My humble apologies for the long delay in completing this story as well as the others that are still incomplete.
I finally managed to complete this one for those of you who are still interested, I hope it was worth the wait. 😊
An Answered Prayer -Epilogue
She stepped into the house. It hit her that it was not her home, it was never really a home because a family never lived there. It was only her and Ansh and the twins came as often as they could, of course, but the Scindiya home was more of a home and a family than this. Not that there was no love here. She loved the children immensely and they loved her, but the facts were the facts. There was always a sense of incompleteness. A yearning for what could not be. She needed that one person that could make her family complete but he already had a family. One that excluded her. She was the outsider even though she knew he loved her as much as she loved him.
The tears started to flow. After all these years this is where she found herself. Alone. Yes, by choice and yet not. She dropped her bags and walked to her bedroom, and got under the covers of her bed and cried herself to sleep. For 2 days that was what she did. Crying and sleeping, sleeping and crying. After two days it was her hunger that drove her out of the house. The last thing that was on her mind when she came back here was food. It was a good thing she supposed, because what she was doing was not helping anyone.
She got up and opened the windows and curtains. Showering and getting dressed already made her feel just a smidgen better. Her destination was the closest shopping mall where she first found a restaurant
where she had a three -course meal which she devoured. Next, she went shopping for food, if you could call ice-cream, chocolates and all manner of comfort foods that.
She hardly came back home when she heard a car pull up. She knew it would be him and opened the door before he even knocked.
‘Don’t worry I am not here to ask you to come back. YET.” He said,
“Then why are you here.” She asked, struggling to hide her disappointment.
“Because I can’t stay away from you.”
“Yash …”
“Wait, let me finish. I can’t stay away from you, so I thought of a solution.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m sending you to a place far enough away so I can’t give in to the temptation to forcibly bring you back home. It’s a place I tried to find solace once,when we first broke up. Sadly, it didn’t do anything for me because all I needed was you and I couldn’t have you. I am sure it will help you in your time of contemplation though. It is a magnificent retreat and spa in the mountains. It is very luxurious though and there is a little village close by that you will love.”
She was stunned.
“I have made the reservations. It’s for two weeks.” He continued.
He handed her an envelope.
“This is the reservation confirmation, your plane tickets and a credit card for if you need extra cash.”
She continued to stare at him.
“Take it.”
She took it.
“Th … Thank you.” She said uncertainly.
He just looked at her.
“I’m so afraid Aarti.”
“I know, me too.”
“Do you think …”
“I don’t know anything anymore, Yash.” She interrupted before he could complete the sentence.
“Do you still love me?”
“I do. But that has been the source of most of my pain. Love just has never been enough for us. And I don’t know if I can withstand another attack on my heart. What if all that we have been through are signs that we are not meant to be together?”
“What if its signs that despite what we have been through,we are still here, in each other’s lives and that we have never stopped loving each other? Are we going to live our lives on what ifs? I made so many mistakes in my life and every one of them led to hurting and losing you. I was afraid to tell you about Arpita and the engagement in the beginning and that was start of the downward spiral. Since, both of us perpetuated our mistakes. I am so sorry Aarti. I can’t explain to you how sorry I am. I broke your trust, I broke promises, I cheated on you, on Arpita, I treated you shamefully after Arpita passed and I even hit you. There is so much to apologize for my love. I know it’s not enough, but it is from my heart. This time I want to make a promise to you too. This time I am free and unattached. I am not bound by Arpita’s promise anymore either. This time I will wait for you. This time we will be together. I am not stepping away ever again. I am giving you this time away because I can see you are close to breaking point and for good reason. But I will not allow that either of us continue this game of hurt anymore. From now on, I will do what it takes to make you mine, to make you happy. I know that it is in my power because you love me and I love you. Go Aarti, but know that when you come back, we will be together, we will have a new start. The two of us and our children.”
She had tears running down her face.
“I know it doesn’t seem like it, but my fear now is so much greater than then, because I have so much more to lose than then. But this time I am going to let my love conquer my fear.”
He stepped to her and took her in arms.
She started sobbing his arms.
“Come back to me baby. Please come back to me. You are my whole life.” He said through his own tears.
“I want to.” She said into his chest.
He moved away from her and held her at arm’s length looking into her tear stained eyes.
“We will pray more than we ever did, that we continue to be each other’s answered prayers. Ok”
She nodded.
He kissed her on the cheek.
“See you soon, my love.”
He walked out and never looked back because he might not have had the strength to let her go.
********************
He was right. The place was amazing. It was the most picturesque mountain retreat. The perfect place for rest and contemplation. There were meditation rooms, spa facilities and beautiful walking and cycling routes.
Though it was cold, she loved sitting on the balcony of her room as she found solace in the scenic landscape while she was wrestling with her emotions. She started journaling and writing letters. To him, to Arpita, to her parents, his parents and even to her children and God. She poured out her heart on paper and it was quite therapeutic for her even though she knew in all probability the people she addressed would never see them. She took short walks around the retreat and eventually ventured to the nearby village on a cycle that the hotel provided. Again, he was right. She loved the village and its people. They were so friendly and were amazing craftsman. They had a market with indigenous trinkets and the most beautiful embroidered clothing. She bought lots of little gifts for the kids and even for the rest of the family. For Yash she bought a handcrafted silver pendant and necklace and a few shirts . For some reason it felt good to buy a gift for him, from her and not the children like she always used to. It was especially good not to feel guilty for thinking of him and what he would like and if he would like the gifts. It felt like her soul was starting to heal.
Finally, at the end of the 2nd week she was feeling restless. She missed the kids. There was no cell phone reception but she called them every day from the landline. She also finally acknowledged that she missed him the most. She wanted to be with him and talk to him and clear all their misunderstanding. She wanted to go home. They had a long way to go, but she was ready to take that first step towards him.
It was her 2nd last day at the retreat and she finally had the courage to ask to speak to him.
“Pappa is not home, mamma. He went away on business.”
She was so disappointed.
“Oh, ok my baby. I will see you in a few days. Love youl ots. Bye.”
He wasn’t there, but she had made up her mind. She wanted to go home. She needed to go home. She went to the concierge and asked them to assist her in changing her flights to an earlier time. They said they would get back to her and she went to her room and started packing.
It was early evening and she had showered after finishing her packing and was about to go to the concierge to follow up on her request for an earlier flight When there was a knock on the door.
“Ma’am, dinner is served in the mountain side private dining room.” Said the person at the door.
“Excuse me? I didn’t order dinner. There must be some mix up.”
“Please follow me, ma’am. You can sort it out there.”
“O … ok.” She said and locked her room and followed him.
He led her to a beautiful candlelit room. The sound of the crackling fire in the fireplace added to the rooms glow. It was a moonlit night and the spectacular view of the surrounding trees and mountain added to the ambience. A man was sitting at the dining table with his back to her. But she knew who it was.
“Yash?”
He turned around and smiled. He looked so handsome in a chunky polo neck jersey and blue jeans.
“Hello Aarti.”
She looked at him still in shock.
“I know I am not supposed to be here. Please don’t be upset.”
She shook her head.
“I’m not.” She said.
“You look beautiful.” He said.
She wore a warm long sleeve black dress and a colorful pashmina, both that she bought in the village.
“Like a village girl” she smiled.
He laughed.
“Yes, exactly like a village girl.”
Then there was silence as they stared at each other.
“You brought me here for dinner, so can we sit?”
“Yes, yes, of course.”
They sat down.
“What will you drink?”
“Would it be weird if I asked for hot chocolate?”
“No.” he gestured to the waiter and placed the order for the drinks.
He continued to stare at her.
“What?”
“You really look so beautiful.”
“Thank you.” She said feeling a bit self-conscious now. She looked down and pushed her hair behind her ear.
“I missed you so much.”
“I missed you too. And the children. But this was lovely. Thank you.” She said, finally looking up.
“I didn’t know what kind of reception I would get, but I knew I had to come.”
“I was not expecting you, but I am glad you came. I was starting to feel lonely. And …”
“And …?” he asked.
His heart leapt.
“Let’s talk after dinner.” She suggested. It was not really a talk that she wanted in front of the serving staff.
“Yes.”
“So, tell me about my babies. Are they missing me as much as I am missing them?”
Most of the dinner conversation was light and around the children. It felt good to just have a normal conversation. No one becoming emotional or overwrought. They could even laugh about the children’s antics as well as that of the busy body buaji.
After dinner he followed her to one of the gardens. It was beautiful. The moon had already left so the area was lit by lanterns and there was a huge fire in the middle of the garden in an outside fireplace.
“It really is so tranquil here.”
“Yes, just what I needed. Thanks again.” Looked at him with gratitude.
They were seated as close to the fire as possible.
Finally, he mustered the courage to address the proverbial elephant in the room.
“I’m glad that you liked this place. I hope it brought you some clarity.”
“My time here was bittersweet. It was not easy being alone and yet I relished the tranquility. I thought a lot, cried a lot, walked, prayed. Yes,it was a time for contemplation and it feels that there has been a transition. Now this is the time for restoration. It has to be. It can’t carry on like it has been for so many years. It needs to change.”
“I agree.”
“I want a new life. Anew beginning.”
“What does than mean?” he swallowed hard. He was really afraid about what that statement meant.
“When I met you, you made me so happy, but then everything went so wrong. So very wrong. We made such a mess of things. So many bad decisions. We were so stupid. And we hurt ourselves and so many people in the process. An answered prayer, that was what you were to me. Yet how can God honor prayers when the actions of his people are wrong. We were the cause of our own pain and loss. It stops now. It stops with us.”
“I know all this. AndI agree with what you are saying. I want the pain to stop too but the pain will only stop for me if I have you in my life. Please don’t ask me to give you up. Not again. I love you Aarti. I’m so sorry for all the pain I caused, just don’t leave me, please.”
“I’m not asking that of you.”
“Then what?”
She stood up and went to kneel in front of him and took his hands in hers.
“I know that we can never go back to when we first met. But we can start afresh. We can start with what it started with then. Love, because no matter what we went through love remained. Love brought us together but it broke us too. That is not what love is. I want us to know love in a different form, not just a sacrificial love. A love that gives life and makes us and those around us happy. I want a commitment from you that you will be to me what you were always intended to be. Mine and only mine. For all time. That’s what.”
Tears were streaming down his face.
“I promise you, Aarti. I will be yours now and forever. An you will be mine. My love, my life my everything. I promise to keep you in my heart and my side always. I will stand up for you, for us against everyone and everything. I will put you first and I promise to always talk to you about everything. No more secrets, I will be completely honest with you. I have learnt from my mistakes. If you agree to marry me, I will be the perfect husband, I promise.”
She gave a short laugh.
“There is no such thing. And that is not what I expect of you because I can’t be the perfect wife. All I want is to be with you and to make you happy. And when we make mistakes, that we deal with it. With love. And stay together.”
He got up and lifted her to her feet. She went straight into his arms as theyhugged each other tight. He moved his head up to look into her eyes.
“I love you Aarti. So very much. You will marry me won’t you.”
“I love you too. And a resounding yes, I will marry you.”
His mouth came down on hers with a kiss that’s heat rivalled the fire.
“So, do you have room in the hotel?” she asked when they could finally breath again.
“If I said no?”
“Then I would think that you planned this before you gifted me with this trip and … and I would admire your confidence.” She smiled as he pulled her even closer to him.
“I actually have a room so what does that mean then?”
“Well …”
“Well, what?” he asked snuggling his nose in her neck.
“That we have two rooms to choose from.”
“Mmm, decisions, decisions.”
“Well I have 2 more nights here. What about one night in each room?”
“Sounds like a plan.” He grinned. “But wait a minute. We aren’t married yet?”
“That’s never stopped us before.” She said naughtily.
“Someone is very naughty, so it seems I have to be the sane one here. What’s the time?”
“Why?”
“Because if it’s not too late, there is a temple in the village and the panditji is quite a nice man. I am sure he won’t mind the time if reward him well to officiate a wedding.”
“How do you know the panditji?” asked very confused.
He shrugged his shoulders and started walking dragging her behind him happily.
It was the sweetest ceremony. The pandit was so accommodating. He managed to get them traditional wedding attire and the whole village joined the ceremony. Aarti was surprised when there was a food delivery from the hotel. Yash just smiled when she looked at him questioningly. They had a reception of strangers, with lots of food and music and dancing performed by the villagers, and they were the happiest that they could ever remember being.
As they went back to the hotel he said:
“By the way, I think we should use my room first.” He said as they returned to the hotel.
She laughed as she entered. It was made up like a honeymoon suite, complete with flower petals on the bed and champagne on ice.
He picked her up and entered the room.
“You my love are too much.”
“My darling wife, you don’t think I did this for nothing. I expect payback.”
“Oh no, always ulterior motives. Please put me down!” she said in mock anger.
He put her down as she walked to the fireplace and started the fire. While he was watching
“So, payback …” she said and gave him a sensual look and motioned with her finger to come and join her there.
“Mr. Scinidiya, now all my prayers have been answered but there is one more thing.”
“What’s that?” he asked through kisses.
“It’s not so much a prayer request as a wish.”
“Mmm?”
“Only you can fulfill it.”
“Speak women.” He said becoming impatient for her.
“I want you to give you pleasure, as your wife.”
“Oh, baby. Of course,and I will give you pleasure as your husband.”
He took her in his arms and they kissed.
She then pushed him away and she started to undress sensually as she was watching. Finally,she was standing in front of him naked and unashamed. She could see his adoration and desire in his eyes as hers welled up with tears. She felt so much love and joy that it was overwhelming.
She went to stand in front of him and said.
“I am yours now and always. I love you.”
His heart was hammering with love and desire but he knew he had to be patient. This was her night. Her happiness was all her ever wanted.
She kissed him softly and started undressing him, whilst kissing and caressing as she went along. First his neck, chest and then she went around and did the same to his back. Then she came back around and went on her knees to remove his trousers and kissed and caressed him between his thighs and finally reaching his most intimate place, making him moan in sweet agony as he nearly came undone.
“Baby …” he groaned.
Just in time, she pulled him down to join her on the floor and made him lie down. Then covered the length of his body with hers as she kissed him again and finally mounted him as she brought them both to the sweetest, most pleasurable climax that either have ever experience enhanced by the knowledge that they were now free to love each other.
The next day after brunch they went for spa treatments together and spent their last in his room as well for another passionate night of love making/
*****************************
They were both reluctant to leave, yet eager to be with the children when their time came to an end. Their babies were so happy to see them. They had to decided not to tell anyone that they were already married. He simply announced to the family that they have agreed to be married and that his mother has to make the wedding arrangements as soon as possible. They wanted the children to be a part of the happy occasion as well. And they were super excited.
It was tough to be in the house and keep up the pretense when all they wanted was to be with each other. He was very affectionate to her though, not concerned about his family. They had to make do with sneaking around in the month before the official wedding. So, it was either silently sneaking into each other’s bedrooms at home or her house after work for some time alone and sometimes even in the office.
Nothing much had changed in the Scindiya household. Her mother in law and buaji still gave her a hard time. The only difference was that this time she was confident in Yash’s love and support. She tried to hide as much as she could from Yash, but he normally saw through her. He had made it clear when they returned who and what his top priorities were. She was dealing with them so much better then before and now it was finally the wedding.
“You think you’ve won.” Her mother in law said as she getting ready for the final ceremony.
“I have ma. I have the man that I love and my children. That to me is a victory. But that does not mean that you have lost anything. Your son is happy and so are your grandchildren. I ask that you please to try and accept me,for their sake. I want to see this home a happy place, without strife.”
“You expect me to accept someone like you in this family. You are not Scindiya material.”
“Well ma, Scindiya material or not, you cannot deny me the right to my husbands name or family. Yash loves me and if you want to have a relationship with your son, you have to come to terms with this. I hope you do, so we can be a united family. For the love of your children and mine.”
She walked away, leaving her mother in law stunned.
The wedding was wonderful. Prashant and his family attended the wedding as well. It pleased both Aarti and Yash to see that hewas happy.
What was emotional for her was that her mother also came. Her father had passed away and Yash had managed to soften her mother’s heart to her. It made her love him all the more if possible.
He insisted on going on honeymoon, so they went to the Seychelles for two weeks where they did little but make love, swim and eat. They only ventured out once or twice to get gifts for everyone.
Three months later:
She was getting ready for bed.
“Honey.”
“Mmm?”, he said still very preoccupied.
“Are you going to be done soon?”
“Mmm.”
“Sweety.”
“Mmm?”
“I need to talk to you.”
“I’m listening.”
Aarti was getting annoyed as she knew he was not.
She slammed an envelope down in front of him, making him start.
“Babe, what’s this?”
She stomped off out of the room.
Yash opened the envelope and joy engulfed him. It was the results of a blood test. She was 3 months pregnant.
He ran after her.
She was in the kitchen drinking water.
He grabbed her and twirled her.
“Honey, I’m so happy.”
“So now you can give me some attention.” She said once he put her down irately.
“Well I must have given you some attention before, hence the condition you are in.”
“Very funny.” She said angrily.
“I’m sorry baby. I just have that annual financial report to finish for the board meeting. I know I was a bit preoccupied of late. But I will do better.”
She finally smiled.
“I know. You are actually a great husband. If you are not busy with some report or other. Besides, I love you madly. Hence the condition I am in.” she joked.
“And I love you madly too. You make so happy. Am I still your answered prayer?”
“You and our babies are what I prayed for and will continue praying for. I am so immensely blessed.”
“I am doubly so.”
“I would have loved to have waited a while …”
“Honey, we have the rest of our lives together. Whether we have a baby now or later or now and later, we will be together. I love you. As long as I am still your number one.”
“Always. And I love the idea of having another baby.” She said happily.
“Are the results accurate?” He asked.
“Of course, they are. What kind of a question is that?”
“No, I was just thinking if they are not conclusive, we could always make sure they are. I mean I don’t mind to do it over and over again; in the interests of positive medical results you know.” He shrugged.
She giggled and shook her head.
“Yes, I think we must do that.” He said and picked her up and carried off their bedroom while she was still giggling as softly as she could as not to wake up the family.
Later they lay in each other’s arms spent and content.
“This is different. I mean twice I was told that I was going to be a father before and I was genuinely happy and loved the unborn babies instantly but this time Aarti, I am so happy and at peace. Before I carried so much guilt toward you and Arpita and that spoilt it a little. This time it’s perfectly perfect.”
“I know, I feel the same. Although Ansh was an answered prayer and a blessing for me, his conception and birth and the entire time till we were reconciled was under a cloud. This baby is conceived in the pure love and commitment of both his parents. Thank you for being another part of another answer to my prayers.”
He smiled and grabbed her to him.
“I especially like how you got this answered prayer.” He said and started kissing her.
“Yash, again.”
“I can and never will get enough of you. Now that you are mine, I will never take you for granted. I love you. And yes, again.” He said as they started making love again.
They loved each other. The order in their lives were as it should be. There were no guarantees that there would be no more mistakes or arguments, but there were the guarantees of love and trust and that nothing could break them apart again. They continued to pray with and for each other and this made their relationship stronger and helped them overcome all obstacles. And it was the source of their strength and happiness that made for an unbroken bond. Their lives were complete.
THE END!
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