EPILOGUE Kavita
EPILOGUE
Kavita
I wake up to the sound of a faint honk outside the window. Although we’re on the thirty-first floor, we’re not completely immune to low traffic sounds from the distant road.
I miss my apartment across the park.
We’re renovating the old building to allow for an even bigger boutique space on the ground floor and a floor above my apartment to accommodate a gym.
I’ve been living with Neel for the past eight months. Though Mom and Dad were opposed to the idea at first, it just felt practical that I move in with him until my apartment is ready. Once it is, Neel plans to sell his penthouse and join me there. He never wanted to keep this place anyway.
Neel says it’ll be great to start our life together, to jog around the park every morning, and when we have kids, to have them play in the park too, like I did when I was younger. Gosh, I can’t believe we talked about having kids together.
Maybe, someday, after we’re married, I think with a contented sigh.
But even then, all this feels like a dream.
I never thought we’d be able to convince my parents that we love each other so much. And I didn’t think my parents would slowly open up to the idea of us living together even though we are not married.
But, I guess, with time, things have changed.
Neel stirs beside me and throws his arm over me, moving closer to spoon me.
“Mmm…” I say delightfully. I’ve never regretted a single moment since Neel and I got together.
He kisses the back of my neck, his hands moving to my belly and lower.
I push his hand away. “I thought you had an important appointment this morning,” I say. “No time to snooze.”
He makes a disapproving sound as I push him away and scoot out of bed.
“Come back here,” he orders.
I have to look for my underwear where I threw it last night, as we made love. Each time, our movements are frantic, desperate, as though it’s our first time.
I laugh when I cannot find my bra. “Have you seen my bra?”
I hear him snort and pull out something from under the sheets. “Looking for this?”
“How did it get there?”
“Don’t ask me,” he teases. “But tell me where my underwear is.”
“We don’t have to find it. Why don’t you just come out like that?”
He runs a hand through his sexy salt-and-pepper hair and gives me a grin. “Really? You want to see me in my birthday suit this early in the morning?”
I feel my cheeks warm. “Only if you’re sure you’ve still got what it takes to make my heart race.”
“Challenge accepted,” he says with a mischievous glint in his eye, leaping out of bed in all his glory to sweep me into his arms.
After a playful scuffle, he pulls me close, his breath warm on my neck. “As much as I’d love to stay and...continue this, I really should get going.”
“You’d better,” I say, sighing at the warmth of his body pressed against mine. “Or you’ll never make it out the door.” I can’t help but giggle, feeling his excitement against my thigh.
“Will you make your famous Maggi noodles for dinner?”
“Did you forget? My parents have invited us to dinner tonight.”
He kisses me hard before he lets go. “That sounds great, too.”
I can’t believe I’m so lucky that Neel loves going to my parents’ house. He loves Mom’s food so much it almost makes me envious at times.
***
The aroma of spices fills the air as we arrive at my parents’ house.
Neel has brought a small potted plant for Mom. “Mrs. Moorthy, I noticed your mini garden last time. I thought you might like this herb for your kitchen.”
I’m surprised he noticed her plants, but they are Mom’s pride. She beams as she accepts the gift. “Thank you, son. That’s...so thoughtful.”
Once we’re seated for dinner, Neel’s eyes light up at the main dish. “Malai kofta? That’s my favorite!” he exclaims, his gaze fixed on the creamy, golden koftas nestled in rich tomato gravy.
Mom tries to hide her pleased expression, her cheeks turning pink. “Oh? I just felt like making it today,” she says nonchalantly. But I know better. She has secretly contacted Neel’s mom to find out his favorite foods.
I watch Mom glow each time Neel compliments her cooking, his genuine praise clearly delighting her. She seems to barely notice the rest of us, her attention focused on our guest.
I’m so happy we’re sharing meals together as a family. It’s everything I’d dreamed of, with Mom excitedly trying out new favorites to impress Neel and entice him to the next dinner.
At one of our recent dinners, I was stunned to hear Mom asking Neel, not Papa, about a new insurance policy she’d heard about. Papa and I exchanged amused glances. I squeezed Neel’s hand under the table as he offered his opinion, Mom listening attentively to every word.
But one of the biggest surprises came at a neighborhood function when I overheard a nosy aunty ask Mom, “Is your daughter dating that man? He’s much older than her, isn’t he?”
I tensed, bracing for Mom’s response. To my amazement, she replied firmly, “Neel is a good man. He respects us and makes Kavita happy. That’s what matters.”
A warm feeling spread through my chest, a mixture of love, gratitude, and sheer happiness.
As I watch my parents warming up to Neel, bringing all of us closer with each visit, our shared laughter and joy, I realize how far we’ve come. Our family has grown, not just in number but in acceptance and understanding.
At this moment, surrounded by the people I love most in the world, I feel truly, completely happy.
Just as we’re done with dinner, Neel clears his throat, and everyone turns to him. “Mr. and Mrs. Moorthy,” he says, addressing my parents, “I know this might seem sudden, but I’d like to ask for your blessing to marry Kavita.”
Mom gasps, a hand going to her mouth.
“I know I might not be the conventional choice,” he continues, sounding a little nervous, “but I promise to support Kavita in all her dreams, cherish her, and stand by her side for the rest of our lives. If you’ll have me, I’ll dedicate myself to making her as happy as she makes me.”
Dad tears up. “Neel, you’ve already proven yourself to us. Even if I wanted to refuse, I can’t deny the joy I see in my daughter’s eyes. I haven’t seen Kavita this full of life in years. Her happiness means everything to us.”
Mom nods, her eyes glistening too. “I have to admit, I was wrong about you, Neel. Every time we meet, I see more of the wonderful man you are. You’re like the son we never had.”
My eyes widen at Mom’s words as she squeezes my hand.
“You have our blessing,” Dad proclaims.
Neel turns to me, his gaze locking onto mine, making me feel like I’m the only person in the room. He goes down on one knee and pulls out a box from his pocket, then opens it. His grandmother’s heirloom ring sparkles in the light.
“You were this young, giggly woman I met at a beach wedding about a year ago, who I thought was all wrong for me,” he says, his voice soft.
“I was a grumpy old fool who didn’t want to change.
I didn’t want to let you in on the dreams I’d kept hidden away.
But it’s like fate intervened that night we met on the beach.
” His eyes shine. “I’m so grateful you didn’t give up on me.
I’m hoping you’d like to be stuck with me now. ”
I nod, sputtering even as my eyes fill with tears. “I’d like that very much.”
“You’ve come to mean everything to me. My life would never be the same without you in it.” He pauses, making my heart feel like it’s going to burst out of my chest.
My parents watch us, their faces beaming with joy. My mom’s eyes are misty.
Neel’s gaze holds mine as he says the next words. “Kavita, will you marry me?”
The words sound like sweet music to my ears. There’s nothing else needed to complete this moment. It’s simply perfect.
I take my time, just letting it all sink in.
“Will you?” he asks again, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
“Yes!” My throat is so tight that it comes out like a squeak. “Yes, with all my heart, yes!”
My mom sniffles in the background and my dad hugs her, as Neel slides the ring on my finger.
Then, Neel rises to his feet, and our eyes meet, his gaze melting my heart. “I love you, Kavita. More than I ever thought possible.”
I know I’ve waited for this a long time, but the wait has been nothing but sweeter. Teary-eyed, I let out a joyful cry and throw my arms around his neck, squeezing him tight. “I love you too, Neel.”
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