Neil kissed her, effectively shutting her thoughts and words. Forgetting all about other people, Tanya returned the kiss with equal fervor. She was happy, content, and finally at peace. She felt she was home after a lifelong search. Nuzzling her face against Neil’s neck, Tanya murmured her love for him once again, thankful he’d come back to her. As always!
Epilogue
A few months later….
Tanya was waiting impatiently for Neil. It had been three weeks and two days since she saw him. Past midnight, she was pacing the living room for his arrival from the States. As she checked the clock once again, she heard the faint horn of a car. Running towards the main door, Tanya threw open the door as Neil walked from the car.
Neil caught the tiny woman who almost collided into his much larger form. “Hi, baby! I missed you. It’s been so long.” He punctuated each word with a kiss on her lips. He had missed Tanya badly. After the wedding, he’d settled down in Bangalore, working in the same office as his wife. His parents visited often, more than delighted with Tanya. Although they had been surprised when they realized their elder son chose none other than the girl who was best friends with their younger son.
Tanya’s parents were more than relieved to know she’d found her soulmate. In their typical, non-fussy way, they welcomed Neil into the family. Although Neil was initially a little jealous of his wife’s friendship with Ritwik, he got over it once he realized she treated him just as she treated his own younger brother. Lost in his thoughts, Neil belatedly noticed his tiny wife shedding a few tears. “Hey! Tanya! Is everything okay? What happened?” Neil’s voice was frantic with worry. His wife of eight months was usually cheerful. She was nerdy, forgetful, bad in the kitchen, a bombshell in bed, but rarely, if ever, cried.
Tanya wiped her eyes and smiled through her tears. “Nothing, I missed you. It’s been so long.”
Neil hugged her tight, kissing her forehead. “Sorry, honey. The deal took longer than I expected. You should have traveled with me.”
“I couldn’t, not this time.” Tanya sighed and burrowed her head into his chest.
Neil brought her to the couch, making her sit on his lap. He nuzzled her hair, cupping her chin. “Why not? We both would have been spared all this torture.” He looked up when his statement was met with silence.
“I was waiting to tell you something.” Tanya’s gray eyes had traces of anxiety.
Unconsciously, he rubbed her arms. “What is it?”
Tanya bit her lower lip, tucking her hair behind her ear. “I…it’s…I think….”
Neil waited for her to complete. She was obviously struggling to say something, and he was positively worried. “What, Tanya? You’re starting to freak me out.”
“I’m pregnant!” Tanya blurted out baldly.
Neil froze for a minute before gathering her all to himself. “What? When? When did you find out? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” He kissed her face, her chin, her neck.
Tanya laughed as she stalled his movements. “Stop! I found out tonight. That’s why I was so impatient to see you. I suspected it for the last two weeks, but I wanted to confirm today, to give you this news as the welcome gift.” Tanya smiled at her handsome husband. “Are you happy?”
“Do you need to ask? I’m over the moon. I love you, baby. I love you both.” Neil caressed her still-flat stomach.
Tanya hugged her husband, thankful they’d found their path to love. She couldn’t have asked for a sweeter man to spend her life with. The arrival of a child only added to their happiness. She placed her head on Neil’s shoulder, grateful for his love and support. She kissed his cheek and murmured softly, “I love you too!”
****THE END****
