Serious in Love ✔

Epilogue (Part II)

"Sorry," Vansh spoke, catching Ahana's attention. They were seated on the royal chairs placed next to each other. Families of their relatives were coming one by one to click photos with them.

Ahana's Maasi and her family stood behind them. With the cameraman's command of 'cheese', Ahana pulled out a wide smile followed by the flashes. She couldn't believe she had to keep up with this facade for the next hour or so. Vansh apparently felt the same. Ahana turned to Vansh once they exited the stage. "Why?"

"I'm trying to find an appropriate adjective to define your beauty but I can't. I don't think a mere word can fill what I feel by looking at you right now." Vansh ended the sentence by looking directly at her.

"If this is your way of complimenting me, then I must say it's damn well working." Ahana averted her eyes, a small blush creeping up her rosy cheeks. It was surprising how he could still cause her to feel butterflies in her stomach. "You aren't the only one. This might sound cheesy as hell but you are the best version of Vansh I have seen till now... my handsome prince."

The grin he shot her in return seemed brighter than all the flashlights together. "Fuck, the urge to kiss you is getting stronger than ever."

Ahana shot a tight lipped smile to the next family of relatives stepping in. She glared at Vansh, "Don't, just don't. We have already explored enough PDA during our bachelor's party. Do you remember how some of our friends started leaving when they thought we were about to do it in front of them? Imagine how would the adults react."

"This sucks," Vansh whined. "How I wish the pandit would say 'you may kiss the bride' at the end of Saptapadi?"

Ahana was about to open her mouth but stopped as Vansh Chachi's family walked over their side. The adults got in their usual position while their children sat on Vansh and Ahana's lap. The cameramen said cheese and Ahana took that moment to whisper in Vansh's ear. "Let's upgrade that tradition then."

And clicked the picture with Ahana kissing the corner of Vansh's lips, shocking the cameraman. Vansh's eyes continued to remain wide seconds after the photo was shot.

The photo session went on for another torturous hour and half. In order to survive from the catastrophe of boredom, Vansh and Ahana either involved in small conversations or played guessing games. When the relatives and collegues from both sides were done with photos, it was their friend's turn.

Ahana's bro- friends were the first to enter the stage. She noticed how Vansh posture became rigid, making her slightly cautious as well. It had nothing to do with them but a particular person amongst them. She hoped things wouldn't be too weird between Vansh and Piyush.

"Are you breathing in there?" Aman asked, waving a hand before Ahana while she scowled.

"Pretty sure she won't speak if she died then." Xander defended.

"It's not my fault that you don't believe in ghosts. I do, and by the killer looks she's throwing at us, I'm sure she's the one from the afterworld."

"But that's her usual face. What are you talking about?" Vishal answered, deadpanned.

"So we were befriending a ghost all this time?" Piyush covered his hand over his mouth, in a ladylike manner.

Ahana bursted out laughing, pausing them from their mindless joking. It was the first time she laughed since the photo session. She took a moment to stare at the four boys she had known since high school. It was like a short film going on her head- their jokes, their barbaric laughs, their protectiveness and their caring sides. Ahana didn't have real brothers but these four were the closest thing to a brother she could ever have (with the small exception of Piyush). Even Vansh could feel the sudden heaviness in the atmosphere as the boys stared at her. It almost felt like a parent looking down at their child, wondering how big she had grown.