Chapter 9

Epilogue: Diwali, a year later!

Arnav walked down the stairs, talking to Aman on the phone. "Aman, that's okay. You don't have to apologize. It's Diwali. Please, take a break and celebrate with your family. We can work on the deal tomorrow at office. Aman…". Arnav's words trailed off; he froze on the stairs. The living room was decorated with rows of diyas, but that was not what caught Arnav's eye. He saw his beautiful wife, clad in a bright red saree, lighting the diyas; her angelic face lit up in the candle light. The sight took his breath away. He softly said to the phone, "Aman, let's talk tomorrow. Bye". He quickly ran down the stairs and to his wife. She looked up as he walked to her. She slowly got up from the floor and blushed as her husband walked towards her. Arnav loved that even a year later, he still had the same effect on Khushi; she still blushed when he approached her. He chuckled, thinking, at least she stopped walking away from me when I walked towards her! He reached her and put his arms around her waist and pulled her towards him. "Khushi, how could you do this to me?" She looked confused, as she put her arms around his neck. He brought his face closer to hers and softly whispered, "How can you look so beautiful, sweetheart?" She smiled and gently brushed her lips against his. "Stop teasing me, Khushi. If you do that again, I might just carry you up to our bedroom right now". Arnav smiled and touched his forehead against hers. Khushi's eyes twinkled and she gave a naughty smile. "Well, why don't you? The guests wont arrive until after an hour". Arnav kissed her cheek and slowly whispered into her ear, "I love you, Khushi". She whispered softly, "I know", squirming with pleasure as his stubble grazed her cheek.

"Khushiji, there you are." They looked around to see Anjali and Shyam walking towards them, carrying two babies. The baby Anjali was carrying started crying. "Someone has been crying for you." Arnav took the baby from Anjali's hand and kissed the baby's forehead. Khushi caressed the baby's head and looked at Arnav. "I will feed her, Di. Arnavji, why don't you go ahead and enjoy the party?" Arnav looked at Khushi and smiled, "No way, I would rather stay with my princess. Come, let's go up to the room". Arnav and Khushi walked back to their bedroom; Arnav carrying their daughter, Arshi. Anjali had given birth to a baby boy, who she had named Arpit, a few months back and Khushi had given birth to a baby girl shortly after.

Arnav watched, with a smile on his face, as Khushi fed their baby and put her to sleep. Once the baby was asleep, she gently put her down in the cradle. She turned around and looked at Arnav. She walked to the bed, sat down next to him and put her head on his shoulder. "I love you, Arnavji". She said softly. He put his arm around her waist and said, "I know, Khushi". He moved away and then looked at her. "I can't believe it's been a year since our first kiss". Her eyes twinkled, "Oh yes, maybe we should celebrate our anniversary". She winked and he grinned. Then he raised his eyebrows and whispered, "But the baby is asleep". She put her arms around his neck, brought his face closer to hers and whispered in his ears, "Well, has that stopped us before, Arnavji?". She giggled as he pushed her down onto their bed. The lights were shining brightly outside, they could hear firecrackers outside; everyone was celebrating the festival of Diwali, but this year, Arnav and Khushi made love, celebrating a year of togetherness!