I take another step toward her. “This past week has been hell for me. Every day felt like waking up only to realize I’m losing you.” I shake my head. “It was nothing less than a slow death.”
Sana turns to me, blinking rapidly, her breathing uneven.
“I don’t want to live in a world where I can’t call you mine, Sana,” I say, my voice breaking. “You are my life. My happiness. My home.”
Her fingers clench at her sides, and her body tenses, but I continue.
“You once told me that love isn’t about never making mistakes. It’s about choosing each other even after the mistakes. Even when it’s hard. Even when it hurts.” I take a shaky breath. “Please choose me, Sana.”
Sana squeezes her eyes shut, her body trembling.
“Sana,” my mom steps forward, her own eyes filled with tears. “I know I’ve hurt you. I know I don’t deserve forgiveness.But please… don’t turn away from my son because of my mistakes.” She looks at Sana’s mom. “Your mom found it in her heart to forgive me. All I ask now is that you give me the chance to do better too.”
Sana’s mom nods, squeezing Sana’s shoulder. “Yes, beta, don’t let the pride or anger take away what your heart still holds onto.”
A choked sound escapes Sana’s lips. “I don’t know how to just… let go of the hurt.”
“Then don’t,” I whisper, cupping her face gently. “Don’t force yourself to let go. Feel the hurt. Hold onto it if you have to… just don’t carry it alone. Let me carry it with you.” My voice wavers. “Don’t shut me out, Sana. Please.”
Her breath stutters. Her lips tremble. Then, in a broken whisper, she speaks. “I don’t know if I can.”
Something inside me shatters. I feel the pressure building, close to an attack. My mind races, desperately searching for a way to break down the walls she’s built. Then, as tears spill from her eyes, she speaks softly. “But… I’ll try. For you.”
I suck in a breath, my hand trembling as I gently wipe away her tears. “That’s all I need, Sana. I’ll be here every step of the way.” My heart aches as I lean in, brushing my forehead against hers. “You don’t know how much this means—giving me a chance, giving me back my happiness, my life. I promise I’ll never take any of it for granted.”
Sana nods, then suddenly throws her arms around me, burying her face in my chest as she sobs. I pull her close, feeling her tears soak through my shirt as I hold her, the weight of everything we’ve been through settling in. In that moment, I know nothing will ever pull me away from her. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she’s always by my side.
Epilogue
Sana
Seven years later
“I just need to stop by the temple first, but I promise I’ll be there on time,” my mom says over the phone.
I smile, adjusting the phone on my shoulder while placing my overnight bag into the car. “Alright, Mom, just don’t be late.”
“I won’t, don’t worry,” she replies with a smile in her voice before hanging up.
Turning, I glance back at our house—mine and Aditya’s. I still can’t believe it’s been seven years since we got married. There was a time I’d almost lost hope, convinced that life had other plans for us, that the heartbreak would win. But somehow, we found our way back. And not just back—we built something stronger, something unshakable. In fact, it’s been perfect.
His parents, who once felt like strangers, now feel like my own. They haven’t just accepted me as their daughter-in-law but also welcomed me as their daughter, showering me with all the love and respect I’d only ever hoped for. Even now, they’ve planned a special lunch to celebrate the opening of the new branch of my new café.
Not to mention, the most beautiful surprise in all of this is the bond that’s blossomed between Aditya’s mom and mine. They’ve become more than just in-laws. They’ve become true friends. That’s why Mom is joining us for lunch at his parents’ place today. Because in this family, she belongs every bit as much as I do.
I glance down at my watch and it’s already noon.
“Aditya!” I yell. “We’re getting late.”
Just as the words leave my mouth, I see my husband coming down the steps with our five-year-old daughter, Khushi, nestled in his arms. Her two tiny pigtails bounce with each step, and that radiant, lightning-bright smile of hers is reserved just for her father. She looks up at him with pure adoration, and I can’t help but smile. She has him wrapped around her tiny little finger, and he doesn’t even try to deny it.
“We’re here, wifey,” Aditya says with a grin, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek before opening the back door of the car. He carefully places Khushi in her car seat, securing her belt before bending down to kiss her chubby little cheeks.
“Papa,” she giggles, her tiny hands reaching for him.
He chuckles, closing the car door before turning back to me. In one swift motion, he wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me close. His lips press against my forehead, lingering just long enough to make my heart flutter.
“Did I tell you how beautiful you look today, wifey?” he murmurs. “God, I love you in sarees. And this green one?” His eyes sweep over me with unmistakable desire. “It’s making you look even sexier. I don’t know how I’ll keep my hands off you.” His smirk turns wicked as he leans in, his breath warm against my ear. “How about we skip lunch and stay back home… so I can have my way with you?”
