Epilogue 2

The grand entrance of the city’s largest convention hall was adorned with exquisite floral arrangements, featuring fragrant jasmine, vibrant marigolds, and fresh roses, evoking a rich traditional charm. A pathway lined with brass lamps  and twinkling fairy lights guided the way, while a plush red carpet, bordered by intricate rangoli patterns and garlands of mango leaves, created a breathtaking sight under the night sky.

The walls of the hall were draped in rich silk fabrics, their shimmering folds adding a regal touch, while colorful balloons and fragrant flowers lent a festive air. At the front, the grand dais stood tall with four elegantly carved pillars, each adorned with intricate designs and entwined with delicate flower vines. The floor surrounding the dais was adorned with orchids and lilies,Chaitu’s favorite blooms, spreading their gentle fragrance. Every guest who beheld the mesmerizing setup felt as if they had stepped into a heavenly realm.

Both Vimal and Chaitu’s parents were busy welcoming the guest while Rishi was talking to the security head to confirm the family and guest were safe and there were no intruders.  He heard the padding of feet followed by laughters and saw Ridha, Evan and Jivi running towards him and Aarushi, Malini’s daughter chasing them. He crouched and immediately all the kids rushed into his arms, their laughter filling the place and his heart.

Rishi: What are you all doing here ? Weren’t you supposed to be playing in the room ?

Ridha: Papa, we are bored of playing in the room so we decided to play run and catch. Aaru had to catch us so we escaped but you locked us.

Rishi: Ok, now time for the ritual to begin so be good and I want you all to be seated in your place until I call for you.

Evan: Dada, we want ice cream treat after the ritual.

Rishi: Only if you all behave good. Now follow me.

Rishi walked ahead with the little ones following him and anyone who watched the scene would believe they were the most obedient kids. Rishi guided them to the dais where special seats were placed for the kids and let them be seated. Hari came forward and took over the duty and sat beside them leaving Rishi to handle the other jobs. Hari started narrating them stories of Aadhi, Malu and Chaitu when they were kids.

Aadhi and Malu, both draped in exquisite silk sarees, stood beside Chaitra, watching as the stylist added the final touches to her look. Chaitra looked breathtaking in a radiant golden-yellow silk saree, its rich fabric shimmering under the lights. The emerald jewels, a special gift from Vimal for the occasion, adorned her gracefully, enhancing her regal charm. Her hair was neatly tied in a bun, adorned with fragrant jasmine flowers, their delicate scent mingling with the festive air. The glow on her face, a mix of joy and anticipation, only added to her enchanting beauty.

A knock on the door and Chaitra knew who could it be and smiled, a blush coating her cheeks. The door opened and Vimal walked in dressed in a silk dhoti and shirt. His hair neatly set and with beard well trimmed, he looked like a groom ready to tie knot with his bride. Aadhi and Malu cleared their throats at the same time and Chaitu pinched their arms for teasing Vimal.

Vimal: Both of you get out, I have something important to discuss with my wife.

Aadhi: Liar, you could say directly that you wanted to romance your wife.

Vimal: All the girls were drooling on Rishi and Yuvraj so I thought I would help you save your men but its ok you carry on and I will go join them. I heard one of the girls saying Yuvraj look like a candy.

Malini gasped and stormed out followed by Aadhi. Vimal shut the door and hugged Chaitra.

Vimal: You look so gorgeous Ira, I love this glow on your face.

Chaitra: We could have arranged for an intimate ceremony honey bear.

Vimal: I had waited 4 years for this day Ira, finally I was able to fulfill your dream so I don’t want anything less for my beautiful wife. Infact I wanted our maternity photoshoot in Maldives but I dropped the idea only because you didn’t want to travel so tomorrow we shall stay at beach house for the photoshoot.

Chaitra: We had everything planned and we could have fulfilled my wish only if we hadn’t met her that day.

Vimal: Don’t Ira… don’t talk about anything happened that day except for our Evan and Jivi’s birth. Now I can’t wait to see your hands filled with bangles.

Vimal cupped her face and pecked her lips and forehead before he crouched before her and kissed her babybump. They walked out hand in hands and stepped on the dias and they got seated on the love seat and Chaitra smiled on seeing the flowers, fruits, bangles that were placed before her. They looked at the kids who were smiling talking with each other.

Kavitha and Rani stepped forward and started the ritual but before they could slid the bangle in Chaitu’s hand Vimal stopped them and knelt before Chaitra.

Vimal: I want to be the first person to do the honour wifey.

Chaitra bobed her head with a smile and Vimal picked few bangles and slid on to her hands and kissed her palms.

Vimal: Thank you for being my everything Ira.

All the ladies came forward one by one and blessed the couple. All the staffs from the office and from ” Jeev’s ” trust were invited to the ceremony. Ridha, Evan, Jivi and Aaru too smeared the sandal paste on Chaitra and Vimal’s cheek. A lavish lunch was organised for the guest and lot of gifts were given to them on the special occassion.

Everyone returned home and the next day Vimal, Chaitra along with their kids arrived at the beach house. There was a beautiful setup just like Chaitra wanted for the photoshoot. She wore a long turquoise gown and Vimal wore a white pant and a shirt to match her gown. The kids too wore matching outfits and they had a family photoshoot along with a maternity photoshoot. By the time they were done Chaitra was tired and even the kids too. Vimal made sure Chaitra and kids had their food before they hit the bed for nap. He sat on the couch watching Evan and Jivi cuddled on to Chaitra from either side, their arms resting on Chaitra’s baby bump. His heart felt content on seeing his family and he couldn’t wait to for the new addition to the family.

By evening, Chaitra woke up to find herself alone in bed. Stretching lazily, she got up, refreshed herself, and stepped out in search of her husband and children. The house was quiet, filled only with the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore.

Following the soft laughter echoing from the backyard, she walked towards the beach and soon spotted them. Vimal sat shirtless on the sand, watching over their little ones, who were deeply engrossed in their game. Jivi clutched a tiny toy bucket in one hand and a ladle in the other, while Evan held a small toy shovel, both determinedly building a little sand home.

Chaitra smiled at the heartwarming sight, the golden hues of the setting sun casting a warm glow over them. She took slow steps towards them, savoring the peaceful moment. It was only when her shadow fell over their tiny creation that the kids finally looked up, their eyes lighting up at the sight of their mother.

Vimal held her hand and Chaitra slowly sat next to Vimal and their children immediately moved to her kissed her cheeks.

Evan: Mamma, we have built a new home for us, look at it. Isn’t it beautiful ?

Chaitra: The most beautiful home Evan. Lets click pictures of it.

Evan and Jivi knelt beside their new built sand home with Vimal and Chaitra by their side too. Vimal clicked their photos and Chaitra watched Vimal and the kids play in the water. The kids were splasing water over Vimal who picked them over his shoulder and threatened to drop them in water. Chaitra heard the squeal of the kids and laughed at the warm sight. Vimal returned to the shore with Evan and Jivi sitting on either side of his shoulder holding his hair.

Chaitra: What would you do when our third baby is born ?

Vimal: Don’t worry, Where there is a will, Vimal will always find a way. I will carry our third to my front and may be the fourth on my back by the time Evan and Jivi would be grown up to walk by holding my hand so my shoulders will be free to carry two more.

Chaitra gasped on hearing his words and threw mud over his chest. Vimal chuckled and sat next to her with Evan and Jivi on his lap. The three were completely drenched in water and with mud all over their body.

Chaitra: It would take a while for you three to get clean. Don’t you dare to enter home unless you are clean.

Jivi: Daddy, how would we get clean then ?

Vimal: Didn’t you understand princess ? Mom has granted permission for us to play in the garden. Lets turn on the sprinklers and I will get the hose.

Evan/Jivi: woww.. lets go daddy…

Evan and Jivi were already on the feet jumping in excitement. Vimal rose to his feet and helped Chaitra to join them. They returned to the backyard and Chaitra sat on the swing and Vimal turned on the sprinkers before he picked the hose. He started spraying water on Evan and Jivi and they continued to play for a while until the mud was cleaned of from their bodies. Vimal wiped his face and saw Chaitra was drooling over his body. He winked at her and instantly blush crept her cheeks.

Chaitra was drying Jivi’s hair and Vimal was buttoning up Evan’s shirt.

Vimal: You both had lot of fun so better have dinner on time and get to sleep on time or no beach for a month.

Evan: Daddy, lets watch a movie please ?

Vimal: No son, you are tired already so lets watch movie tomorrow once we are back home.

Jivi: Please daddy, one movie.

Vimal gave up and he let them watch the movie after dinner. Evan was curled into Vimal’s embrace and Jivi laying on the floor with her head on Chaitra’s lap. Vimal was caressing Evan’s hair and half way through the movie he heard the kids snore a little. He carried them to their room and covered them with duvet before he kissed their forehead.

He returned to Chaitra and saw her chatting with Aadhi and Malu. On seeing Vimal she placed her mobile on the night stand and smiled at him. Vimal kissed her baby bump before he laid next to her.

Chaitra: Are you tired ?

Vimal: A little but definitely not for you. how are you feeling today ?

Chaitra: Over the moon, all my wishes has been fulfilled. I have a loving husband, two beautiful kids and one on way, I have friends and we are still the same, crazy and naughty. Our kids are friends just like us.

Vimal: But I have a lot of wishes. I want to see you growing old, watch you play with our grand children. I want us to walk in the beach hand in hand holding walking sticks.

Chaitra: thats it ?

Vimal: How about we go on a honeymoon to celebrate our 50th anniversary ?

Chaitra chuckled and ruffled his hair. Vimal nuzzled his face in her chest and kissed her feeling the warmth from her. Chaitra held his lock in her fist to tilt his head and pecked his lips. Vimal happily deepened the kiss holding her nape. He removed the shirt she was wearing and kissed her bosoms.

Vimal: you are tired so I won’t do anything today. Just let me sleep holding you.

Chaitra smiled on seeing him falling asleep with his face on her chest.

A month passed by and Vimal dressed up the kids and watch them leave in car with Hari. Usually he dropped the kids at school but for a week he was scared to leave Chaitra alone so Hari took the job to drop and pick up the kids from school. Vimal rushed back to room and saw Chaitra pacing across the room and he noticed the slight change in her face since the moment she woke up in the morning.

All of a sudden Chaitra felt some liquid between her legs and looked at Vimal in shock.

Vimal: What did I do now ? I m just watching in silence. I swear, I haven’t done anything, not even touched your chocolates.

Chaitra: Honey, seems like my water broke.

Vimal instantly carried her to the car and screamed for his mother to pick up the bag. Kavith informed Hari and Chaitra’s parents on way to hospital. Chaitra was taken to the operation theatre since the baby had to be delivered immediately. The whole family and friends except for the kids were waiting in the room. Vimal was pacing outside the OT while Rishi stood by watching him. Over the years they had become very close friends and would do anything for the family and their safety.

Rishi: You will wear out the floor so better stop. Chaitu and the baby will be fine.

Vimal: This is the second time she is being operated and I can’t imagine the pain she had gone through last time and now she will have to endure everything once again.

Rishi: She is not alone man, you will be with her and you both have us all so we shall take care of her.

A few minutes later a nurse walked out holding a baby and smiled at Vimal passing the baby in his arms.

Vimal: How is my wife ? Is she alright ? Can I come inside and see her ?

Nurse: Sir, your wife is fine but she will be in the recovery room for a while. Please look at your son and congratulations.

Vimal then looked at his son who was looking at him with his cute eyes.

Vimal: Hi son, you got eyes just like your mom. Beautiful like her. I love you prince.

Rishi smiled on seeing the baby and carried him in his arm once before the baby was taken for check up. Vimal was impatient to see Chaitra and finally she was shifted to the room along with baby. The whole family including the kids who had returned from school was over the moon on seeing the little one sleeping peacefully in the crib. Vimal sat next to Chaitra and kissed her forehead holding her hand.

Vimal: He is so perfect and beautiful just like you.

Chaitra: No, he is like you, so handsome just like his father.

Vimal chuckled but his heart beamed in happiness on seeing his family looking at his son who had brought so much happiness to his family.

Twenty days later the family had a intimate naming ceremony and Vimal, Chaitra named their boy Sanjeev so that all their kids had jeev in their names.

Aadhi and Rishi looked at Ridha to see if she had any yearnings for the little baby but their love for her and the love Ridha received from everyone never made her yearn for a sibling. She was so happy with her ever loving mother and father and with her friends.

Aadhi, Chaitra, Malu along with Rishi, Vimal and Yuvraj watched the kids seated around Sanjeev and talking to him already making plans to form a strong team in the future.

Love and friendship are like the sky and the ocean, endless, boundless and forever intertwined. One gives warmth, the other gives depth and together they create a horizon where hearts always find their way home.