Yeh Hai Aashiqui

Epilogue

A year later, Diwali had returned, bringing with it an air of celebration and warmth that blanketed the city. The sounds of laughter, the crackling of firecrackers, and the rich scents of sweets and incense filled the evening. Aakash, dressed in a deep blue kurta that matched the twilight sky, stood nervously in the compound of Diya's building, where families had already gathered for the festivities.

This time, though, he wasn't here by reluctant invitation or forced persuasion. He was here with purpose, with a hope that glowed as brightly as the oil lamps lining the walls.

Diya hadn't seen him yet. She was busy making her rounds, greeting every person in the society, from the little kids with their sparklers to the elderly, who beamed at her warmth and energy. Aakash watched her, a soft smile playing on his lips. She looked radiant in a deep red sari, her laughter lighting up the night even more than the sparklers. The soft rustle of her sari brushed against the air, adding to the melody of Diwali.

Taking a deep breath, he held the small velvet box in his hand, feeling its weight like a heartbeat. He still remembered last Diwali, the night she had pulled him out of his darkness and made him see the beauty in living again. Her words had been a turning point, a beacon he hadn't realized he needed.

The moment arrived when Diya, noticing him standing off to the side, waved him over with a bright smile. He approached, his heart hammering, but his steps steady, each one echoing the rhythm of hope in his chest.

"Hey, you! Lost in thought again?" she teased, bumping him with her shoulder. "I thought I cured you of that last year."

"Just taking it all in," he replied, his voice softer than usual, his eyes never leaving hers. The warmth of her presence felt like home.

Noticing the shift in his gaze, Diya's smile softened, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

"Everyone, can I have your attention?" Aakash's voice rang out, catching Diya by surprise.

The crowd turned, smiles and curious expressions lighting up every face as they gathered around. 

Diya looked at him, wide-eyed, laughter and confusion dancing in her eyes. "Aakash, what are you—?"

"Last year," he began, his voice steady but thick with emotion, "I came here as a broken man. Diwali felt like a memory I couldn't bear to relive. But someone reminded me that light always follows darkness, that life—no matter how painful—has moments worth celebrating."

The crowd grew hushed, sensing the gravity of his words. A few children stopped their play, their sparklers forgotten, eyes wide with anticipation.

"And that person," he continued, taking Diya's hand in his, the warmth of her palm grounding him, "was you, Diya. You brought light back into my life, made me believe in happiness again. I don't know how you did it, but you gave me something I thought I'd lost forever."

Diya's cheeks flushed, her eyes shimmering like the fireworks that would soon light the night sky.

He lowered himself to one knee. Opening the small box, he revealed a delicate diamond ring that glinted under the festival lights, sending tiny prisms dancing across Diya's face. The gasps and whispers from the crowd faded, leaving only Diya and Aakash standing together, bound by the weight of the moment.

"Diya," he said, voice thick with emotion, "will you marry me? Will you be the diya that will lighten up my world for the rest of my life?"

Tears filled her eyes as she covered her mouth, nodding with a smile so radiant it outshone the lights around them. She pulled him up, whispering, "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes."

The crowd erupted into applause and cheers, and as firecrackers burst in the sky, their colors casting a magical glow over them, Diya and Aakash held each other close, surrounded by love, laughter, and the warmth of Diwali, together, now and always.

As they embraced, Aakash felt the world around them dissolve, the noise fading into a gentle hum. In that moment, it was just the two of them, cocooned in a bubble of happiness. The vibrant colors of the fireworks illuminated their faces, reflecting the love they had built together over the year.

That year had been a journey, one filled with challenges, healing, and the sweet ache of longing. Their relationship had flourished even from a distance, each day a testament to their growing bond. Late-night video calls became their sanctuary, where they shared everything from their daily lives to their innermost thoughts, laughter mingling with tears as they navigated their paths.

There were days when Aakash struggled with memories that threatened to pull him back into despair, but Diya was always there, her unwavering support like a lifeline. She sent him care packages filled with his favorite sweets, notes of encouragement scribbled on colorful post-its, and little reminders that he was never alone. On his lowest days, when shadows threatened to creep back in, he could almost feel her presence beside him, a gentle whisper in his ear urging him to keep going.

And in turn, Aakash had been Diya's rock during her own low moments, when the pressures of life felt overwhelming. He'd listen patiently, reminding her of her strength, coaxing her to find joy in the little things. Together, they had learned the delicate art of balancing support and independence, each moment reinforcing the love that had grown between them.

As the night wore on, they were surrounded by friends and neighbours, each moment weaving new memories. Aakash realized that this wasn't just a celebration of love, but also a celebration of healing, of coming together, of finding joy amid the chaos of life.

With Diya by his side, he knew they could face anything the world threw at them. Together, they would light the way through the darkness, their love shining as brightly as the fireworks above.

And so, as the last firecracker lit up the night sky, Aakash felt a deep sense of gratitude wash over him. He was no longer just a man who had lost everything; he was a man who had found love and purpose again. With Diya, he had built a future that shimmered with hope—a promise that they would always find their way back to each other, no matter the distance or the darkness that lay ahead.

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Okay so here we go...

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