Third year of medical student life welcomed me with the warm sunshine brought by the fresh dawn.
Even though today marks the first day of my new year, I was on leave. Today marks an important day to my husband as he graduates with his MBA degree. The whole family was personally invited by the college as he is the valedictorian.

As I glanced around while still lazily tossing myself on the bed to only find my most handsome husband just sleeping with such a carefree attitude.
I slowly went towards him and kissed his exposed cheeks.

He let out a throaty moan that encouraged me to explore him even more with my kisses. From the tip of his forehead till his exposed neck, I let out a trail or hungry kisses, hungry for him, hungry for his love, hungry for whatever he could offer.

"Pavi-", he spoke with a throaty tone still caught up between the waves of sleep and lust.

"Hmm-?", I asked innocently.

"You do realise that you bring the death to me, right?"

I knew I've woken up the beast.

I giggled.

Damn, that was one hot love making session.

**
A slight knock on the maindoor brought my husband and me back to reality. Quickly dressing ourselves up, we walked to open the door.

Ma ji, Babaji and Rekha were already ready and had come to check on us. Noticing that we were still looking like barbarians Ma ji teased us with her chuckles.

*Awkward!!*

I smiled and hurried to the washroom, took a quick bath and entered the hall. My husband however tried to play the whole thing cool. He engaged everyone in an encouraging conversation and shifted their attention.

Rekha immediately gave me a thumbs up on my saree choice and I felt relieved. Dev suddenly cooed from his room. Yes, Dev has become a big boy with his own room! I think, the presence of everyone had woken him up from his sleep!

We had enrolled Dev to a nearby school for his prenursery. We felt Dev had to mingle with other kids and learn the ways of the world. This also brought less trouble to the family as his naughtiness was always and entertainment to them. Things became more easily manageable but of course the most fondled grandson was on leave today, just like his mom to support his father.

Rekha went to his room to help him out with the day to day activities while I sat and spoke to my in-laws.

"Pavithra beta, without you my son would not have reached this position in his life-", said Babaji with tears in his eyes.

"Oh Babaji it's nothing like that. Raj ji had put in all the efforts by himself and ofcourse without your help, advice and support, we couldn't reach where we are today."

"Oh dear, it's your big heart!", said Ma ji.

"Oh no no Pavithira, when we are appreciating you, please take the credit for it!", said Ma ji.

I smiled as tears trickled through my cheeks. I really didn't know what to say. To help me out, the door bell rang!

I immediately knew who it was!

Mr and Mrs Patel were here!

Yes, we were all going together to celebrate the graduation of 3 important people in our lives. Dhrithi and Ma were planning to come together, directly to the college.

The Patels were dressed grandly and twinned in colour combination. They however did wear the graduation gown as well. The black velvety dress did make them look so cute together! They looked really happy and this day, is something that they are going to cherish.

"Pavi-", my husband called from our room.

With so many dynamics happening in the main hall, I failed to notice that my husband was not there. I politely took my leave and entered the room. There stood my husband, just with his pants on, exposing his firm bare upper body and smirking through his beard and wet hair.

God, I love him! I am admitting it with everybody waiting for us in the hall.

I grinned at him as I slowly locked the door. I immediately grabbed a towel and made him sit. I wiped his hair as he playfully skimmed his hands through my bare back exposed due to the shifted saree.

"Raj ji-", I whispered in disagreement.

"What, you're my wife!"

"People are outside-"

"So-?"

"Your hair is dry and so get dressed and come."

"But before that-", he pulled me and kissed my lips as if his life depended on it.

"I love you-"

"Yeah, me too!", I confessed and left the room with a big grin.

*

The whole family walked with our heads held high to the reserved seats. Looking at Raj ji, Manish and Sindhu, teachers flocked towards them as they thanked them all and accepted the congratulations. I searched for Ma and Dhrithi and found them at the food stall. Dev was an even bigger celebrity amidst Manish's and Raj Ji's classmates and as usual he enjoyed the stardom.

The Dean of the college Emceed throughout the event and boom, the final moment arrived.

The moment where the valedictorian was going to be called for a speech and then to collect his degree.

Tears seemed to prick through my eyes as I recollected the days when Raj ji had to prepare for the entrances during my pregnancy, write the exam while I delivered Dev, chose a college near our home just to stay with me, did a long distance thing to get the best job and today, he is a successful father, husband, son and a double degree holder!

I couldn't be more proud.

"And now, I welcome Rajeev Shukla, the University Rank Holder, the Valedictorian and ofcourse a friend to many!"

I saw Raj ji walking to the stage and he smiled.

"Ladies and gentlemen, my dear teachers, friends and the family who has come to support and celebrate this juncture, a very good morning to you all!

Thank you so much for everything. The two years just flew by and I can say that with confidence because it only feels like yesterday that I walked into the college with new hopes and dreams. To the teachers who really understood my family situation and guided me to navigate through it all, I am undoubtedly grateful to you all. To my friends, who shouldered the burden along with me, I cannot be more thankful to all the support you have provided."

I immediately knew it was especially catered for Manish.

"To my son, Dev Shukla, who has been my biggest motivation and cheerleader, I would like to lend my love and thanks to him. To my parents and sister, who has been an absolute backbone through this journey, I would like to extend my warmest regards and gratitude. And finally, to my beautiful wife, God she doesn't fail to amaze me with every passing day.u love for her just grows and she is the person who made me the man I am. Thank you so much Pavithra, for sticking along, for just being there and ofcourse, for marrying me."

Tears just flooded from my eyes.

"Dear honourable chief guests, I would really like to collect my degree with my family-"

Raj ji requested on the stage and the crew nodded.

We slowly stood up and walked towards the stage as thunderous claps followed. As Raj ji lent his hand, I took it gracefully and smiled at him.

The Dean awarded the degree and mouthed a congratulations.

A milestone achieved through love, hardwork and a lot of grace.

***