Epilogue

Epilogue: Keep Loving Me

Arnav looked at the watch and then at the door. It was 8:00 p.m. sharp and Khushi wasn't here.

Arnav straightened his tie and then gulped another glass of water.

"Is she there yet?" His phone beeped with the message and reading it Arnav frowned.

"No. And stop poking your nose into it, Aman" Arnav texted back and then put his phone in silent mode.

"Are you ready to order now, sir?" The waiter arrived at Arnav's table for the second time and Arnav shook his head.

"No. And don't come here again until I ask for the waiter" Arnav replied a little irritably although he knew it wasn't the waiter's fault that he had arrived half an hour ahead of the scheduled time.

The waiter politely dipped his head and left.

Arnav was again reaching for the glass of water when he felt it. Khushi was here.

He looked at the entrance and she was there. Wearing a dark green button down shirt with full, loose sleeves and faded black skinny jeans, she looked gorgeous. Her long, silky hair were open and the minimal makeup only enhanced her already beautiful features. When she located him, a dazzling smile appeared on her face, leaving Arnav blind sided for a second. No matter how many times she smiled at him like that, Arnav was always dazed by it.

The one year that she had spent working her way up as a trainee designer had given Khushi not only added confidence but also a feeling of self. Arnav often noticed that she loved her new work. It gave her more chance to grow and experiment, to learn. In just one year, Khushi had been awarded the position of a junior designer and it was why Arnav had decided to celebrate the occasion by taking her out to a fancy dinner.

But, this dinner was special for more than one reason. As Khushi walked towards him, Arnav patted his jacket's inside pocket to make sure he had the ring in place. Arnav had been planning to propose to Khushi for more than two months now but every time something will crop up and would jeopardize his plans. Last month, Arnav had even reserved a table at this very same restaurant but that week Khushi had ended up stuck at work, assisting Mr. Chaurasia with their summer collection.

It had been a critical opportunity for Khushi and Arnav had decided to postpone rather than to expect Khushi to give up the opportunity for what she assumed was a simple weekend dinner.

Arnav and Khushi were officially dating for eight months now.

In the first few weeks after Aman had proposed to Payal, Arnav and Khushi too had been thrown into the pandemonium.

The very same day, Aman had visited Gupta house again and expertly influenced the entire family. Khushi's Babuji and Amma were more than elated to hear about it. The fact that no one had even batted an eye about Aman already having a daughter had made Khushi and Payal realize once again just how progressive their parents were.

Although a little noise had been made by Aman's family about Payal's pregnancy, mostly Aman's grandmother, everyone else had gradually accepted Payal.

In the next two months, Aman and Payal had got married. Aman had delayed the honeymoon because Payal was in her final trimester and the doctor had advised Payal to avoid all travelling.

But amidst all of this, the most significant change was seen in Akash. Staying true to his word, Akash had avoided all contact with Aman for a month. He had started slow with Payal. Initially, there had been weekly calls and then meetings in the presence of either Khushi or Anjali or Nani.

The equation between Payal and Akash had slowly shifted to a polite one. But after two months, this polite equation had given way to a casual friendship which also involved occasional meetings with Aman.

But after one complete year, Aman and Akash had managed to develop a civil, semi-formal relationship. Arnav often noticed that whatever tension still remained between the two men was more on Akash's end.

Somewhere, Akash still held the resentment that he could have had a perfect family with Payal if Aman hadn't stepped in. But, Arnav appreciated his brother's silence over it.

"What's on your mind?" Khushi asked him, settling in her chair.

"Just thinking how ravishing you look tonight" Arnav replied smiling, the other thoughts disappearing from his head.

"Same goes to you. You look...devouring" Khushi said, giving Arnav a full assessing glance.

Arnav liked this confidence on Khushi.

"I am open to devouring after the dessert" Arnav replied, his tone humorous but his eyes completely meaning the words.

Khushi squirmed in her chair. She often marvelled at Arnav's and her patience for taking their relationship so drudgingly slow.

There had been moments when the two had found themselves dangerously close to the line but every time one of them managed to find their way back to the safe zone.

Tonight, Khushi decided it was going to be Arnav who will have to impede their desires because she had no mood of doing so.

Just looking at Arnav's perfectly gelled hair, his black jacket over a deep blue shirt, Khushi was itching to get close to him.

It was strange how their love and passion still burned so bright, waiting to become an inferno.

Khushi felt the fire running in her veins when she noticed Arnav's tongue darting out to moisten his lower lip. She'd love to do the same to him using her tongue.

"Step out of the guttery zone for a second" She heard Arnav's chuckle and narrowed her eyes.

"First, we should celebrate your big day. After that, I'll gladly entertain your sinful fantasies" Arnav's words were a promise and Khushi blushed.

"Ready to order" Arnav gestured to the waiter who stood in a far corner, waiting upon them.

"Hungry?" Arnav asked her.

"Very" Khushi replied.

~~~

"Are you coming to the bed or not, Aman?" Payal asked for the second time, frowning at her husband.

"Are you wearing that lingerie I brought you?" Aman asked from the balcony where he sat with his phone, enjoying some late night fresh air.

"In your dreams" Payal answered.

"Oh, I have already dreamt you in that lingerie. We had a wild night" Aman answered. He heard Payal mutter something about never taking her seriously.

"I am more serious than a man on a life support system, honey" Aman answered while texting another message to Arnav.

"Sometimes your jokes are really insensitive" Payal grumbled, coming out in the balcony.

Aman turned his gaze towards his lovely wife and found her wearing a dull, old, full-length nightgown.

"We have hardly been for married a year and you already find my jokes insensitive?" Aman made a fake sad face.

Payal finally smiled.

"Our anniversary is in a month" She exclaimed, taking a seat on the swing-set Aman was sitting.

Aman nodded, wrapping a hand around Payal's shoulder and scooting closer to her.

"You'll soon be completing one year term of being Mrs. Payal Mathur. Would you like to say a few words on how this journey has been for you?" Aman winked at her, smiling.

"I am saving that for the actual day. For tonight, I'll just make do with these words" Payal answered.

"What words?"

"I love you" Payal said, turning her face towards Aman.

She watched Aman's eyes widen for a second and then his hand slipped from her shoulder.

"What?" He said, looking at her.

"I. Love. You" Payal repeated, stressing individually on each word.

In their almost one year of marriage, it had taken Aman five months to actually say the words to her. Payal had known that Aman loved her, but she had yearned to hear him say it. Even at their wedding night, Aman had told her that he really liked her, and she could take as much time as she wanted to completely accept him in her life.

Payal had told him that she had already accepted him, but she knew he meant a different kind of acceptance.

And every day after that wedding night, Payal had bit by bit fallen in love with Aman. She had married him for the kind of man he was and the feelings he stirred in her heart. But, Payal hadn't named those feelings. Neither had Aman!

After Atharva was born, Payal had watched Aman be so natural with her son. No, Atharva was their son. Aman and hers. And also Akash's.

Akash had been with them in the hospital when Payal had given birth to Atharva.

Payal had been aware that Akash desperately wanted to be in the labour room with her but Aman's presence had stopped him from asking for that. Payal had respected that.

So, instead of Akash, it had been Aman in the labour-room, holding Payal's hand.

But, when the doctor had offered Aman to hold the baby for the first time, Aman had respectfully declined.

"It is Akash's right, and because he has been a great support to you these two months, I don't want to steal this moment from him" Payal hadn't known what to say. Aman had then walked out of the room and Akash had been called in.

The teary smile with which Akash had held his son had made Payal's heart melt too. 

She loved Aman for stepping aside when he didn't have to. He was her husband and had the legal right to hold their newborn son.

It was Payal and Akash's mutual decision to fill Aman's name as the father of the baby in the birth certificate to avoid any legal complications. Akash had been made the official guardian.

Those were some things that had made Payal learn to trust Akash again. Even Aman trusted Akash to some extent when it came to Atharva.

This one year had been hell of a ride, Payal had realized. It had made Akash her friend and Aman as the man she loved.

Aman had chosen Payal's birthday to say the three words to her and it had reduced Payal to a crying, emotional mess. On the same night, they had made love for the first time. Five months after their marriage!

Payal had been ready for it for some time after the delivery, but she had failed to express it to Aman. But, her birthday had been the perfect opportunity. She had hugged him and kissed him.

And now, after another six months, Payal had gathered the courage to say the words back to him. Originally she had planned to say it on their anniversary but just sitting there with Aman, looking at his beautiful face, the words just slipped out of her mouth.

Aman stared at Payal's face for a minute.

"You do?" He finally whispered.

"Since our first night together" Payal said, both smiling and blushing simultaneously.

"I was that good in bed?" Aman asked and Payal slapped him on the shoulder.

"I am sorry" Aman smiled, and Payal hugged him.

"Why didn't you say anything earlier?" Aman asked her, his fingers running through Payal's hair.

"I tried many times...and then I thought I'll say it on our anniversary..but tonight, it just slipped out. I couldn't hold it in for any longer" Payal said.

"Thank you, Payal. I have been waiting to hear this from you for a long time too" Aman replied, his fingers now drawing patterns on her shoulder and back.

"There is more" Payal said softly.

"What?" Aman looked at her face.

"This" Payal said, loosening the front of her night suit and Aman quickly inhaled loudly when he saw Payal wearing the red lingerie beneath her night suit.

"You're so wicked" Aman said, his eyes darkening while Payal blushed hard again.

"Did the kids...?"

"Long back" Payal replied, looking at Aman's mouth.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Aman said excitedly, getting up and scooping up Payal in his arms.

"Time for the wild night" He murmured against Payal's ears.

"Yes, please, Mr. Mathur" Payal said, batting her eyelashes at Aman who groaned at her words.

~~~

The dinner was done and Khushi let out a soft moan, tasting the first piece of her chocolate cake.

"I could eat this every day" She said to Arnav who was observing Khushi with a very keen gaze, trying to not get aroused by the soft noises she was making.

Besides, the ring in his pocket was making him edgy, and he had no idea what he was going to do first or what he was going to say.

Damn! He should have prepared better. Maybe written a speech or something!

"Are you hot?" He heard Khushi ask and  he looked at her confusingly.

"You're sweating" Khushi pointed at Arnav's forehead where sweat beads were gathering.

"No, no. I am fine" Arnav quickly answered, using his handkerchief to wipe away the proof of his nervousness.

Why was he so nervous? This should be easy. Khushi loves him. She is definitely going to say yes. 

Is she? What about her blooming career? And just a few weeks ago Khushi had mentioned that she was very worried about her Babuji's health.

Post his heart surgery, Shashi Gupta had been quite healthy but lately some complications had arisen, and he had fallen seriously ill.

Thinking about everything, Arnav was not so sure about Khushi's answer.

"Are you really okay, Arnav? You look pale. Are you sick?" Khushi's voice was getting concerned and Arnav cursed himself.

Stop over thinking and just do it.

He looked at Khushi. She was still looking at him.

"I am more than okay, Khushi. I am wonderful and it is only because of you" He began and Khushi smiled.

"Before I met you, I was living a very dull life and I thought I was happy. But, after I met you, I realized what happiness actually is. I realized that I can be happier. And it was not just that. Being around you, being with you made me feel more alive. It made me feel so many things I cannot even name" Arnav said, reaching forward and placing his hand on Khushi's who was looking at him with so much love.

"You taught me so many things. It was only because of you that I learnt how to love. You taught me that despite countless hurdles in life, love wins over everything. So, thank you for walking into my life. Thank you for loving me and letting me love you. And today, I promise you, Khushi, that I'll keep loving you.  I'll love you till the end of time and beyond. So.." Khushi's eyes which were brimming with happy tears hearing his declaration of love, widened with surprise when Arnav got up from his chair and sat down on his knees.

"Arnav.." She breathed his name.

"Will you marry me, Khushi Kumari Gupta?" He asked her, looking at her face which was breaking with happiness.

He held the ring in front of her and Khushi sobbed.

Who would have thought that Arnav Singh Raizada was such a traditionally romantic man?

Khushi was so overcome with emotion that she couldn't speak for a second. So, she nodded her head.

"Yes" The word finally left her mouth, along with few tears rolling down her face.

"God! I hope they are tears of happiness" Arnav exclaimed, making Khushi laugh.

She held out her hand towards him and Arnav gently slid the ring on her finger, officially marking her as his.

"I love you" she said, throwing herself at Arnav, hugging him.

Arnav heard the people around them cheering but for him, the biggest happiness was Khushi's body pressed against his.

He was going to make sure she was always happy.

 ~~~

Akash smiled when he received the text from Arnav. Finally his Bhai had successfully managed to propose Khushi after a gruelling planning of two months.

Akash was glad that Arnav will soon marry the woman he loved.

But the thought also made him feel a little envious. Everyone around him was deeply in love and it was only him who was still alone.

No. He wasn't alone. He had his son. Akash tried to tell himself. Atharva was the only respite in Akash's life. Payal had been kind enough to allow Akash to spend the weekends with his son.

A few times, she had even let him keep Atharva for an entire night now that he was a little older. The night had been magical for Akash. He had loved staying up whole night watching him sleep.

Akash couldn't explain in words how much love he felt for Atharva. Atharva was a part of his heart.

But, Akash still had a very difficult decision to make. Now that his son was getting older, Akash had to decide how he wanted his son to know him. Payal had asked him once but Akash had said that he still needed to think.

Will they tell Atharva who was his biological father? Will Akash get to hear Atharva address him as 'Dad' or will that happiness fall into Aman's share too?

Akash couldn't decide. He wanted his son to call him 'Dad'. But will that be good for his son?

Akash knew he had to think selflessly in this case.

So what if Atharva never gets to know Akash is his father? So what if Aman is the one who will have the honour of telling the world that he was Atharva's father? Will that really be so bad?

At least, Akash will know the truth. At least he will be around his son to love him and look after him. And maybe someday, when his son was ready to understand, Akash and Payal could tell him.

This was the best way, Akash decided.

He'll let Payal know when he sees her.

Thinking of seeing Payal tomorrow made Akash smile. It was strange; the friendship that the two shared now. Payal had learnt to trust him again. And Akash? He had successfully managed to suppress whatever he felt for her so much so that everyone believed him.

But, there were times when Akash would have to leave the room because Payal and Aman were being too close. It was hard in the beginning; seeing Payal with Aman. But, eventually, Akash had found comfort in the fact that Payal looked blissfully happy.

Payal's small world which was full of love and laughter had only enough space for his friendship. There was no possibility of anything else and Akash had come to terms with it.

He loved being Payal's friend. And as Payal kept telling  him, there was someone better out there for him. Akash never disagreed with Payal when she said such things but he never agreed too. If what Payal said was really true, he will have to wait for it to happen before he can actually believe it.

For now, Akash was happy with whatever he had.

~~~

Arnav and Khushi sat in the car, either of them refusing to get out.

Arnav had his hand resting upon Khushi's and was looking into her eyes.

Ever since they had left the hotel, Khushi had been constantly smiling. It made Arnav's heart double.

"Will you tell your parents tonight?" He asked her.

"I am sure they wouldn't miss this huge rock sitting on my finger" Khushi flashed her ring before Arnav who laughed.

"You like it?" He asked her. Sticking to her taste, Arnav had gone for a simple design. It was a beautifully cut, large diamond with small designs carved in it.

 "I am in love with it" She answered, grinning. Arnav smiled.

"What about me?" He asked her.

"I think I love the ring more" Khushi replied, winking at him.

"Well..we need to change that" Arnav said, and Khushi knew what was coming.

"Let's see if you can" She dared him, looking at his lips that she had been desperately waiting for.

"I need to buy a larger car" Arnav muttered as he pulled Khushi towards him, bringing his mouth upon hers.

"I am pretty sure even an airplane wouldn't be enough space for you" Khushi replied, kissing him back.

"Not if you're going to be with me in it" Arnav placed a hand around her waist and hauled her on his lap.

In response, Khushi bit his lips softly.

"It's supposed to be your turn to keep things on this side of the line" Arnav groaned when he felt Khushi's hands working swiftly on his buttons.

"I don't care. I just got engaged today" Khushi bit back, finally opening his shirt and running her hands on his chest. Her lips followed the suit.

"I think we should go for a quick wedding" Arnav swallowed thickly when Khushi fingers reached dangerously close to his pants.

"I am free on Sunday" Khushi replied, looking up at him intently.

"So am I" Arnav said, his eyes asking if she meant what he thought she meant.

"It's just four days" Khushi exclaimed.

"I know" Arnav replied.

"Oh my god! Let's do it!" Khushi screamed in excitement.

Arnav let go of her waist.

"Really?"

"Really" Khushi laughed.

"What are you doing?" Arnav asked when Khushi instantly started buttoning his shirt.

"It's just four days! FOUR Days! Let's go in and talk to Amma and Babuji" Khushi squealed again.

Arnav realized it was going to be a lot of squealing on Khushi's end until the wedding day. And obviously on the wedding night! He laughed at the thought.

"Out of the guttery zone, mister. Let's go in and meet my parents. We're getting married" Khushi said, getting off Arnav and moving to the passenger's seat.

"We're getting married" Arnav repeated, leaning towards Khushi and placing a quick kiss on her lips.

This was going to be another beautiful beginning for them.

_____________________________

Thank You Note: An extremely big bunch of thank you to every single reader of mine who ever liked or commented on the threads. A warm hug to the silent readers too. 

It was because of each one of you that I could muster enough motivation to complete this story after a break of about two and a half years. So, thank you for all your love and appreciation. 

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