Epilogue Matured

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                                   Epilogue 

Sai and Virat had walked away a little, strolling, hand in hand, enjoying this new dimension of their relationship. They sat down on the rocks nearby, their fingers still entwined enjoying the serene beauty around them. 

Virat - This is the most beautiful day of my life. I haven't felt so much happiness before. 

He looked at Sai and she nodded in affirmation that she too felt the same.

Virat - This is our first official date. (He was gleaming like a kid)

Sai - You are wrong IPS Virat Chavan. You forgot about our date in the rain earlier in the evening. 

She stuck out her tongue, teasing him.

Virat - Oh yes! I meant extended first date (facepalm)

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Flashback

Virat and Sai had left CN under the pretext of getting some print outs for Sai. They decided to just drive around for while before returning home. That was the plan to irk some people. They went to a streetside junk foodstall and ended up eating from there. Virat was just content watching Sai enjoying herself. They decided to take a stroll and had walked away from their car to a more lonelier place. Right then, as if nature decided to play a part in their plan, it started to rain. They had to run for shelter under the extended roof of a closed shop. 

Virat - Thank you Sai

Sai - What for Virat?

Virat - For coming into my life, for being my wife, my life partner, for accepting me the way I'am and giving me this chance.

Sai tried to interrupt, as she could see his eyes getting moist, but Virat continued.

Virat - Don't stop me today Sai. There is so much that I have been feeling for you, so much I have wanted to tell you, confess to you, but I could never gather the courage for it. It was either the situation or the fear of you misunderstanding or leaving me. But today I want to tell you everything. I want us to start afresh, with no secrets or misunderstandings between us. 

Virat then went on to tell her how he met Pakhi, how he connected with her. He narrated the entire story of how they separated, and finally her marriage with Samrat

Virat - I could not bear to break my Jeeva’s heart, so I decided to let go of something that I believed to be my true love. In a moment of weakness, with the emotions running high, I promised her that I would not love another woman in this lifetime. But how can you challenge destiny and how can you vouch for your heart to not fall in love. I was a fool. But I didn't expect Pakhi to take this promise in a different sense. I wanted her to lead a happy married life my Jeeva. Though I was heartbroken initially, I never realised when it even stopped hurting and it dawned on me it was never love. It was just an attraction, an infatuation and hence I was able to move on so quickly. But my life changed with you. From the day you came into life you have created a havoc in and around me. I didn't even realise when in between our fights and arguments I was getting drawn to you. You bring out the best and worst in me. With you I can be anything, be myself. You complete me. And that's when I realised what true love truly is. For me it has only one face. And that's you. So Mrs Sai Joshi , soon to be Dr Sai Joshi, wife of IPS Virat Chavan (perching down on one knee), will you be my love, my shining star, my friend, my partner for life? Because I love you, and I promise to only love you in this lifetime and all the next ones to come.

Sai had tears of joy flowing down her face. Her heart welled up with happiness.

Sai (She could only manage to whisper the words, barely audible to Virat) FOREVER, I love you too.

Virat got back on his feet and hugged her, like he could not bear the slightest distance between them. They cried and laughed and stayed like that for a while, just revelling in their changed equation, their love confession. Virat moved a little away from Sai but still holding her by the waist and looking down at her eyes as if asking for permission. Slowing, hesitatingly, he brought his face down closer to her, never losing the eye contact. When she showed no signs of any objection, he became more confident and went all the way to capture her lips. Their first kiss, they sealed it with all the love they felt for each other, and the promise to be with each other and nurture their love always. When they broke the kiss, Sai felt a little shy and moved to a corner. Avoiding any eye contact she looked anywhere but him. Slowly she started playing with the rain drops and as if naturally being pulled in by the droplets, she went out in the rain and started to dance. She was esctatic like she had been transported to a different world. Virat was watching her mesmerized asking himself how he had turned out so lucky. He walked up to her and caught her hand. Snaking the other hand around heart waist he began to dance with her, awkwardly spinning her around, laughing and falling over each other. Lost in the pitter patter, the rain water soaking them to their soul, and above all their love for each other they continued for a while before heading home, towards their future, Together.

Flashback ends

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Sai - It's getting very late. Aai and Shivani Bua must be waiting for us.

They called up Mohit and asked him come over to where they had parked the car.

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Ashwini and Shivani were eagerly waiting at the terrace for the two couples to return. They knew that Sai and Virat had reconciled and that Pakhi had been upto something. But they wanted to know the whole story. Mohit had made a video call to them when they were at the riverside and they were estatic to see Sai & Virat together, so much in love, enjoying themselves carefree of the worries of the world. They needed this after all that they had been through. Sai had promised to share the whole story when they got home as Ashwini had insisted on waiting for them to return. Shivani had checked in on the others to ensure they were all asleep. 

As soon as the 4 of them reached home they directly headed to their respective rooms to change.

Karishma started snoring the moment she hit the bed and Mohit was thankful for it. He wasn't sure of what excuse he would need to make to leave the room. He didn't trust her in these matters and hence couldn't afford to involve her in this.
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Terrace

The moment Sai and Virat entered Shivani started teasing them. The were blushing with the brightest shade of red. Ashwini intervened after a while and they all sat down

Ashwini - Now tell us what happened? 

Shivani and Ashwini where anxiously looking at Sai and Virat to spill the beans

Shivani - Viru tell us quickly. Why are you two trying to create so much suspense around it. So who is the Sherlock Holmes here? Who made the first move? Tell me tell me

Sai and Virat looked at each other and turned towards Mohit with knowing smile, like they were urging him begin

Ashwini - What is that look that you are passing between the 3 of u?

Sai & Virat - It's Mohit turn to talk Aai. He is our Sherlock Holmes! The stage is all yours! (They said in unison looking at Mohit)

Shivani and Ashwini were completely taken by surprise

Mohit was blushing when all the attention was directed to him

Mohit - This is even more thrilling than I’m on stage for my plays.

Shivani and Ashwini are now almost glaring at him to start 

Mohit - OK Ok! This all began when Dada returned home with Patralekha vahini that night. Dada had refused to disclose anything and went to his room. But when Patralekha vahini was retiring to her room, and she crossed Kaku she lifted her head slightly and looked at kaku and there was something there in that gesture that was fishy. I knew Dada can't be disloyal to Sai vahini. So there was definitely something that was amiss. I decided to keep a watch on Kaku and Patralekha vahini. And luckily for us I caught them in a conversation the very next day and recorded them on my phone. 

He then showed them the video, where Pakhi and Bhavani were discussing about how they had conned Virat using Samrat and how they were continuously creating situations to widen the rift between Virat and Sai

Ashwini and Shivani were aghast with the revelation, of how evil these two people had turned out to be and the level they had stooped down to for their malicious contentment. They felt anger exploding after watching the entire video.

Sai continued from there to distract their building anger

Sai - I had decided to give a chance to Virat to explain himself when Mohit walked upto me and showed me the video. I was shocked is an understatement.

Mohit - I wanted to expose them infront of the entire family, but then Sai vahini stopped me. She had a different take on this. She said that, “I have always been very vocal and took them head on always. But it hasn't helped, and they continued to ill treat and conspire against me. So we should show them that nothing affects us and nothing they do can break us. By not confronting them, but defeating them in a different and indirect way. We will only show them what our relationship actually is, that we are unaffected by anything and nothing can break us. Then maybe they will believe and stop resorting to such mind games.”

Sai - We knew that it was not safe to discuss things in detail at home so we decided to meet somewhere outside. Next day after Virat dropped me at the college I sent him a message to meet me outside my college after my classes. 

Virat - I had no clue what was going on, and was surprised by Sai's behaviour. When I reached her college I saw she was waiting outside with Mohit. When they showed me that video I felt so cheated. I couldn't believe my own family could do this to me. Kaku and Patralekha took advantage of my emotions and got the best of me. My kaku and my so-called friend trapped me. Though I too wanted to confront them, but then Sai convinced me with her plan, and I was on board too. And rest as we say is history. We have given them the taste of their own medicine. Like their well planned encounters, me and Sai also made sure to create such scenarios infront of Patralekha to shows her that Sai and me were back together. The final nail was Mohit sending our pictures having fun together at river side like any happy couple to Patralekha. That should show her the mirror, the real truth that she has refused to accept till now. We are a married couple for real! 

He looked at Sai and they smiled at each other.

Ashwini - I still can't believe that they could stoop to such levels. I have been treated badly all my life in this house, but I still felt that vahini loved Godu. I can never forgive her for this. As for Patralekha, I never doubted that she had wrong intentions, yet I never expected her to go so low. She has got what she deserves and more (to herself recalling the slap). 

Sai - It's only our fault. We did not give enough to this relationship. Others saw that as an opportunity because we gave it to them on a platter. We didn't communicate, or put our trust in each other and made it obvious to others. We had to make them believe otherwise and make this relationship work. We now have started our journey into  building our trust, nurturing and giving our everything to this marriage. We have promised to always communicate and share everything with eachother.

Virat held Sai's hand and gave it a slight squeeze as if sealing her words with his promise.

Ashwini - I'm so glad to see you two together and so so proud of you two. I wish you all the happiness in the world.

Mohit - What about me Ashwini Kaku? (Faking a sad face)

Ashwini - (Lovingly tapping his cheek) You are my rare diamond, the protector of my son and daughter-in-law and their love. I will pray for you to achieve all that you aspire to become..a great actor

Shivani - Or maybe a great detective, Our very own Sherlock Holmes. You are the Star today!

And every one joined together for a hearty laugh reflecting their happiness that reverberated into their whole being.
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Sai and Virat's room

They were back in their room but sleep was a far away call tonight. They were in their own blissful cocoon.

Virat - I still can't believe all that has just happened. But I will forever be grateful, because I have you in my life.

Sai walked up and sat next to him on the bed. She put her head on his shoulder and snaked her hand in the crook of his arm. It just felt like a dream, yet so natural.

Virat - I was so hurt by your words yesterday, I couldn’t bear to think that I was the cause of your pain.

Sai - I told you I didn't mean any of it. I said all that in anger. I even apologised. And I did come back to talk to you once I thought through the whole situation right?

Sai recalled when last night after she spoke with Mohit she tip toed into her room. She knew that Pakhi would be there to create more misunderstanding, so she wanted to know what she was really upto and save her poor husband (if he was in some danger).  She quitely waited outside the room to hear the conversation inside. But she was not prepared for what she heard. It left her speechless.

Virat - Patralekha, this is enough! I have told you earlier and I'm again repeating myself. Sai is my wife and she has every right as a wife on me. You are noone to question her position. And I will not tolerate her insult.You can't compare yourself with her. You are my friend and my brother's wife. I hope you can maintain sanctity of this relationship. And don't ever compare yourself with her. You will always lose. I will stand by you and support you as a friend, but that's where it ends. Sai is my wife and I love her, ONLY HER. I hope you remember that always.

Sai was numb, she couldn't believe that her Virat Sir loved her. She didn't know how to react. So much was happening around her that it was not sinking in. She involuntarily started moving towards her room, and Pakhi sensing Sai approaching changed the course of the conversation

Pakhi - Don't get me wrong Virat. I didn't mean to say that. You know how worried I have been. Forget all that, and continue what you were telling me, the story behind this picture. You guys were so funny (faking a laugh).

Virat looked at the picture and then started narrating a funny incident from his childhood with Jeeva. Taking the opportunity, she leaned against his chair to present a different picture to Sai. But oblivious to her, Sai had already seen through her facade. Sai was barely controlling her rage. But then she saw Virat and his awkwardness and everything he had told Pakhi started to replay in her mind. She was so overwhelmed, that felt she would choke with emotions. She couldn't even manage to form the words. And then Pakhi spoke acting to be the good one. Sai felt a sudden rush of blood and she lashed out at Pakhi. After she had thrown Pakhi out, she could not bear to face Virat at that moment. She needed time to process everything. She knew that he was hurting as well but this was not the time or mental state for a conversation. She had to think through how to move ahead. Because now that she knew how much Virat loved her, she was determined never to let anything or anyone separate them. And she was sure of that. As she promised a new beginning to herself, she knew that she was fighting for her dream, a dream she never knew she had and one that meant everything to her. Her love, her man, her family!

Virat felt Sai's tears soaking up his T-shirt after she recalled the events from last night. He too had become emotional. They had suffered so much. But he told her, now that they are together it will all be fine and nothing else matters.
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Later when they headed for the bed, Sai picked up a cushion and stopped midway when she saw the horrified look on Virat's face.

Sai - What happened Virat? 

Virat looked and the cushion and then back at Sai

Virat - What are doing with that? You still want to build that great wall of china between us?

Sai - (wanting to tease him) Ya. I don't want my hand to accidently fall on you in my sleep. I don't want to disturb your beauty sleep

Virat - I don't have any problem, even if you fall all over me. He chuckled.

Sai’s cheeks turned to the shade of a ripe tomato. Virat snatched the cushion from her and picked up the rest from the bed. Leaving behind only their 2 pillows, he put the rest away.

Sai quickly lied down on her side and turned away from Virat. He came closer, back hugging her, and whispered in her ears. 

Virat - Good Night Wifey. It has been quite an eventful day and you need rest. But rest assured I'm never letting you away from me ever. (He turned her around to face him)  Lets build this marriage together, lets build a family together. (Sai smiled her brightest smile nodding in affirmation) He pulled her closer and kissed her to sleep.

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Terrace

Mohit had stayed back after everyone had left. The last two days had been like a roller coaster ride. So much happened within the blink of an eye. But he was happy. Happy that his dada and vahini were now together. Now that they have expressed their love, he knew that no one could separate them and they would fight back together if needed. He was feeling proud of himself for having saved their marriage, for being able to do what he did for them. He pulled out his phone and deleted a few pictures and a video from his gallery and from the chat sent to Patralekha

Mohit (to himself) These pictures and video have served their purpose and now they are not needed.

He recalled how they had planned to click some pictures which would show how happy and in love Virat and Sai were and send them to Patralekha to show her the true picture of their relationship, their realty. This would be the best pay back they could ever give Patralekha for wrong doings and hopefully force her to retract. 

A mischievous smile broke out on his face, when he reminded himself of last minute improvisation he made to the plan. He was randomly clicking pictures when he saw his Dada and Vahini kissing and he instinctively began capturing them on his phone. He felt a little awkward and embarrassed at what he was doing, knowing this was wrong and he may be crossing the line. This was not part of the plan. But he decided risk this little detour anyways from the original plan and add his little touch to it. Because this deviation will make the impact all the more powerful and ensure the success of their plan absolutely certain. And then he sent that video to Patralekha Vahini. He knew that was the Master Stroke.
He walked back to his room, happy and content with himself. With a smile on his face he told himself, this will remain my little secret, known to none!

***************************The End**************************

Thank you guys for all the love and support you have given for my first ever fiction on any public platform so far. 💜💜 I would really love to know your candid views on everything including story, plot, writing etc. 
I did feel on many occasions that I get carried away and end up writing long chapters. Also if I switch to mix of hindi and english it would give it a better feel, as some references unique to Ghum are better expressed in hindi to hold their effect.

Please do let me know your views before I think of penning down anything again. 
Much Love 💜

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