He groans. “That’s awful. I confessed my feelings, but in the worst way possible. I’m really sorry for hurting you back then.”
“It’s okay, Rey. That’s why I wanted to come here with you. I needed to return to this place and feel happy, knowing how my worst nightmare turned into a surreal dream. I’m grateful for everything that unfolded four months ago.” I wrap my arms around his torso, and he hugs me tightly, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.
“I’m grateful too,” he whispers. “Everything turned out so beautifully that every day with you feels like a destined blessing. I’m so fortunate to have you in my life.” He pecks my lips, and I smile widely, replaying our journey in my mind.
Once, I grieved over being trapped in unrequited love. Now, I wake up every day knowing I have someone who treats me like I’m their entire world.
And that’s how everything changed. From being his best friend to becoming his girlfriend, I’ve stepped into the best phase of my life.
Epilogue
Reyansh
Two years later
“Hey, baby! I’m here.” My voice trails off the moment I step into her room. She’s on a call, speaking softly, and looks up when she senses my presence.
“Alright, Karan. I’ll talk to you later. Bye.” She ends the call, a beautiful smile settling on her lips as her gaze finds me.
“Rey! Why are you here? Didn’t you gather the whole family in the hallway for an announcement?” She asks innocently, but I’m already moving toward her, turning her around and pulling her into a back hug, my arms locking around her waist.
“I did. But check the time, we still have a few minutes before we join them. I just wanted to spend some time with you before we leave.” I trail a few feathery kisses along her neck, only to be met with a sudden elbow jab to my abdomen. I release her instantly, wincing.
“Baby! What was that?” I groan, half in pain, half in disbelief.
“Didn’t we meet just last night?” she snaps. “You’re acting like we haven’t seen each other in weeks. Stop pestering me, dude!” A light chuckle escapes me despite her angry rant.
“You can’t blame me when you’re this addictive. I must be insanely lucky.” I step closer again, gripping her waist and kissing her cheek. Her frown melts into a shy smile.
“You’re annoying,” she whispers playfully, looping her arms around my neck, “but I can’t stay away from you.” Our eyes lock for a brief moment.
“So, who were you talking to?” I ask.
“Karan,” she replies. “I asked if he’s found someone special, but he said he’s too busy with life and happy running the company. He’s turned into such a boring workaholic with no time for love.”
She complains lightly, and I nod. Amyra always admired Karan as a friend and wanted to stay in touch. After six months into our relationship, she reached out to him again. He’d replied warmly, sharing that he was preparing to take over his father’s company. A year ago, he officially became CEO, with his father supporting him behind the scenes. He’d also told her he’d finally moved on, which genuinely relieved her. Since then, they’ve stayed in occasional contact, checking in on each other’s lives.
“Let him focus on work for now,” I say calmly. “Everything unfolds at the right time.”
“Maybe you’re right,” she agrees. “Didn’t I tell you about Yashveer Oberoi, the CEO of Oberoi Enterprises and one of B&T Moda’s client companies? He found love after marriage. He and his wife, Aarti Kapoor, visited the sub-brand together. She’s the CFO, and they looked perfect, so in love, even though they met after marriage. I hope something like that happens for Karan, too.”
Her concern is evident, and I understand why. She genuinely wants him settled and happy.
“I agree,” I say. “They visited the B&T Escapes branch once too. I saw how deeply in love they are. For now, we may be heading different departments across sub-brands, but someday we’ll work together at the main branch just like them.”
“That would be really fun,” she says brightly. I pull her closer, our bodies brushing together, the atmosphere subtly shifting. Her breathing changes, and so does mine.
“Let’s have some fun now,” I murmur.
But before anything escalates, I step back, close the door, and turn to face her. The click of the door changes the room instantly; the air feels heavier and charged. She turns toward me, her gaze intoxicating, lips parted as if she already knows what I’m thinking.
I don’t give myself time to second-guess. My hand cups her face, and I kiss her.
Firm. Unrestrained. Consuming.
She gasps softly, fingers clutching my shirt as though afraid I might vanish. The kiss deepens, messy and urgent, all restraint slipping away. Her back meets the door gently as I move closer, my forehead resting against hers for a brief second before I kiss her again, slower this time but hotter.
She tastes like temptation, and I lose myself completely.
