♡EPILOGUE♡



Srishti was standing in front of the mirror, trying to adjust her dress, when she realized Aahan was not ready yet. "Aahan, are you still getting ready? We're going to be late," she called out to him from their bedroom.

A few minutes passed and there was still no sign of Aahan. Srishti sighed, knowing he was taking his sweet time as usual. She sat down on the bed and began to try and tie the strap of her heels, but her pregnant belly made it difficult.

Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Aahan kneeling in front of her, holding her foot to tie the strap of her heels. Srishti smiled as Aahan leaned in and kissed her ankle, causing her to giggle.

"Don't bother yourself, Jaan. Why didn't you call me?" Aahan said, still holding her foot.

Srishti rolled her eyes. "I did call you, but you were too busy taking your hot bath for the last 30 minutes," she replied with a sarcastic tone.

Aahan chuckled awkwardly, realizing he had been caught. "Okay, okay, don't be mad. Help me up now," Srishti said, offering her hand to him.

Aahan grabbed her hand and helped her up, then placed a kiss on her cheek. "You know, even after all these years, I really love your dimples," he said, admiring her.

Srishti raised an eyebrow, offended. "What do you mean, only my dimples? Don't you love me?" she asked, pouting.

Aahan pulled her close and kissed her forehead. "I love you more than anything, even more than your dimples," he said with a grin.

Srishti smiled, feeling her heart melt. "Okay, cheesy Mr. Oberoi, let's go. We're already late for rudar's 3rd birthday party," she said, putting her hand on her swollen belly.

Rudra was the name of sneha and sahil son and today was his 3rd birthday

Aahan wrapped his arm around her waist, supporting her back as they made their way downstairs. "You look so beautiful, my love," he whispered in her ear, causing her to blush.

SRISHTI POV

As we descended the stairs, we were greeted by our family members, all ready and excited for the party. However, Aahan's parents were still in their room, hesitant to join the celebration. "We're getting old, what will we do there?" they said, using their go-to line to avoid social gatherings.

Amidst the lively atmosphere, I noticed, Abhi, who was now seven years old. He had grown and could speak more clearly than before, although he still had his adorable quirks. He was a bundle of energy, always eager to explore and learn new things.

But the real highlight of the day was the newest addition to our family, Sarika and Aditya's one-year-old daughter, Anika, or as we lovingly called her, anu. She had a small, chubby body and was always smiling, but she had a strong preference for her mother's arms. Whenever anyone else tried to hold her, she would wriggle and protest until she was back in her mother's embrace.

As I approached Sarika, who was cradling anu in her lap, I greeted her with a warm smile. Anu's tiny fingers played with her mother's mangalsutra, enchanting us all. I sat down beside Sarika, captivated by the precious little bundle in front of me.

"Hey there, my little one, what are you up to?" I said, using my baby voice as I tried to engage anu in conversation. She looked at me with her innocent eyes, and I couldn't help but chuckle at her cuteness.

"Toh mera baby kar kar raha hai?" I asked playfully, attempting to imitate her baby babble. Anu responded by making a series of adorable sounds, her attempt at saying "m mmm" which in her own way meant "mumma." Her determination to express herself brought a smile to my face.

She seemed satisfied with her efforts and looked at me, as if asking, "Did I say it correctly?" I burst into laughter at her adorable gesture, assuring her that she did a fantastic job.

"Toh my baby, are you ready to go to the party?" This time, I turned my attention to Abhi, who was watching us with a slightly dejected expression. Ever since he found out about his baby sister, he had been worried about feeling left out and unloved. We had heartfelt conversations with him, assuring him that he wouldn't be left behind but would have someone to play with, cherish, and protect. Over time, he gradually embraced the idea, and now, he adored his sister more than anyone else.

sarika knelt down in front of Abhi after giving anu to me, flashing a playful grin. "Abhi, my little superhero, you know you're still our number one, right? Having a baby sister means even more love, joy, and fun in our lives. You get to be the best big brother ever!"

Abhi's face brightened, his worries melting away. "Really, Mama?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with hope.

she nodded, ruffling his hair affectionately. "Absolutely! You will have a partner in crime, a playmate, and someone who will always look up to you. You'll create incredible memories together, and your bond will be unbreakable."

Abhi's smile widened as he imagined the adventures he would have with his little sister. He hugged me tightly, excitement bubbling within him. "I'm going to be the best big brother, Mama! I'll protect her, teach her, and make her laugh!"

she hugged him back, feeling proud of his maturity and understanding. "That's the spirit, my superhero! And remember, no matter what, you will always hold a special place in our hearts."

Aahan, Srishti, Aditya, and the rest of the family gathered around, watching Sarika and Abhi in their heartwarming embrace. Anu, sensing the joy in the air, started clapping her tiny hands, a smile lighting up her face. Her innocent applause echoed throughout the room, bringing smiles to all our faces.

"Awww, look at Anika! She's clapping for her big brother!" Srishti exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Aahan joined in, mimicking Anika's clapping. "Bravo, anika! You're the star of the show!"

Aditya playfully joined the clapping session, and soon enough, the whole room was filled with applause and laughter. It was a lighthearted moment, a reminder of the simple joys that family brings.

Amidst the laughter and clapping, our hearts swelled with love and gratitude. We were blessed to have such a loving and joyful family, where even the smallest gestures of love could bring immense happiness.

AUTHOR POV

After arriving at Sneha's house for her son Rudra's 3rd birthday, we were greeted with warm hugs and cheerful smiles. Sneha, being the affectionate friend she was, enveloped Srishti in a long, heartfelt hug.

"Oh, Srishti, it's so good to see you!" Sneha exclaimed, her eyes filled with genuine concern. "How's your health? How's the little one doing?"

Srishti returned the hug, feeling the warmth of their friendship. "I'm doing well, Sneha. The baby is growing and kicking, keeping me on my toes!" she replied with a playful smile.

As the party unfolded, Rudra, the birthday boy, stole the show with his adorable antics. Dressed in a tiny superhero costume, he had Sahil, Sneha's husband, wrapped around his little finger. Sahil was playfully chasing Rudra, pretending to be a villain, while Rudra giggled and tried to outwit him.

"Look at Sahil trying to catch our little superhero!" Aahan remarked, chuckling. "He's got some serious competition there."

Sahil, with his mischievous smile, playfully panted and exclaimed, "This kid is faster than lightning! I can't catch him!"

Laughter filled the air as Rudra continued his daring escapades, leaving everyone amused and entertained. The atmosphere was filled with joy, as friends and family gathered to celebrate this special day.

As the party drew to a close, Sneha thanked everyone for being a part of Rudra's memorable day. She expressed her gratitude, especially to Srishti and Aahan, for their unwavering support and love.

Later, as the evening settled into a gentle calm, Aahan and Srishti found a quiet corner in Sneha's garden. The soft glow of twinkling lights illuminated their intimate space. Aahan tenderly wrapped his arm around Srishti, guiding her to a comfortable spot.

He gazed at her with eyes full of adoration, his fingers tracing delicate patterns on her swollen belly. "You know, my love," he whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and tenderness, "I can't wait to meet our little miracle. You've been so strong throughout this journey, and I'm in awe of your courage."

Srishti leaned into Aahan's embrace, feeling the depth of his love surround her. "And I'm grateful every day to have you by my side," she replied, her voice filled with emotion. "You've been my rock, taking care of me and our baby with so much love and patience."

Aahan's lips met Srishti's forehead in a gentle kiss, a silent affirmation of his unwavering devotion. "Our journey as parents is about to begin, my love," he whispered, his voice filled with anticipation. "And I promise you, I'll be there every step of the way, loving you and our little one unconditionally."

In that moment, surrounded by the echoes of laughter and the whispers of love, Aahan and Srishti embraced the enchanting anticipation of parenthood. Their hearts beat as one, united in the beautiful journey they were about to embark upon-a journey filled with love, laughter, and the immeasurable joy of bringing new life into the world.

And so, they sat there, basking in the serenity of the evening, cherishing the promise of their growing family and the unbreakable bond that held them together.

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On the other side, a man stood in deep thought, his gaze fixed on a distant point, his phone clutched tightly in his hand. Suddenly, a hand gently rested on his shoulder, causing him to turn and face the person behind him. "Rohit, what's the matter?" he asked, his voice filled with a mixture of sadness and confusion.

Rohit, his friend, looked at him intently. "Harsh, come on, tell me what's going on. It's your show today, and the audience is waiting for you," he urged, trying to bring him back to the present moment. Rohit glanced at Harsh's phone, noticing the picture displayed on the screen. It was a photograph of Srishti, Aahan, and Harsh. Srishti's cheery smile adorned her face, while Aahan sported a gentle smile. Harsh, on the other hand, appeared lost in his thoughts, his gaze fixed upon Srishti.

Harsh's voice trembled as he spoke, tears welling up in his eyes but a bittersweet smile gracing his lips. "Rohit, you know she's pregnant," he whispered, the words laced with a profound mixture of longing and acceptance. "I couldn't forget her, but I tell myself every day that I'm happy for her. But what about me?" He sobbed softly, the pain of unrequited love piercing his heart. "I can't help but remind myself every day that my heart still beats for her. What do I do with these emotions, Rohit?"

Rohit embraced his friend, understanding the depth of Harsh's love and the anguish it caused him. "Bhai, I know you loved her, genuinely loved her. But sometimes, fate has different plans for us," Rohit whispered, his voice filled with empathy. "Perhaps, in her destiny, Aahan was meant to be there, even though it hurts to admit it. Your love for her was pure, Harsh."

Harsh nodded, tears streaming down his face, the weight of his unrequited love heavy upon him. "Yes, I know she was destined for Aahan. Maybe even better than what I could offer her," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "I understand that. But this stubborn heart of mine reminds me every day that I, too, have loved someone, and I still do. What do I tell it every day? That I'm happy? Yes, I am happy for her, but deep down, this heart yearns for her."

Taking a moment to compose himself, Harsh wiped away his tears and donned a black mask to conceal his emotions. With a heavy but determined heart, he walked toward the stage, ready to perform for the waiting audience. The mask hid his pain, but his heart continued to carry the bittersweet burden of his unrequited love.

And so, with every note he sang and every emotion he poured into his performance, Harsh carried the weight of his unspoken love, his heart forever tethered to the memory of Srishti. In the midst of his pain, he found solace in the belief that her happiness was his ultimate wish, even if it meant keeping his love for her hidden deep within his soul.

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As Srishti and Aahan sat together in the car, making their way back home, Srishti found herself lost in thoughts, gazing out at the passing scenery. A digital news banner caught her attention, displaying a masked man singing passionately on stage. Though the sound was muted, she recognized the figure and felt a twinge of happiness for him, knowing that he had achieved success in his musical endeavors. Unbeknownst to her, this man carried a love for her that he had never confessed, hidden deep within his heart.

As the car journey continued, a familiar song played on the car's FM radio, filling the air with sweet melodies. Srishti's face brightened, recognizing the voice as Harsh's. Aahan glanced at her and, holding her hand, spoke softly, "That's Harsh, isn't it?" Srishti hummed in agreement, closing her eyes to fully immerse herself in the music, unaware of the song's deeper meaning. Aahan, however, knew all too well. He understood Harsh's feelings for Srishti, his unspoken love that was now encapsulated within the lyrics of the song.

Clear blue water

High tide came and brought you in

And I could go on and on, on and on, and I will

Skies grew darker

Currents swept you out again

And you were just gone and gone, gone and gone

In silent screams

In wildest dreams

I never dreamed of this

This love is good

This love is bad

This love is alive back from the dead, oh, oh, oh

These hands had to let it go free, and

This love came back to me, oh, oh, oh

Ohh

Oh, oh, oh

Lantern, burning

Flickered in the night, only you

But you were still gone, gone, gone

In losing grip

On sinking ships

You showed up just in time

This love is good

This love is bad

This love is alive back from the dead, oh, oh, oh

These hands had to let it go free, and

This love came back to me, oh, oh, oh

This love left a permanent mark

This love is glowing in the dark, oh, oh, oh

These hands had to let it go free, and

This love came back to me, oh, oh, oh

Your kiss, my cheek

I watched you leave

Your smile, my ghost

I fell to my knees

When you're young, you just run

But you come back to what you need

This love is good

This love is bad

This love is alive back from the dead, oh, oh, oh

These hands had to let it go free, and

This love came back to me, oh, oh, oh

This love left a permanent mark

This love is glowing in the dark, oh, oh, oh

These hands had to let it go free, and

This love came back to me, oh, oh, oh

This love came back to me, oh, oh, oh

-tylor swift(this love)

As the song came to an end, Srishti opened her eyes, her heart filled with a sense of tranquility. Aahan squeezed her hand gently, offering his silent support and love. In that moment, they both understood the power of music-the way it can connect souls, express unspoken emotions, and touch the depths of the human heart.

The car continued its journey, carrying Srishti and Aahan back to the warmth and comfort of their home. And as they embraced the night together, they found solace in the love they shared, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them as a team, with hearts entwined in a love that was boundless and unwavering.

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Three months had passed, and the day arrived when Srishti went into labor. The hospital corridors echoed with her cries, and Aahan's nerves were in turmoil. He paced back and forth, his mind filled with a mixture of anticipation and worry. Aditya stood by his side, offering words of comfort, trying to ease his friend's anxiety.

After what felt like an eternity, a cry pierced through the air, signaling the arrival of their precious bundle of joy. Aahan's heart skipped a beat as he rushed to the front of the labor room, his eyes fixed on the doctor emerging from within. Trying to compose himself, he mustered a smile and said, "Congratulations, Mr. Oberoi. It is a baby boy."

A wave of relief washed over Aahan, and a radiant smile broke across his face. "Thank you, Doctor. How is my wife? Is she alright?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

The doctor reassured him, "Yes, Mr. Oberoi, your wife is doing well. She's a fighter. We need to conduct a few tests on the baby, so please give us a moment."

As the nurse stepped out of the room, Aahan seized the opportunity and approached Srishti. She lay on the bed, her face pale but radiant, perspiration glistening on her forehead. Aahan rushed to her side, taking her hand in his trembling grasp. "Jaan, are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with a mixture of worry and tenderness.

Srishti mustered a small smile as she opened her eyes, their love and exhaustion mingling. Aahan leaned in, gently pressing a kiss to her forehead, his voice filled with awe and joy. "It is a boy, our child," he whispered, his words carrying a world of emotion.

Srishti chuckled softly, basking in the blissful moment. "I know," she replied, her voice filled with maternal pride. "He gave me a tiny kiss when the doctor held him close. He's so small and all red," she reminisced, her eyes shining with love.

After a while, the nurse returned, carefully cradling the newborn in her arms. Aahan's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he caught his first glimpse of his son. The tiny bundle of life seemed so fragile yet so perfect. Sarika and Aditya joined them, their faces beaming with excitement and love as they welcomed the newest member of the family.

With a sense of awe, Aahan reached out to hold his son for the first time. As their eyes met, a surge of overwhelming love washed over him. Aarav, their little miracle, gazed back at him, tiny fingers grasping onto Aahan's larger ones.

"He's perfect," Aahan whispered, his voice filled with wonder and emotion. "Our little son"

Srishti smiled, her heart swelling with joy. "Yes, our son," she echoed, her eyes brimming with happiness. "He's going to fill our lives with so much love and laughter."

Sarika and Aditya took turns holding the baby, their faces lighting up with affection. The room was filled with an atmosphere of warmth and tenderness as the family bonded with their newest addition. There son's arrival had brought a renewed sense of unity and love, deepening the already strong connections between them all.

As they settled into their roles as parents, Aahan and Srishti decided on the name Aarav Oberoi, signifying peace and wisdom, a name befitting their little bundle of joy. Srishti playfully remarked, "You know, Aahan, in the Oberoi family, it seems like every male name starts with an 'A.' We're keeping the tradition alive."

Aahan chuckled, his heart brimming with gratitude. "Yes, it's a beautiful tradition, and Aarav is a perfect addition to our family."

They shared a tender moment, their eyes locked in a silent understanding of the beautiful journey they had embarked upon. Aarav, nestled in their arms, brought them a sense of completeness and a deeper appreciation for the love they shared.

In the days that followed, they returned home, where the elder members of the family eagerly awaited their arrival. The house was filled with joyous laughter and the melodious sounds of a newborn's coos. The love and support from their loved ones enveloped them, making their home a sanctuary of warmth and care.

Aahan embraced his role as a father with unwavering dedication, showering Aarav with endless love and ensuring his every need was met. Srishti admired her husband's nurturing nature, grateful for the beautiful partnership they shared. They celebrated each milestone and reveled in the simple pleasures of parenthood, cherishing the precious moments as a family.

As they settled into their new routine, Aahan and Srishti realized that their love had grown exponentially with the arrival of their son. Aarav had become the embodiment of their love, a living testament to their commitment and devotion to each other.

And so, their love story continued, with Aarav as the shining star that illuminated their lives, their bond as a family stronger than ever. As the days turned into years, they would create cherished memories, sharing laughter, tears, and unconditional love, forever grateful for the gift of their little Aarav and the blessings that adorned their journey together.

In the midst of their joyous moments, little did Aahan and Srishti know that someone was silently observing them from afar. Harsh, seeing the news flash on the media about Aahan and Srishti's child, couldn't help but smile. Deep inside, he carried a bittersweet feeling.

"The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you," Harsh whispered to himself, his gaze fixed on the images of Aahan, Srishti, and their precious bundle of joy. "But then I realized you were looking at someone else."

Despite the ache in his heart, Harsh genuinely wished the best for Aahan and Srishti. He understood that their love story had taken a different course, and he had come to accept it. There was a sense of peace in his smile, knowing that they had found the happiness they deserved.

With a soft sigh, Harsh whispered, "Yeh lamha," acknowledging the beauty of the present moment. And with a gentle determination, he whispered once more, "Let's meet in another life."

In that fleeting moment, Harsh let go of his one-sided love (that's what he think), knowing that some connections were meant to be cherished from a distance. He carried their memories in his heart, finding solace in the love he had felt, even if it had not been reciprocated. And as he closed that chapter of his life, he embraced the hope of new beginnings, trusting that destiny had something beautiful in store for him.

And so, in the tapestry of life, their paths diverged, each pursuing their own dreams and finding their own version of happiness. Yet, the echoes of their shared moments lingered in the corners of their hearts, a reminder of the profound impact they had on each other's lives.

As time moved forward, Aahan and Srishti continued to build a life filled with love, laughter, and the joys of parenthood. Harsh, in his own journey, discovered new passions and found solace in the beauty of life's unpredictable twists and turns His music his song writing.

And perhaps, in another lifetime, their paths would cross again, weaving a different tale, one that held the promise of new beginnings and love that bloomed under different circumstances. But until then, Harsh bid a silent farewell, content in the knowledge that he had played a part in a beautiful love story-one that belonged to Aahan and Srishti

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hey lovelies

As the story comes to an end, I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I know I didn't include much about Isha, but Srishti had chosen to forget her and move on, although forgiveness may not come easily.

As we part ways, I want to leave you with the thought that life is full of unpredictable twists and turns, and we never know what it has in store for us. It's the moments we share with our loved ones that truly matter, and it's important to cherish them.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Yeh lamha, the moment we shared together, will always remain a special memory.

Goodbye, and stay blessed.

-aein