A week after Shourya and Meera returned from France, they fell into the perfect pattern where both were back to work, and they would occasionally have lunch together at Meera's school if Shourya was free from meeting that day. Meera had introduced him to all her students and they seemed to adore her husband.
Raj and Neel would stay home more often and work from home. With Shourya and Rohan taking care of the businesses, all they really had to do was guide them when needed. This way Raj was able to give his wife all the time she wanted. And Neel was finally able to focus on himself, do the things he never could because he always put Reema and Rohan's needs first.
Neel had always loved exercising, going on hikes, rock climbing and doing some dirty work outdoors. But Reema never really liked it, she always liked him to be dressed well, be proper and behave a certain way. So over the years, out of love for his wife, Neel moulded himself into her ideal husband.
But now that he had finally broken out of that mess, he can be himself again. Do things for himself, and be happy for himself. And sometimes, Rohan would also join him, sometimes even the twins and Muskaan would come along.
Muskaan, Virat and Anushka had eventually forgiven Rohan, they could see the change in him and when he went to their home to give a sincere apology, the Rao's couldn't help but melt. As for Reema, she had fallen into a pattern of joining everyone for thier meals and family time, but had to deal with her husband and son being complete strangers to her. Rohan would sometimes come to her room when she was not present and leave some cash or a saree for her if she needs. But that was about it.
Other than Rohan and Neel, everyone in the family had slowly forgiven Reema and moved on and were always inclusive of Reema. Just like today, Sunita Devi helped Reema pick out a saree for tonight. It was Shourya and Meera's first wedding anniversary, and as per the couple's request, it was just going to be a family gathering, having fun and eating takeout from their favourite dhaba.
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"Shourya! Thank you so much! I know ki aap sab ek badi party chahte the, but pata nahi kyun mera dil hi nahi krta. It would have been so tiring. I just want to spend time with my husband and our family."
(I know that you guys wanted a bigger party, but I don't know why I just don't feel like it.)
Shourya gazes at his beautiful wife, who was dressed in a beautiful black saree, her hair slick back into a tight bun with two red roses. As the vent was only family, they had decided not to dress up too much. But just enough for cute Instagram posts.
"It's our wedding anniversary, so we get to celebrate it however we want. Agar meri jaan ko ghar pr, family ke sath celebrate krna hai toh hum waise hi krenge. Thank you bolne ki koi zarurat nahi hai."
(If my love wants to celebrate it at home with family, then that's what we'll do. There is no need to say thank you.)
Meera cuddles closer to her husband before he leans down to give a kiss, the couple smile at each other before making their way down. Meanwhile downstairs, Reema was helping Suman set up the dining table, whereas Muskaan and Aarav were taking care of the presents.
Riya and Rohan were setting up the cake and candles. Everyone was eager to get the party started, Virat And Anushka were sitting and talking about their first anniversary whilst Jai was angrily pouting to his dadu as to why no one told him that his parents were married.
"Aare aare, dekho Meera aur Shourya aa gaye. Chalo sab, mere bachon ko mubaarkbad do."
(Hey look, Meera and Shourya are here. Come on now everyone, congratulate my children."
Suman's excitement was so clearly evident that you could feel it radiating off of her. She was so quick to give her sweet daughter-in-law a hug and a kiss on the forehead when they reached the living room. "Oh, God bless you both!"
Suraj, Rohini and Raj were right behind her blessing the couple and giving the warmest hugs.
"Baba, aapko bola that na ki aapki pari ko rani bana kr rakhunga. Puch lijiye usse koi kaami nahi toh reh gayi."
(Baba, I told you I'll keep your princess like a queen. Ask her if there is anything lacking in that.)
Shourya asks Suraj teasingly, but his comment brings tears in the eyes of Suraj and Rohini, "puchne ki zaroorat nahi hai beta, sab ko pata hai ki aap meri baachi ko kitna khush rakhte hai."
(There is no need to ask, everyone know how happy you keep my daughter.)
Rohini runs her hand over Shourya's cheek as she guides him down to kiss his forehead. Shourya sobers up the teasing when he sees the tears.
"Oh maa, baba. Please aap log roiye maat na. Aur mene toh usse khush rakhna hi hai. Meri liye woh sabse keemti hai."
The couple smile at their son-in-law before moving away for the others to congratulate them. Soon Shourya and Meera were standing near the near, cutting it as their family sang to them. Muskaan had asked two of the workers to take a video of everyone and take photos.
"Acha chalo baacho, sab khana kha lo, games hum baad mein khel lenge."
(Okay, come one kids, eat first. We'll play your games later.)
Suman and Reema managed to gather everyone at the dinner table to eat before the group goes out of control with silly games, music and dances.
After dinner, the family gathered in their backyard and spent the night taking pictures and silly videos, dancing to music, and playing taboos and dumb charades. Soon the sun was rising again and everyone was tired.
Shourya carried a sleepy Meera back to their room so she could rest properly. He helped his drowsy wife change into comfy clothes and take off her jewellery and makeup, before carrying her to bed and cuddling her to sleep.