epilogue
happy endings

so we are the end-end.
haha, please drop in your comments/reviews-obviously won't be troubling you after this.

if you all wanna stay connected, you can follow my instagram! i might not be very active here. :)

please do read the author's note at the end. <3

for the final time, & until the next,

happy reading!

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n o o r
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two years later

"You think that some heavy metal pieces in his coffee would choke him to death?"

"I hope you are considering the idea. Should I get the coffee?" My assistant, Ruby supports my random thought.

We have been sitting outside in the waiting area for the past hour and no one has made any announcement regarding the interviews. I started my design firm, officially a year later of resigning from my previous firm. 

While that company focused on the interior designing of hotels and corporate areas, my niche was designing the interiors of homes and cottages. Small areas helped me focus better and cater to the needs of my clients.

Housing is personal, a milestone in itself and it gives me immense joy to bring happiness to those people's lives. My business started slowly, it didn't reach a peak immediately but we were at a point where we were crossing the breakeven point. We were finally a profit-making firm.

Right now, Ruby and I alongside many other firm owners and assistants are seated here in this office waiting to crack this deal that can be a life-changer. If I do earn this deal, our firm would tie up with a well-known hotel chain that is planning to venture into Airbnb strata. This is where we come into the picture.

"That man, he walked in like he owned this place." My assistant comments. Well, she is not wrong. He did walk in like that, but I wasn't talking about that particular incident. What made me rile up was the part where he stopped right before my seat, looked dead into my eyes and smirked in confidence before he paraded inside the hall.

The owners and he have been in the meeting room for the past hour, and we have no idea when our interviews will begin.

I glance around the waiting space, carefully noticing the other candidates. There are five people other than me who are contesting for this position. They are dressed crisply and have a confident look. I have heard about the other three firms as they are my direct competitors in the market but the other two owners are either new or not in the same strata.

"The interviews will begin in the next five minutes," The receptionist announces. There's a ruffling of paper sets and people start adjusting their ties and tidy the loose strands of hair. I do the same, reapplying the coat of my lip oil, and patting and combing through my hair.

The first impression is always the last.

One by one, they start calling the contenders inside. The interviews lasted for about fifteen minutes each, when the first lady came out, she looked at all of us, horrified.

"I didn't know they were going to question me like that." She had muttered and walked straight out. The third name was mine, and my heart was beating strangely against the ribcage.

I run a hand on my shirt, clearing the creases as Ruby and I head towards the hall. The air's chilly, and the atmosphere in the room is heated. I can feel the tension rising on my skin, crawling and seeping into my veins.

We greet the three men and two women who are seated in a line, while we take a seat right opposite to them. They all look at me like a hawk watches its prey.

Fuck those other people weren't lying.

They are sitting there as if they are waiting to hunt you down.

Don't look at their eyes. Just don't. I forgot my own company's name when I made the mistake of meeting their stare.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Noor. Let us go through some facts before we start your interview. I am Krishan Shah, the CEO of this company. Sitting on my left is Tarini Prakash, the CFO. Next to her is Dean Fernandez, he'll be managing the new branch. On my right is Vaishnavi Rathi, a major shareholder in our company, and next to her is Kabir Sood, another major shareholder of our company. I am sure you are aware that the results of this interview will be voted on by me, Dean and Tarini. Vaishali and Kabir, won't play a role in your selection but they will be asking you questions which I hope you answer with equal sincerity."

A fact, I knew. Kabir and I had discussed my plans to interview for this post. He had already received the invitation to help in the selection but knowing that I would be one of the candidates, he refused to vote. Mr Shah, as we know, is very well aware of Kabir and my marriage, so we requested him to not tell his son about our relationship.

I was here to get equal treatment, and both Kabir and I wanted my business to prosper with my merit. Ruby, who had recently joined my firm isn't aware of Kabir being the same husband I keep telling her about.

We aren't keeping our marriage a secret but we are keeping it private. We don't flash our wedding bands to everyone out there, work is our priority and we both respect each other's spaces.

One thing we both have understood in our journey. It's been a whole two and a half years being married to this man, he still holds the power to wreck me and put me back together.

"So shall we begin?"

"Yes, sir."
.
.
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"I don't see a point in this. You claim to want to utilise the space to the fullest and yet suggest of not bringing the balcony area in. With the designs I have suggested to them, my idea is to include this space inside, elongating and giving it an infinity edge."

This is the fifth time Kabir has interrupted my presentation. I have been asked many questions in ten minutes, some I easily answered, some I took time and others rendered me speechless.

"Sir, as much as this idea sounds appealing," My home's built that way. "But not everyone has the same idea. Most of the families I have worked with, even me for a fact, prefer to have a balcony in their home. Having a balcony not only acts as an inlet of fresh air but caters to all those plant lovers' needs. A balcony that has a good deck with seating arrangement, some plants and a good scenic view increases the chances of sale. An infinity edge seems good for pools, but for homes, balconies are better choices. And for the infinity edge, we are already providing the windows to run from ceiling to floor. So it acts as a win-win."

"So you are implying that my idea isn't better than yours?"

"No, sir. I wouldn't dare to do that. What I am saying is my idea caters to a home set-up more than yours does."

"My home is built that way, and I can assure you my wife loves the glass panel instead of a balcony." There's a hint of amusement in his eyes. While to others it may look like a plain jab, but I know what he is trying to imply.

I certainly do love the window and the activities we have done there. No doubt about that.

"I won't be too sure." I snark but quickly amend. This man can ruin my concentration and shatter my work ethic in mere minutes.

"I mean, sir, your wife must like it, but I wouldn't be sure of the other ladies or men. Anyone can love a whiff of fresh air and some real plants. I have designed a total of thirty homes in my two years of business, and most of the families had requested good balcony management. Only a few of them requested to pull in the space for a larger surface area. And as our target guests are families, I feel an idea of banking on the balcony can be beneficial."

I proceed with my presentation, and when we reach the last slide, they ask me some rapid-fire questions which I try to answer as honestly and earnestly as I can. Some ended up in disagreements, they put me on a grill.

They certainly don't take their businesses lightly.

I offer my farewell and regards to them, leaving the hall alongside Ruby. I check my clock and realise the interview ran for fifteen minutes sharp.

"God. I never knew interviews could be so stuffy." She has just started interning in my firm. Hence, she is surprised after today's interview.

I laugh at her words, "They are always like these. You'll get used to them as we move forward."

"Do you think we'll get the contract?"

"I am not going to keep my hopes high. Mr Shah has newly replaced his father, he brings a fresh perspective to this company, which may or may not align with our ideas. We'll see after the results come out." Which would be in the next week, because even if Kabir knew the result today, he wouldn't disclose it to me.

I had demanded him to treat me equally and I would get that. In our two years together, we have learnt the pros and cons of working in the same field. Even though I had accepted his help and allowed him to guide me, we both knew it was wrong to use his contacts to prosper. That's why we make sure to abide by our virtues.

"Noor, are we going to head back to office?"

"No, I have to be somewhere today. We have no schedule planned for today, so you can also take an off today."

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k a b i r
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The place is engulfed in darkness and seems to be following a pattern of rhythmic quivering. The air is tainted with the essence of alcohol and sweat. My orbs are desperately finding a certain woman in this meagre light when I spot her.

She is perched on a barstool, her black dress hugging her frame. Her brown locks cascading and waving on her shoulders, brushing against her sinfully denuded back. I stride towards her, she sits there unaware of my presence. Sipping on the cool drink from the can, when I stand behind her.

I scoop my hand around her waist, bending my body to align my mouth with her ear.

"So you don't like the window, huh? I don't remember you complaining while you were against it, writhing and trembling. Do you want me to remind you how desperately you were moaning for your release..."

"You have a very dirty mouth, Mr. Sood."

"Only for you, Mrs. Sood." She rotates her chair to face me, I drop a peck on her lips which are coated in a colour I love on her. Maroon.

"Happy anniversary, wifey."

"Ah, now you remember your wifey. You are late, Mr."

"Because I was stuck in a meeting I had no interest in. A meeting where even you came– left and I had to stay back for their discussions."

"Touchè." She smiles goofily at me. "Where are they?" She questions, hinting at our friends who are running late.

"They are on their way."
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.
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"Guys, it's Krisha's first gathering, let's not scare her, please. She is already suffering being tied with this dufus." Dheer announces, lifting his drink for a huge cheers. All our glasses clink against each other, as we take the sip of our drinks.

Noor and I wanted to be sober today, there was a very little hint, a doubt in both our minds and we didn't want to take any risk before we got the confirmation.

"Please, at least she wants to put up with me, where's Avinash? Already tired of your ass?" Jay snarks. Dheer's face morphs into a soothing smile as he hears his boyfriend's name.

"You wish." Rolling his eyes, Dheer picks up his phone and starts typing a message, probably to Avinash. They have been together for six months now, things are pretty serious between them.

Dheer had met him during the Art exhibition, where Noor and I had our paint play, and they have been talking ever since. But only recently, they decided how they wanted more. Avinash had taken the first step, but the moment he had, there was no going back for this couple.

"Where is he? I am missing him." Sana pipes in. She is sitting next to her husband, Saurav. They were arranged to be married, but before things were finalised, they demanded their parents to let them get acquainted with each other first. They went on seven first dates, as they called them. I still don't understand that concept but it apparently worked for them. So good.

"He is on a business trip. This lady didn't inform me about this party beforehand or else I wouldn't have let him go." He points an accusing finger at my wife.

"It's my marriage anniversary, your fault you didn't remember."

"Y'all have married so many times, I have lost count." Dheer yawns out his statement.

"Only two times."

"Still more than normal people. How does it feel to marry the same person twice?"

"I hate you."

"No, you don't."

"I do. Jay is my best friend now, you can shoo away."

"Excuse me? He is my best friend. You already hog him enough." I nudge her shoulder jokingly.

"Sorry, Kabir." Jay laughs, his hand snaking around his girlfriend's waist, like a regular habit. My heart warms up at the sight of my best friend being truly happy.

Krisha had been a changing factor in his life. He used to always be chirpy but with her, he experiences it too. They have been together for a few months now, their relationship comparatively newer than all of us but I know it's going to last.

"How do you put up with him, Krish?" I ask. That's what we all call her, she chuckles softly.

"Well, he's my boss, after all." That's their story summed up. Krisha works in his firm, it was a love at first sight for my best friend. Once he confirmed her single status, he started wooing her. Krisha was hesitant at first but then finally gave in. They spent some months trying to know each other and only then they did put a label on their relationship.

"Being in a relationship with your boss, it's a story we have heard before, no?" Sana and Dheer comment together.

"You are in for some troubles, my love. We'll be there for you." Noor throws a flying kiss at her.

"And what do you mean by that?"

"You know what I clearly meant, Kabir."

"Go ahead, spell it out for me."

"Bosses are weird creatures. They are devilish. So devilish. I mean, Krisha, yours is still better. This person, looked like a Math teacher every morning he entered the office. Difficult to put up with these egoistic men."

"We are weird? Krisha, do you know who is the weird one between the two of us? This lady. She was fucking running during our wedding Pheras. Do you want to know the reason?"

I can see Noor, Dheer and Jay sharing a look, clearly embarrassed of their antics.

"Seriously? Tell me."

"Because your boyfriend over there, that man right here and my wife had to catch Brooklyn Nine-Nine's crew interview which was going to air that night. She was running, even the priest was shocked to see the bride sprinting in her wedding attire. Any comments, wifey?"

"The series deserves all our love." That is what she ends up saying. The entire table evokes into bouts of laughter. After Noor and I had sought our differences, only a few days after my grandfather proposed the idea to hold a proper marriage ceremony.

It was what he had wished for his grandson, and Noor's family also rejoiced with the idea. They all had missed an important event of our life and wanted to relive it.

But it wasn't for them that we did it. Somewhere, both Noor and I craved a traditional way of claiming each other. We had started on a fake note, our story was bounded by laws, one which began with us being trapped due to circumstances. When we had gotten rid of that contract, we knew we wanted to legalise it traditionally.

We waited this time, and planned everything together and with our families. Noor had finally found peace with her family. The crack between her father and Noor was healed. They spoke and discussed, apologised and cried. That was a reunion, Noor had been awaiting for years now.

I was closer than ever with Pa, he was always my family but now, the bond had tightened. We both are working together on my parents' dream. My Pa has retired from the company but now he helps me manage the NGO, which is so helpful because there are times when the work in the office is overwhelming. Life's been kinder to us.

Noor's business is working in full swing, she is happy and content.

Our relationship?

We still argue, I still berate her over her messy behaviour, she still shouts at me for nagging and nicking, and we bicker but we make up. We laugh and share the most honest and vulnerable conversations. Before her, I was never the businessman Kabir Sood, to her I am a person whom she loves despite all the flaws. We share the loudest laughs and ugliest cries, we taunt each other but we also motivate and cheer the loudest for the other half.

Even when we are pissed off beyond words, we still find words to fix it up. There's never been a fight that was taken to our bedroom. There's never been a day, after that night, where we slept not facing each other.

Noor and I are the pieces of that puzzle that can never be completed if we aren't placed together. It's a weird analogy but it's us. We are that way, messy and stubborn but so much in love.

And to think of it, we wouldn't have been here if not for that day.

The day when we found ourselves royally trapped.

~ t h e    e n d ~

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(not a compulsory note, but i hope you all could spare some moments to read this final note)

and that's a wrap on kabir and noor's journey. and what a journey has it been.

a moment on honesty, their story actually taught me something so deep. over the course of this book, i have felt under confident and well not satisfied. there were so many moments when i just wanted to stop writing and delete this account & lol, vanish.

but i finally completed it offline, because this was a dream i had been looking since the new year. i wouldn't lie saying it was easy once i completed it offline.

there were still many more moments when i just felt demotivated and well. ready to just finish it and go. it's often easy to say that you are writing for yourself, and other's shouldn't make or break your spirit. i agree, but at the same time, the comments, the words of appreciation or even the words of criticism help you. they push you to try to be even better.

i am a student, my course of study is so hectic and already chaotic that it keeps making you doubt every other day and w the stress of writing, there were some low moments- one i think i have shared w y'all. but here we are!

thank you for sticking by me. means the world to me. 🫶🏻

if not for y'all, who knows we would have been here or not. and i genuinely mean it. thank you for pushing me, for helping me. for motivating me, this one's for y'all.

(for the final time)
always,
royally yours,
meethi.