Surpriseee!!!

An epilogue for this first story I completed😅

Do let me know in the comments if you liked it!

One Month Later

Bondita was struggling to carry a heavy box, her petite frame slightly trembling under its weight. Anirudh noticed her from across the hallway and rushed to her side, his face etched with concern.

Anirudh (grabbing the box from her hands): "Bondita! Tum iss halat mein yeh sab kyun kar rahi ho?" His tone was a mix of irritation and worry, his brows knitting together.

Before Bondita could respond, Rudra entered the scene, chewing on a biscuit. He stopped mid-bite, his eyes widening in exaggerated disbelief.

Rudra (gasps dramatically): "Hawww!"

Anirudh turned to him, his expression now laced with confusion.
Anirudh: "Kya hai gadhe?"

Rudra (pointing between them with an innocent expression): "Hawww! Aap dono ki shaadi bhi nahi hui, aur Bondita bhabhi... iss halat mein? Hawww!"

Both Anirudh and Bondita exchanged bewildered looks.
Anirudh: "Matlab?"

Rudra (nodding knowingly): "Matlab yeh ki, Bro, aap papa banne wale ho!"

The room froze for a moment, silence stretching long enough for everyone to absorb his words. A collective gasp broke out.
All family members (in unison): "Kyaaa?"

Anirudh's jaw dropped slightly before he shook his head in exasperation.
Anirudh: "Kabhi?!"

Rudra (shrugging, munching on his biscuit): "Mujhe kya maloom kabhi? Abhi tumne hi toh kaha ki 'iss halat mein heavy samaan uthana accha nahi hota.' Aise tabhi bolte hain na jab lady pregnant hoti hai. Jaise Aarav bhaiya Mehek bhabhi ko kehte hain."

Anirudh's patience snapped, and he lunged toward Rudra, smacking him lightly on the back of his head.
Anirudh: "Gadha!"

Rudra caressing his head, wincing in mock pain: "Aaah, kya yaar!"

Anirudh (crossing his arms, glaring): "Stupid, woh chot lagi thi isliye bola tha maine, pagal!"

The family's piercing glares now turned to Rudra, who shrank under their collective scrutiny.

All family members, glaring at him in unison: "Ani aur Aarav bilkul sahi kehte hain!"

Rudra (blinking innocently): "Kya kehte hain?"

All (bursting out together): "Stupid, gadha, aur bail!"

As their scolding faded into light chuckles, everyone dispersed to their tasks, shaking their heads at Rudra's antics.

Anirudh turned back to Bondita, who was still standing near the box, her soft smile making his heart lighten.
Anirudh (gently): "Mujhe batao, isse kahan rakhna hai?"

Bondita (gesturing toward a corner): "Wahan, saamne table par."

Anirudh carefully placed the box on the table, dusting his hands as he turned to face her again.

Bondita (smiling): "Thank you."

Anirudh (cupping her face, his eyes tender): "Thanks ki zarurat nahi. Tum meri jimmedari ho ab. Aur apni jimmedari mai nahi nibhaunga, toh kaun nibhaega?"

Bondita's cheeks flushed, her heart swelling at his heartfelt words. She smiled brightly, stepping forward to wrap her arms around him in a warm hug.

Bondita (softly, her eyes brimming with emotion): "I love you."

Anirudh (smiling warmly, his voice tender): "I love you too."

Anirudh gently broke the hug, cupped her face for a moment, and pressed a soft kiss on her forehead. His lingering gaze held unspoken promises before he turned and walked away, leaving Bondita smiling to herself.

The Next Day: Anirudh and Bondita's Wedding Day

Anirudh was already dressed two hours before the ceremony, pacing nervously in his room. His sherwani was impeccably worn, and he kept adjusting the collar even though it was perfectly fine.

Aarav (leaning against the door, smirking): "Hey bhagwan, iss ladke ko dekho."

Anirudh (turning to him): "Kya?"

Ansh (peeking in, giggling): "Jiju, aap abhi se kyu ready hain? Abhi muhurat mein do ghante hain!"

Anirudh (defensive): "Toh kya hua? Agar late ho jata toh? Tum sab bhi jaldi karo, baithe kyun ho?"

All sighed and dramatically hit their foreheads

Anirudh ignored their teasing, his heart racing at the thought of seeing Bondita as his bride.

Meanwhile, in another Room

Samaira and Simmi were helping Bondita get ready, carefully adjusting her dupatta and jewelry. The room was filled with soft laughter and an air of excitement.

Simmi (stepping back, her eyes lighting up): "Wow, bhabhi! Princess lag rahi ho!"

Bondita smiled shyly, her cheeks turning a soft pink as she glanced at herself in the mirror. The intricate lehenga, the delicate jewelry, and her radiant smile made her look ethereal.

Mehek (grinning mischievously): "Pakka Anirudh mandap mein gir padega tumhe dekh kar!"

Bondita laughed, her nervousness melting away in the warmth of their love and support. Her heart fluttered with anticipation as she imagined the moment she would walk down the aisle and meet Anirudh's gaze.

Samaira (teasing, her eyes twinkling): "Bhabhi, first night ke din Bhaiya bas aapko dekhte hi rahenge!"

Bondita (blushing furiously, trying to hide her smile): "Hatt, pagal!"

Samaira and Simmi burst out laughing as Bondita playfully swatted Samaira, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink.

In the Mandap

Anirudh was already seated, dressed immaculately in his sherwani, but his mind was elsewhere. His eyes were glued to the staircase, a soft smile playing on his lips as he imagined Bondita walking down to him.

Pandit Ji (gently): "Aap apna haath badhaiye."

Anirudh didn't react, lost in his thoughts, his smile growing wider.

Pandit Ji (a little louder): "Suniye! Aap se hi bol raha hoon!"

Anirudh (absently, waving his hand): "Ruko yaar..."

Pandit Ji (shocked and a bit offended): "Ji, tameez se baat kijiye!"

Anirudh snapped out of his trance and turned to Pandit Ji, his expression apologetic.
Anirudh: "Sorry, sorry, Pandit Ji! Mera dhyaan kahin aur tha. Ab bataiye, kya karna hai?"

Pandit Ji (sighing but smiling): "Koi baat nahi. Apna daaya haath dijiye."

Anirudh quickly extended his hand, trying to focus, though his gaze kept darting toward the staircase.

After some time, the soft sound of anklets announced Bondita's arrival. Anirudh's breath hitched as he watched her descend the stairs, her lehenga shimmering under the light. Her eyes were lowered shyly, her hands delicately holding her dupatta.

As Bondita reached the mandap and sat beside him, Anirudh couldn't take his eyes off her. Her beauty, her grace-it was all overwhelming.

Bondita, however, was fully engrossed in the pooja, her lips silently moving with the chants. Anirudh's gaze never wavered, his heart swelling with love and admiration.

Simmi (nudging Samaira, whispering): "Dekha? Maine bola tha, Bhaiya toh bas ghoorte hi rahenge!"

Samaira stifled a giggle while Anirudh, oblivious to everything else, continued to admire his bride.

Pandit Ji (clearing his throat with a slight smile): "Var kripaya apna dhyaan vadhu se hatakar pooja mein lagaye."

The family chuckled softly, their eyes twinkling with amusement.

Anirudh, startled, realized he'd been openly staring at Bondita. His ears turned red as he quickly looked away.

Bondita, hiding her smile, glanced down, her cheeks a rosy pink as she tried to focus on the rituals.

---

A little while later, the sacred moment arrived.

With trembling hands and a heart full of emotions, Anirudh picked up the sindoor and gently filled Bondita's hairline. The bright red streak stood as a symbol of their unbreakable bond. Bondita closed her eyes for a moment, her heart fluttering with a mix of joy and nervousness.

Next, Anirudh took the mangalsutra, his fingers brushing lightly against her neck as he tied it carefully. Then, before anyone could notice, he leaned in and placed a soft, fleeting kiss on her cheek.

Bondita (eyes wide in shock): "Anirudh Ji!" she whispered, glancing around anxiously.

Anirudh, his lips curving into a mischievous smile, winked at her. Her face turned scarlet as she looked away, a shy smile playing on her lips.

Pandit Ji (smiling warmly): "Vivah sampann hua. Aaj se aap dono ek pavitra rishte se bandh gaye hain. Ek dusre ke sukh dukh ke saathi hue."

Anidita shared a soft, tender glance, their eyes speaking louder than words. They smiled at each other before turning to seek blessings from their elders.

In Anidita's Room

Mehek (smirking teasingly): "Ab hum chalte hain. Baaki ka kaam Anirudh sambhalega!"

The girls burst into laughter as Bondita, blushing furiously, lowered her gaze. She adjusted her dupatta nervously while the teasing continued. The girls finally left the room, leaving Bondita sitting alone, her heart racing.

A little while later, Anirudh entered the room. He paused for a moment, taking in the sight of his bride sitting on the bed, looking radiant in her wedding attire. Her hands fidgeted with the hem of her dupatta, and her head was slightly bowed in nervousness.

He walked over to her and sat down beside her, the bed dipping slightly under his weight.

Anirudh gently lifted Bondita's chin, his eyes locking with hers. A soft smile played on his lips as he leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against her ear.

Anirudh (whispering): "You're looking breathtakingly beautiful."

Bondita's cheeks turned a deep shade of crimson, her gaze dropping shyly.

Not wanting to let the moment slip away, Anirudh pulled her closer. In the gentle tug, they lost balance, and she fell onto him, her soft laughter breaking the silence as she landed on his chest.

Anirudh, with a playful grin, kissed her glowing cheeks.
Anirudh: "I love you."

Bondita (shyly, her voice barely a whisper): "I... I love you too."

Smiling at her endearing shyness, Anirudh reached out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His fingertips lingered for a moment, gently brushing against her neck, sending a shiver down her spine.

Anirudh (teasing, his tone warm): "Hayee, sharmate hue tum aur bhi zyada khoobsurat lagti ho."

Flattered, Bondita buried her face in his chest, trying to hide her blush. His heart swelled as he held her close, his cheek brushing lightly against hers in an intimate, affectionate gesture.

Bondita, feeling the safety and warmth of his embrace, wrapped her arms tightly around him.
Anirudh pulled her even closer, his voice soft and reassuring as they lay in each other's arms, cherishing the newfound closeness of their bond.

Their journey as husband and wife had officially begun, with love and promises filling the space between them.

Three Years Later

Bondita stood in front of the mirror, gently combing her long, flowing hair. Her eyes caught the reflection of Anirudh, who was sitting on the floor, playing with their one-year-old daughter, Sharvari.

Bondita (turning slightly): "Anirudh ji, aap Sharvari ke saath khelna band kijiye aur jaiye, taiyaar ho jaiye."

Anirudh (pretending to look confused): "Kyun? Aaj kuch hai kya?"

Bondita (raising an eyebrow): "Aapko police station nahi jaana?"

Anirudh (grinning mischievously): "Kyun? Maine kya crime kar diya?"

Bondita (with mock irritation): "Humein pata hai, aap humein irritate karne ki saazish kar rahe hain!"

Anirudh (chuckling): "Aaj maine chhutti li hai. Aaj Dada apni Shoru ke saath time spend karenge... kyun Shoru?"

Sharvari giggled, her tiny teeth peeking out as she clapped her little hands.

Anirudh, his heart melting, scooped her up and planted a kiss on her cheek.
Anirudh: "Bondita, tum apne office jao. Aaj main doll ko sambhal lunga."

Bondita walked over to her daughter, leaning down to kiss her soft, chubby cheeks.
Bondita: "Bye, my princess."

Anirudh (playfully): "Princess ka king bhi hai, you know."

Bondita (with a sly smile): "Bye, King."

Anirudh (pouting dramatically): "Princess ko kiss aur king ko sirf bye? Yeh toh injustice hai!"

Bondita (hitting his arm lightly, trying not to smile): "Pagal hain aap!"

Anirudh (grinning cheekily): "Pagal hoon, aur apni Queen ke liye demands bhi hain."
He leaned closer, tilting his face toward her. "Yahan ek bye kiss toh banta hai."

Bondita, blushing slightly, narrowed her eyes and instead gave him a playful slap on the cheek.
Anirudh (pretending to look horrified): "Ek Police officer ke upar haath uthaya tumne? Tumhe pata hai iska anjaam kya hoga?"

Bondita (crossing her arms, smirking): "Haan, uthaya. Ab kya karenge aap?"

Before she could react, Anirudh leaned in and pressed a soft, quick kiss to her cheek, his mischief sparkling in his eyes.
Anirudh: "Yeh tumhare jurm ki saza hai."

Bondita, caught off guard, turned red and swatted at his arm again.
Bondita (muttering, flustered): "Aap toh bas...!"

Anirudh (laughing, lifting Sharvari in his arms): "Haan, aapka pagal king hoon. Aur meri Doll bhi meri side pe hai, right?"

Sharvari, giggling at the commotion, clapped her tiny hands as if agreeing with her father.

Bondita, despite her best efforts, couldn't help but smile as she watched her little family. She shook her head in mock exasperation but leaned in to kiss Sharvari one last time.
Bondita (softly): "Bye, princess."

As she walked out, Anirudh called after her teasingly.
Anirudh: "Aur king ka kya?"

She turned with a smirk, tapping her cheek as if challenging him.
Bondita: "King ka ab baad mein sochenge."

Her laughter echoed through the house, leaving Anirudh smiling fondly at the two most important girls in his life.

At night, Bondita walked into the house, her steps a little tired but her face lighting up when she saw Anirudh waiting for her.

Anirudh (leaning against the doorframe, grinning): "Der lagi aane mein tumhe, shukr hai phir bhi ayi toh."

Bondita chuckled, shaking her head. "Nautanki kahin ke... Sharvari kahan hai?"

Before she could move further, Anirudh stepped closer, placing his hand gently on her shoulder.

Bondita (raising an eyebrow): "Sharvari kahan hai?"

Anirudh (smiling, his voice soft): "Sharvari Dadi ke paas hai. Aaj wo unhe entertain kar rahi hai."

Bondita (playfully rolling her eyes): "Accha, ab hatiye. Hume change karna hai."

Anirudh, feigning reluctance, stepped aside, watching her with a fond smile as she made her way to the bedroom. "Jao, lekin mere paas aane mein der mat karna, Mrs. Sethi."

Bondita, blushing slightly, glanced back with a small, teasing smile before disappearing into the room.

After changing, Bondita walked out of the room, her hair tied loosely. She settled on the bed beside Anirudh, holding a magazine and flipping through its pages.

Without a word, Anirudh scooted closer and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her gently toward him.

Bondita (glancing at him): "Shuru ho gaye aap... Hatiye."

With an exaggerated sigh, Anirudh let go and turned to face the other side.
Anirudh: "Bondita, aaj kal tum mujhe ignore karne ki koshish kar rahi ho. Maine tumhe pareshan kiya hai... I'm sorry."
He paused dramatically. "Good night."

Bondita looked at his face, noticing his downcast expression. Guilt tugged at her heart. Setting the magazine aside, she leaned forward and hugged him, planting a soft kiss on his cheek.

Bondita (softly): "Sorry, Anirudh ji. Hum nahi chaahte the ki aapko bura lage."

Suddenly, Anirudh turned to her with a mischievous grin.
Anirudh: "Kaisa laga mera mazaak?"

Bondita (blinking, then hitting his arm playfully): "Pagal! Hume laga aap sach mein naraaz ho gaye."

Anirudh (chuckling): "Kya karein, I'm a born actor."

Bondita (rolling her eyes): "Haan haan, bahut mazaak ho gaya. Ab hatiye, humein sona hai."

Anirudh: "Theek hai, chalo sote hain."

Bondita (serious): "Hum mazaak nahi kar rahe, sach mein neend aa rahi hai."

Anirudh (with a dramatic sigh): "Sach kehte hain, bacche hone ke baad romance khatam ho jata hai. Aur woh Mehek bhabhi kya kehti hain? Shaadi ke baad pyaar toh gaadi mein baith ke nikal jata hai."

Bondita (shaking her head, amused): "Aap na, bilkul pagal hain."

Anirudh (teasing, with a grin): "Haan, lekin tumhare liye."

She rolled her eyes again but couldn't hide her smile.

Anirudh: "Accha, idhar dekho na."

Bondita turned to him, curious. "Hmm?"

Anirudh (smiling softly): "I love you."

Bondita (playfully rolling her eyes): "Hume pata hai. Aap din mein pachas baar ek hi cheez bolte hain."

Anirudh leaned in and kissed her forehead gently. "Aur main pachas baar aur bolunga. Mujhe aaj bhi woh din yaad hai jab maine tumhe pehli baar dekha tha... kaise tum uss chor ki cycle le kar bhaag gayi thi. Hahaha!"

Bondita, her expression shifting, looked down with a hint of sadness. "Hum bhi toh ek chor hi the, Anirudh ji."

Anirudh, noticing the change in her tone, cupped her face tenderly. "Bondita, Pagal, Kya tum purani baaton ko lekar baith gayi... Tum jo bhi thi jaisi bhi thi... Wo beeta hua kal hai... Tumhara aaj ye hai... Jo tum aaj ho.. Tumhari apni company hai... Tum ek acchi aur mehenti boss ho.. ek acchi bahu ho... Ek bohot acchi maa ho... Aur meri pyaari si sweet si biwi ho..."

Her eyes welled up slightly, and she gave him a small, grateful smile. "Aapko pata hai? Hum apne aap ko kitna khushnaseeb maante hain ki hume aap mile hain"

Anirudh (smiling softly): "Khushnaseeb to mai hu... Tum meri zindagi me roshni bankar aayi hoo..."

They both smiled warmly, their hearts filled with quiet contentment. Despite the challenges they had faced and the hurdles that had once seemed insurmountable, they had found peace in each other's presence.

In that moment, the past no longer mattered. They were no longer defined by what they had endured, but by the love they had built together. It was simple, it was real, and it was enough.

Their happily ever after wasn't flawless, but it was perfect in its own way-a love that had blossomed through struggle, trust, and understanding.