"She was the prologue and also will be the epilogue, in his book of life"

*******************

Two Years Later .....

A L I A 

I waddled my way into our newly purchased Bentley Continental GT.

Black, just the way we love. Our driver closed my side of the door and he took his front seat, waiting for our signal. My husband took his place next to me and motioned our driver to start. A smooth and fine ass roar later we were on the buzzling road of Mumbai, a city not preferable for posh toys. 

In the past decade of knowing this man beside me, brushing my hand placed in his lap ever so teasingly, I couldn't trace a hint of him being an auto enthusiast. But marriage does changes a person. I mean, we now have an underground parking just for his crazy collection of cars and bikes. 

I look at him to find him watching me, intently. Getting teleported to a couple of years back when we sat in our then Audi, rolling off to catch up the screening of my film Shaandaar which then turned on to become one of the most memorable and sensational nights of our lives. 

We were new to dating then, but now we were officially tagged as an old couple inside our group. Back then we were beginning to explore our romance and now, having come a rather long way - happily married and settled with our son Armaan (1st grader) and a new little guest to have popped into our blissful lives, just two months back. 

A beautiful daughter from above.

Syra Malhotra. 

Already wiggling her tiny little legs and arms, making funny sounds, smiling at people and majoring at melting her father's heart. 

The thought of our daily routine now that which has turned into the most prettiest sight, of having our Addu, laid next to Sia (as he call her) her love struck daada and myself gleaming at our little heaven - made me carry a big smile. I've never felt more content, gratitude and at ease like this before. 

"What are we smiling at, Sia's gorgeous mumma ?" 

Trust him to have that orgasmic sexy voice. It troubles me even now, almost in my mid thirties. 

I laced my hand with his resting on the counter and flashed him a smirk. "That how lucky we are to have this blessed life, Addu's daada." It was our occasional teasing technique to call each other with our children's name like they did in older desi times. 

He nodded gracefully. "Yes that we are. But you don't look like a mother of two. Who just gave birth to a princess just two months back. Your still the same Alia I first met at YRF! The one who stole my heart." I pressed my lips to contain my giggle. He was such a tease. 

"You should stop being cheesy Mister. I might be cursed with a baby face but I think I've got a matured one with time. Thanks for the compliment though" I winked as he mimed flipping his imaginary extra hair. 

"I can't wait to beat you this time. Karan can no more favour you. You just gave him his life's most precious gift, our Sia - in his own words! The gears have turned darling." His chuckle ringed aloud, making me feel a strong wave of dejavu. He was true but. 

"We'll see that. I can't blame him for choosing Sia over me. She really is a bundle of sunshine, just like your wife." 

A pause later we burst into a squeal of laughter as our car entered Mehboob Studios, home to the most flashiest set for the most talked about, controversial yet sensational chat show of the nation. 

Koffee With Karan Set 

Ordering his cup of what the show was all about, Karan plopped on his hot seat with a grin that took over most of his features. 

Today was the finale shoot of their latest Season of the iconic chat show. A show that brought him to every living room across the nation. Upon which he mounted his empire. 

This Season was all about famous families and he couldn't think of anyone else but of the two pieces of his heart - Sidharth and Alia, to be his finale guests. They had come a long way from being his students who debuted under him to now being a solid power couple with their own adorable tribe! 

No other being made him more prouder than his Alia and Sid. Undoubtedly, his best decision. 

The lights danced over his visage as aa cue to begin the introduction and for the onset of the shoot. Karan put up his infamous Koffee signature pose, body still and composed, posture erect and poised like a swan swimming with a dignified balance. With head held high and face shining with obvious pride, Karan introduced his final pair of guests. 

"Rock solid is what I call them. One with a charm and strength that could tear mountains. The other half brimming with beauty, grace and brilliance that could leave you in awe. When they met, the nation clapped. When they left for a brief while (sad face), we were upset. And when they finally came back and wed (smirks) in what we know as the most sensational wedding the country ever saw, we sat back exhaled our gasps."

He shifted his body a little further to make his point.

"Together they are fierce and spice. All love with faces so bright. Uh, I just made that up," he chuckles to his own rhyme before completing the introduction. "Tonight on our show we've got a couple so dearest to my heart and rightly deserving to be my finale guests. Please welcome my babies with their own precious baby now (laughs), Sidharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt Malhotra." 

A pop of music swayed in the air to usher in the hot couple. 

There came sliding gracefully through the door, a hot blazer donned Sidharth with muscles in the right place and a heart slipping beard holding hands with his equally stunning wife - Alia, in a magenta velvet strapless heart gown. Nowhere looking like someone post birth.

The couple shone with love as they carefully made their way towards their life long mentor and a father figure. Sidharth touched his feet as a mark of respect and they hugged with a puff of laughter. "Ah! Look at you - how gorgeous!" he said as he pecked her cheek. 

"Thank you paa. I like the sound of my name" they do their elite air kiss hug and Sid leads her to their couch. Once seated, he keeps a cushion supporting her back for comfort and hands another in her hand. Turning back to look at their host for the night, they found him smiling lunatically. 

"What was that all about ? I get the back part but what's with the extra cushion ? Like some smiley ball that you keep squeezing to relieve stress ?" Karan laughs as he watches his not so student anymore kids, being so cute and over protective. 

Alia came alive with a laughter that made Sid look down with blush coating his cheeks. "We call it 'Daada-going-too-much' disorder. Addu named it. All of us in the family had to get used to this. Him being super protective of me, the babies and just everything that concerns us during my pregnancy. He's still in that zone" Her face had a shine that took away the room's breath. 

Alia had a glow quite matchless as she narrated her husband's care and protection. 

"Is that true Siddy ? I feel Daada is being normal. I mean I've seen worse cases so your good to go darling. But lemme just thank you both for being my finale show stoppers, looking so radiant. It's both of yours fourth Koffee appearance and by the way, happy homecoming!" His smile reflected on them as they glanced at each other. 

"Thank you Karan. Our utmost pleasure, always. Feels great to be back. Alia and I truly missed your show and our appearances while we were in Paris. We were just discussing this on our way. I mean this show had given us an even bigger launch pad from your side and whatever we are in a way, we owe it to this show and it's audience." Sidharth voiced his gratitude with his palm on his heart and it made his mentor grin back in response. 

"I totally agree with Sid. Especially in my case," she laughs making them remind her iconic debut meme debacle "where the show just made me cross even space! I was just everywhere suddenly and even though it looked like twas some heart breaking situation, it really wasn't. I enjoyed the attention that came my way and as long as I was mentioned with a smile, remembered with a genuine laugh, I was and am still okay and truly happy with it."

Karan nods knowingly "You were a fabulous sport and I have to salute your spirit. It truly rocketed your image. All three of you in fact. So how's life ? I know it but just give the audience a preview of how a normal day goes for the Malhotra's." Sidharth looks back at Alia and gestures her to explain. 

"We aren't glamourous like the Johar's," which caused Karan to raise his eyebrow playfully. 

"We're daal chawal types" chips in Sid, guffawing at his own joke.

"We both wake up by 7, sometimes me as early as four or even during midnight cause Sia needs me. Then have our breakfasts together and we make sure it happens. Both of us have our own hectic schedules and hence we want to have at least one meal together as a family. After that Sid drops Armaan to his school on his way. I used to tag along earlier but it's a tight pattern with baby Sia. Then it's just me and my little missy, all day long babbling and spending beautiful time together. I have weekly meets with my team regarding my cloth line and our other business ventures. I also hear scripts meanwhile depending upon my availability."

She motions Sid to continue the rest. "After my work, if I'm early I pick up Addu or he returns with our driver. These days we are able to have lunch and dinner's together as well. So a lot of cozy family time together with our children, teaching and learning from them. It's a bliss." 

"That's wonderful to hear. Give kissies to my baby pudding Sia and my hero Addu." Alia pouted at her father. "What ?" he asks looking lost. "Not fair you know. Sia is all you see and need now. Everyone's preferences have changed over the time." Alia sneaks a glance at her husband as well as she mentions her plight. Sid rolls his eyes with a dimple forming on his cheek. 

"Kuch bhi! Your still my No 1 baby. No one's taking that place. My grandkids are special because they are a part of you. So won't that make you even more dearer to me ?" Karan tried to control his giggle as he put up a rather intelligent defence. Alia shook her head smiling. "I might have messed our President's name but I ain't a fool, Sir! I know what you did there." 

The room bursts into uproar as they clap for her wit. 

"Smartie pants haan" winks Karan, sipping his cup of coffee. 

"Both of yours wedding was a big feast. It had the entire nation's attention. Uh, Sidlia - I hope I pronounced it right .. was the main headline across news portals and papers. It just sort of rekindled people's interest in cinema and our lives. I was lucky enough to be a part of the festivities personally. And what a dream that was! I still get goosebumps going back to those extraordinary memories we created. Has life for you both changed dramatically after your return to India or is it still the same as it was in Paris ?" 

"First of all we're grateful for that sort of love and blessing that we gained through our wedding," began Sid as he went on to explain how it felt. 

"We knew it would be grand but never thought it'll go to be so gigantic. Credit goes to our friends and you. All of you made it so worth remembering. It certainly garnered us a different sort of attention, more like a second debut. Life I would say is almost the same but we're again back to the media glare. Earlier it was just the two of us so we could handle. But now it has turned to our children which we strongly oppose. I am okay with my kids getting adulation and love from strangers but I cannot stand them being criticized on internet and put to scrutiny for few bucks!" 

Alia nodded along as her husband finally confessed what they had been going through ever since their return. The constant media hovering over their children had upsetted them. "I respect our media friends for all they've done for us and our careers. But I won't take any bullshit against my children. They're not public properties to be dissected online."   

Both men stared with awe as Alia fumed her confession. It had been buried in her heart and she never spoke it loud except within four walls of her family. But she had to vent it out someday. So be it. Someone had to speak against pap circus within the industry. Karan observed Alia as if he was seeing her for the first time. She kept her opinions to herself and was never the one to voice. 

She kept her dignified silence every time she had to face a public mockery or be a victim of constant nepotism bash (in spite of being the best from the pack). But when it came to her children, she became a lioness, a firm wall of substance. This was her rebirth. 

"That's the Alia Bhatt we needed." Karan couldn't help but sit back and bask in her new halo. 

"Proud of you" Sid leaned closer to her ears and whispered seductively. 

Karan turned his eyes to the camera once again "Time for a break. Stay tuned cause we've got to play what we love the most - The Rapid Fire Round." He winked and tuned back to his guests for a quick catch up. 

[After the break]

"Alright! Welcome back to Koffee With Karan powered by Brittania. We were chatting with the dashing Sid and his stunning wife Alia." He looked at them with eyes shining. 

"Alia, how ready are you for this ?" Alia covered her face with the cushion while Sidharth barked a throaty laugh with Karan alongside. "Listen, you can't make me go through this again. I've had enough controversies on me just from this one harmless game." 

"Ya but no one's talking about The Koffee Quiz. That's what took you to the wrong place na" Karan looked highly amused. "You make us rate all these lovely people and we are left with no other option but to RATE! Audience goes mad phir they start trolling jabki the stars are all fine and sporty, I mean wtf!" Sidharth had his head thrown back on the couch, hard time compressing his giggles. 

Karan laughs bewildered at Alia's new found strength to speak with abandon. "I like the new you. The Paris you." His accent threw them off as they howled loud. "I love it myself" winked Sid. "Okay so whose gonna begin ? Husband or wife ?" Karan asked with eyes on both. 

"Hey, why don't we change it a bit since it's the finale anyway. Both of us participate together. You could ask us either similar or different questions. But one after the other. It'll cut the time well. And the hamper is no more a priority since it's the same ghar." Alia told her twist with eyes as big as the pearl choker nestled on her neck. 

The host seemed intrigued. "Sounds nice enough. I think we can work with that. I can go for different questions and we could do with your plan." Sid shook his head smiling. "Why am I not even surprised ? Karan changing his old Kwk traditions for his only begotten daughter. I'm in!" 

A harmless whack on his arm from his wife made him sit straight with a smile that reached his eyes. He had missed this madness. The way they all came alive, together. "I wish Varun was here as well. We could have had our little reunion. I missed us" sighed Karan. Alia and Sid agreed with a sad face. "He's anyway gonna come at ours or your place after this broadcasts, you know, just to discuss our performance" said Alia. 

"Then I don't miss him much" voiced Sid faking a poker face. "So, shall we begin the Rapid Fire that needs to have some real good fire, round ?" asked Karan with a thrill evident in his voice. "Yes! Bring it on." Sid scooted closer to his wife and they both leaned a bit forward, eyes shining with excitement like older days. 

Kjo : Sid, which of these people would give their life for you, if a situation arises. I'll give you names, say Yes or No.

Sid : Okay

Kjo : Varun 

Sid : Definitely Yes

Alia : You'll both die together then.

*everyone laughs*

Kjo : Ranveer 

Sid : Mujhe hi maar dega! No but A big yes. He's all mine. Deepika I hope your listening.

Alia rolls her eyes as Karan laughs like a hyena. 

Kjo : Alia, if you could choose one person to be with you from the industry on a vacation (minus your family/hubby/friends), who would it be ?

Alia : Oooh! I like how you already eliminated my mains. Well, Bebo ? I think we'll kill it.

Kjo : Ya you'll have a ball of a time together. I will give you some Bhabhi names , uh women that are soon to be married or are wives of your guy friends. You have to give them each a food name, matlab what they would be if they were a dish.

Alia : Don't make me hungry   *pouts*

Sid : Her hormones are still messy ;)

Kjo : Riya 

Alia : Omelette - a lip smacking one. She's good to go with everything.

Kjo : Lovely choice. Anushka 

Alia : Ice Cream ... she's fun and makes you happy. 

Kjo : Okay I already need one now. Deepika 

Alia : She has to be something very sophisticated. Maybe some thai or continental dish we can't pronounce. 

*laughter round* 

Kjo : Now Sid, whose your favourite actor in recent times ? I hope you get time to watch movies.

Sid : Well I didn't watch much while we were in Paris. You know for obvious reason. But from what I've caught up on, Ayushmann is doing great and so is Ranbir and Ranveer. The young breed are all good in their own way. I respect their passion and energy to work. I didn't had one. 

Alia : But you wanted to have a career and you were pretty devoted to your films for that reason alone. Even if you were a tattoo guy, you'd still be as dedicated to it cause it was your job, your earning source. I was passionate for films but you were in love with what you did so don't say that. 

*Sid nods with a smile* 

Kjo : I agree with Alia there. Don't belittle your journey. You gave it your all. Alia, your favourite contemporary : Parineeti / Shraddha ?  *smirks* 

Alia : Hmm, phasaa diya na! To be very honest I loved Pari's calibre when we debuted. She could do well if she chooses the right script and not fuss over her body. Whereas Shraddha should go for experiments. I don't want to see her being typecasted and labelled for her commercial choices. I wish them both luck. They'll go far. 

Kjo : Too diplomatic, let's move ahead! Now Sid if you had to babysit any of one of your child (Syra/Armaan), who would it be ?

Sid : Karan this is not fair haan. I'm their father and both are close to my heart. I love spending equal time with both my babies.  

Alia : Please choose na even I want to know now ;)

Sid : *ponders deeply* Okay so if I had to babysit one kid of ours, it would be Armaan I guess. He's quiet and easy around me but when she's around, he goes hyper. 

Alia : Hawww *gasps* How could you say that ?! And you rejected your princess over my prince ? That's a shocking statement, husband. Lemme share this with Sia once we get home. She won't let you come near her for weeks *giggles*

Sid : Ghar barbaad karna is your passion, right ? *eyes Karan playfully*

Kjo : Now what do I say ...

Sid : Sia is little na so she needs her mumma all the time. She's slightly crankier around me for now. But that can change over time. 

*smirks at Alia*

Alia : We'll see 

Kjo : I think this was a cute and interesting round. Lemme ask one last question to you both. 

How was your journey of 'Dreams Woven Beautifully' and what's your take on the author Miss Jemimah James ? I heard she's someone close to you both. 

 Sid : Oh, it's been a joyride. We had our own ups and downs, highs and lows but what made us unique was our strength with which we were able to finish the journey of DWB. The readers who took their precious time and energy to deal with our delays and hormonal author (blame Jemi) shit days! But we managed to stay in tact and sane for the last five years! It's a record.

From being friends to life partners and seeing DWB soar across Wattpad and beyond makes me feel genuinely happy for ourselves and our dearest friend Jemi. She's our stan but she's family now. 

Alia : I couldn't sum up the journey better. As he just said, Jem is very precious to us and she has so remarkably made mine and Sidharth's togetherness, our love and ship, iconic and precious for a lifetime. People had gave up on us, including our own fans but she didn't. She ofc has moved ahead herself but we both will always be a special part of her stan life. It all began from us. 

With Dreams, she made our dream come true. Each chapter felt so real and documented and the credit goes to our author gurl ! She's our Queen and we love her to bits. 

Kjo : She sounds like a fun person. When do I get to meet her ? 

Sid : Soon! We can ask her if she's free and maybe have a reunion with the gang and just us. Like old times. To catch up and chill. And yes, Rannu had requested to thank the readers of DWB for all the crazy love showered upon him and his nautanki. 

Alia : He kinda overshadowed us. Jemi should be blamed :(

Kjo : But I'm sure she just wanted everyone to have a new perspective at each of you guys. And heck they love your gang and how! 

Sid : I think our group has become this sensational stuff only because of DWB. Thank you again Jem and our dearest readers for being there with us, each  step. You mean the world to us <3 

Alia : And it's so hard to finally say goodbye and end something you've had in your life for the past 5 years! While it may be hard, we are glad we had it in the first place!

DWB will always stay winning <3 Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And Jem, bless you for shipping and always defending us. You are and always will be our favourite stan! Thank you for Dreams Woven Beautifully, for this incredible journey of a lifetime ... we owe you! 

Kjo *wipes his tear with a tissue*   Whose chopping onions here ?! 

Anyways, I think it's time for good bye. Alvida :)

Sid : Bye guys! Phir milenge chalte chalte .... :) 

Alia : Can we say this one last time together ?

*she looks at her husband and Karan, trying to remind them of what she actually hinted at*

Sid : Oh ya let's do it.

All three together : 

Thank you for making Dreams Woven Beautifully, so beautiful. 

With love from all of us and a tight hug, 

Jemi :) 

<<<<<<<~~~~. THE END .~~~~>>>>>>

FINAL NOTE 

Fair enough to say WHATTA JOURNEY BOSS ! 

I mean I blossomed into somewhat of an author/writer/creative human thanks to DWB, my dearest baby, my first born and my soul forever. I cannot thank my God, my luck, all of you who gave my book a kind chance (including the one's who became family to me later on) and to my OG couple - Sidharth and Alia, ENOUGH FOR THIS TREMENDOUS RIDE! 

I will sorely miss sitting down to write and imagine for this book! To keep myself on my toes and perhaps keep y'all as well for the next update. Will terribly miss THE DWB MOOD!

I'm only left with a Q/A and a Final Note/Thanksgiving part before I wrap - which I'll do and complete within 2020 itself! So this book comes to a solid end in 2020 :(:) 

So if you've got any questions to ask me, please inbox me either on Wattpad/Instagram. 

I've got a Youtube channel - Jemi's World , where I upload music covers, travel vlogs, random musings and lifestyle stuff. And since I'm really passionate about this platform, I've begun a weekly vlog/chat/talk series on my channel called - Jemi's Musings !

It covers diff topics, motivational talks, inspiring things, my life stories, anecdotes, testimonies etc in a vlogging format! I'm so excited for this and I want you guys to be a part of this! So pleaseeee SUBSCRIBE to my channel and follow my content <3

It'll make my day! If you've subscribed, then comment a thumbs up here :)

Also I'm on Instagram as well - gemtheysay , so if you wanna follow, sent me a friend req and ping me that your from here <3 

Overwhelmed and sad ; grateful and happy ! 

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING <3 

ps : a lil inside birdie told me that Sid and Alia have resolved their post breakup awkwardness and conflicts and are back to being friends :) <3 And also Ranbir has a very strong hand behind uniting them (how can you not love that soul!) Everyone thank my Bir and Lord for this day! 

Aso the song in the media is a very fkin beautiful piano cover of Beautiful Life (Goblin)

Until we meet for the Q/A, take care and be happy. Ily guys way tooooo much <3 Always biased for my DWB fans/readers, always! 

With love, light and blessings, 

JEMI :)