Closer Than Before | 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙙 ✅

Chapter 43: Epilogue

Radhika's POV:

After all the chaos, we finally made it back to the hotel where Samar was staying. As we entered, I saw Niharika, and I had to admit-she was beautiful, with a warm, genuine smile that put me at ease. She greeted us with a friendly wave, and to my surprise, she looked truly happy for us.

"Congratulations, you two," she said, beaming. "I told my parents I didn't want to get married right now. I've decided to go back to school for my master's instead, and they're completely on board with it."

I smiled, genuinely grateful for her support. "Thank you, Niharika. I'm so glad everything worked out for you too."

Once our quick greetings were over, Samar led Siya and me to our rooms. He showed me mine first, then Siya's right next door. We dropped our bags, and all of us headed down for lunch together.

The atmosphere felt so much lighter-like a weight had finally been lifted off all our shoulders. There were laughs, shared stories, and even his parents were warming up as they chatted with mine over the phone, talking about our marriage.

I caught Samar's eye as he sat beside me, our shoulders brushing lightly. The relief and happiness on his face mirrored my own, and in that moment, everything felt like it was falling into place.

After a while, Siya stretched and let out a yawn. "I'm completely wiped out after all my hard work," she said with a grin, nudging Samar. "Think I've earned myself a long nap."

"Absolutely," I laughed, watching her head off to her room. Samar's parents mentioned they would be going shopping, too, hoping to explore a bit with my parents once they arrived tomorrow.

That left Samar and me, looking at each other with grins.

"Guess that means it's just us for the afternoon," he said, a playful glint in his eyes. "How about a shopping date?"

My heart skipped a beat. "Sounds perfect."

And so, hand in hand, we stepped out into the bustling streets, the sun casting a warm glow over everything.

********

The moment we found those matching engagement outfits, I couldn't stop grinning. We looked like the perfect pair, and I could feel my cheeks warm up every time Samar caught my gaze in the mirror.

After all that shopping, we treated ourselves to a cozy dinner at a nearby restaurant, savoring every bite while sharing glances that said more than words ever could.

When we got back to the hotel, I took a deep breath, feeling a rush of emotions. Standing in front of his room, I leaned in, gave him a quick, soft kiss, then dashed to my room, clutching my outfit.

Once inside, I closed the door, heart racing, a smile spreading across my face. I placed my dress carefully on the bed, then before I knew it, sleep took over, carrying me away in a wave of happiness.

The next morning, my parents arrived, and suddenly, everyone was in a flurry of activity. Both families were abuzz with preparations, with every detail being arranged meticulously.

I, on the other hand, found myself enjoying a rare moment of calm, lounging with a glass of juice and sending invites to friends.

Just then, I saw Samar, who looked like he'd been running around nonstop. He came over, grinned, and leaned in, giving me a quick peck on the cheek. Before I could react, he snatched my juice and downed it in one go.

"Hey! That was mine!" I exclaimed, jumping up, eyes flashing with mischief.

"Oh, really? Then come and get it back!" he teased, flashing a grin before darting away.