Threads of Tradition: Tales Of Indian Arranged Marriages

Epilogue

Five years had passed since that pivotal conversation, and Kavya Awasthi stood at the entrance of her art gallery, her heart racing with excitement and pride. The space was alive with vibrant colours, each painting a reflection of her journey—from the struggle of finding her voice to the triumph of reclaiming her dreams. It was a dream she had long cherished, now realized in a place where people gathered to appreciate art, beauty, and resilience.

The grand opening was filled with friends, family, and art enthusiasts, all buzzing with anticipation. Kavya glanced around, her eyes landing on a familiar figure. Arjun stood by the entrance, his face alight with admiration as he spoke to a group of guests. He had transformed in so many ways over the past few years, shedding the toxic traits that had once defined him. Now, he was the supportive partner Kavya had always dreamed of—a man who encouraged her to pursue her passions while respecting her individuality.

As she made her way through the crowd, Kavya felt a rush of gratitude for the man who had stood by her side through every step of her journey. Their relationship had deepened into something beautiful, built on mutual respect and unwavering support. Therapy sessions, open conversations, and shared experiences healed the wounds of their past, allowing them to grow together.

“Hey, there’s my stunning artist!” Arjun exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with pride as he spotted her. He crossed the room in two strides, pulling her into a warm embrace.

Kavya melted into his arms, feeling safe and cherished. “I can’t believe this day is finally here,” she said, pulling back to meet his gaze. “Thank you for always believing in me.”

“Always,” he replied, a smile spreading across his face. “I’ve always known you were destined for greatness. Look at this place!” He gestured to the walls adorned with her artwork, each piece telling a story of her resilience and growth.

As they wandered through the gallery, Arjun’s presence felt like an anchor, grounding her amidst the whirlwind of emotions. “I still remember the day you first showed me your sketches,” he said, his voice filled with nostalgia. “You were so nervous, but your talent was undeniable. I knew then that you had something special.”

Kavya laughed, her cheeks warming at the memory. “I was terrified to show them to you. Your opinion meant everything to me, and I was afraid of what you would think.”

“I was blown away,” Arjun confessed, his tone earnest. “You have this incredible ability to capture emotions, to tell stories through your art. It’s what drew me to you in the first place.”

Her heart swelled with affection. “And you’ve been my biggest supporter ever since. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

As they continued to mingle with guests, Kavya noticed a familiar face approaching—a friend from her art school days. “Kavya! I can’t believe how far you’ve come!” she exclaimed, embracing Kavya tightly.

“It’s so good to see you!” Kavya replied, her heart brimming with joy. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and shared memories, reminding Kavya of the strength she had found within herself.

Later in the evening, as the crowd began to thin, Kavya and Arjun found a quiet moment on the gallery’s balcony. The stars twinkled above, casting a soft glow over the city.

“I’m so proud of you,” Arjun said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as they gazed out at the view. “You’ve worked so hard to make this dream a reality.”

Kavya leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his love surround her. “And I couldn’t have done it without you. You taught me that it’s okay to take up space, to voice my needs, and to pursue my passions.”

“I’ll always be here to remind you of that,” he promised, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “You deserve every bit of happiness.”

As they stood together under the night sky, Kavya felt a profound sense of peace wash over her. They had weathered storms and emerged stronger, their love forged in the fires of adversity.

“Here’s to us and all the new beginnings,” she said softly, raising her glass of champagne.

“To us,” Arjun echoed, clinking his glass against hers.

At that moment, Kavya knew that their journey was far from over. There would always be challenges to face and dreams to pursue, but they would navigate it all together—hand in hand, heart to heart. The future was bright, and for the first time, she felt a sense of unwavering confidence in the love they had built.

As they shared a quiet kiss, the stars twinkling overhead seemed to mirror the hopes and dreams that lay ahead—a canvas yet to be painted, filled with endless possibilities.