Chapter 40

Epilogue 2

4 years later

The sacred fire surged higher, as the holy chants encircled them. Finally she would be his... only his, Sumer thought. A certified flirt like Sumer Diwan, had been a one-woman-man for the last four years, and did not regret it for a moment. Payal had enriched his life; in ways she would never know. He had found a friend, a lover and a family in her. To a person who had always craved for affection and attention, she had given him that and much more. He looked at her radiant face, as the panditji told him to put the mangalsutra around her neck. Her eyes clashed with his, screaming of the love and trust she had on him. He marked her as his, with the vibrant sindhoor and breathed a sigh of relief. The kind of men that flocked around her these days had his heart in his mouth all the time. Handsome movie celebrities, filthy rich business tycoons and a dozen's of clientele that tried to woo her all the time. He had been so insecure and possessive around her in the last two years, that he was finally relieved to be married to her.

He trusted Payal completely. However, since the time Arnav had surprised her with her own line of clothes funded by AR, she had become the most sought after designer in India. The constant interaction with crme de la crme clients, had him feeling insecure. He observed the way the men flirted with her and he was annoyed with that fact to no extent. She had always kept her personal and professional life separate and her priority had always been him. He knew the fact that she loved only him. Yet, to see strangers flirt around with his girlfriend had been a tough feat. After a little bit of convincing Payal and a tiny bit of pressure from their parents, they had gotten officially engaged a year ago. And here they were now, bound to each other for a lifetime. Any other feeling could not surpass the happiness and contentment that was bubbling within Sumer. Like his best friend, he was now a married man, who had marked his territory and was the sole owner of it.

Payal on the other hand, was simply ecstatic at being married to the man she loved unconditionally. He was the man, who had broken the huge shackles around her heart that Shyam had put in years ago. He was the man, who had taught her to love and relish the feeling of being loved. He was the man, who had drastically transformed from a casual flirt to such a devoted man, that he surprised her with his loyalty. Despite being in a field that threw him amongst the most gorgeous women in the world, his eyes sought out only her amidst them. The love that shone in them was incomparable and she reveled in his affection. Arnav had been one of the main reasons for the fame and name she had managed to earn. After returning from his honeymoon, at one of the big fashion shows, Arnav had announced a special line called "Payal", that catered to Indian and Western couture. He had set up two huge stores in Delhi, which had managed to become the hottest boutiques of the town in mere two months. She had been extremely touched and grateful to him for believing in her talent, when she herself wasn't too sure of it. He was a brother, she never had and she respected him even more for the way he loved Khushi.

Payal turned her focus on the smiling man besides her and smiled brightly. Sumer's energy and enthusiasm was extremely infectious and there was no way anyone could ever escape his charms. She shifted closer to him, while greeting a few friends and acquaintances. Her tiny fingers held onto his hand as he looked over at her stunned. His eyes questioned her and she simply mouthed, "I love you." His smile widened and he quickly pecked her on the cheek in response, not bothering about the old aunty who was standing in front of them. Payal blushed at his brazenness and shied away when they were teased about controlling themselves till tonight. It was a spectacular wedding put together by their friends and families. The Diwans had tried their best to win back the trust and love of their son in these four years. The Jhas had broken all ties with Shyam and moved away to London, to live in peace. Shyam's case was still pending in the court and he was confined to remain in Delhi till the case was dismissed. He deserved the pathetic condition he was in, as his so-called friends also deserted him in these harsh times. Sumer and Payal smiled happily at their friends and families who came forward to wish them... holding onto each other's hand firmly that promised a lifetime of togetherness.

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Anjali cornered Akash behind a huge pillar, her face flaming with anger. "Are you going to talk to bhai... or should I?" she asked threateningly. Akash visibly gulped, pinching the bridge of his nose and replied pleadingly, "Anjie... sweetheart, you know our scenario right?" She poked a finger at his chest and said, "Don't you sweetheart me, Ash! It's been a year since we are dating secretly and now I am sick of lying to my family. Do you know how awkward it is to lie to moms face? And bhai... he looks at me in a way as if he suspects me. I am starting to think that he doubts us." Akash pulled her in a hug and kissed her forehead. He knew how tough it had been for her to sneak out to meet him and pretend to be just friends when they met up with their families and friends. It hadn't been easy for him either... especially after Khushi had come to know about the feelings he had for her. That was six months ago and it had taken him all of six months to beg for forgiveness and get their friendship into the normal zone.

After Khushi had settled into a blissful married life, Akash had immersed himself in work. His friendship with Anjie had been slow and gradual. Her generous nature, the child-like excitement and her loving heart had slowly transformed this friendship into strong attraction. She had made her feelings for him very clear quite often, although always masking it with humor. However, he knew the effect he had on her and the moment he was clear of his own feelings, had informed her about the same. His proposal might have been the worst ever, but the acceptance on her part had stunned him completely. She had kissed him on the lips and literally jumped in exhilaration. He was indeed lucky to have found Anjali... or it was actually the other way round... she had found him. He was a lost man after his heartbreak. Yet he soon realized that love had varied shades... it was not only about how long you knew your partner. It was about how the both of you felt every moment you spent together. And the last one-year with Anjali was a terrific, fun, amusing, hilarious and crazy ride.

Everything was going well in Akash's life until six months ago, Payal had accidently blurted out about his feelings for Khushi. To say Khushi was upset would be an understatement. She was hurt because everyone had hidden the truth from her, including Arnav. Arnav had somehow managed to pacify her and had tried to convince her that he had truly moved on and was happy with the way things were. Khushi had first refused to speak to Akash, which had slowly turned into discomfort. She would feel conscious when they met and would run away from wherever he stood. It had taken him and the rest of the gang six months to actually put her at ease with him around. She still somehow felt guilty for not understanding her friend's feelings. Akash knew how much she prayed for his happiness and he definitely wanted to share the news of Anjali and him being in a relationship, with her. However, his going to be saala, was a hard nut to crack. He knew how possessive Arnav was of his family and he dreaded his reaction the most.

Akash pulled back and looked straight into Anjali's eyes, making sure she saw the genuineness of whatever he was going to tell her. He gently cupped her face in his warm hands and said, "Anjie..., I will speak to Arnav about us on Saturday. I have to come over to meet him about the new contract we have signed with AR and will then speak to Arnav about us." Anjali smiled, thrilled at the news. She would definitely be relieved from this hiding business, which she hated the most. Especially while working with AR and sneaking away in the evenings without telling her brother. She wondered how her brother had not caught them yet. He was a shrewd businessman and a very protective brother. She sighed thinking about it and Akash took her sigh to be of anxiousness. He quickly added, "Whatever your brother thinks or says Anjie... always remember that I love you very much. We will somehow manage to convince everybody of our relationship... I promise." She looked at her sweet, innocent boyfriend and gave him a quick hug saying, "I know Ash, but if we don't leave from here in the next two minutes, my bhai might just catch us and then there would be no Saturday. Sumer and Payal's wedding is almost over and we better rush back." Both of them quickly straightened themselves and rushed in two different directions... only to finally walk together on the same pathway that led to the mandap.

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"Where is my pretty daughter??... Why can't I find her? Khushi have you seen our little princess?" Arnav asked Khushi, who was busy typing on her laptop. She looked amused to see how this father-daughter duo loved to play this game of Peek-a-boo. She smiled, shook her head in refusal and teased, "I don't know where she is Arnav. I think you are going to lose the game again... like always." Arnav replied confidently, "Nope... not this time. I am going to win this game." He pretended to look around the room and asked to no one in particular, "You think she is hiding behind the curtains?" There was an immediate response, the cute innocent voice of little Kriya boomed through their bedroom, "No daddy! She is not here..." Arnav chuckled at his daughter and so did Khushi. Khushi's heart warmed to see the bonding between the two. She recollected the day when Arnav had spoken to her, two years ago, about the idea of adopting Kriya. She had been extremely surprised and ecstatic. Who better than her would understand what it would mean to an orphan to have a family. She loved Kriya dearly and her love was returned in equal measure. She also knew how attached Kriya was to their maa. She had hugged Arnav in her excitement and told him to speak to their family.

Convincing the elders wasn't a very easy job. They were extremely perceptive to the idea of adoption. However, their main concern remained Kriya's happiness. The society wasn't a very happy place and sooner or later, the others would taunt Kriya about her identity and adoption. It had taken a while for Arnav and Khushi to promise them, that they will protect her from any kind of harm and prepare her to face every challenge that the world threw at her. And soon, on Kriya's seventh birthday they had legally brought her home. The child had made an easy way into everyone's hearts and Shantivan had transformed into a child's dream dollhouse. Ananya and Devyani doted on the child, whereas Anjie pampered her to no extent. Finally she had someone younger to her, who looked upto her bua for any kind of help. Khushi's transformation from Di to Mummy had been extremely easy, as Arnav's two angels ganged up against him, all the time. Whereas Arnav, he had taken a while to become Kriya's daddy from the laad governor that he was.

That was two years ago. Now Kriya would desperately wait for her daddy to be back home to tell him stories from her school or show him her new projects. The father and daughter spent their evenings either playing or studying diligently. "Ok fine! I give up again. I can't find you Kriya..." Arnav's voice broke Khushi's reverie as Kriya burst out from behind the curtain and jumped in glee! "Yay! I won. I won! Daddy lost again. I get a new doll... Yay! I am going to tell badi maa and nani," saying that she rushed out of their room, leaving a happy Arnav and irate Khushi. "Stop spoiling her Arnav. She has so many dolls and toys and games and books. Stop adding to her collection," Khushi admonished Arnav, who had now shut her laptop and was resting his head on her lap like always. He loved it when his wife would run her fingers through his hair. It brought him a certain sense of calm. He looked at her loving face and said gently, "Let me spoil the two of you na angel. It gives me immense happiness to see that huge smile on your faces. I keep doing these things less for you'll and more for myself."

Khushi bent down and pecked his lips. Arnav pulled her closer to deepen the kiss. Even after four years of blissful and passionate marriage, Arnav could never get enough of his beautiful wife. Khushi had to literally push him away and scoot off the bed to stop them from running into dangerous territories. "Arnav, the door is open and Kriya can walk in on us any moment. Kuch toh sharam karo, laad governor," Khushi teased. "Don't call me a laad governor, Khushi! It has taken me so many months to make Kriya call me daddy instead of that atrocious name," Arnav whined, making Khushi giggle at his crankiness. They continued their cheerful teasing till they reached the dinner table. It was the day after Sumer and Payal's wedding, and the entire Raizada family seemed to be buzzing with stories from the wedding itself. Kriya promptly settled herself besides Ananya, who as always started feeding the little girl. After a relaxed dinner, everyone retired to their respective rooms and so did Arnav, waiting for his wife to turn up.

An anxious Khushi, made sure that Kriya had slept peacefully in nani's room, before tiptoeing into her own bedroom. She saw her husband sprawled on the bed watching a soccer match. She rushed to the bathroom for a quick shower. After a relaxing bath, Khushi emerged out to hear the soothing notes of one of their favourite songs...

Tu Tu Hai Wahi
Dil Ne Jise, Apana Kaha
Tu Hai Jahan, Main Hoon Vahan
Ab To Jina Tere Bin Hai Sazaa
Ho Mil Jaayen Iss Tarah
Do Leharen Jis Tarah
Kabhi Ho Na Judaa
Haan Ye Vaada Raha

Main Aavaaz Hoon Toh Tu Hai Geet Mera
Jahaan Se Nirala Manameet Mera
Ho Mil Jaayen Iss Tarah
Do Leharen Jis Tarah
Kabhi Ho Na Judaa
Haan Ye Vaada Raha

Khushi smiled to see her husband humming to the song with closed eyes. Her own eyes skimmed over his striking face, which seemed to have grown more handsome with the passing years. They had gotten married at an early age; yet, she never regretted their decision ever. Her husband had completed her in ways she had never realized she was inadequate in. He had brought a sense of confidence and fulfillment in her life and she had deeply fallen in love with Arnav Singh Raizada, with each passing day. With her career at an all-time high, she had accomplished the feat of writing three bestsellers and was now on the verge of finalizing her script with a big production house that was keen on making a movie. Arnav had been with her, every moment of those trying times, when she worked all-night just to meet her deadlines. The moment she would get a writers block, he would whisk her away from their home, on a weekend trip to some serene place, where he would give her the space and time to clear her mind. He had given her a perfect life, and in return she wanted to give him the one happiness she knew he craved for.

Khushi fastened her satin robe around herself and pulled out a paper from the wardrobe. Arnav opened his eyes at the noise of the door sliding and smiled seeing his stunning wife wrapped in a sexy black robe. Her wet luscious hair cascaded down her back, making his body tighten with need. She turned around and walked towards him gracefully, her hips swaying to the tune of the music that now played softly in the background. His entire focus was on her eyes... that shone with excitement, happiness and something that he could not comprehend. He held out his hand like always and she demurely slid her hand in his. He pulled her on top of him, so that she was straddling him, while he sat resting against the headboard of their bed. She turned around the white paper and showed him one of Kriya's drawings. He had a huge grin seeing his daughter's talent. He knew for sure that the girl had a keen sense of observation and colour schemes. If she showed inclination in his line of work, he could clearly visualize her as the Creative Head of AR Designs, someday.

He took the paper from Khushi and admired her handiwork. She had drawn their family portrait... the entire Raizada family. There was her nani, badi maa, dada, Anjie bua... and she stood between Khushi and him. However his gaze focused onto something that confused him and he looked at the blushing face of his wife. He blinked twice, the implications of a small kid between them, dawning on him. "What I am thinking Khushi, is it what you are trying to tell me?" he asked excitedly... making sure if all this happiness belonged to him. Khushi nodded her head, hugged him tightly burying her face in his chest and said softly, "We are going to be parents Arnav. I knew about this for a few days now and that is when I coaxed Kriya to make this picture. Everyone was so busy with Sumer and Payal's wedding and it was their special time. I did not want to snatch away the limelight from them and plus I needed a doctor's confirmation. So the first thing I did today was go to the doc..." Her explanations were cut short as his lips sealed hers in a passionate kiss.

His lips moved over her soft ones, conveying his happiness, his excitement and thanking her for the wonderful gift she was giving him. He moved back breathlessly, needing to put his emotions in words... "Angel... Thank you... thank you so much! I cannot believe we are going to be parents yet again. And this time I will get to see our baby grow. Thank you for completing this family. Now Kriya will have a company to grow up with, just like I had Anjie. I love you Khushi... for everything you have given me. You may never realize it but I will make sure to tell you each day, how much you mean to me." With a constricted throat, Arnav pulled Khushi closer, kissing her yet again. His heart brimmed with joy and excitement for the months that were to come. Now he would have another tiny angel, to play peek-a-boo with and it was all thanks to the woman in his arms... the woman he loved dearly... his Khushi. He knew how they had decided to wait for a child, as they had gotten married very early in their lives. They wanted to enjoy their time with each other, enjoy their freedom and travel the world. It was only after adopting Kriya had they realized the bliss parenthood brought along with it.

Arnav and Khushi lay tangled in a delicious mess, their breathing ragged after intense lovemaking. Arnav could not control his smile, as the thought of their child in Khushi's womb kept replaying in his mind. He wiped her moist forehead with his fingers and placed a lingering kiss there, just content to have her in his arms. His fingers skimmed over her flat stomach as Khushi snuggled closer to him. He had everything he wanted and much more. Life had been good to them and he could only share that goodness with as many people he could. Ashadaan had set an example across the world, about how a nation should raise children of the future. With Anjie and Payal's strong backing, AR Designs had reached new heights. His mom and dad were happily enjoying their retirement and nani was still busy with her matchmaking. He knew how nani had been hinting about Anjie's growing closeness to Akash and somehow he had been happy with the thought. Akash was a good man and he would definitely keep Anjie happy. And finally Khushi... she was content in her career space and now they were happy in their personal life too. The last thought that crossed his mind, before his eyes closed for a deep sleep was... how their story had a "happily ever after."