So, before I say anything, I would really like to thank a beautiful soul starlessxskies for reviewing The Desert Lily in her book titled 'Ramblings'. I'm very much delighted by the fact that you found this book worthy enough to spend so much time and effort upon. It really means a huge lot to me.

IMPORTANT NOTE
Since this is the epilogue, I'll really have to say this. I repeat again that I'm grateful for all the love I've been shown. But there's something which makes me a tad bit hurt. The previous chapter of desert lily has  675 views, but not even one fourth of the viewers felt like voting. Not even one fifth of the people felt like commenting. I know that there are various reasons behind someone being a silent reader. I myself was one before. My reason was that I felt extremely shy or introverted to be noted. But that changed gradually when I came to realize that the stories I read deserves my vote or comments and I'll have to break my shell someday (but many of you may not be voting /commenting because you think I don't deserve it, which is totally understandable:)). I understood better when I started writing myself. I know what feedback means to a writer. All I want to say is, someday you may also become a writer and that day you will understand what is the value of feedback.
I know things are not good right now, so I'll be wrong to demand anything. I just keep on telling myself that I write for myself and the ones who find a second for me to leave a vote or a minute to leave a comment and that added with my passion was what made me write all these days.
But is it that difficult to click on the star icon? Do I sound greedy if I ask you to leave three-four words on what you think about my story which you've been reading?
If I do. Then greedy Iam:)
But anyway, I should be feeling lucky since there are better writers who lack response.
Ohkkay forget it, thank you if you have read this rant.

Epilogue

"You're repenting for your sins. Aren't you? "Fr. Paul asked as he kept a paycheck inside the drawer of his table. 
N

aveen withdrew his eyes from the priest's face and fixed it on the floor. 
"I can understand, Naveen. You've been a great help to the orphanage run by our church.I also came to know about the services you are providing to some NGOs. "the priest said, using a calm tone. 
"Men are bound to make mistakes. And you did a horrible one. Almost unforgivable by any human. But god will. If you truly regret your wrongdoings. "Fr. Paul chose his words carefully. 

Naveen rose from the chair he was seated on. Then slowly smiled at the priest. 
Fr. Paul patted on his shoulders and exited the room with him. 

Suddenly a kid came running to Naveen. She looked at him with her eyes, gleaming with anticipation for something. 

His lips curled up as he searched for a candy in his pocket.He gave it to her and she smiled in joy. He patted her head and proceeded to the church which was just a walk away.

On his way, he bought a candle from  a stall which was very near to the church compound. 

The church had a heavily tranquil aura. One that would make you feel peaceful too. And it had always been helpful for him.It allowed him to contemplate without any disturbance. To soothe his mind which was vehemently searching for something which he could not name. 

He had realised his mistake when he ended up in the same situation he had gifted someone in the past. It made him ponder over his deeds and finally came to the conclusion that he deserved it. Every bit of it. For hurting a woman who trusted him, loved him and cherished every moment she spent with him. 

He didn't know what gave him the courage to call her, very well aware that he'll be denied and insulted,which he knew he deserved. Every bit of it. 

The mistake he did can never be undone.And repentance was all he could do. He was determined that he won't hurt Samaira by contacting her anymore.He swore that he will never let even his shadow approach her. 

Money and career were the only things left with him and he tried to make good use of it. If only his good deeds could replace at least one third of his wrong deeds.

He sat on a bench for a few minutes,trying to absorb some peace from the surroundings so that he could endow his mind with it. 

After a while, he stood up and strided to the large statue of Jesus Christ near the altar. 

"I know my mistake can never be forgiven. So I don't ask for forgiveness. All I ask is...to keep her happy."he whispered,his voice laiden with guilt and dismay. 

He then lit up the violet candle he bought and gradually made his way out of the church. 

..............

"India, brace yourself! Your son has come! "Kevin said as the plane landed in the airport.
Finally they were back to India,after spending almost three years in Dubai and the happiness in the little.. Well.. Not so little family knew no bounds.

Samaira smiled as she could see Ayush bloating up with joy. He had been constantly blabbering things and reminiscing old memories.But it was so fun to be with him. She fail to realize the passing of time when she's with him.

After the day they confessed,she didn't remember crying. He had always made sure of that. It's not that they didn't face any difficulties.They did. But they overcame all of them. Together.

The case against Samaira was withdrawn by the patient's husband. The patient apologized to her on his behalf. She said he was ashamed to come before Samaira .The case has caused Samaira so much of turmoils but she chose to forgive. Losing a kid is not something you could handle with ease and it may make you do crazy things. However,what he did was bit too much.But still, she knew he won't repeat something like this again and he truly regrets for what he did. And that chapter was  closed right there.

They walked out of the airport with their luggage and Ayush's father had sent a cab to pick them. They got into it and started the drive to home.

The journey was so refreshing. The trees, the small streets, the shops bustling with people, the raindrops that dripped from the leaves of the trees, the puddles near and on the road, the jerks of the car due to the damages of the road,the chilly wind that touched their face when the windows were pulled down,they missed all of these.
"Mommy, lake! "Kevin said as he pointed at a lake near the road.

"Yes! Beautiful no? "she asked as she wrapped a hand around him.

He nodded and looked out to catch sight of everything he could. The car slowly entered a bridge under which flowed a mighty river. The children was so excited. They kept on talking about the river and their parents could only chuckle and tell them everything they know about it.

Finally, the family reached their destination, their home.
Ayush's parents came out before any of them could get out of the car.
They picked up their grandchildren and cuddled them. Samaira and Ayush were welcomed with much love. But still, Samaira missed her mother and the idiotic sister of hers.

As she reached the doorstep,she saw a familiar face popping out from a room. It was Saphira!

"Saphi!!! "she literally yelled and Saphira rushed to take her in a hug. Samaira smiled as she saw Saphi's family coming out of the room. Well hers was very small compared to Sam's. It was just her, her husband and a son.

Soon, the house was filled laughs,jokes teasing and what not!

...............
Ayush slowly entered his room, which used to belong to someone else too. Samaira followed him and he could read her thoughts, she was thinking the same. Both of them could feel a void, which shook them a little from within. But still, it was past and there shouldn't be a place for sorrow in their present or future.
He slowly snaked an arm around her shoulder and shook her with concern. She smiled and patted his back.
Ayush and Samaira didn't feel sad anymore but they missed her. Very much.
Ayush placed his luggage in their proper place, too lazy to unpack and plopped on his bed. The tired kids followed his suit and huddled near their father.
Samaira stared affectionately as the four kids of her life fell asleep.
.............................
It was evening and the atmosphere was cool. Samaira stood in the backyard of the house, taking a good look at the flowers there. The gentle breeze brushed her face, flying her black tresses with grace.
She looked heavenly, standing amidst flowers with a glowing face.
She noticed two rose plants with freshly bloomed flowers. One was red and the other was white and a butterfly danced across them. The sight was so simple yet so delightful.

Her lips curved up as a drop of water touched her cheek.The atmosphere got colder and the downpour began with all its force. Samaira stood rooted to the ground, taking in every inch of the wetness. She lifted up her face to the clouds with her hands spread wide. It felt so good, getting drenched in the rain after so long.
...............
Ayush woke up to the sound of rain falling on the roof. He secured the three little chubs with pillows and started looking for Samaira.
He met his mother on his way outside.
"Son, you look so happy. I had told you right, that you would eventually find happiness? "she asked as she stroked his head with love.
"Mom knows the best!"he said and side hugged his mother.
"By the way, did you see Samaira?"he enquired.
"I had seen her going to the backyard?"she answered.
"What? And she is still there? "he looked terrified.
"Why? She must be out in the rain. "

"No!! Not a fever again! "he exclaimed and rushed to the backyard.

As he reached, he spotted her standing in the middle of flowers, just like one of them, but the most beautiful of all. Her hands were spread and she was looking up at the sky.
"This woman!"he sighed and made his way to her and caught her by her arm.

"What do you think you're doing? "he said as he tried to drag her inside.

"Stop Ayush! "she said and he let go off her.He placed his clenched palms on his hips.
Suddenly, he felt her soft fingers clasp around his wrist.
"Stand by me and feel it, Ayush. "she said in her softest tone, making him melt inside out. He released his hands and stayed beside her, allowing the rain to drench him completely.
After a while, he felt she was right. There was some kind of rejuvenation that came along with the water.

But he was not ready to feel 'rejuvenated' anymore since the rain was getting heavier and her health was more important. He dragged her to a pillar and made her stand there.  A protruding part of the roof protected them from the roaring rain.

He ran his fingers through his hair and brushed them in an effort to dry them. He was standing right against Samaira who was leaning onto the pillar and extracting his features with her eyes.
"Do you know how happy the heart feels when in it beats for someone you love? "asked Samaira, with a sly smile on her face. The cheesy person who happened to be her husband had influenced her big time. They knew both of them sounded silly, but they let it remain like a funny thing between them.
"I don't! Because mine is with you! "he replied,flashing his nose cringing smile as he tucked a few stray strands of her hair behind her ear.
Samaira could only shake her head and look at him, silently. A light shade of crimson painted her cheeks as his eyes slowly shifted to her lips. He slowly cupped her face and leaned closer.
She closed her eyes to save the moment in her heart forever.

........................
Love. Romance. Rain 🙈🙈🙈🙈
So, an uneventful epilogue. Dunno if it was worth your wait 😁
And I know some of u have expected a good news.But don't worry, we have bonus chapters to think of that:)

With love,
Chris