40. Epilogue

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It had been two years since Dev and Prarthana's wedding, and their home had settled into a quiet, comforting rhythm. The evening sun cast a warm glow through the windows as Dev returned from work, his footsteps soft on the floor. As he neared the kitchen, he paused at the entrance, taking in the sight before him.

Prarthana sat with his mother at the dining table, both engrossed in conversation, each holding a cup of tea. Prarthana looked effortlessly graceful, dressed in a simple cotton saree, her hair loosely clutched up, her face free of makeup, radiating a natural beauty. She laughed softly at something his mother said, and the two shared a warm bond that filled the house with a sense of peace.

Dev stood there, unnoticed for a moment, just admiring the scene. It was these quiet moments that made him realize how lucky he was to have Prarthana in his life.

Sensing his presence, Prarthana turned her head slightly and smiled. "Dev, why don't you join us? The tea is still warm," she said, gesturing towards the table.

He nodded with a small smile, walking over to take a seat beside his mother. As he sat down, Prarthana rose gracefully from her chair and disappeared into the kitchen to fetch him a cup of tea.

His mother glanced at him, her eyes warm. "You know," she began softly, "Prarthana is just like Chandani. She spends the whole day with me, always taking care of everything, just like she did."

Dev leaned back, his gaze following Prarthana's movements in the kitchen, his heart swelling with affection. "We’re lucky to have her," he said quietly, his words filled with sincerity.

Prarthana soon returned, placing a cup of tea in front of him before sitting back down. Without missing a beat, she picked up their conversation right where they had left off. "So, Ma, have you heard about the new mall that just opened? They have a beautiful collection of Kanchipuram silk sarees," she said, her excitement bubbling through.

His mother’s eyes lit up at the mention of sarees, and the two women continued to chat animatedly about the latest designs and shopping plans. Dev sat back, sipping his tea, content to simply witness the interaction between his wife and his mother.

He didn’t need to say much—just watching them, the ease with which they shared their lives, was enough. In that moment, he felt at peace, knowing that Prarthana had not only become an integral part of his life but had also filled the spaces left empty with love, care, and laughter.

In the warmth of the kitchen, the aroma of freshly prepared food lingered as Prarthana stood next to Dev's mother, arranging the last of the dishes. As they finished, Dev's mother smiled and said, “I'll call your father for dinner, everything’s ready.”

Prarthana nodded, turning her attention to setting the dining table. She moved with ease, placing plates and glasses in their usual spots, unaware that Dev had quietly entered the kitchen. He leaned against the counter, his eyes following her every movement, a soft smile playing on his lips.

When she finished, she walked back into the kitchen to check if everything was set, only for Dev to swiftly grab her hand and pull her into a tight hug. Surprised but amused, Prarthana placed her hands on his chest, tilting her head up to meet his gaze.

“And what’s up with this behavior?” she asked, a playful smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

He shook his head, offering no explanation, just an adoring look. Before they could say more, they heard his mother and father approaching the dining table.

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