This chapter is dedicated to each and every one of you who has joined me on this journey so far!! <3

~

Esha suggested as the girls were all huddled up in a room getting ready for the New Year's party, "I think the nude pumps will go perfectly with the dress."

Sanam frowned at once. "No! Do I have to wear heels?"

Anaya chuckled, "Bhabhi, you're married in my family. I think you should make a habit of them."

Neha laughed, "Hah, the girl loves her shoes too much."

Sanam defended herself, "Well, duh! I work in the hospital all day long. You don't wear heels in the surgery room."

Esha finished styling Sanam's hair, "Alright, you're all done. Now go change."

Neha rushed her, "Yeah, hurry up. Your boy is growing impatient out there."

"Why? People haven't even started coming in yet."

Anaya checked her nails to see if they were dry from the nail polish while answering, "Yeah, but he wants to decide which tie to wear. He wants to match it to your dress."

Sanam questioned, "Why not just tell him red then?"

Neha said in an obvious tone, "Because I was hoping you'd change your mind." She interjected an instruction to Esha before continuing, "Zip me up? Sanam, this dress is barely worth $50."

Sanam slipped into her dress while scolding, "Neha, don't make me hit you when you're pregnant. You know I don't care if my outfits don't match up to his status. If people are going to judge me for wearing something bought on sale and not a high-end brand, again, I don't care. I don't need to change how I am to fit in anywhere."

Esha suggested to Neha, "Di, you know how your best friend is. Why do you still try? Let her wear whatever she is comfortable in."

Neha held her hand up in surrender, "Okay, alright. But, you can't say no to this." She walked up to her dresser and pulled out a jewelry box. "I got it custom made for you."

Sanam muttered under her breath just as she twisted her arms behind to pull up the zip as best she could, "What is with people giving me gifts?"

"What's that?" Neha questioned.

"Nothing." She answered and gave up on the zip before reaching forward to open the jewelry box. In it rested a beautiful white gold chain with two things as a pendant that truly defined her: heart beats with a heart in the center. Both the pendants were decked with diamonds, making a simple jewelry one can find in less than $30 to be worth more than ten times that.

Neha announced, "That heart is for Arjun, if it wasn't obvious."

Sanam laughed in response. Ofcourse she had connected what it was meant to symbolize. Her love for her career as well as her love for Arjun all wrapped in one. "Thank you, it's beautiful. Really."

Neha grinned, holding out her arms. "Bring it in." Lately, she was turning into a hugger. Sanam carefully gave her a hug so as to not hurt the baby. After parting, she commented. "Rahul and I were actually going to pitch in to get you two a honeymoon package since you haven't truly had one, but well... Arjun is Arjun. He didn't let us do that. Knowing him, he probably has that all squared away, right?"

Sanam sat on the bed, for the first time thinking about it. Was she ready to take that step with him? They'd promised Mr. Mehta that they'll have all the wedding ceremonies they didn't have the first time as they'd simply registered it with the court. And since in the next four months, it would be their first anniversary, they decided to have the rituals then so they could keep the marriage date. Geeta did partake in getting the arrangements together and the invitations out, but had yet to be open in accepting Sanam as before. Sanam didn't take it too much to heart as it had only been a bit over a week since they'd shared the truth.

"Uh, I actually don't know. We haven't even discussed that." She didn't yet know if they'd even have the time to go on one with her medical school being a year around thing.

Esha and Anaya sat on either sides of Sanam to take a look at the necklace while Neha shook her head in disappointment. "You're hopeless, Sanam. I'm glad Arjun is the more romantic one of the two and thinks of things like these."

"Hey, I can be romantic!" Sanam defended, though not quite sure herself. "I just haven't been on top of my game." Esha helped hook the necklace in place and zip up the rest of the dress that Sanam hadn't been able to reach.

"Mhmm, studies are always your excuse."

Anaya interrupted their conversation when her phone beeped, "Bhai is messaging again."

Esha took charge, "Okay girls. You two can argue on who is more romantic later. Sanam, put on your heels. Neha di, that's enough make-up. You look beautiful. Anaya, your nails are as dry as they are going to be. Chop-chop."

Sanam glared at her younger sister, "No instructions for you, Ms. Perfect?"

Esha laughed, "Di, we both know I am Ms. Rebel. But no, if you couldn't already tell, I've been ready for the past hour."

Sanam actually took a second then to look at her sister to find her hair all squared away and the beautiful blue dress she was in with perfect make-up that brought out her eyes, paired with matching heels and a bracelet she had gifted her two years ago on her birthday. "Since when did you turn into a girl?"

Esha rolled her eyes, "Because you're getting married and I wouldn't want to turn Jeej into a widow already, I will let that snide comment pass."

Before Sanam would retort, she pushed her out of the room and towards the living area but Neha nudged them towards the back entrance instead, "Nuh-uh. Our party is out in the backyard. It's only the oldies inside. But let's wait for Arjun. The newest couple on the block can't very well enter separately."

So, they waited and few minutes later, Arjun and Rahul walked down the stairs from Arjun's room. "You were saying about the tie?" Sanam questioned Anaya, for Arjun wasn't wearing any tie. Even then, he had stolen her breath away and left her in a daze simply with his fitted white button up and black dress pants along with a black belt and off black blazer just there for a cover up. The top two buttons of his shirt were left open, hinting at his chestnut skin underneath.

Neha muttered under her breath, "I'm going to have tell that boy to put some color in his outfits!"

"Still looks damn hot."

All eyes turned to Sanam as she spoke unaware of voicing out of her thoughts. Arjun's eyes widened at first, but then his bottom lip pulled in to stop himself from laughing. At his reaction, she realized it had been a verbalized thought. Then, she figured she didn't have to be embarrassed. It was just the youngsters she had said it around – not their parents.

"What? It's true," she said to the females beside her in defense.

Arjun was loving this side of her now that she was stress-free. "Right back at you, sweetheart." He winked at her as he came to a stop beside her and wrapped his arm around her waist and pulling her to his side. "Lace is definitely your thing."

Neha scolded, "Okay, keep it PG you two. We have teenagers here." She was talking about Anaya and Esha, neither of whom really cared. They weren't kids after all.

Rahul gushed to Neha, kissing her nose. "You look great, babe." Neha gazed back at him with adoration just as Rahul placed his palm over her belly. "Doesn't she, champ?"

The fact that Rahul was talking to the baby made it all the more adorable for Sanam and everyone watching them. Esha snapped at them so they could get the night started. "We all love your little family, but can we get the party started now?"

~

As soon as they stepped out, Sanam realized that the party inside might not have started, but it was definitely in full swing outside. "Oh wow." She breathed out looking at the crowd, pretty sure her list of friends would be no more than 10 and the rest 50 something or even more were known by Arjun with some association or other. "You really were Mr. Popular during your school days, huh?"

"Were? Still am, babe." He cheekily corrected as they walked further towards the backyard and noticing them, people started coming up to them to congratulate them. Even though they'd been married a while, it was only recently after the invitations were out. No one knew of their earlier registered marriage and so they believed they were still just engaged. Some faces seemed familiar from the engagement party, but ofcourse Sanam did not recall their names.

"Junooo!" A girl exclaimed, running up to them and wrapping her arms around his neck in a tight embrace.

Arjun let out a laugh as he hugged her back with just as much excitement, "Hey Nikky, glad you could make it."

Releasing him, she gushed. "You're getting married. Ofcourse I was going to make it." She then held out her hand, "You must be the bride. I'm Nikita. Besties with this guy here since high school and Parth's sister."

Sanam smiled and shook her hand. She knew Parth had a sister but had never met her since she lived in a different state. "So I should call you to learn his embarrassing stories from back then."

Arjun pulled their hands apart, "Yeah, no. That's not going to happen. I've told you enough embarrassing stories."

Sanam gaped, "Not even close!"

Nikita nudged him away, "Ignore him. You're more than welcome to call me anytime. I know all his secrets. Seen him go through all his crazy, weird phases."

Arjun worked up a tactic to distract the two ladies, "I don't see your better half. I seem to recall a few secrets about you I need to tell him."

Nikita scoffed, "You can try, but I bet Blake knows them all. Anyway, he's back there with our group from college. Come."

She directed them towards where they were, and holding hands, Sanam and Arjun navigated the crowd. Seeing them coming from a distance, Blake, in his black button up and black pants nodded the group to turn in their direction with a grin on his face. "There he is!" He raised his voice in a greeting, "The heartthrob himself, people." Arjun shook his head in laughter as he approached his friend and shook his hand with a brotherly hug. "Been too long, man."

"It has been." Arjun agreed before facing others. "Wade. How've you been, man?"

Wade replied in a quick hug as well, "All good, bro."

Sanam watched as he greeted three more people, one guy and two girls. They were all American and as average as they come. Well, add good looks to the mix. Sanam was learning that where Arjun was, good-looking people were always around to be found. After he'd quickly greeted them all, he pulled her closer. "Everyone, meet Sanam. And Sanam, this is Blake. He looks like a douche but is a complete softie. Ask Nikita anytime. They've been together since freshman year of college. That's Wade, he looks like an ass and is an ass. Stay away from him." Sanam chuckled at his joke, along with others. "Spence, he's the shy and quiet nerd of our group. And the ladies, Alexa and Georgie."

While he had been saying names, Sanam had been shaking hands with everyone but it had only been from Alexa that she got a cold glare instead of a friendly look.

Wade commented, "Well damn, you've picked a nice one."

Alexa added with laced sweetness, "But not as nice as Jiyah, no offense hun."

Sanam felt Arjun tense beside her. Blake and Nikita looked between the two of them, but mostly at Arjun for his reaction.

Georgie added, "I don't think anyone can compare to Jiyah."

Wade shrugged, "You know, man, we all always thought it'd be you and J getting married. We figured you'd get back together or something, but I was surprised when I learned..."

Sanam turned her head sideways to Arjun who had gone silent completely.

The boy wouldn't even tell Jiyah he loved her.

Blake snapped at them, "Honestly, guys. Cut it out. That's rude. I know we were all friends with Jiyah but I'm sure Sanam is an amazing person too."

Nikita placed her concerned hand on Arjun's shoulder, standing at his other side. "Juno..."

He blinked, shifting on his feet. "It's fine, Blake." He replied to him before turning towards his other friends, "That was all then, guys. Sanam..." He turned to look at her trying to look okay but Sanam kept searching his eyes, "...is my present and future."

Alexa still tried to stir up trouble, "So you're saying you've moved on? Arjun, until a few months ago, you didn't even want to return to the States because you..."

Arjun glanced away from Sanam and at Alexa in a cold glare. "I did return and I did find Sanam. Now drop it. You're my friend Alexa and you're welcome to the celebrations but if you're going to stand here and keep insulting Sanam by bringing her up, then don't show up to our wedding. Trust me, I won't be offended if you don't come."

Sanam put her hand on his chest, calling for his attention. "Arjun, relax. Don't ruin your mood, okay? Your friend here can't insult me when I know where I stand in your life."

He tried to protest, never understanding how easily she can forgive. "But sweet..."

"Really." She said to him, assuring him she didn't feel insulted. She then smiled at Alexa, "Please, don't be hurt. As his friend, I'm sure you know how he gets when it comes to his family."

Nikita had to smile at Sanam's subtle way to end the matter there itself by telling Alexa that she was a part of his family now, not Jiyah. She knew everything that her twin brother Parth had told her about Sanam was true.

"Sure." Alexa muttered, though with malice still in her heart. Out of all of Arjun's friends, she was closest to Jiyah. Obviously, she was taking her side.

Nikita suggested, "Well, you two should go around. It's your party, after all. We'll be out and about."

"Enjoy." Sanam took that excuse to leave with Arjun. Instead of walking towards the party, he nudged her towards a secluded corner, almost towards the front of the house.

"Do you have some compulsion to be nice with people who insult you?" He snapped for he recalled times when she'd been nice to Rashi as well when his family friend didn't deserve it.

She smiled at his agitation, "No, Arjun. Don't you know by now? I'm just good at compartmentalizing. The chances of me having to meet Alexa again are zero to none. Why should I take offense to anything she says?"

"Because they kept bringing up...!" He exclaimed, and trailing off just before having to say the name.

She finished for him. "Jiyah."

"Yeah. She was my..."

Sanam could tell how he wasn't really comfortable talking about her, so she kept finishing his statement for him at his first hint of hesitance. "Ex."

He sighed reaching for her hand. "I'm sorry, Sanam. If I had told you everything about my past, you wouldn't have been bombarded right now."

Maintaining her calm composure, she challenged. "Who said I was bombarded?" At his confusion, she continued. "Arjun, I took a long time to tell you about my parents and I don't mind how long you take before you tell me things about your past because I believe it doesn't make a difference. The person you are in the present isn't going to change. The past already was. I know who you are now and that's all I need to know."

She reached for his hand to express she truly meant what she was saying, "Yes, I insist on knowing about your school and college days sometimes but that's just for me to understand how you came to be this amazing, kind-hearted guy who wears his heart on his sleeve and thinks way beyond himself and treats even his employees with respect and cares about neighbors who have nothing to do with him but still stands up to help them out."

"This guy who despite having had so much happen to him as a child, holds on to his faith and goes to temple every week, believes in God, prays every day the second he wakes up before getting out of bed... The guy who was born with a silver spoon but is still so grounded to Earth that he does his own chores, cooks his own food, does his own grocery shopping, and such normal things when he can simply live off of his parents' money and get other people to do everything for him with money. But, he loves his family to death and never takes them or anything for granted... need I go on? Because I can. There's a lot I have learned about you since I've met you."

He chuckled at the end, for no. She didn't need to go on. She had said a lot in one go that told him exactly at what level of regard she placed him in her life to not feel thrown under the rails with the sudden mention of his past flame. She may have faked insecurity a few weeks ago, but it wasn't really the case.

His hold of her hand loosened as he dropped the hand to caress the back of his fingers on her cheek. "I've never said this to any girl before."

She raised her brows in wonder when his eyes welled up slightly but the next words brought her the most happiness in her life and marked it to be a special night.

"Sanam, I do love you."

She released a breath, a strange relief passing all over her as if there was nothing more she needed in life. He'd always said he cared for her and all his actions kept proving it, but she hadn't imagined these words would be said so soon after. Still, saying it brought a whole another level of intimacy in their relationship.

Her hand reached for his face, using the back of it to wipe away the trail of tear that had trickled down his eye lids. "Silly, why are you crying?" She questioned through a smile, for it was a good thing.

"Because, I haven't even told my parents I love them since I was kidnapped."

The strings of her heart were tugged at with his response. She gulped and while whispering, reached up to hug him. "Oh, Arjun." He really amazed her. He thought the world of them.

"It was the last thing I'd said to them before... I just couldn't bring myself to ever say it again." He informed as he hugged her back, keeping her glued to him as she rubbed his back to comfort him. She did understand why it meant that much to him. Somewhere, the 12-year-old had instilled the fear within him that if he said it again, he'd be taken from his loved ones again.

She understood why he desperately needed to know that would never happen again. She had to struggle against his tight embrace to pull back enough to look at him. Even when he allowed her some space, he wouldn't look at her. She cupped either sides of his face with her tiny hands.

She softly instructed, "Arjun, look at me..." She had to wait a couple of seconds before his gaze locked with hers. Meaning it with every bone in her body, she destroyed his fears once and for all. "I love you too, Arjun. Today, tomorrow, and for the rest of our lives. You did teach me to love and what I feel for you is never going to change. We're going to get married, again, and we're going to be happy. Together. You hear me?"

He nodded, smiling through his sniffle. "Yeah, you could have stopped after 'I love you too'."

For once, she didn't retort for teasing her. "What can I say? You've turned me into an emotional fool." She chirped while leaning in for another hug.

Neha and Rahul walked up to find them. Neha scolded, "There you two are! You can't just disappear to romance."

Parting from the hug, Sanam didn't say anything as she was just trying to relish in the fact that they had just confessed to each other. Arjun, however, did react by walking up to Rahul and surprised him with a hug.

In a brief moment, Neha had turned concerned at a quick catch of his red eyes. "What happen...?"

Her question was halted by Arjun. "I love you too, Rahul." He expressed it to his brother after years.

Rahul was startled at first but hearing it, he hugged him back. He'd known the impact the kidnapping had had on his little brother. No matter how many times he, their parents, or Anaya had said 'I love you' to him, he could never say it back. He'd always reply with 'yeah' or 'ditto' but never specifically be able to bring himself into saying the exact words.

Rahul squeezed his shoulder before parting and then held his neck. "We love you too, bro."

Neha grinned from ear to ear knowing how much it meant to her husband that his brother had said it back after more than a decade. Hugging Sanam's arm and resting her chin on her shoulder, she questioned, "I take it he said it to you just now?"

Sanam reflected her friend's happiness and nodded back in response.

~

The End.