woman alive,” I whisper with a smile, nuzzling closer to him.
He tightens his hold on me. “ How about we slip away from here into our own little world, and I can show you just how much you mean to me ,” he murmurs huskily.
“What do you have in mind, hubby?” I ask, leaning back to look into his eyes.
“I’d rather show you.” He wags his eyebrows at me.
“You do realise our son doesn’t quite grasp the idea of giving mommy and daddy privacy,” I tease, chuckling.
He leans in, his smile growing wider. “Which is why I asked my mom to keep an eye on him tonight.”
My mouth falls open in mock surprise, and I give his chest a playful shove. “So, you’ve had this all planned out, huh?”
“You see, my son is hogging my wife’s time, and I miss making love to her. I guess you can say I am a bit selfish when it comes to my wife.”
I totally understand what Reyansh means. Our little son is the centre of our world, and our love for him knows no bounds. But with his unpredictable sleep schedule , it’s been challenging for Reyansh and me to find some alone time. It makes me miss the intimacy we had before our little bundle of joy arrived.
I give him a sheepish smile. “I hate staying away from Rahil and feel guilty, but when you put it like that, it makes me want to be a little selfish and soak in some hubby time too.”
“You do know that setting aside time for ourselves doesn’t mean we’re failing as parents, nor does it make us neglectful or selfish.”
I don’t hesitate this time. “I know.”
“ Good. Now let’s go before you start overthinking things, ” he says as he pulls me to my feet. We walk over to our family to say a quick goodbye.
As soon as I settle into the car, Reyansh reaches for my hand, intertwining our fingers and resting them on his thigh. The drive home is peaceful and quiet, and we both lose ourselves in the soft, romantic music that fills the silence. I close my eyes and rest my head against the headrest, savouring the moment.
“Someone’s impatient,” I grin, unfastening my seatbelt as Reyansh pulls the car into our parking lot twenty minutes early.
Leaning over, he kisses the corner of my mouth, “You have no idea.”
“Maybe I do, but I love it when you show me just how crazy I drive you,” I whisper, a soft smile playing on my lips as I bring my mouth close to his ears. “And here’s a little secret, hubby — I am just as impatient as you are to get you naked.”
He pulls back, his dark eyes smouldering with desire . “Let’s go.”
I giggle as I watch him scramble out of the car. Before I can even reach for the handle , he’s already there, opening it. Shaking my head, I step out of the car and let out a squeak as he bends down and scoops me into his arms.
My arms wrap around his neck as I grin, “Reyansh, we’re not newlyweds; you don’t have to carry me over the threshold.”
“I know, but it’s my way of reminding you that you’re still my queen and how much you are cherished,” he replies, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead.
“ You are the heartbeat that makes all my dreams come true ,” I say, kissing his cheek before resting my head on his chest.
He smiles warmly and carries me to the front door. With a little help from me, he opens it, then gently carries me up the stairs and into our room, kicking the door shut behind us. My eyes widen as I look around, taking in the scene as he gently guides me to sit on the edge of the bed. The room is decorated with dozens of roses in crystal vases, their sweet fragrance filling the night air. The soft glow of white candles illuminates every corner, creating a dreamy, romantic ambience .
“What’s all this?” I ask in wonder.
“ I just wanted to show you how special you are to me ,” he says, dropping to his knees in front of me and cupping my face as he leans closer, his eyes locked with mine.
“Make love to me and show me how special I am,” I murmur softly, my hands running along his jawline.
His expression shifts from soft to lustful. “That’s the plan.”
“I need you, now,” I whisper breathlessly, my body yearning for his touch.
“I will always need you,” he murmurs, his lips meeting mine in a passionate kiss before he gently pushes me onto my back, covering my body with his. It doesn’t take long for our clothes to disappear as we spend the next few hours showing each other just how special we are to one another.
Tears of joy well up in my eyes as we cuddle in each other’s arms afterwards, cherishing the blissful moment we’ve shared together. He’s not just my luck; he’s my entire world—the one who breathed hope into my shattered life and turned it into a beautiful symphony of love and joy.
He pulls me closer to him, kissing my forehead. With a smile on my lips, I close my eyes and let myself be carried away into dreams of my husband .
The End