The Other Half

Epilogue

(Goa: The Grand Hyatt)

The grooms led the brides.

"I take the first of the vows, to care for you, for our children, for our family."

"I take the first of the vows, to look after you, your home, your food."

"I take the second of the vows to protect you under all circumstances."

"I take the second of the vows to stand by you through your agonies and ecstasies."

"I take the third of the vows to work hard to earn enough wealth for the family."

There was a small chuckle from the younger generation.

"I take the third of the vows to effectively take care of the income and expenses."

"I take the fourth of the vows to entrust the responsibility of my household to you and respect your wise decisions regarding the same."

The brides cut across, leading their grooms.

"I take the fourth of the vows to fulfil my duties to the best of my abilities for a respectful living.

"I take the fifth of the vows to support you in all your endeavours."

"I take the fifth of the vows to consult you in all important matters."

"I take the sixth of the vows to remain faithful to you."

"I take the sixth of the vows to remain committed and loyal to you besides considering you alone as my wife."

"I take the seventh of the vows to spend my life with you until the very end."

"I take the seventh of the vows to lead my entire life with you, not just my wife but my friend forever."

(Allahabad University: Library)

The librarian was just closing up after a long day of empty tables and chairs. Every year, the students turned less and less interested in studies and more in each other.

She saw a light reflected in one of the aisle ends. Wondering what was going on, in the aisle only few ever entered, she hurried that way.

The tome, the large tome Shikha Vashishth and Rajveer Khan had pulled out more than a year ago, was sparkling from within.

Gasping in shock, she pulled it out. This was a personal donation yes, for such a very specific reason. She was the librarian yes, for such a very specific reason.

Her heart thundered. Her ears had heard a lot in the past year, but her mentor had told to only ever believe what this tome said. It never lied.

She quickly opened the page where the light was brightest. It was the last sheet, the one Shikha Vashishth had enquired about, the one where Rajveer Kashyap's name was still etched, indelible.

Only now, there was the symbol of marriage joining his name. The ink wrote in extremely slow speed. Or was it her anxiety?

Shikha

She gasped. It was true. It was all true. The women, the burnings, Khushi Gupta, Rajveer Kashyap.

Shikha Wardha

Her eyes popped open. Immediately, she made the call.

(Allahabad: Awasthi House)

Mahira Wardha appeared in Dipti Awasthi's room. The silent house seemed odd, especially considering the impossible number of times Pooja Rathore used to drop, completely unannounced.