Chapter : 36

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The sun had just begun to dip behind the hills surrounding Mehra Manor, casting a warm golden glow over the sprawling estate. There was a lightness in the air, a sense of peace that had settled over the household.

In the living room, the entire Mehra family gathered for what was supposed to be an ordinary evening, but it had turned into something much more special. Laughter echoed through the room as five-year-olds Isha and Rishi ran circles around the coffee table, pretending to be superheroes, with Rihaan joining in their playful chaos. He wore a towel draped over his shoulders like a cape, dramatically declaring, "I am the super protector!" in his most serious voice, making the little ones squeal with delight.

Ananya, sitting on the couch, watched them with a soft smile. For the first time in a long while, everything felt calm—the sounds of family, love, and laughter.

Mrs. Mehra, seated beside her husband, turned to Ananya with a knowing smile. "You know, you and Rihaan are such a good match. He’s brought so much light into this house."

Ananya blushed slightly, shaking her head. "He’s like a child, and I guess… in some ways, that’s what makes him so special."

Raj, sitting across from them, nodded in agreement. "He’s always been a part of this family, but after everything, he’s truly found his place. You’ve done that for him, Ananya."

Ananya glanced at Rihaan, who was now pretending to fly across the room with Isha in his arms, and her heart swelled with affection. He wasn’t just her responsibility—he was her partner, in the most innocent and purest sense. He made her laugh, he took care of her in his own clumsy way, and most of all, he brought joy into her life.

"Chachi, look!" Isha called, running over to Ananya with her arms wide open. "We’re flying like superheroes!"

Ananya opened her arms, catching the little girl and lifting her onto her lap. "Wow, you’re so strong, Isha. Maybe you’ll protect me too?"

Isha giggled, nodding enthusiastically. "I’ll protect you!"

Rihaan, overhearing this, ran over and plopped down beside Ananya, looking up at her with wide eyes. "Anya, I’ll protect you too. Always."

Ananya smiled, a warmth spreading through her chest. She reached over and ruffled his hair. "I know you will, Rihaan."

Just then, Priya entered the room, holding a tray of snacks. "Okay, superheroes, time for a break. Snacks are ready!"

The kids rushed to the table, followed closely by Rihaan, who immediately began stuffing his face with cookies. "These are my favorite!" he exclaimed with his mouth full, crumbs spilling everywhere.

"Rihaan, slow down!" Ananya said, laughing as she handed him a napkin. "You’re going to choke if you eat like that."

He grinned sheepishly, wiping his mouth with the napkin but immediately reaching for another cookie. "But they’re so yummy, Anya."

Priya sat down beside Ananya, shaking her head in amusement. "He’s  really one of the kids. But you know, it’s good to see him so happy."

Ananya nodded, glancing at Rihaan who was happily munching away. "He deserves to be happy. We all do."

As the evening continued, the family gathered around the table for dinner. The conversation flowed easily, filled with jokes, stories, and laughter. Rihaan, seated beside Ananya, was unusually quiet, though. Every few minutes, he would glance at her, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

Finally, halfway through the meal, he leaned over and whispered, "Anya?"

"Yes, Rihaan?" she responded, turning to him with a curious smile.

"I’ve been thinking…" he said, his brows furrowing in concentration. "I should be a better husband, right?"

Ananya blinked, surprised by his question. "What do you mean, Rihaan? You’re already a great husband."

He shook his head earnestly. "No, I mean, you take care of me all the time. So I want to take care of you too. Like... you know, do more husband stuff."

Ananya couldn’t help but smile, her heart swelling with affection. "You do take care of me, Rihaan. More than you realize."

"No, no, like real husband things," he insisted, his face serious. "Like making sure you're happy, making sure you're safe, and making you smile all the time."

Across the table, the rest of the family had caught onto their conversation, their smiles widening as they watched the interaction. Mr. Mehra leaned over to Raj and whispered, "It’s amazing how much he loves her, even in his own way."

Raj nodded. "He may not understand everything about marriage, but he gets the most important part."

Rihaan, still deep in thought, suddenly jumped up from his chair. "Wait! I have an idea!" He darted out of the room, leaving everyone confused but amused.

Moments later, he returned, holding a small bouquet of flowers he had hastily grabbed from the garden outside. He presented them to Ananya with a proud grin. "For you, Anya. Because you’re the best wife ever."

Ananya’s heart melted on the spot. She reached out and took the flowers, her eyes soft with emotion. "Thank you, Rihaan. You’re the sweetest husband."

He beamed at her, clearly pleased with himself, before sitting back down and resuming his dinner with gusto. The whole family exchanged amused glances, and Priya leaned over to Ananya with a teasing smile. "Looks like you’ve got yourself a romantic."

Ananya chuckled, shaking her head. "In his own unique way."

As the night wore on, the family eventually gathered in the living room for a quiet evening together. Rihaan, always glued to Ananya’s side, gently tugged on her hand as they sat down. "Anya, can I hold your hand?"

Ananya raised an eyebrow, amused. "Of course, Rihaan. Why are you asking?"

"Because you’re my wife, and I should ask you if I want to hold your hand," he said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Ananya’s eyes softened with warmth. With a soft smile, Ananya intertwined her fingers with his, and they sat there quietly, the warmth of the moment wrapping around them like a blanket. Rihaan rested his head on her shoulder, content and peaceful, while the rest of the family chatted softly around them.

In that moment, Ananya realized that while their relationship was unconventional, it was perfect in its own way. Rihaan, with his childlike innocence, had given her a sense of love and loyalty she had never known before. It wasn’t the kind of romantic love she had ever imagined, but it was something pure, something that made her feel safe and cherished.

As the evening came to a close and the family began to retire for the night, Rihaan stood up and pulled Ananya toward the stairs. "Come on, Anya, time for bed. You need your rest."

Ananya smiled, allowing him to guide her up the stairs. "Okay, okay. But you don’t have to worry about me so much, Rihaan."

"I always have to worry about you," he said, his voice serious as they reached their room. "Because I love you."

Ananya felt her breath hitch, her heart skipping a beat as his words sank in. She wasn’t expecting this—wasn’t prepared for the intensity of what he was saying. She had always known Rihaan cared for her in his own way, but hearing him say the words—hearing the sincerity in his voice—was something entirely different.

Ananya felt her throat tighten, emotions swirling inside her in a way she couldn’t control. She had never expected to hear those words from Rihaan. His love wasn’t like the love she had imagined when she thought about marriage—it was innocent, pure, and untainted by expectations or societal norms. It was simple, but it was real.

For a moment, she couldn’t find her voice. Her heart raced, her hands trembling slightly as she placed them on the wall to steady herself. Rihaan was looking at her with wide, hopeful eyes, waiting for her response.

"I love you too, Rihaan," she said softly.

As they settled into bed that night, Ananya felt a deep sense of peace. For the first time in her life, she truly felt at home.

The story of Ananya and Rihaan didn’t end with dramatic proclamations or grand finales. Instead, it ended the way all the best stories do—with quiet happiness, shared laughter, and the simple understanding that, in the end, love comes in many forms. And sometimes, the best kind of love is the one that’s there every day, in the little moments, in the care and concern, in the unspoken promises.

And that was the life they built—together, with all the quirks, innocence, and unwavering devotion that made their bond so special.

Ananya smiled to herself as she looked up at the stars through the window, Rihaan's head snuggled into her neck.

This was her happy ending.

And it was perfect.

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Heyy gorgeous,

Finally~

Last chapter of this story, I can't believe it's over.

Rihaan and Ananya are the cutest couple.

I'll miss writing about them.

I hope you’re not disappointed with the story.

Tell me your thoughts on them.

Your favorite dialogue?

Anything you liked or hated about this story.

Take care~

— Author