When the storm settles, and love survives—what remains is a journey worth living.
-×-
Shantivan – Early Morning
The first rays of sun filtered through the sheer curtains. A soft breeze fluttered the wind chime on the balcony. In the quiet stillness, Arnav stirred awake.
Next to him, Khushi lay sleeping—her head resting on his arm, her hand gently curled over his chest. Peaceful. Safe. His.
He ran his fingers through her hair, kissing her forehead softly.
Arnav (whispering):
“Good morning, Mrs. Raizada.”
Khushi (half-asleep):
“Aap phir se mujhe uthaa rahe hain bina chai ke?”
He chuckled, pulling her closer.
Arnav:
“Chai ke liye wait karna padega. Pati ko pehle ek pyaar bhara smile chahiye.”
Khushi (smiling with eyes still shut):
“Smile toh tabhi milegi jab aap mujhe kitchen mein help karenge.”
Arnav (mock groaning):
“Blackmail bhi seekh liya tumne.”
Khushi (grinning):
“Aapke saath rehkar sab kuch seekh liya.”
-×-
Breakfast Table – Later That Morning
Nani sat at the head of the table, beaming as Arnav and Khushi entered together. Everyone clapped suddenly, taking them by surprise.
NK (grinning):
“Humari real waali shaadi couple ko mubarak ho!”
Payal:
“Ek nayi shuruaat… ek naya saal… aur ek naya rishta.”
Anjali walked forward and embraced Khushi, then Arnav. Her smile was softer now—tinged with healing.
Anjali (quietly):
“Tum dono ne mere liye jo kiya… uske liye shabd nahi hain.”
Khushi:
“Bas aap hamesha khush rahiye.”
Anjali turned to the family.
Anjali:
“Mujhe apne naye clinic par kaam shuru karna hai. Zindagi ko phir se jeena hai.”
Nani (blessing her):
“Devi Maiyya tumhe aur is ghar ko hamesha sukh de.”
-×-
Evening – Poolside
Arnav and Khushi sat under fairy lights, her head resting on his shoulder.
Khushi:
“Aapko yaad hai, jab hum pehli baar yahan mile the?”
Arnav:
“Tum pool mein giri thi.”
Khushi (playfully nudging him):
“Giraayi gayi thi! Aapne dhakka diya tha!”
Arnav (smirking):
“Best decision I ever made.”
She smiled, eyes glistening.
Khushi:
“Hamari kahaani mein sab kuch tha. Nafrat, galat fehmiyaan… dard. Phir bhi pyaar jeet gaya.”
Arnav:
“Hum jeet gaye, Khushi. Tum aur main. Hamesha.”
He pulled out a small box. Inside—a silver payal.
Arnav:
“Tumhari pehli payal kho gayi thi. Yeh tumhari nayi zindagi ke liye.”
Tears welled in her eyes as he tied it gently around her ankle.
Khushi (choked):
“Arnavji…”
Arnav:
“I love you, Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. Always.”
She wrapped her arms around him.
Khushi:
“I love you too. Forever and beyond.”
The stars twinkled above them, the pool rippled gently, and in that moment, the past dissolved.
-×-
To be continued...
Next : Epilogue : Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya
By
Muskan Tarway
Like / Vote, comment and follow for more part
The Empowerment Call "Be More Than a Viewer. Be a VOICE." We're building something incredible here—a space filled with awesome stories and powerful insights. But to reach the people who need to hear them, we need your signal boost! Your mission, should you choose to accept it: • Share the story that moved you most. • Tag a friend who needs a win today. • Help us turn inspiration into global action! Your share is someone else's breakthrough! 1 Click = 1 Life Changed. It takes seconds for you, but it means the world to the storytellers and the people we reach. Hit that Share button and let the amazing stuff travel! So, let's start to make some noise together! 🚀
Write a comment ...