The prime minister's lovely wife

The End

The years that followed were a whirlwind of goodbyes and reunions. Ananya thrived at Oxford, her fiery spirit a welcome addition to the hallowed halls. She blossomed under the tutelage of world-renowned professors, her thirst for knowledge seemingly unquenchable.

For Siya and Arjun, the empty nest felt vast and echoing at first. However, they soon discovered a newfound freedom in their quieter days. Siya, with renewed zeal, delved back into challenging architectural projects, her designs pushing the boundaries of sustainability and social impact. Arjun, no longer burdened by the weight of his office (he'd gracefully stepped down after two terms), surprised everyone by taking up writing. His memoir, chronicling his unconventional love story and his experiences in the political arena, became an instant bestseller.

Their visits to Oxford were filled with laughter and tearful goodbyes. Arjun, ever the proud father, would regale Ananya's dorm mates with (often embellished) stories of his political escapades, while Siya would spend hours discussing everything from architectural marvels to the complexities of navigating young adulthood.

During one such visit, they found Ananya excitedly planning a trip to India with her friends. "We want to see the Taj Mahal, of course," Ananya explained, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, "but we also want to visit some of the sustainable housing projects Amma has been working on."
Siya's heart swelled with pride. "That sounds wonderful, sweetheart," she said, pulling Ananya into a hug.

Arjun, ever the pragmatist, chimed in. "Just make sure you stay safe, alright? And call us every night."

Ananya rolled her eyes playfully. "Appa, we're not five years old anymore," she teased.

Despite the playful jabs, a pang of worry tugged at Arjun's heart.  Seeing Ananya venture out into the world, independent and strong-willed, filled him with both pride and a touch of fear.

One evening, as they strolled through the bustling streets of Delhi with Ananya, a familiar question surfaced.  "So, Ananya," Arjun began, his voice hesitant, "have you met anyone special at Oxford?"

Ananya stopped, a mischievous glint in her eyes.  "Maybe," she said, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

Siya nudged Arjun playfully.  "Let the girl have her secrets, Arjun."

Arjun chuckled, a wave of relief washing over him.  He didn't need to know all the details;  witnessing Ananya's happiness was enough.

Later that night, as Siya and Arjun lay nestled in bed, a comfortable silence settled between them.  "She's happy, isn't she?" Siya murmured, her voice laced with contentment.

"Ecstatic," Arjun confirmed, squeezing her hand.  "And you know what?  So are we."

Siya turned to face him, her eyes filled with a love that had deepened with time.  "Our love story may not have been conventional, Arjun," she said, her voice soft.

"But it was ours," Arjun finished, pulling her closer.  "And it led us here, to this moment, a family bound by love, not by tradition."

They lay in peaceful silence, a testament to a love story that had defied expectations, a love that had blossomed amidst stolen moments and bloomed into a legacy of resilience, change, and a future brimming with possibilities.  Theirs was a love story, not unlike Ananya, ready to embrace the ever-changing world, one stolen moment and a lifetime of love at a time.

Years danced by, each one etching new lines on Siya and Arjun's faces, but the spark in their eyes remained undimmed. Ananya's visits became less frequent – a consequence of a burgeoning career as a sustainability architect – but the love that flowed between them remained constant, a warm current defying the distance.

One crisp autumn afternoon, a familiar knock echoed on the Khanna household door.  Siya, her hair now streaked with silver, rushed to open it, a surprised gasp escaping her lips. Standing on the porch, hand-in-hand with a tall, dark-haired man, was Ananya, a radiant smile illuminating her face.

"Amma!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Siya in a tight hug. "We have a surprise!"

Siya's gaze flickered to the man beside Ananya, her heart swelling with a warmth that had nothing to do with the approaching winter. "This must be..." she began, her voice trailing off.
"Meet Kai," Ananya announced, her eyes sparkling with a love that mirrored Siya's own all those years ago. "He's the special someone I mentioned."
Kai stepped forward, extending a hand towards Siya. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Khanna."

Siya's smile widened as she shook his hand. "The pleasure is all mine, Kai," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "Welcome to the family."

The following days were a whirlwind of introductions, shared meals, and laughter that echoed through the once-empty halls. Arjun, ever the charmer, regaled Kai with stories (perhaps a little more embellished than usual) of his political career, while Siya listened with a mixture of amusement and affection.
One evening, as Siya and Ananya sat nestled on the balcony, watching the city lights twinkle into life, Siya reached for her daughter's hand. "He seems wonderful, Ananya," she said, her voice filled with genuine happiness.
Ananya squeezed her mother's hand. "He is, Amma," she said, her voice soft. "He believes in everything I do, supports my dreams just like you and Appa always have."

A lump formed in Siya's throat. "We're so proud of you, sweetheart," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "You've built a life filled with love and purpose, just like we did."
Ananya leaned her head against Siya's shoulder. "But our story is different, Amma," she said thoughtfully. "We get to choose who we love, what path we take."
Siya smiled, a tear glistening in her eye. "And that's a beautiful thing, Ananya," she replied. "That's the future we fought for, the future you deserve."

Looking out at the city lights, a kaleidoscope of dreams and possibilities, Siya knew their love story wasn't over. It was a testament to the enduring power of connection, a love story that had redefined tradition, and now, it was a legacy passed on. Ananya's story, a story of choice and freedom, was a testament to the evolution of their extraordinary love story, a love story that would continue to inspire for generations to come.

#####

Hey buddies,

"Love is a journey, not a destination. Cherish every moment."

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope my stories have touched your heart in some way. I tried this book to be short and sweet. 

Some of you might be disappointed. But would like to take your reviews or feedback. Hope you can comment and let me know.

Thank you readers for their time and support.