Pride ✔

Epilogue

~Pride~

He walked through the Tulip garden and stopped at the place where he had proposed her, confessed his feelings. He smiled remembering how dramatically she had responded.

4 months, four months have passed by and he was living his life to the fullest as he has promised her.

He took a week vacation and travelled to Kashmir and all those places where he had gone with her, cherished every memory. He even stayed in the same room, with same balcony gazing at the same view his wife loved. He sat in the balcony sipping her favourite hot chocolate.

People say you forget persons with time but who can say after seeing this beautiful man.

'anybody can be beautiful, so are you'

"hello" he answered his call while walking back to the hotel

"The ceremony is at 4:30 PM, arrive soon." And the call ended.

He dressed up in simple blue shirt and black pants and reached the place. Today was the day his wife's efforts would be acknowledged. Afterall mission 41 was successful now.

He shook hands with Yuvan and Hriday and took the seat in second row. He greeted all four parents and smiled at them.

'take care of the family' he's doing it proudly and happily.

The ceremony started with brave achievements of every member who was a part of this mission. He could now understand how secretive and deep it was. He felt proud of his wife, and she must be satisfied that the mission is over, the mission over which she lost her life.

"Flight Lieutenant Mallika Mudgalkar did a commendable job in managing but unfortunately she lost her life during the mission. Nothing can fill her absence, but e deserves great respect from the entire country and she stands as an inspiration for every young officer here, be it male or female.      She fought with sincerity, hard work, bravery and without any fears. And died without regret rather pride. We want to dedicate this award to Late Flight Lieutenant Mallika Singh. I would like her husband Sumedh Mudgalkar to receive the award on her behalf. "

He stood up walked and received the award with all proud face.

She deserves every inch of it.

Soon the event got over and they sat for the meal, Hriday and Yuvaan along with the family.

"You're proud of her right?" Yuvaan says

"Everybody is." Hriday says, everybody nods.

"Proud husband." His mom teases.

'"I am." He beams.

"the flight is at 11:50 tonight. Let's leave soon" everybody agreed and winded up their business and soon reached the airport. Next Morning they were back home. He unlocked the gate of his house and walked too the backyard where they exchanged rings.

Every corner of this house speaks her presence.

He goes to his room, lies on the bed and looks at the photoframe of them of Kashmir.

"I'm leading my life happily, enjoying to the fullest, taking care of the family with no regrets. This is what you've always wanted me to do, right love?" he whispers in a soft voice.

"But I miss your physical form, holding you in my arms, hugging you, dancing with you. Remember when we danced in the rain?" He heard the thunderstorm and glanced at the window.

"Looks like it will rain today. And I will play our video of dancing. To cherish those little moments I spent with you. I'm never gonna stop saying that I'm proud of you.

I'm proud of your efforts.

I'm proud as your husband.

Usually wife is acknowledged by her husband but it's different in our case." he chuckled softly.

"You remember the bucket list? I've already started fulfilling it. And I promise to complete it. I did the long drive. You wrote to do it with your soulmate. I did it. With you in my heart." A tear escapes.

"I don't cry, they are tears of happiness okay?" he smiles trying to convince him more than her.

"Everything has a cost I understand now. A cost, a worth. And yours was very much I couldn't afford. I love you, and this is never going to change. Yes I went on a friendly date because you've said so but trust me my heart could never get satisfied unless it's you." He wipes his eyes and smiles keeping the frame aside like his usual routine.

A happy, smiling guy lost in his own world created by his wife leading it with full joy.

But the cost was big, no doubt.

But it was not the end, they will meet and complete their story.

Maybe this time it wasn't meant to be.

Maybe it will next time.

'but why was it so beautiful then?' the world asks

It was beautiful to know they existed, this relationship was worth it, the world will remember that loosing one person doesn't means life ends for a person.

There's hope, there's love again.

And most importantly patience.

And everything will fall into place the next time they meet, and then they will realise the actual beauty. This time was just a glimpse, upcoming one will be more better.

And that's faith in love.

_______________________________________

Pride

noun

the feeling of pleasure that you have when you or people who are close to you do something good or own something good.

"There's a lot of pride in being an officer's husband but that pride is too expensive!" 

~the end~

Thankyou for your support on this story, it's really close to my heart and hope I didn't dissapoint you guys :)