The Best Mistakes

Epilogue

Kayra

Life is unpredictable and I got to experience this firsthand with everything that happened since last year.

All my life, I planned to graduate from college, leave my home for good and settle with my freedom but then my parents dropped the marriage bomb on me, crushing all my plans. Then not to regret my life, I decided to drink, go clubbing and have sex but it didn't go quite as planned too. I dated Nolan, my nemesis and fell in love with him. I ran away from my engagement, which I never thought I could do.

In short, life doesn't always go as planned and sometimes it is not a bad thing.

Now that I look back on my life, a lot of things have happened since I ditched my engagement that day. I returned home after a week of my runaway and as I expected, Baba was furious at first but as Maa promised, she had handled everything well.

I settled things at home, told Baba what I really wanted. Even though it took some time, he finally understood me. But he gave me an earful for creating such a big mess in front of everyone. He said, I should've made a fuss before the engagement. I was happy to know that he was willing to understand me then too. If only I had been more stubborn. I also got to know that he loved me too, but just as Maa said, he couldn't express it.

But I wouldn't say I regretted or hated running away. In fact, I enjoyed the thrill of it. I got to experience one of my unofficial wild fantasies of becoming a runaway bride.

Now, my life was back on track and things had settled down. I was truly and undoubtedly happy. Today, I was graduating from college, living my dream and also living the one dream, I never thought I ever would. A healthy and thriving relationship with my boyfriend.

I waved my degree with a huge smile on my face from the stage. There he was standing with my whole family, clapping really loudly with a huge grin bloomed on his face. Baba and Nolan, both had the same look on their faces and I was glad I made them proud. Their claps didn't stop until I got off the stage.

This was one of the happiest moments of my life. I told my family about Nolan, a few months after the incident. Though there was sourness in the beginning, things between them turned sweet eventually. In fact, Nolan got along suspiciously well with my family, except Baba. I knew Baba liked him too but his pride didn't let him show that, so he expressed it by taunting and nagging Nolan.

I walked towards them without my smile fading even a little bit. Maa hugged me first and Aahan threw himself on us. “Congratulations, Karu! I'm so happy today.” She squealed and we all chuckled. “Thank you, Maa.”

I walked past her, towards Baba. He had the same stern and strict expression on his face but today I could sense a hint of pride beneath his gaze. He was proud of me and I could feel it. My inner self jumped in joy that I could make my parents proud. “Congratulations.” He smiled and it warmed my heart. He was genuinely happy for me. “But I think you could have done better.”

I chuckled. “Why do you always nag her?” Maa said. “I just want the best for my children.” Oh, how hard he tries to maintain his cold exterior. He cared for me, that's why he was here today. I was beyond grateful to know that.

“Thank you, Baba.” I hugged him. This was the first time I ever hugged him as far as I remember. I realized what I did in a fit of excitement. But when I was about to let go, he hugged me back.

Baba hugged me back? Though it was awkward and for a brief moment, he still held me. He even patted my back twice lightly before letting go. I thought I'd cry of happiness now. This day just kept getting better and better. Baba tried to ignore my eyes and I realized that he was also capable of experiencing emotions like embarrassment. I bit my lips to contain my smile and looked behind him.