Threads of Tradition: Tales Of Indian Arranged Marriages

Epilogue

The warm sunlight filtered through the curtains of their cozy Mumbai apartment, casting a golden glow over the room. Amrita sat by the large window, gazing out at the bustling cityscape below. It was a typical busy day in the city, but inside their home, everything was serene, filled with the quiet hum of daily life. The apartment had become their sanctuary, a place filled with memories and love.

It had been five years since Amrita and Vihaan had stood at the wedding altar, vowing to spend their lives together. So much had changed since then, yet the foundation of their relationship—their love, trust, and companionship—had only grown stronger.

Amrita smiled as she looked around the living room, where a few scattered toys and books lay across the floor. The laughter of their three-year-old son, Vishesh, echoed from the next room. Vihaan was with him, reading one of Vishesh's favorite storybooks.

Life had taken them on an unexpected yet beautiful journey. After their wedding, Vihaan's business had taken off in ways they hadn't anticipated. His start-up, a software company specializing in AI-based solutions, had grown rapidly, making him one of the most sought-after entrepreneurs in the industry. While the success brought its own challenges, Vihaan always made time for his family, ensuring that work never overshadowed the importance of being present at home.

Amrita, too, had found her own path. After much thought, she left her job as an architect a year after Vishesh was born, choosing to freelance instead. This gave her the flexibility to pursue her passion while balancing motherhood. Over the years, she had taken up several small but meaningful projects, designing sustainable homes and community spaces across the city.

She stood up from the window and made her way to Vishesh's room. Peeking inside, she saw Vihaan lying on the floor beside their son, the two of them engrossed in an animated conversation about Vishesh's latest toy—a miniature car that Vihaan had bought him as a surprise.

"Vroom, vroom!" Vishesh made the sound effects as he zoomed the car along Vihaan's arm. His laughter was contagious, filling the room with joy.

"Is it my turn to race the car yet?" Vihaan teased, pretending to be frustrated with Vishesh's monopoly on the toy.

"Not yet, Papa!" Vishesh giggled, clearly enjoying his father's attention.

Amrita leaned against the doorframe, watching the two of them with a fond smile. This was her family—the life she had always dreamed of but never quite imagined would come true in this way.

Vihaan looked up and caught her gaze, his eyes softening as he smiled at her. "Hey, we were just about to have a car race. Want to join?"

Amrita laughed softly. "I'll leave the racing to you two. But I wouldn't mind watching."

Vihaan grinned and got up, scooping Vishesh into his arms. "Alright, champ, let's give your mom a break for a bit. What do you say we head out to the park?"

Vishesh's eyes lit up. "Yes! Park! Let's go!"

Amrita watched as Vihaan grabbed Vishesh's shoes and helped him put them on. Moments like this made her realize how far they had come. The initial nervousness and uncertainty that had marked the early days of their arranged marriage had long since melted away, replaced by a deep understanding and love that ran through every part of their lives.

As Vihaan and Vishesh headed for the door, Amrita joined them, grabbing her purse and keys. The park was just a short walk from their apartment, and they often spent their weekends there, enjoying the open space and greenery amidst the chaos of city life.

Walking hand in hand with Vihaan while Vishesh skipped ahead, Amrita felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She had grown so much in these past five years—not just as a wife and mother, but as a person. She had learned that love wasn't just about the grand gestures but the small, everyday moments of kindness, support, and laughter.

At the park, Vishesh immediately ran to the playground, eager to climb the slides and swings. Vihaan and Amrita sat on a nearby bench, watching him play. The sun was setting, casting a soft glow over the park, and the air was filled with the sounds of children laughing and birds chirping.

Vihaan reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers. "You know," he began, his voice soft, "I never imagined life would be like this. But now that we're here, I can't imagine it any other way."

Amrita smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Me neither. We've been through so much, but every step of the way has made us stronger."

Vihaan kissed the top of her head. "I'm grateful for you, for everything we've built together."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying the moment. Five years ago, they had been strangers brought together by family and tradition. Now, they were partners in every sense of the word, navigating life's highs and lows together, raising a family, and building a future.

As Vishesh came running back to them, his face flushed with excitement, Amrita looked at her son and husband and felt her heart swell with happiness. This was the life she had always dreamed of, and it had become a beautiful reality.