Once again apologies for the delay in updating this story. The final chapter below.
Enjoy!😃
Epilogue - Chapter 6
As the car stopped in front of the beach house Aarti was still not convinced that she should be here. Was she doing the right thing by being here? The place where there were so many memories.
Her courage nearly fled. She didn't want to be here and it took every ounce of her resolve to just to get out of the car, never mind to walk into the house.
He was waiting for her at the door.
"Hello Aarti. I thought you would bring the baby.
"No, we need to talk on our own.
"Should I be worried?
"Why should you be worried about anything I have to say to you?
"Aarti I ... Never mind. Come inside and we can talk.
She walked inside on shaky legs.
"Can I offer you something to drink?
They were like strangers, she thought.
"Water please. her throat was dry.
"Coming up he said and went to get some.
Finally they sat down opposite each uncomfortably.
"Yash, remember our talk at the wedding.
"Which talk?
"When I was feeding Payal.
He nodded. He was terrified of what was coming.
"I spoke to Ma. She has agreed to let you move back home but there are conditions.
He swallowed.
"We need to mindful of our family Yash. I don't want them to be uncomfortable because of us. I need you to promise that there will be no drama. We will live in the same house but not together. As before. Payal needs you, and everyone misses you. It's not right that you are not in your home. I feel guilty that I am there and you are not. It's your home and because of me you are not there. I'm sorry about that. But we don't need to make everyone a part of our mess. I have come to terms with our relationship. I won't ask for what you can't give and you don't ask for what I can't give. Can we just try and live amicably. Maybe try and be friends. For our families sake please.
"Thank you, I suppose. Are you sure this is what you want. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable.
"Since when have my feelings mattered to you? she was getting agitated again.
"Sorry, this is exactly what I didn't want. she said immediately.
"Friends? We have never been friends Aarti. Our feelings have always taken over.
"You mean lust?
"Call it what you want to but we will never be able to have a platonic relationship. And if that is what you expect, I might as well not move back. I want more than that.
"Yash please. I am trying to create a happy medium here. Why are you not helping? I would have thought you would be happy to come home.
"I would love to come home. But I can't do that under false pretences.
"What do you want Yash? What!? she shouted.
"Aarti calm down. You are here to offer this solution. No feelings. No emotions. A happy medium you called it. Are you happy Aarti? Can you contain your emotions?
"My happiness is of no consequence. As long as my daughter and the rest of the family is happy.
"And my happiness. Is that of any consequence to you?
She looked down and didn't respond.
"Ok, you don't have to answer that. I agree this is a mess. Mostly because I made it so. What I want most in the world is to fix it. I will be honest with you Aarti. If I come home it is to get my family back. That means my whole family. My wife too. I won't agree to a platonic relationship. I plan on making you love me again, whatever it takes.
"Yash please...? she really was pleading.
"No Aarti, listen. I understand how you feel and I can't blame you. I hurt you because of my warped idea of what love is. You loved me so much that it scared me. And in order to protect myself from hurt, I lashed out at you. But even so, it didn't hurt any less. It only served to hurt both of us. I couldn't admit how I felt to myself, so how could I admit to you. All I knew was that I wanted you and not just physically. It hurt so much every time you left and I didn't recognise my own part in your leaving. But it's amazing what time alone can do. I did a lot of reflection and finally I could not deny my heart anymore. I love you Aarti ...
She shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Yes, I love you. Ironic now that I admit it, you are denying it. But it is the truth. I love you more than anyone and anything. My life without you is empty. I felt it every time you left, yet I was too stubborn to admit it. Whether I come home or not, sweetheart, I will pursue you. And I won't stop till you fall in love with me again. So knowing this, do you still want me to come home?
"Why are you doing this? Why can't this just be simple? Why do you have to complicate everything. she whispered through her tears.
He went to kneel in front of her and said:
"It is simple. I love you and I want you back.
"You don't believe in love remember.
He gave a dry laugh.
"I said it so many times and now I don't even believe it anymore. And you know why. Because a beautiful and very intelligent girl walked into my tutorial years ago and just loved the heck out of me. No matter how much I hurt her, she just kept trusting in our love. Even when I couldn't acknowledge it. And now when she can't believe in our love, that belief that she had for so many years, the love that created our perfect little girl, is what is giving me the courage to fight to get that love back.
Aarti couldn't endure this. This was not what she came for. She just wanted him to agree to come home and be civil to her. Not all this.
She got up.
"I have to go.
He held onto her arms.
"You didn't answer me. Knowing what you know, do you still want me to come home?
"Yes, for the family.
"I am coming for you Aarti. For you. The family, even Payal is secondary.
"Let me go, please.
"I will let go of your arms but I am never letting you go again.
He let her go of her arms.
"Can I tell Ma you are coming back?
"You can tell Ma that I'm coming home to get back what's mine. She will be happy.
She started walking out.
"I love you he called after her.
Aarti pulled the car off the road just as she was out of sight of his house and she sobbed. Those words were what she wanted to hear for such a long time but he broke her so many times, how could she trust him. But he never said he loved her before. It was nearly her undoing. At that moment she could so easily have fallen into his arms but for the broken shards of her heart that kept her back. What did he mean that he would pursue her anyway? She was so confused. She didn't know how to be happy anymore. He was her happiness and when he took that away there was nothing. Even Payal could not restore it completely. Her heart would only be complete with him but could she endure it being trodden on again. She didn't know anything anymore. And now he would be home. She would see him every day. How would she protect herself from him or from her own heart? After she managed to compose herself she went home.
He didn't wait, he was there the same evening by dinner.
His mother welcomed him at the door and she hung back. The girls were so excited to have him back.
"Yash, I have asked Naina to make up the guest room for you. said his mother.
"I have a room Ma, and that is where I will be staying. Or I will go back to the beach house.
He looked at Aarti questioningly and so did his mother.
She nodded slightly that it was fine. She did not want to create drama on his first day back.
He smiled and kissed Payal that was now in his arms and walked to their room with a victorious gait.
She followed reluctantly.
Payal was in her element having her father there and he had to do the whole bedtime routine with her. As usual the strings of Aarti's heart pulled seeing them together. He daughter was happy. That was a good thing at least.
After Payal got settled in her room, he came back to their room. She had already showered and was busy making up the couch. She looked up as he entered.
"You can stay in the room but we are not sharing a bed.
"Aarti ...
"I am not discussing this.
"As I was saying, I came back for you and not to meet a physical need. It suits me better that we don't share a bed because you my darling wife are super irresistible. But we will be sharing the same bed very soon.
"Yash please. Stop saying things like that.
He walked to her and stood too close to her.
"You have to get used to the new me Aarti. The one that will tell you how much he loves you. The one that wants to romance you rather than just bed you. The one that wants a build a strong, lasting and very loving relationship with you. No threats, no anger, no denial. Just me loving you. I know I have so much to make up for, I know that the pain you have endured because of me runs deep but so does my love. And one thing the years have proven is that we cannot stay out of each other's lives for long. Somehow we always manage to find our way back to each other. This time is different. This time the separation is not physical. This time you have left me emotionally and yes it scares the hell out of me. But this time the reason for getting you back is stronger. They say love conquers all. I am putting everything on the line to put that theory to the test. I am determined Aarti. I will win your heart again. I have to. There is nothing else for me, without you I am nothing. We will be together again. For good this time and I will make you happy. I love you.
The tears were rolling down her cheeks. She couldn't speak and she couldn't look at him.
"My heart is broken too Aarti. It breaks to see you hurting like this and to know that I am the cause. But someday, hopefully someday soon, the only tears you will shed will be for joy. I promise you. Go to bed now my love. Tomorrow we will have a new beginning.
He left her to go to the bathroom.
She was so torn. Every word that he spoke resounded in her heart because it was what she had wanted to hear for so long. But the pain, the heartache was still too real.
The next morning Aarti woke up with the smell of coffee.
"Wake up my sleepy head.
"Mmm she groaned.
"Wake up, lazy bones. I brought you freshly ground coffee just the way you like it.
"Leave me!
"At least somethings don't change. Still so grumpy in the morning? Get up. We going running.
She sat up and looked at him with daggers.
"Neither of us are bound by office hours. So why the need to run at the crack of dawn.
She took the coffee from him.
"Early bird and all that.
"I hate you.
"I love you. Finish the coffee so we can get cracking.
He laughed at her expression.
He went to put Payal in her stroller and took his family out for their morning exercise.
"Mmm, you have much more energy than when we were in the States.
"Yes, I never stopped exercising.
"So you have to agree two good things came out of that encounter. Our princess and you exercise routine.
"I guess. she said.
"I can't wait to test out your new stamina madam.
She glared at him and he laughed.
She showered first when they came back and he saw to the Payal. Then he left for the office. When she went back to the bedroom to start working, she found a note on the bed.
"Enjoy your day. I love you. Yours always. Yash.
She found herself smiling involuntarily.
"I love you too she said to the empty room.
At midday, he called her.
"Hi my love. Are you having a good day?
"Very productive so far, thank you.
"Mine has been good too. Thanks for asking. he said sarcastically.
"Is there a particular reason why you called, I would like to keep the rest of my day productive if you don't mind.
"Yes, I called to ask you to have dinner with me this evening.
"Of course.
"Really?
"Yes, the whole family normally has dinner together. Everyone will be happy to have you here so that the family can have dinner together.
"Aarti, you know that's not what I meant.
"Well that's the only way we will have dinner together. Anything else?
"Yes. I love you.
"Good bye, Yashji. she disconnected the call.
What was he doing? If he was trying to bring her defences down it was definitely working and she couldn't have it. She had to stay strong.
Although her response was not unexpected it still hurt. But he clung to the knowledge that she loved him. She could not hide that. He just had to persevere to make her trust him and his love for her. That gave him the courage to carry on with the pursuit of his beloved.
The evening he came home with a bunch of flowers for her.
She took and gave it to her mother in law.
"Look what Yashji has brought for you Ma. He is so grateful that you let him back home. Isn't it Yashji?
He gave a fake smile. His mother looked at the 2 of them amused.
"Thank you Yash. I love them. she said obviously understanding what was going on.
So he continued to woo her and every time she thwarted him. She was much too clever with her comebacks. She had an answer for everything. Every gift she managed to give away or put into a corner making it clear that she was not going to use it. He was so frustrated with her.
Aarti was so busy. She was doing the wedding planning and working. She was actually glad that he was back. Only to help with Payal of course. His constant wooing was not going to have an effect on her. Although it was so cute and innovative. And the pest still got her up at the crack of dawn to run.
Now though they normally sat down and had an amical breakfast after their run. Mostly speaking about work and he tried to get his romance in but she was a warrior with a shield against his attempts at romance. Then one morning at breakfast, about a month before the wedding he said something that she least expected.
"Babe, how busy is your day tomorrow?
"Too busy to be going out with you.
"I am serious Aarti. I ... I ... he sighed making her feel concerned.
"What? she said trying not to show her concern.
"I have been going for counselling and ... and my therapist asked if you would ... I mean if you would consider joining us for a session? He never made eye contact with her while he was saying this. He was feeling too exposed.
"What? she was shocked.
He nodded.
"How long.
"A couple of months now.
"Why?
Finally he looked up.
"So many reason I suppose. Because I needed to face my demons. Because I realised that I need to help. Because I want to be healthy for you and my daughter. Because I want to be worthy of you.
"Why didn't you tell me?
He shrugged.
They were both quiet for a while. Yash waiting in anticipation for her answer and Aarti trying to process this information.
Finally he asked again.
"Will you come?
"Yes, but this doesn't mean anything.
"Thank you. I love you.
He smiled and got up and
"Now let me go see to my baby so that my other baby can go for her nap.
Aarti did not know what to expect from the session. It was as if she was in an alternate universe. Actually she felt like an observer into her own life. He spoke things that she heard him say before, but always in anger. About his parents and about his lack of trust and belief in love. He asked for her forgiveness.
"Mrs. Scindiya, do you have anything to say.
"No
"Please Aarti. Surely you have something to say.
"What do you want me to say Yashji? What? How I fell in love with you, gave my whole life, my body everything to you. How you could never love me back. How you made it clear for years that the only space I could occupy was your bed. What more do you want me to say. You knew how much I loved you yet you just took my love without even valuing it. Do you remember how you packed my bags in the USA and threw it at me? Do you remember how you spoke to me? Do you remember how you disregarded your own daughter the first time you saw her. Have you any idea how that hurt. Even more than what you did to me. Then you blackmailed into marrying you for the same daughter. And even then there was no space for me in your life. No space for me in your heart. Not even space for me in your wardrobe. She sobbed.
"What? he was confused about the wardrobe statement.
"See, you don't even know how significant and how indicative that was in our relationship. Just the wardrobe. Have you ever looked inside it Yashji. How much space does you things occupy and how much space does my things occupy. I mean how little.
"Aarti, I am sorry but the wardrobe has nothing to do with our relationship. I just didn't realise.
"You're wrong Yash. It has everything to do with our relationship. That wardrobe is our relationship. And I can't give you my whole heart, my whole life when you can't even give my space in your wardrobe. she took her bag and left.
Yash was floored. He looked at his therapist.
He shrugged.
"That is such a small thing. Why didn't she say anything at the time?
"Because for her it was not a small thing. For her it was everything. It was the symbolism Yash. She never felt that she had any space in your life and that was reinforced by the wardrobe. I know. Who would have thought?
Yash left the office with the wind out of his sails. This did not go as he anticipated. He wanted them to talk. He wanted them to deal with their issues. How could he have known that the biggest issue would be a wardrobe? He went back home immediately. She had obviously taken a taxi or something. He went to the room. She was sitting her desk working as if nothing happened. He opened the wardrobe and for the first time saw what she saw. He went over to her.
"I'm sorry my love. We can change it. I will ...
"No. It's fine. It's as it should be. It's the way I want it. It reminds me of what is real.
"But that is not the reality. Not anymore, baby.
"It is and will always be my reality. My life. My protection. Just leave it the way it is. It's what I want.
"I'm sorry baby.
"I have a deadline Yash. I have wasted enough time today.
He looked at her sadly and walked out.
What he had thought to help their relationship seemed to add just another setback.
The wedding planning took up a lot of their time. Also Yash offered to furnish Amaan and Vidhi's new home completely. And Vidhi had of course roped Aarti in to help with the selections and liaising with the interior designer. Money was no object. It would have been strange to see Yash tag along if everyone was not aware that it was just to spend time with Aarti.
Finally the wedding was over. The newlyweds went to Amaans parents for a week and then went on an African safari for their honeymoon. The Scindiya's stayed on at the Goa hotel where the wedding was held for another week to unwind and relax after their hectic time with the wedding. Yash however had to get back three days before the family left. She actually missed him. It was the first time in months that she was in a room by herself, even if they did not share a bed. Although the atmosphere was strained it was somehow comforting just being with him. She was not yet sure if what she felt was hope.
Aarti opened the door of her bedroom and was shocked. She stepped back out and looked up and down the passage way and then stepped back inside. The whole room was different. It was bigger, Payal's things were no longer there. It seemed as if the wall had been broken out and had been moved to make it bigger. All the furniture had been changed. She walked cautiously through the room. Her office had been changed, made larger and more professional. There was an inter-leading door what seemed to be a nursery. The bathroom fixtures had been changed. The one basin was gone, there was now a double basin. And there was a mirrored door and when she opened it, it was a huge walk in closet. She noticed that there were none of his things in the closet.
"Do you like it? she heard behind her.
She closed her eyes and sighed audibly.
"I told you not to change anything.
"I wanted to make a fresh start. I ...
"I told you not to change anything. she repeated. "You never listen.
"I'm sorry. he said and walked out dejectedly.
Aarti went to sit on the bed. She was glad Payal was sleeping. She just needed to be alone and process this. She didn't know what to make of it. She could not deny that it was an amazing gesture. But was it enough to lay bare her heart again. She closed her eyes again as the tears streamed down her cheek.
He came from work late that night. He was hoping everyone would be asleep by then. But she wasn't. She was sitting up in bed with her laptop.
He looked at her and then merely started to take his jacket off.
"Payal was looking for you. It took me forever to settle her.
"I'm sorry. I should have called. I got caught up at the office.
"So you were not just trying to avoid me.
He looked at her and she could see defeat in his eyes.
"I am tired. It's been a long day. I am going to take a shower and sleep. Tomorrow I will contact the contractors and have everything as it was. He walked off to the bathroom.
He would have stayed there longer if he could and to his dismay he realised he had not brought any clothes with him to the bathroom and his clothes were now in a different room down the hall. He walked out of the bathroom just covered by a towel intending to get his clothes.
"Where are you going? she asked.
"To get my clothes.
"It's in the closet.
"No, it's ...
"It's in the closet Yash. I had Naina bring it back to the room.
He was so confused.
"Why?
"When you moved back you said this is your room too. So where else should your clothes be.
"But I wanted to give you the space that I didn't give you when we got married.
She got out of bed and approached him.
"As I said you never listen. I never wanted all the space. I just wanted to know that there is some space for me. That there is room for me. When have I ever given you any indication that I wanted it all? I am not Yash Scindiya. Why can't you understand me Yash? You say you love me and you will do anything to get me back but you don't even know me.
Yash was done. He didn't know where to go from there. He just felt as if he lost. He felt completely defeated.
"I don't know what to do Aarti. I just don't know. I tried everything. Please tell me what you want I will do anything. I just can't lose you. I just can't ... He broke down in tears.
Aarti looked at him. His shoulders shaking as he sobbed. He looked broken.
He sank down on his knees. He was pleading.
"Please don't leave me, Aarti. Please.
She sank down to her knees too. She wiped his tears with her nightgown.
"All I've ever wanted was you Yash. Only you. I wanted you to love me. I wanted your heart. Not the cocky, self-assured businessman extraordinaire. This vulnerable person that will bare his heart and soul to me. That will take me into his confidence and his heart and trust me with it. That's all Yash. Do you understand?
He nodded his head.
"I love you so much. You know that. I couldn't stop even if I tried. Even when I was petrified of getting hurt and I still am. But I never stopped loving you.
"I know. he said in a broken voice.
"Finally you are mine now. Just mine. All mine. I love you
She embraced him and once again he started sobbing, his face buried in her shoulder and holding on to her for dear life. Her silent tears mingling with his hair.
Finally he composed himself.
"I'm sorry he said.
"No need to apologise. We starting on a clean slate. Ok?
He nodded.
"My knees are killing me. Can we get up now? she smiled and he chuckled.
"Let me get dressed.
"Why? she asked.
"Because ... he started, then realised the implication.
"Aarti? he said uncertainly.
"I love what you did with this room. I love what it symbolises. You have given me space and I am giving you back all of me. All of me.
She walked to him and kissed him whilst removing his towel.
He picked her up and carried her to bed. Their passion was unprecedented. For the first time they came together freely in love, as husband and wife. Finally there was nothing to hold them back and they could pour out their love generously on each other and reaped the benefits.
In the aftermath they lay in each other's arms. Joy filled their very souls.
"I love you. he said kissing her one more time.
"I know. she said happily.
"That's your response?
"Yes. she smiled.
"So you don't love me anymore? he asked.
"That depends. she said.
"On?
"Whether you wake me up at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning.
He shook his head with a smile.
"Fine, Payal and I will go for our run tomorrow morning and we will only wake you up when we get back.
"Really? she beamed up at him.
He chuckled at the pure happiness in her face. He pulled her close and kissed her on the top of her head.
After all these years he only realised now that it took such small things to make her happy. He was so afraid that he would lose himself to her that he missed what she was giving. But thank goodness he had another chance. And this time he wanted to give her all of him.
"How am I deserving of your love?
"Just call me Grace.
"Huh.
"Grace, getting something you don't deserve. she explained.
"Anyway, I was always yours. It just took you a while to realise that. Thank God that you did. Now we can move on with our life. she continued.
"This is true. You were always mine and you will always be mine and I yours.
"Yes. Can I sleep now, please?
"Of course Lazy Bones.
"And you promise not to wake me up in the morning till after your run?
"Promise. Good night my love.
"Love you she said and was asleep in seconds.
He spent a long time still just staring at her and caressing her. He was truly blessed. She was an amazing woman and despite all the hurt he caused her, she never stopped loving him. He would never take her love for granted again and he would never deny her his love or any space be it in his wardrobe or in his heart. Everything he had was hers now. He was completely in her hands. Completely vulnerable and he wasn't scared. Now that he had made her the caretaker of his heart all fear and anger was gone. There was a sense of peace and security that he had always lacked. And it was all because of her. His wife, his life, his everything. He finally shut his eyes to have a peaceful nights rest for the first time in longest time.
The End
CID
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
