Epilogue

The campus was buzzing with excitement as graduation day finally arrived. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the university grounds. Naina stood outside the auditorium, wearing her cap and gown, looking around at her friends, her peers, and the familiar faces of professors who had shaped her journey. Her heart swelled with pride—not just because she had made it through the toughest years of her life, but because she had done it with Ayaan by her side.

It felt like just yesterday when they had met at that back to university party, their connection electric but unspoken. Back then, Naina had been unsure of herself, afraid of getting too close to Ayaan, fearing that someone like him couldn't possibly love someone like her. But she had been wrong.

She smiled to herself as she adjusted the tassel on her cap. The past year had been a whirlwind of change. After all the uncertainties and the ups and downs, everything had finally fallen into place. She had not only graduated but had found herself in a way she never thought possible.

Ayaan was across the lawn, his tall frame unmistakable among the crowd. He was talking with some friends but kept glancing over at her, his signature smile never far from his face. He had been her constant through everything—the late-night study sessions, the endless assignments, and all the moments where she doubted herself. He had stood by her when she needed it most. And now, as they both stood on the precipice of the future, she knew they would face it together.

As the ceremony began, Naina's mind wandered to the memories they had created together. Their first date at the chai shop. The long walks by the beach. The countless times he had held her hand, kissed her forehead, and promised her that no matter what, he would always be there.

And, of course, the time when he had shown up at the hospital, not only saving her from a scary health scare but also proving that he was in it for the long haul. His gentle care, his constant reassurance, had been a turning point for her, making her realize that love wasn't about grand gestures; it was about being there when it mattered most.

As she walked across the stage to receive her diploma, the crowd clapped, and she caught sight of Ayaan's proud smile and his hand angling the phone to take the perfect picture. Her heart swelled with love for him. He had been her rock through it all, and as she looked at him, she realized just how far they had come—from two hesitant souls, unsure of their place in each other's lives, to this moment of shared success.

After the ceremony, as the group gathered for pictures and congratulations, Naina found herself looking for Ayaan. She spotted him standing near the fountain, talking to Rohan and Arjun, but when their eyes met, the noise of the world around them seemed to fade.

Ayaan walked toward her, and without a word, he pulled her into a tight embrace, lifting her off the ground. "Congratulations Ms Engineer," he whispered in her ear, his voice thick with emotion.

Naina laughed, her heart fluttering as she looked up at him. "Congratulations Mr Engineer," she replied, her voice filled with joy. "You've been with me through every step of it."

Ayaan kissed her gently on the forehead, holding her close. "I always will be, Naina. Always."

They stood there for a moment, wrapped in the quiet warmth of their embrace, as their friends cheered around them. But in that instant, nothing else mattered. They had come so far, together. And no matter where life would take them next, she knew they would face it together.

Later, as the celebrations continued, Ayaan turned to Naina with a mischievous grin. "How about we go grab some chai to celebrate?" he asked.

Naina rolled her eyes, grinning. "Always chai, huh?"

Ayaan shrugged, his smile wide. "It's our thing, isn't it? Just you, me, and chai."

Naina laughed, squeezing his hand. "Sounds perfect."

As they walked off together, hand in hand, Naina thought about how far they had come. From uncertain beginnings to this moment of shared triumph. She had found someone who loved her for all that she was, and in return, she had learned to love herself.

And then, as they continued walking through the campus, she remembered the plans they'd made for the future. The admissions they had sent off to universities in the U.S., the Masters programs they were both excited about. They had been talking about it for weeks now, planning how they would support each other, pushing each other to succeed. Naina could hardly believe it—after everything, they were both going to the U.S. together, ready to take on the next chapter of their lives.

The thought made her heart race with excitement and anticipation. They had both dreamed of this for so long. She squeezed Ayaan's hand and looked up at him. "You know," she began, her voice soft but certain, "I still can't believe we're both going to be in the U.S. for grad school."

Ayaan smiled, his eyes gleaming. "I know. It's surreal, right? But I can't wait to tackle everything with you. Together. I've got your back, no matter what."

Naina smiled back, feeling a sense of peace and certainty settle over her. She knew that no matter where they were or what challenges lay ahead, as long as they had each other, everything would be okay.

And so, as they strolled into their future, hand in hand, Naina realized that the best was yet to come. She let out a breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "I never thought it would actually happen, but here we are. I still can't believe we'll be doing our grad school stuff together."

Ayaan grinned, his eyes sparkling. "Two engineers in the U.S. What could possibly go wrong?"

Naina laughed, her heart fluttering with the thought of what was ahead. "I thought we were supposed to be apart for a while, you know? I mean, we're both going to different programs."

Ayaan nudged her playfully. "Yeah, but who can resist? You and me, taking on grad school together... It sounds perfect."

She laughed, shaking her head. "Well, someone's got to keep you focused. You know how you are."

He smirked. "Oh, I'm focused. You'll see."

Naina chuckled, glancing at him. "We'll see, Mr. Engineer. We'll see."

A new journey was just beginning, one they would face together. With love, with dreams, and with the promise of forever. The future was theirs to conquer. And they were ready.

T H E • E N D