Meant to be - Epilogue updated 2/6 - Page 14

Gauri peeped in at the door and saw the two lovers lost in each other. She closed the door and rubbed her hands vivaciously. Kamla approached Raghav's room with a worried look attempting to say something but Gauri put a finger on her lips and pulled her from there. She hugged Kamla in a sudden joy and laughed excitedly. Start the marriage preparation Kamla. Raghav and Kalpi are getting married on the same day along Sammy and Pakhi'. Kamla was amazed and blown away but thanked god for bringing back happiness in Kalpi's life.

Meanwhile in Raghav's room, the tableau of the lovers in a warm embrace continued for some time. They were making up for all the days they were apart from each other. There were tears and lots of tender kisses. Raghav got up from the floor and said wait here a minute. I'll be back'.

He went to his cupboard and took out a small box from his drawer. It was the engagement ring that Kalpi had thrown at his face on that unfortunate night after learning about his betrayal. He took it to Kalpi, kneeled by the bed and took her left hand in his. Slowly he slid the ring into her finger. I have safeguarded this ring for the past five years, now it's your turn to keep it safe' He said huskily.

Kalpi smiled tremulously and raised the ring to her lips and kissed it. I will keep this ring safe with me forever. Thanks Raghav' she replied emotionally.

Raghav took both her hands in his and kissed her palms We were always meant to be together. I am never ever leaving you alone now. We will live happily together'

She bent downwards to kiss his cheek but instead met his lips midway. Their lips clung together in a kind of sweet desperation, as if making it certain that they were really together again and this was not a dream.

Gauri beamed with ecstatic thrill when she saw the diamond ring sparkling on Kalpi's finger. She nodded at Raghav approvingly. Finally, her wish was coming true. Sammy and Pakhi barged in the very moment saying Hurray! Congratulations. Finally you both are together'. Raghav grinned sheepishly and scratched his head while Kalpi blushed prettily holding onto Raghav's sleeve.

Kamla got up informing everyone that she needs to notify Vitthal that Kalpi has agreed for marriage whole heartedly but the groom has changed now.

So we are engaged now' he whispered into her ears passionately.

But I have not yet slid the ring into your finger' She replied back. He acted amused and put his ringer finger in front of her showing her the name inked on the edge of his ring finger. It Spelt KALPI'.

It is a symbol of my commitment towards you and our love. I have always been engaged only to you' he said trying to read her eyes which were beaming with love, affection and respect for him.

She slid her into his and intertwined her fingers with his and stood there declaring her love for him while the others talked about the wedding preparation.

Just one or two more parts are remaining in this story. Thank you everyone for appreciating my work

The wedding preparations were in full swing at both the houses. Gauri and Kamla shopped till they dropped. They were ordering the best sweets, the best decorations for the wedding and arranged for the best caterer in the city.

Raghav and Kalpi could not stop from meeting each other every day. He could not drive because of the fracture so Kalpi became his personal driver. Though he loved being independent but he did not mind depending on his soul mate for anything.

When five days were left for the wedding both the brides were forbidden to meet their grooms. They both were sad but like an obedient daughter followed Kamla's order. Sammy and Raghav were sulking at this but agreed to co-operate only on one condition. They wanted the brides to send them their pictures every day.

Daily Raghav was blown away seeing her snaps. His heart pounded faster at the thought of this beauty belonging to him soon. He could stop himself from calling her every night after everybody was slumbering. They passed hours talking on the phone until either of them went into a deep kip.

As the day of the wedding got closer, both Raghav and Kalpi became more impatient to see each other. They were so close and yet so far. Anticipation of the big day made them restless and desperate for each other.

Kalpi wore a beautiful golden lehenga and looked like a princess, as she got ready for the big moment. Vitthal was the proudest dada; he could not stop smiling all day.

Raghav looked dashing in a black sherwani. He was thanking Sammy for all his support and then almost fell over with delight when he saw Kalpi walk in slowly with her mom and dad. To him she was the most beautiful bride in the world and he was the luckiest man in this universe.

They glanced at each other and their faces lit up as their hearts started pounding against their chest. A scenario they had dreamt for years was finally becoming a reality in their life.

Raghav and Kalpi went through the traditional ceremony of marriage as per the Marathi culture. They were now officially man and wife, although they knew they had accepted each other long before the world recognized their relation.

After the wedding the newlyweds were congratulated by everyone. Raghav-Kalpi and Sammy-Pakhi touched Vitthal -Kamla and Gauri's feet to receive their blessing.

Pakya hugged Kalpi and teased Raghav' Keep an eye on this Raghav boy. You need to keep him grounded so that he does not leave you alone ever again'

If she wants she can keep me on a leash' Raghav kidded.

I do not think that would be necessary' Kalpi looked at him lovingly," after all we have vowed to walk together and not walk each other"

Raghav also retorted looking at his bride affectionately We are meant to be together. No matter what happens we will always be together'

Later, the Jadhav family bid a tearful vidai to both their beloved daughters. Both Raghav and Sammy reassured that they would always cherish their love and place their wife's needs and comfort ahead of their own.

Raghav had been very patient throughout the long ceremonies and rituals, but now any further delay was testing his limits. He was dying to hold his lovely bride in his arms, but hurdles in name of relatives and rituals were stuck on his way.

He was relieved when finally they sat in his car and drove off to their abode that awaited them. He huskily whispered in her ears Welcome to my life Mrs. Singhania'

She gazed into his eyes and whispered back our world'

Later that night in their bedroom

Even though they had anxiously waited this moment for ages, now that they were officially united, their bodies hesitated to take the first step towards conjugal bliss. Whether it was nerves, disbelief that they were actually married, or were just overwhelmed by the moment, they shut their eyes and held each other for a long while.

Eventually, they transcended all the hesitations, inhibitions and the physical obstacles between them to unite as one body and one soul forever. The vows that they had taken around the sacred fire a few hours ago was finally sealed by the commitment their heart, soul and body had finally attained.