The Distance Between Us

Epilogue

two years later.

Turns out, Armaan had been extremely wrong that night when he'd finally confessed to Riddhima. Life could get much, much better. And it had. After confessing to Riddhima, Armaan had spent the remainder of his time in Mumbai glued to her side. They did everything together. Armaan had practically moved into her flat, rarely ever sleeping over at Nikki's anymore. A week or so after that, sadly, he went back to New York. 

Things were a little tough with the distance, and especially the opposite time zones the couple found themselves in, but they managed to weather through it. Skype became their best friend. Endless video calls, morphing nights into days, kept them going. And then, only 3 months after they had officially announced that they were a couple, Riddhima had surprised Armaan in New York with a proposal at Central Park. It was the exact same spot where they'd played chess when Riddhima was visiting during Rohan & Jaanhavi's wedding. Of course, Armaan had instantly said yes. 

They decided to have a long engagement though, marrying almost a year later, only after Rahul & Muskaan had tied the knot first in a grand wedding. In contrast, Armaan & Riddhima's wedding had been an intimate affair with only their closest friends and family in attendance. Since it was Riddhima's second wedding but Armaan's first, to share a first with him, they had decided to have a Catholic style vow exchange first, and then a traditional Hindu wedding after that. They'd flown to Kasauli for the same, tying themselves to each other forever in the first place Armaan had called home after Shalini had passed. 

A few months after the wedding, Armaan had decided to focus more on his career as a singer and had come out of the shadows, revealing the identity of Reve to the rest of the world. It was an adjustment for them to get used to the constant nosiness in their lives with it, but they had slowly gotten used to it. 

And today… Armaan was walking the stage to receive his first ever Grammy. It felt a little too surreal as he held the trophy in his hands. When it was time for him to give a speech, he took a deep breath before starting. “Wow,” he started. “This is surreal. I wrote a speech. I really did. Just in case. But now I don't remember anything that I had prepared.”

His words were met with laughter. Thankful for the outburst, he continued. “Well, in the words of the GOAT… Diljit Dosanjh… Punjabi aa gaye Grammy oyyeeeee!!

I always wanted to do that. So, thank you for creating this moment where I could. As an artist of colour, this is a huge moment for me, and for all my brethren across the globe. I want to dedicate this to all the artists who have been working so hard to tell their stories and be heard around the world. Our stories do matter. And I hope and pray that we continue to get the recognition we deserve so that more people are inspired to tell their own stories.

But, what you see here today… Me standing on stage, receiving this award… This is a team effort. I didn't do anything alone. A lot of people have helped me reach this stage. And I want to thank all of them. To my manager, Peyton. Thank you for seeing the potential in me after one performance at an open mic night in a club. You took a huge gamble on a nobody, who didn't even want to show his face to the world. Thankfully, it has paid off for all of us. But, you saw me when no one else did. And I will forever be grateful for that. 

A huge thanks to every single producer I've worked with at Red Bedroom. You've put up with a lot of tantrums from me because I was stubborn and refused to accept your suggestions. Yet, you powered through and helped me make the best music I could.

To all the artists I've collaborated with over the years - thank you so much for being so kind and welcoming. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you. I've had the pleasure of working with the best of the best and I'm beyond grateful.

But, more than anything else, I'm grateful for my family, who have stood by me through thick and thin. They've pushed me, motivated me, and been there for me every single step of the way. 

To my sisters, Jaanhavi and Tamanna, thank you for being my strength in everything. You were the ones who convinced me to pursue my dreams and do this. If not for you, I would never be here. 

Thank you, Rahul - my friend, my brother, my guide, my everything. Only you truly know how much you mean to me and what you mean to me. If not for you, I would not be half the man I am today. Truly, this award belongs to you more than it can ever belong to me. There's no Armaan without Rahul. There's no Reve without Rahul either. 

Bua Maa - my guru, who is watching me from up there. She taught me everything I know. I hope she looks down on me and is proud of the work I'm doing and the music I'm making. She's my inspiration forevermore. 

My daughter, Ardhi… Who has only been in my life for a few months, but who I cannot live without. She brought me endless hope and love. With her, I've become a new man, a better man.

And last, but never the least… My gorgeous, gorgeous wife. The love of my life, Riddhima. You changed my life the day you met me. All my love songs are always about you, always have been, and always will be. I love you. We're finally here, Basket. Thank you.”

With that, he stumbled off the stage amidst thunderous applause. He rushed into her waiting arms and then nothing else mattered. It was just her. His entire world reduced to the feeling of her in his arms, her heartbeat in tandem with his, the smell of her filling every sense. 

“I'm here, you're here, we're okay,” Riddhima whispered softly in his ear, grounding him like she always did.

“I'm here, you're here, we're okay,” Armaan echoed. As long as he had her, he always would be.