IN THE CITY OF PEARLS✔️

Epilogue

FEW YEARS LATER , 

In the soft glow of dawn, Krishna and Vrindha lay cozily in their bed, the gentle sounds of the morning birds is  filtering through the windows. The peaceful atmosphere wrapped around them like a warm blanket, cradling them in tranquility. Outside, the world was just beginning to stir, but within the kids' bedroom, an adventure was already unfolding.

Eight-years-old Sumedh woke up with a burst of energy by rubbing his eyes and stretching like a little cat. He glanced over at his four -years -old sister, Aira, still blissfully wrapped in her favourite blanket and her tiny fists are clenched in sleep. A grin spread across his face as he quietly climbed out of bed. 

Sumedh : Aira, wake up ! It's time for fun !

He whispered by jumping out of the bed.

With a mischievous spark in his eyes, he gently shook her. 

Sumedh : Come on, let's go and see amma and nanna ! 

Aira stirred and her big eyes are blinking open with a sleepy smile breaking across her face. 

Aira : Okay !

She  chirped, and with her brother's encouragement, they tiptoed out of the room and their giggles are barely contained.

As they crept into their parents' room, the sight of their cozy nest made them burst into laughter. They climbed onto the bed by bouncing excitedly, filling the space with youthful energy.

Vrindha stirred awake, blinking against the light. The sight of her two little ones jumping on the bed made her heart swell, but before she could fully process the morning chaos, Krishna, still half-asleep, pulled her back onto the bed with a playful grin. The kids ran away as something blinked in their mind.

Krishna : Stay a little longer ! 

He pleaded by  wrapping his arms around her waist, enjoying the softness of their moment.

Vrindha : No, I need to check on them ! 

She protested by trying to rise but finding herself snugly held by her husband.

Krishna chuckled, 

Krishna : You can check on them in a minute ! You were the one bickering about everything until two in the morning ! 

Vrindha rolled her eyes with a smile creeping onto her face. 

Vrindha : Fine, but I'm not letting you distract me for long. I need to make sure they're not getting into trouble ! 

Finally, she managed to slip out of his embrace and walked into the living room, krishna followed her by holding the hem of her saree like a kid. As they turned the corner, a splash of bright red caught their eyes. Horror struck them as they stepped forward, only to discover a riot of colours like red, blue, green splattered across the walls, furniture, and, most notably, all over the kids themselves. They had turned the living room into a chaotic art studio.

Vrindha : Sumedh ! Aira ! 

Vrindha exclaimed and her voice is a mix of shock and exasperation. 

Vrindha : What have you done ? 

Sumedh : Look, amma ! We're painting ! 

 Sumedh beamed, proudly by displaying his paint-smeared hands.

Krishna couldn't help but laugh at the sight, stepping in to defend his kids. 

Krishna : Come on, let them be ! It's a creative expression ! They are kids.

Krishna walked upto kids and they even painted him. Vrindha glared  at Krishna. 

Vrindha : Creative expression ? Look at this mess ! They've turned the house into a disaster zone ! 

With a dramatic sigh, Krishna scooped up both children by saying, 

Krishna : Alright, my little Picassos, time to clean up ! To the washroom ! 

Once in the bathroom, Krishna guided them through the process of brushing their teeth, playfully splashing water around as they giggled. He held Aira in one arm while directing Sumedh with the other, their laughter is echoing off the tiles by filling the house with joy.

One by one, he gave them baths, expertly maneuvering between the two, making it a game as they splashed each other and squealed with delight. By the time he finished bathing Aira, Vrindha emerged from their bedroom. She is stunning in a beautiful light blue saree that accentuated her grace. The rich colors complemented her perfectly, and Krishna's breath caught for a moment and his heart is swelling with admiration.

Krishna : Wow, you're gorgeous ! 

He said and his voice is  filled with awe.

She smiled, but then playfully pinched him. 

Vrindha : You're just trying to distract me.

Krishna : Guilty as charged ! 

He laughed by heading off to have a bath. 

After a whirlwind of getting ready, they gathered for breakfast, the kids buzzing with excitement. 

Sumedh : Are we going to the zoo today ? 

Sumedh asked and  his eyes are sparkling with anticipation.

Vrindha : Yes ! And we're going to see all the animals !

Vrindha replied by  serving up pancakes and fresh fruit, her heart is warming at their enthusiasm.

With the kids devouring their breakfast, the family finished up and headed out, the sun is shining brightly above. The drive to the zoo was filled with laughter and chatter, the kids animatedly discussing which animals they were most excited to see.

Upon arriving, they were greeted by the vibrant sounds of the zoo , animals calling, children laughing, and the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. They wandered through the exhibits, marveling at the majestic elephants, laughing at the playful monkeys swinging from branch to branch, and watching in awe as the vibrant parrots flitted about.

Aira : Look, Mom, the giraffes ! 

Aira squealed by  pointing with wide eyes as the gentle giants leaned down to nibble on leaves held out by delighted visitors.

As they saw the giraffes, the experience was filled with joy, the children giggling as they stretched to reach the towering animals. Sumedh narrated wild stories about each creature, captivating Aira with his imaginative tales.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, signaling the end of their day at the zoo, they returned home, tired but elated. The children cuddled close as they settled into bed, Krishna on one side and Vrindha on the other with a protective warmth surrounding them.

With Sumedh's head resting on Krishna's arm and Aira snuggled against Vrindha, the couple exchanged a look filled with love and gratitude for their beautiful family. 

Vrindha : What a perfect day ! 

 Vrindha whispered and her heart is swelling with happiness.

Krishna : That's because of our perfect family.

As the house fell silent, the four of them drifted into a peaceful sleep, intertwined in a cocoon of love and laughter, dreaming of new adventures to come.

THE END 

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