EPILOGUE

5 years later...

I stared at his photo, my heart aching with a familiar pang.

It was his birthday today.

A tear fell onto the glossy surface, rolling down until it reached the brown frame.

"I miss you so much," I whispered, my voice barely audible. Sniffing, I blinked away the tears as the office building loomed closer and I put the photo back inside my bag.

His photo was always with me, a tangible reminder of his presence that I felt everywhere I went. He was forever etched in my heart.

The driver opened my car door, and I composed myself, wearing a blank, stoic expression. He gave me a curt nod and a small smile, which I returned before heading inside. The receptionist greeted me with a nod, and I acknowledged her as I stepped into the elevator.

As the door closed down, I couldn't help but pull out my phone and look at Advik's photo.

I miss him so much.

That photo was taken when he had taken me to the better halves. A smile made its way to my lips as I replay those moments. The cake making, the race, him making my painting and the treasure hunt. Those beautiful moments were etched in my memory forever.

Locking my phone, I exited the elevator and made my way to my cabin. My secretary nodded at me, and I returned the gesture. I paused at the door, my hand on the knob, and glanced up at the letters:

CEO RIA MEHRA.

It had been five years since I reclaimed my father's company. Dhruv and Raghav uncle were arrested, thanks to the recording and location tracker device Ayan had slipped into my dress pocket that day.

My parents finally got the justice they deserved.

The hours flew by, and soon it was 1 p.m. when the door to my cabin burst open. Sarah walked in, looking exhausted like always, as the baby in her arms cried loudly.

"SHUT UP." She yelled at him, and he did.

5 seconds passed, and he stared at her with his big doe eyes. Then he started crying again, and this time more loudly. I chuckled.

"God, Ria, my head is hurting like hell because of him. I can't even breathe peacefully," she complained, cradling her son gently to stop his cries.

I smiled and approached her. "Here, give him to his aunt."

She carefully handed the baby to me, and he instantly stopped crying. I grinned as he looked up at me with his big, tear-filled charcoal black eyes.

He smiled, melting my heart.

"Finally," Sarah sighed, collapsing onto the sofa in the corner of my cabin. I laughed and sat beside her.

"If only you weren't an office woman, I'd leave both of my annoying kids with you," she said, gulping down a glass of water. "They love you more than me."

I chuckled. "There was a time when you used to love kids."

"Yeah, but I was stupid to think they are just cute little humans."

"Oh, they aren't that annoying," I spoke, playing with her son's soft curly hair.

"Just because you have a gentleman husband who knows how to take care of them." She put the glass down with a clink, and scoffed, "Mine is useless. He doesn't even change diapers. Trust me, He's not less than these kids."

I laughed, the sound echoing in the room.

Just then, the door of my cabin swung open, revealing a pair of sparkling ocean-blue eyes. The 4-year-old, still in her pink school dress with an ID card dangling around her neck, burst into the room. Her curly brown hair bounced with each step, and her cheeks were flushed with excitement.

"Mommyyyy!" she squealed, dashing towards us and wrapping her tiny arms around Sarah.

I watched them, my heart swelling with admiration. They were adorable. Sarah, with her warm smile and gentle demeanor, wrapped her in an embrace. Her long, chestnut hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her eyes, a deep shade of black, sparkled with love.

Clearing my throat, I teased, "Did you forget your aunt, little Snowy?"

Her ocean-blue eyes met mine, and she instantly let go of Sarah, running over to hug me tightly. Her laughter was like the tinkling of bells.

"How could I forget my favorite person?" she giggled, making me laugh.

Pulling away, she looked at us, "Dad is waiting for both of you outside," she announced, her voice filled with the same enthusiasm.

"Tell him we're coming," Sarah replied, and the little one ran off to deliver the message to her dad, Aarav.

Sarah is married to Aarav, and they both have two beautiful children.

"So, what brings you guys here?" I asked, turning to Sarah with curiosity.

"For shopping and to inform you that Natasha is upset with you for still being at the office while the whole house is preparing for her son's first birthday," Sarah said, her voice carrying a mix of amusement.

"But I'll be there. Besides, the function starts in the evening. I was just planning to leave at 3," I replied, trying to sound reassuring while glancing at the clock.

"Okay, collect your belongings. We will go now," she instructed with a gentle but firm tone.

I nodded and exited the building, feeling the warm, late afternoon air brush against my face, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers. The sun casts a golden hue over everything, making the world seem vibrant and alive.

Upon reaching home, I headed straight to Grandma's room. There, in her embrace, slept my little girl, her tiny chest rising and falling with each peaceful breath. Grandma gently rocked her in her arms, humming a soft lullaby.

"Did she irritate you?" I asked softly, not wanting to disturb the serene scene.

"No, she's just like your husband. Calm and composed," Grandma replied with a smile, her eyes twinkling with affection.

I rolled my eyes, a small smile breaking on my lips.

"I have to go out. Take her with you," Grandma said, her voice filled with warmth. I nodded.

Kissing my 3-year-old daughter's forehead, I picked her up in my arms. She stirred in her sleep, her tiny fingers curling around my black shirt, but she settled once she felt my familiar presence. Her soft, rhythmic breathing was a comforting sound.

Heading towards our room, I placed her gently on the bed, tucking her in with her favorite blanket. I then went to change my clothes and shower. The warm water cascaded over me, washing away the day's fatigue. Once I was ready, I looked at myself in the mirror. I have changed a lot in these five years. My body had transformed, bearing the marks of motherhood and time.

Walking towards the large window, I peeked outside. The garden was shining in the soft glow of the setting sun, but there was still no trace of my husband. I let out a scoff in disappointment.

Suddenly, two strong arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me back against a firm chest. "Missing me too much?" a soft voice murmured as he nuzzled his head into my neck, placing a gentle kiss that sent shivers down my spine.

I smiled and put my hand on his, leaning back into his warm, homey embrace. "No. Why would I?"

Advik chuckled, his chest vibrating, "Aww. Thanks. I missed my wife too."

Then, his hand came and caressed my stomach as he asked softly. "How are you?"

"Angry at you,"

He chuckled again and kissed my cheek making me blush. I turned around to face him, my heart skipping a beat. His ocean-blue eyes, filled with warmth and love, met mine. He smiled, his cute dimples popping out, as his arms rested loosely on my waist. For a second, I forgot I was angry at him.

"I'm sorry. But the work was—" he started to explain, but I crashed my lips onto his. He smiled and pulled me closer. It was a warm, soft, and slow kiss.

We pulled back and gazed at each other, our foreheads touching.

"You have no idea how much I missed you in these last 6 days," I whispered, wrapping my arms around his neck.

He chuckled softly, his breath warm against my skin. "Well, I'm here now," he said, his voice a soothing balm to my soul. He had gone on the 6-day business trip. And these 6 days felt like 6 years.

We stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other's embrace, the world outside fading away. The sound of our daughter's soft breathing filled the room, a reminder of the life we had built together. We are married and have a cute little 3-year-old daughter, Aria.

She stirred in her sleep, making our attention turn to her. We walked over to the bed where our daughter slept, her tiny form nestled under the blanket. He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch tender and loving.

"She's perfect," he whispered, his eyes shining with pride.

"Just like her father," I replied, my heart swelling with love for the man who had given me so much.

Just then, she fluttered her ocean-blue eyes open and squinted as the bright light entered her vision. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, and then her gaze fell on Advik, making her eyes widen in surprise.

"PAPA!" she squealed, standing up and opening her arms. He wrapped his large muscular arms in her tiny form and stood, picking her up.

"How's my little angel?"

She giggled, her laughter filling the room with joy. "I missed you, Papa!" she exclaimed, her tiny hands clutching his white shirt tightly.

He smiled, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "I missed you too, sweetheart," he said, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Did you have sweet dreams?"

She nodded enthusiastically, her black curls bouncing with the movement. "Yes, Papa! I dreamt we were flying in the sky with the birds!"

"That sounds wonderful," he replied, his voice full of warmth. "Maybe one day, we'll go on an adventure like that."

I watched them, my heart full of love and contentment. This was our family, our little piece of heaven. As they continued to talk and laugh, I couldn't help but feel grateful for these precious moments.

==============================

Everyone has already left to go to Natasha's house. As we stepped out of the house, we saw Aaron walking towards us. He waved enthusiastically, a big smile on his face.

"Hey there!" Aaron called out, his voice full of cheer. "Ready for the party?"

"Absolutely," Advik replied, shaking Aaron's hand. "It's going to be a great celebration."

Aaron bent down to Aria's level, his eyes twinkling. "And how's my favorite niece today?"

Aria giggled, hugging him tightly. "I'm good, Uncle Aaron! We're going to have so much fun!"

"That we are," Aaron said, lifting her up and spinning her around, making her laugh even more. "Let's get going, shall we?"

She nodded and turned towards us with a small smile, "I want to go with Granny and Uncle Aaron."

"Okay, but don't annoy them," I said sternly.

"Don't worry, she's not like you," Aaron replied, lifting her up and causing me to roll my eyes. I smiled as I watched him walk to his car with her.

Advik went to get his car and appeared within seconds. I smiled as I sat inside, and the car roared to life.

We were on our way to the birthday party, the car humming softly as it sped down the road. I gazed out the window, watching the trees blur into a green mosaic, lost in my thoughts. The sadness came creeping in, a familiar weight settling in my chest.

Suddenly, I felt his hand reach over and gently grab mine. His touch was warm and reassuring, a silent promise that everything would be okay.

I looked at him who was looking ahead and stole the time to stare at his features, he kept getting handsome and handsome day by day.

The car's speed slowed down a little, and he turned his gaze to meet mine, his ocean-blue eyes giving me comfort, "I know today's your father's birthday and you are missing him."

I looked down at our intertwined hand, a tear escaping my eyes and falling on it.

He gently squeezed my hand, his thumb brushing away the tear from my face.

"He would be so proud of you," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth and reassurance.

I nodded, feeling a bittersweet smile tug at my lips. "I just wish he could see how far we've come," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the hum of the engine.

"We'll visit his favorite spot today," he suggested, his eyes back on the road but his attention fully on me. "It'll be like he's with us."

I took a deep breath, the idea bringing a sense of peace. "I'd like that," I replied, squeezing his hand back, he brought our intertwined hands to his lips and placed a warm kiss. As we continued our journey, the trees outside seemed to blur into a comforting green haze, and I felt a little lighter.

The birthday party was in full swing when we arrived. The garden was decorated with colorful balloons and streamers, and a large banner that read "Happy 1st Birthday!" hung above the entrance. Children were running around, laughing, and playing games, while the adults chatted and enjoyed the evening.

We were greeted warmly by Natasha, who was beaming with joy. "I'm so glad you could make it!" she exclaimed, giving us each a hug. "Aria, you look adorable in your dress!"

Aria smiled shyly, holding onto my hand. "Thank you, Auntie."

The birthday boy, a chubby-cheeked baby with a head full of curls, was the center of attention. He sat in his highchair, clapping his hands and babbling happily as everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to him.

We joined in the festivities, enjoying the delicious food and watching the children play. A smile made its way to my lips as I watched Aria having a blast, running around with her cousins and making new friends.

As the sun set down, the cake was brought out. It was a beautiful creation, decorated with pastel colors and topped with a single candle. Everyone gathered around, singing and cheering as the birthday boy tried to blow out the candle with a little help from his mom.

The cake was cut, and slices were handed out to everyone. Aria's face lit up as she took a big bite, her cheeks smeared with frosting. "This is the best day ever!" she declared, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

I looked around at the smiling faces, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. This was what life was all about – celebrating the little moments, surrounded by the people we love.

As the party wound down and the night covered the sky, Advik and I found a quiet moment together. We stood at the edge of the garden, watching our daughter play with her cousins, her laughter echoing in the cool night air.

Advik slipped his arm around my waist, pulling me close. "Today was perfect," he said softly, his eyes reflecting the golden light of the setting sun.

I leaned into him, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "It really was," I agreed, looking up at him. "I'm so grateful for our family, for these moments." Then, I looked up at him, and he was already looking at me.

He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from my face, and placing a kiss on my forehead. "Me too."

We stood there in comfortable silence, soaking in the beauty of the moment. The love we shared, the joy of our daughter's laughter, and the warmth of family surrounded us, making everything feel just right. My life has changed so much in the last decade and, I realized that everything happens for a reason. No matter what challenges come our way, we just have to hold on to hope and keep moving forward. Things will turn out fine.

In ways, you could never expect.

Just as I never expected.

THE END

(Do let me know your thoughts about this book in the comment section. Thanks for reading.)