Epilogue

⚠️Long chapter ahead!

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3 years later,

" Babe, I'm home. "

Kartik announced loosening the knot of his tie as he walked into a quiet house. It was half past 9 at night when he returned home from work.

The silence in the house, not an usual event, felt strange. Upon finding the kitchen aisle and living room empty he made his way upstairs.

" Naira? " He searched every bedroom in the floor but found them all empty including their master bedroom.

When Kartik clicked open the door knob of his study, he could hear soft snores. Delight skated on his face as he walked into a beautiful sight to behold.

His lips tugged upwards in a smile as he watched his wife rest on the couch on her back, hair sprawled across messily. A peaceful demeanor covered her face as she slept with their 2 year old lying on her belly, face pressed on her chest, mouth half-opened. His tiny hands clasped around her neck as she held him secured in her embrace.

His son.

It still feels unreal.

Reyansh

A ray of light who filled their hearts and home with warmth and joy.

True to the name the toddler is full of sunshine. A mini version of his dad with features of his mom.

Jet black hair, button nose, prominent lashes, a never ending cheeky smile. Those adorable Hazel eyes is the only physical feature duplicated from his father.

Kartik pulled out his phone and captured the moment, adding it to his list of favourites. Probably might as well set this as his phone wallpaper.

He sighed softly and leaned on the wall sideways, arms crossed in front of his chest. A gentle smile lingering on his face as he stared at his favourite people. Honestly, He could do this all day long and would never get tired.

2 years into parenthood and it has been nothing but bliss. Sure, the initial months were difficult for them to adapt to the new routine and With Naira recovering from postpartum, it demanded Kartik to stay home for most days to help with the baby.

But he wouldn't complain. Fatherhood had changed the once workaholic businessman, to a doting father who loves spending time with his family.

Even today, Given a chance Kartik opts to work from home whenever possible.

" Da..da " A sleepy voice caught his attention. The toddler drowsily stretched his tiny hands calling out for his dad.

" Hey buddy. " Kartik coed picking up Reyansh in his arms who instantly snuggled into his chest.

Kartik smiled Pecking his temple, rocking him gently.

" When did you come home?" Yawning tiredly, Naira sat upright.

Leaning in Kartik planted a quick kiss on her forehead, " About half an hour back. "

" He's asleep already? " Naira glared at her husband. " Finally! " She exclaimed, slumping back on the couch.

" Your son had kept me on my feet the whole day! " Kartik chuckled, knowing how tiring Reyansh could be owing to his naughtiness and endless enthusiasm.

" I'll put him to bed. " He carried Reyansh to their master room and placed him in the center of the king size bed, securing a pillow to his right and left. The toddler is in the phase of crib to bed transition and much to the parents' relief, sleeps better in bed.

Tucking Reyansh under a soft quilt, He placed a goodnight kiss on the baby's forehead before dimming the lights and exiting the room.

Naira looked up, peeling her gaze from the random magazine to her hot mess of a husband entering the study, sleeves of his black shirt rolled up till his elbows and the top 3 buttons undone.

She walked up to him and lazily threw her arms around his neck.

" Why didn't you wake me? " She asked grazing her fingers over his trimmed beard.

" I was enjoying my view. " He replied in a husky voice. Naira smiled shaking her head.

" How was your day? "

Lifting her by waist, Kartik made her sit on the table and stood between her legs. " Boring. Meetings and client lunch. "

She hummed in response, combing his messed up hair with her fingers.

Her lavender fragrance hitting his nostrils felt refreshing. He nuzzled his nose into the crook of her neck, leaving a feathery kiss on her soft spot.

" Is my baby tired? " He questioned, drawing soothing circles on the sides of her thigh.

" Nope " she giggled leaning more into his touch, arching her back.

Sliding his palm beneath the sides of her chin, he tilted her face before his lips met hers for a slow kiss. Naira sighed in pleasure, letting hers hand roam over the back of his neck and shoulder.

After about a couple of minutes they broke apart. He smiled tucking a loose tresses behind her ear.

" Are you hungry? "

She nodded in response. " I am. "

" Okay, I'll make you something. " He offered and took a step back but Naira was quick to wrap her legs around his waist, pulling him closer.

" I am hungry, but not for food. " A naughty glint flickered in her eyes.

He raised in brows, smirking. " Is my wife feeling naughty today? "

"Maybe. " She shrugged, her fingers playing with the buttons of his shirt.

He leaned forward, his lips slightly grazing over her ear lobe. " And why is it so? "

Her breath hitched causing a moan to escape her lips. " Kartik "

" What do you want, babe? " his husky voice manages to make her legs feel like jelly every time.

" You..." she sucked in a ragged breath.

" I can't hear. " He said, trailing butterfly kisses down her neck to the valley of her breast.

" Don't tease me, baby. I need you. " She whispered in his ear, making him growl impatiently.

" I can't wait to taste you. " His eyes grew a shade darker.

" Then have me. " She muttered, Stroking his lower lips with her thumb.

With her legs wrapped around his hip, Kartik scooped her off the table and walked to the bedroom besides the master room. She clinged to him, watching him with a smile.

Naira giggled, landing on the bed with a tender bounce. Kartik got on top of her, with a smirk dancing on his face as he pulled the sleeves of her top down, revealing her naked chest.

" You'll beg me to stop. Don't tell I didn't warn you. "

His words didn't seem to tame her.

" You bet. "

Taking a minute to let appreciate the women who managed to bring him on his knees, Kartik lean in to brush his lips against her. " You look beautiful as ever, baby. "

She rolled her eyes with a scoff, " yeah, with the stretch marks and Belly pooch. Totally! "

Kartik dismissed her remark, lowering himself and dropping feathery kiss on her belly button down to her heat, causing a moan to erupt from her chest.

He lifted his gaze to meet hers "Motherhood suits you, love. You have created a life, a miracle. And the imprints of the miracle on your body, is something to be proud of. If anything, these.... " his finger trails over the fade incision mark, a reminder of the emergency c section she had to go through to give birth to their son, " makes you more beautiful, in my eyes. "

" So dare you say a word about that gorgeous body of my women I'd never get tired of loving and cherishing. " He spoke earnestly, destroying every little insecurity her mind had fabricated.

Her eyes softened as she stared at him fondly. She chose silence for words felt meagre to express the emotion that coursed through her.

Naira finds it astounding how Kartik manages to say the right things to make her feel better, every single time.

A click of tongue disrupted her thought. His fingers reached under her chin, stroking her lower cheek.

" Now, I wouldn't approve of you thinking about something else other than me, at this point."

She chuckled weaving her fingers into the threads of his hair for a brief second before cupping his sculpted jaw, " I was thinking that, How did I get so lucky to have you. "

" No" he disapproved. " You and me... Us .... it isn't luck. " Her spine arched as his fingers ran through the sides of her inner thigh to her core.

" We were meant to be, princess. "

He captured her lips making her moan inside his mouth. He parted her lips with his teeth allowing his tongue to taste every corner of her sweet little mouth.

" Now allow me to treat you right, sugarplum. " The gap between them disappeared as their body collided, and soon the walls reverberated with the sounds of moans and giggles.

Ecstasy filled their features as they savoured each other with fervor passion.

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The friends had come together to spend the weekend at a private beach resort on the outskirts of the city.

Parenthood had kept them busy, but leaning on each other to look after the kids proved to be a great support system for the new parents.

Dev, the 4 year old son of Dhruv and Siya, is the eldest and calmest of the three kids.

Born 6 months elder to Reyansh, Avni is Arjun and Aditi's adorable daughter. Naira vividly remembers the first time when she held the pretty baby, a carbon copy of Aditi.

The kids shared a great bond and it's truly heart warming to see them grow together to share the bond of friendship their parents shared.

Goals!

" Mommy!! " Naira, dressed in a knee-length floral summer frock, lifted her gaze from the book to see her son running towards her, wearing his favourite watermelon swim shorts. Kartik followed him, walking towards Naira.

Upon reaching his mom's deckchair, Reyansh grinned wiping the wet strands falling on his forehead. " Mommy look!!"

" What is it, baby? "

Naira briefly glanced at her husband standing behind the toddler in his shirtless glory, his hands shoved inside the pockets of his trousers.

Reyansh uncurls his clenched fist to reveal a grey sea shell.

" I got it for you, Mommy! " He forwards it before making himself comfortable on her lap.

" Really! It's so pretty baby. " Naira who went in awe seeing her son's gesture, tucked him closer and kissed his cheek.

" No.... Mommy is pwetty! " He said, with a cheeky grin, cupping her face with his tiny palms.

" That's right little guy, Mommy is indeed beautiful! " A deep voice grabbed their attention.

" Rudy! " Naira chirped upon seeing her brother in law.

" Uncwe Ru!! " Reyansh yelled jumping out of his mother's lap.

" How's my favourite nephew! " Rudra twirled the toddler who squealed in excitement.

" Aren't you supposed to be practicing for your next week's game ? " Kartik raised his brows, questioning.

" Hello to you too, brother. " Rudra remarked sarcastically which made Kartik to roll his eyes.

" Well yes, but how would I miss a chance to spend a day with my little munchkin! " He said nuzzling his nose against Reyansh's cheek, earning a giggle from the little one.

Rudra loved Reyansh and for reasons Kartik couldn't decipher, his son is greatly attached to Rudra. But Kartik wouldn't complain, If anything that made him happier. Though he certifies Rudra as a notorious brother, he's the best uncle Reyansh could possible ever have.

" Bro, hold him for a minute. " Kartik took Reyansh in his arms.

" Now, How's my gorgeous lady doing?" Rudra hugged Naira by shoulder.

Not even ten seconds into the hug and Kartik ripped his brother away from his wife. " Now that's enough. "

" How do you manage him, beautiful! " Rudra sighed dramatically. " You have a 2 year old son, quit being jealous, brother. "

" That's exactly why you should stay away from the mother of my child. " He glared at him.

" Well, you can't blame me. She's a santoor mommy! " Rudra winked at Naira, adding fuel to the flame intentionally.

" You ass- "

" Language Kartik! " Naira scolded him. He made a sulking face, pressing his lips together in annoyance while Rudra guffawed. Anything can change but not Rudra's desire to irritate Kartik at any given chance.

" Uncwe Ru! Pool pool !! " Reyansh pointed at the beach, getting desperate to step inside the water again.

" Alright, little guy. You have my attention now. " Rudra grabbed Reyansh from Kartik, joining Dhruv, Siya, Arjun, Aditi and the kids in the cold waters.

" Ass****" Kartik muttered under his breath, helping Naira to lay out a blanket on the sand.

" You know him Kartik. " She got rid of her sandals and sat down with her legs stretched out.

" Can't you take my side for once!" He whined sinking to the ground behind her, pulling her closer such that her back is pressed into his naked build chest. Their legs rubbed against each other as her floral frock failed to cover her legs below knees.

" What are you thinking? " Kartik questioned when he noticed she wasn't paying attention to his complaints.

" Nothing... I " She paused. Shaking her head, Naira smiled fondly gaze fixed on the scene before her.

The sun was setting at horizon, casting a beautiful orange shadow where the sky met the sea. Enveloped in her love's arm watching her son build a sand castle, laughing and running around.

" For a long time, I hated them." He frowned.  " The sunset..... " She clarified. Kartik look at her surprised but didn't interrupt her.

" It did remind of what I had lost. So Ever since my parent's death, I only visited beach at nights. When it's all dark and moon's my only companion. I confided in the silence and whispered to the waves. " A sigh escaped her lips.

Kartik drew comforting circles on the back of her palm with his thumb.

" For years I went on without watching sunsets until again, I saw it with you. During our honeymoon. You remember?" She tilted her neck to glance at him briefly.

" I do. In the cruise. " She nodded, focusing back on the waters.

" That's exactly when sunsets became one of my favourite things."

" What changed? " He was curious to know.

She smiled, relaxing more into him. Threading her fingers between his, intertwining them. " You. "

" Me? " Kartik asked, visibly surprised.

" It's hard to watch the sunset and not dream. I dreamt too... Of having a family I can call mine. Of returning to my home, Just like how the sun finds it's home at sunsets."

Resting her head on his chest, she lifted her chin to meet him at eye level.

" Look at me, here I am living my dream, With you. Because of you. "

Her words made his lips tug upwards in an amused smile, his features softened.

" Sometimes I feel, hadn't you saved me that night, I wouldn't have found my home. I could have never seen sunsets like this. " With that she pecked a quick kiss on his cheek.

" No, I think If not for me, someone else would have. " Kartik tugged her closer, his arms around her chest.

Planting a kiss on her temple, he rested his chin on her shoulder.

" But I'm too selfish to let you share sunsets with someone else... To let someone who's not me, to be your home. "

His hot breath tickled the soft spot behind her ear, which made her giggle.

" This is the only way I would want my sunset to be. " Naira snuggled into his chest, pressing a kiss on his naked skin where his heart rested.

A grin broke on his face. His hands found the back of her head and he lowered his face to capture her lips for a kiss.

" I love you. " He whispered.

Before he could meet her sweet lips again, he was brutally interrupted by his mini version.

" No Dada! Stop, No.... " Grumbled Reyansh pushing Kartik's face away from Naira with his tiny palm, standing beside his father.

" Mama mine! " He circled his arms around her neck, falling on top of her.

Kartik pouted, faking a sad face. " That's not fair. Mama's mine." He argued playfully.

Reyansh let out an angry huff, " No Dada! " he covered her lips with his tiny palms.

Naira threw her head back as she cracked into laughter.

Kartik chuckled, pecking the toddler's forehead. " Okay little man, You win this time. "

" Let's take a walk. " Picking up his son, Kartik stood erect and stretched a hand for his wife. Naira took his hand and rose to her feet.

Holding Reyansh in one side, Kartik had his other arm curled around her waist. She leaned more into him as they walked along the shoreline, the cold waters of the beach washing their feet.

It feels good, isn't it?

To be reminded that you are loved.

In a life so very fragile, why do we hesitate to Tell. To feel. To show.

Life's too short and the love is endless, so let them know, at every chance you get!

Watch the sunset, Kiss in the rain, Make the playlist, Dance under the moonlight, Write the letters.

Cherish them. Remind them.

Show them.

Why wait for the perfect moment, when you can take this moment and make it perfect.

A constant smile, refusing to fade away, plastered on her face as she watched the sky. The thing with sunset is that it gets better with time.

Naira glanced at her son and then at her husband. She rested her head on his shoulder, letting her soul soak in the warmth of his hold.

Everything felt perfect in his arms.

Then and now.

She toe tipped to peck his lips, gaining his attention.

" You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, Mr. Oberoi."

She said, once again, getting lost in his hazel orbs.

" It goes both ways, Mrs. Oberoi. "

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THE END

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And that's a wrap!

🥺❤️

Thank you peeps,

For sticking to the end, Appreciating, loving and supporting all the way.

You have been an amazing set of readers and I can't thank enough.

You guys make my day!

✨

I hope this story was a good read.

L

et me know your take on this book in the comments.

I would love to hear them!

•••

The billionaire Bride

20 / 03/ 2023

I hope this book made you smile :)

•••

Have you ever wondered

' Do fictional character also think about us ? '

" I love you but you're real! "

* Squeals and sobs *

~

Love y'all

beautiful people

❤️

* bear hugs *