Ishqiya

Epilogue

There were days when I would stay in the silence of my room grief-stricken because of his absence, and days when we weren't able to text all call each other because of our careers. But everything was worth it, the pain, the suffering, those days, everything.

And now finally he was returning home and I couldn't be any happier. He had finally gained his father's trust and I know my man is so proud that he won't be able to stop ranting about how great he is and how gracefully he handled everything all by himself. My man! My Neil!

I jumped out of bed and dashed towards the halls to get prepared for his arrival. He informed me that first he would go to his house, freshen up and directly come to meet me. I was near the dinner table when I stumbled upon a Yug who was playing with his remote control car.

"Careful bacche!", I scolded him softly balancing myself on my feet
[Translation: careful kiddo]

"Dikhai nhi deta hai kya?", he pouted angrily and I stared at him shocked. Ek toh chori aur upar se sena jori!

[Translation: can't you see and walk

: a Hindi idiom]

"You know what Yug, I won't give you any chocolates that Neil will bring along with him", I glared at him my hands on either side of my hips

"Sorry na Suha di", he apologized trying to appear as innocent as he could. Bhai yeh bacche hai ya tufan mel? Jitna jaldi dhoni stump out nhi karta usse jaldi toh yeh apni fitrat badal lete hai.

[Translation: today's kids are so crazy. They change colours even before a chameleon can]

Suddenly we heard car horns and my heart started beating so loudly, that I  could hear it in my ears. Mummy and Papaji both came downstairs to welcome him while I stood rooted in my place. My heart leapt inside and I felt my stomach twisting when I saw him enter through the front door dressed in my favourite black Polo t-shirt and grey jeans. Butterflies danced in my stomach, my hands felt sweaty and I licked my dry chapped lips. Dear Tummy, Sorry about the butterflies. It's not my fault. I swear. It's his.

"Namaste aunty, namaste uncle", he greeted and bowed to touch both of my parent's feet. The whole family was aware of us and gladly no one had any problem with it, rather they appeared more excited about us than we were.

My parents blessed him and he walked towards me with slow steps teasing me. He knew I was longing for him and I know he was too as I noticed the spark and emotions flooding in his eyes. He was here, finally here.

He stood in front of me and without wasting a second I plunged my arms around him, cocooning in his embrace. I was feeling him close, so close after 3 whole years and I wanted to feel the whole of it.

"I missed you", I choked as I felt my throat heavy with emotions and a few tears escaped my eyes drenching his t-shirt.

"Bas-bas I'm here now", he consoled rubbing my hair and tightening his hold on me

After my emotional breakdown and a hearty lunch, we moved towards my bedroom and were lazing on the bed, my laptop screen illuminating with DDLJ where the iconic train scene was being played.

"I wish to recreate this too", I announced my demand as we lay cuddled inside the warm blanket. I was partially on top of him, my arms wrapped around her, too afraid to let him go.