EPILOGUE

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                    Author's pov

A year had passed, and time seemed to move in slow, deliberate waves, gently carrying Mihitha, Rudransh, and Nila through the rhythms of their lives. The happiness that had slowly returned to their world felt fragile, like a delicate bloom in the spring. But it was a happiness that had been earned, nurtured through countless tender moments, hard-earned healing, and love so deep it became the foundation of their existence.

Mihitha stood by the window one morning, her gaze drifting out to the garden, where the sun cast long, golden shadows. She didn’t realize how long she’d been standing there, lost in thought, until she felt a small hand tugging at the hem of her dress.

“Mama?” Nila’s voice broke through her reverie, soft and curious.

Mihitha turned, her heart swelling at the sight of her daughter. Nila had grown so much in the past year—her once chubby cheeks had slimmed into a little face full of mischief and curiosity. The child’s eyes, so much like Rudransh’s, were filled with unspoken questions, waiting for the right moment to unfold.

“Yes, my love?” Mihitha crouched down, brushing a stray lock of hair behind Nila’s ear, her gaze tender.

Nila hesitated, her little hands clasped together as if gathering the courage to ask something important. “Mama, are you okay? You’ve been quiet all morning.”

Mihitha’s heart tightened at the innocent concern in her daughter’s voice. She had been so wrapped up in her thoughts lately—thoughts that she couldn’t yet fully grasp. She smiled gently at Nila, brushing a hand across her daughter’s soft cheek.

“I’m okay, sweetheart,” Mihitha replied, her voice warm and soothing. “I’m just thinking about a few things. Nothing for you to worry about.”

But as she spoke, the truth of the matter began to settle deep within her. There was something she hadn’t expected, something she hadn’t prepared for—something that had begun to stir inside her, quietly whispering in the back of her mind.

It wasn’t until later that day, when the sun had dipped below the horizon and the house was quiet, that the realization truly hit her. Mihitha was standing in the bathroom, her reflection staring back at her in the mirror, when she felt it again—the soft, fluttering sensation that had been growing inside her for weeks now. Her breath caught in her throat as she took a moment to process the truth.

She was pregnant again.

A wave of emotions hit her at once—surprise, joy, fear. She placed her hand over her stomach, staring at her reflection, her heart racing. She hadn’t expected this—hadn’t anticipated that a new life could be growing inside her so soon. It was a whirlwind of feelings—exhilaration mixed with a deep sense of responsibility.

She wasn’t alone in this, though. Not anymore. Rudransh had always been by her side, his unwavering support a constant anchor in their lives. And now, more than ever, she knew he would be with her every step of the way.

“Mama?” Nila’s voice called again, this time from the doorway.

Mihitha turned, wiping her hands on her dress, the smile she gave her daughter forced but gentle. “Yes, my love?”

“Papa’s calling you,” Nila said, her face lighting up with a mischievous grin. “He says it’s time for dinner!”

Mihitha chuckled, her heart lightening as she stood up straight and walked toward the door. “Thank you for letting me know. I’ll be right there.”

As she stepped out into the living room, she found Rudransh standing by the dining table, his broad frame casting a shadow against the soft light of the room. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, everything else faded. They hadn’t shared words yet—words about what Mihitha had just discovered, the truth she was still trying to wrap her mind around—but he could see it in her eyes.

She was different tonight. There was something there—something unsaid, but deeply felt. Rudransh knew his wife well enough by now to understand when she was holding something back, when the weight of the world rested just beneath the surface of her smile.

As they sat down together, the familiar warmth of family enveloped them. Nila was talking about her day, her voice filled with excitement as she chattered about the games she had played with Rudransh, the stories they had shared. Mihitha listened, her heart swelling with love for her daughter, her husband, and for the life they had built together. But there was a part of her, an ache in her chest, that lingered just below the surface.

Dinner was finished, and the three of them settled in the living room for a quiet evening together. Nila was on the floor, playing with her toys, while Mihitha and Rudransh sat side by side, the space between them filled with unspoken words.

Finally, it was Rudransh who broke the silence, his voice low and steady as he turned toward Mihitha. “I can feel something’s different, Mihitha,” he said softly. “What’s on your mind?”

Mihitha looked at him, her gaze meeting his, and for a moment, the world felt still. She hadn’t expected to tell him this way, hadn’t planned it, but somehow, she knew this was the moment. She reached for his hand, holding it gently in hers, and she felt his thumb brush against her knuckles, steadying her. His touch was always like that—grounding, calm, the safety she had longed for in all the years of her life.

“I’m pregnant again, Rudransh,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly, as though the weight of her words was still sinking in. “I’m carrying another child.”

For a moment, there was nothing—no sound, no movement—just the two of them locked in that shared silence. Then, slowly, Rudransh turned to face her fully, his expression unreadable, his eyes searching her face for any sign of uncertainty.

“A baby?” he repeated, his voice thick with emotion, as though he were still processing the reality of it. “Another baby?”

Mihitha nodded, feeling her own emotions well up inside her. There was joy, yes—immense joy at the thought of giving Nila a sibling, of bringing another life into their world. But there was also fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of whether she could handle it all, of whether their family could sustain this new life.

Before she could say anything more, Rudransh’s arms were around her, pulling her close as if she were the most precious thing in the world. His hold was tight, desperate, as if he feared the moment would slip away. He buried his face in her hair, his voice cracking as he whispered against her skin, “You’re amazing, Mihitha. You always surprise me. And I promise, I’ll be with you every step of the way. I’ll always be here.”

Tears welled in her eyes, and she wrapped her arms around him, holding him as if she could never let go. The overwhelming love they shared filled the room, consuming them both. In that moment, Mihitha knew that no matter what the future held, they would face it together. With Rudransh by her side, they could overcome anything.

And as they sat there, wrapped in each other’s embrace, the promise of a new life of new beginnings, new dreams, and a new chapter lay before them. The love they shared would continue to grow, like the life inside her, expanding in ways she couldn’t yet imagine.

They had been through so much, both separately and together. But this was different. This was the beginning of something new, something beautiful. And it would be theirs to cherish, forever.

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