Penultimate chapter, enjoy!

...

Raavi walked through the door, and Shiva paused in the middle of his conversation over the laptop to look at her, hiding something behind his back that she didn't notice. 

"Aise kya ghoor raha hai laptop aur mujhe? Email aaya kya?" 

"Kaunsa?" 

"Arre woh tune internship ke liye apply kiya tha," Raavi set her bags down and poured herself a glass of water, "uska email waapas aaya?" 

"Haa. Dopahar ko." 

"And?!" She asked, excitedly. 

"I got the job." Shiva smiled, and Raavi excitedly ran to him, pulling him into a hug. 

"Oh my god, I knew it! Pehli naukri, I'm so excited!" She exclaimed, and Shiva chuckled. 

"Khush toh aise ho rahi hai jaise teri naukri lag gayi hai." 

"Shut up! Iss baat pe meetha banta hai!" She ruffled through her bag for a chocolate and fed him a piece. "I'm so happy!" 

"Thank you, chipkali." Shiva broke off a tiny piece and fed her back, "Waise, tera woh scholarship ka kya hua, tere dream university ka?" 

"Nahi mila." Her face fell, and Shiva kept a hand on her head. 

"It's alright, dil pe mat le. You might have something else written for you." 

 "But I did get a paid internship, sort of, at the Children's Hospital as a psychiatrist. Mere professor ne meri reference di hai." Her face lit up, and he couldn't help but smile. 

"Agar unhe mai pasand aati hu, they'll give me the job and I'll get to work under the head of the Psychiatry department as a junior assistant. They needed someone to fill the spot." 

"That's great, darling!" Shiva exclaimed, stuffing some chocolate in her mouth, "Acchi khabar mein meetha khaana chahiye." 

Shiva admired the girl in front of her, who was now chuckling and struggling to eat the bar of chocolate that he had stuffed in her mouth. 

This was the view he was going to have for the rest of his life-

"Aise kya dekh raha hai?" She shrugged, and peeked into the laptop in front of them, smiling at the little old woman on the screen.

"Hi Kaki! Kaise ho?"

"Mai theek hoon, Raavi beta. Kangaroo-session teri naukri ke liye." Suman wished her, and Raavi thanked her. 

"Aur tu kya Kaki-Kaki bol rahi hai abhi bhi?" Suman said disapprovingly, "Maa bolne ki prak-tish kar le!"

"Kya....Matlab...?" Raavi asked flustered, and Shiva glared at his mother from over Raavi's shoulder.

"Woh.... Mera matlab hai...." Suman sputtered, "Kabhi na kabhi toh Maa bolna hoga na, phyoo-char mein? Toh abhi se shuru kar de. Ya phir mere bete ko dhokha dene ka plen-ing kar rahi hai?!" She exclaimed dramatically.

"Aisa nahi hai, Kaki." Raavi assured, sitting down next to Shiva as Suman glared, "Woh..... Aaj tak Maa kisi ko bola nahi hai na....Aadat nahi hai."

Shiva rubbed her back gently as she fiddled with her fingers, and Suman smiled softly, "Chal koi baat nahi. Tu ten-sun mat le ispe zyaada, jab bhi tera mann kare. Theek che?"

Raavi nodded and smiled back sheepishly, "Aapke alawa Maa kisi ko bol bhi nahi sakti. Dande se maar doge aap."

Suman let out a hearty laugh, as Shiva asked her to go freshen up after her long day at college. Just as he heard the door to the bathroom close, he pulled out the small, blue, velvet box that he had hidden behind the pillow.

"Kya lagta hai tujhe?" He asked Suman, connecting the earphones and speaking slowly so that no one could hear them.

"Bohot sundar hai. Pasand acchi hai teri." Suman smiled, winking at him and Shiva shook his head. His mother would never stop teasing him.

"Mujhe toh yakeen hi nahi ho raha ki tu Raavi ko shaadi ke liye puchne waala hai." 

She dabbed the corner of her eyes, and he just smiled as she spoke about how her son has grown up so much. 

Everything he had planned just had to go well, that's all he wished for. 

....

"Shiva, kaha le jaa raha hai?!"

"Tu chal toh sahi!"

"You've covered my eyes, mai muh pe girungi."

"Mai girne nahi dunga."

"So cheesy- MERE DRESS PE PAIR MAT DE!" 

"Accha sorry-" 

"Tere jeb se paise kaatungi agar meri white dress kharab kiya toh." 

"Tere liye jaan haazir hai." 

"Stop being so flirty, it won't work, meri dress ko safed se bhoora kar dega tu. Nalayak ladka." 

"Shut up and walk." 

"Where are you taking me?!" 

"Just shut up for a while, can you?" 

"What if you murder me?" 

"I feel like murdering you right now-" 

"Kya-" 

"Nothing. We're here." 

Shiva held her arms and uncovered her eyes, "Okay, open." 

Raavi's eyes fluttered open, and she was greeted by the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. 

The waves of the ocean kissed the grains of sand, the stars twinkling in the night sky, winds blowing gently across the open, secluded space, carrying her flowy white dress in the air. A small table was set up with benches around it, on which sat a small vase with a single rose, a centerpiece, a few containers of food, and an ornate candle stand with a lit candle. The set up was surrounded by white flowy curtains and fairy lights, the aesthetics matching the outfits Shiva had specifically picked out for them. 

"It's beautiful. So beautiful." Raavi whispered, walking over to the set up and caressing the bench, pillows, curtain and the flower crown made of lilies that laid at the centre of their meal for the night. 

"Par ye sab kyu? Aaj kuch special hai?" She asked, and Shiva walked over to their date, grabbing the flower crown and setting it on her head. 

"Kuch special karne ke liye special day hona zaroori hai?" He whispered, kissing her cheek, and Raavi blushed, his white shirt making him look like her personal moon on earth. 

"Hungry?" 

"Very!" Raavi rubbed her stomach, and Shiva settled them down on the couch, uncovering the entrées, appetisers, pasta, wine and bread that he had ordered for them.

"Everything smells so good!!" Raavi served herself, and started devouring the food.

"Sacchi bata, pregnant toh nahi hai na?" Shiva served them a glass of wine, and Raavi rolled her eyes. 

"Tere saamne, TERE BOLNE PE maine tests liye the. Saare negative. Let me eat in peace!" She groaned, and he kissed her cheek. 

"Just joking." 

The rest of the dinner followed much in a similar fashion, with banters, inside jokes and a lot of eating and feeding each other the dishes they liked. 

After they had eaten to their heart’s content, they laid back on the sofa, in hopes that their inflated, full stomachs wouldn't make them doze off. 

"Tujhe bheed se door ye jagah kaise mili beach pe?" 

"I have my ways, sweetheart." Shiva turned to look at her, sitting upright and swiping some of the pasta sauce off her lips. 

"Pura gaya?" She winked, and he smirked. 

"Nahi." 

Shiva scooted closer and cupped her face, kissing her deeply as the winds blew past them. Raavi wrapped her arms around his neck, returning the kiss with the same vigour. 

He tilted his head, his tongue grazing her lips, and she graciously let him enter, the sounds of her soft moans bliss to his ears. 

Shiva trailed gentle yet rough kisses down her neck, as she scrunched her fingers in his shirt, biting his neck to suppress her gasps. 

Just as he was going to slip off the strap of her dress, a slight nudge against their legs broke them out of their reverie and Raavi yelped.

It took her a few seconds to catch her breath, pleasantly surprised at the little furry golden sweetheart at her feet. 

A tiny golden retriever had trotted its way towards their secluded corner, nudging against Raavi's feet and standing on her hind legs for some pets. 

"Hi Julie! Hi, baby!" Raavi petted the dog, and she nudged her feet, giving in to her back scratches. "Where's mumma, my love?" 

Shiva's eyes widened in horror, muttering to himself, 'Isko kisne yaha bhej diya itna jaldi? Timing hi galat hai, full plan popat ho jaayega.'

Raavi kissed Julie's head, blissfully unaware of Shiva’s state of panic beside her, scratching her ears and cooing at the little dog, carrying her in her arms as she licked Raavi's face, "I don't see Mumma, where's Mumma, Julie?" 

"Shiva see! Maine kaha tha na, Mahi adopted a dog, this is Julie!" She exclaimed, and Shiva tried to act calm, even though the silver peeking from under Julie's belly threatened to give away his surprise before time. 

"Tujhe kaise pata woh Julie hai? Akeli Golden Retriever hai kya woh?" He asked nervously and Raavi clicked her tongue.

"Because she has her name tag! And also, she has this mark under her belly- who did this, sweetheart?" Raavi asked in shock, noticing a string tied under Julie's fur. 

"Who's the evil man who did this? Who's the bad guy who hurt you?" She frowned and searched for the end of the string to remove it, and Shiva stepped in. 

"Julie, my love!" He beckoned, and Julie leapt right into his arms, "Hi, baby. How have you been, princess?" Shiva asked, and Julie gave him numerous kisses for all the affection he was showing. 

Stealthily, he slipped the string off her body and back into his pocket, and whispered in her ears about being a good girl, promising to give her treats when he gets they’d get home, and Julie snuggled up to him, kissing him a few more times. 

"Shiva! There was a string, kisine bandha tha usko!" Raavi protested, and Shiva held Julie out in front of her, his arms outstretched and the little dog just hanging from them. 

"Where? Kuch nahi hai, chipkali. Vehem hoga tera." He dismissed the thought, and Raavi shrugged as the little bean trotted back to some corner, not before Raavi noticing that Mahi's roommate had taken Julie back home.

"She's so cute. When we adopt a dog, I want one just like her." Raavi wished wistfully. 

"And you'll get whatever you want. I promise." 

Shiva reached for the speakers, playing soft delicate music, holding out his hand for a dance. 

I found a love, for me
Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead

Raavi placed her hand in Shiva's, as he pulled her closer to him, wrapping his arms around her waist and swaying to the music, twirling in her spot under Shiva's guidance, her love knowing no boundaries. 

"You love me too much." 

"Pyaar karna gunaah hai, phoolkumari?" He whispered, nudging the flower crown on her head as she blushed. 

Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

"Kabhi socha tha tune, we'd be so madly in love?" Raavi asked, resting her head against his chest, as they continued swaying gently to the music along with the breeze, his soft kisses to her hair melting her heart. 

"Agar maine 12 saal ke Shiva se kaha hota, ki woh Raavi ke pyaar mein pagal hoga, mai khud ko peet deta." Shiva chuckled and Raavi swatted his arm. 

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time

"Uss time dosti todi thi, ab ye rishta nahi todunga, chipkali. I promise. 

"I know, bhoothnath. I know." 

But darling, just kiss me slow
Your heart is all I own
And in your eyes, you're holding mine

Raavi pressed soft, persistent kisses to his lips, as they stared into each other's eyes, and saw their entire universe within it. 

"You look so beautiful, Raavi." 

"Stop it" She blushed crimson red, "Aur kitna cheesy banega, bhoothnath?"

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favourite song
When you said you looked a mess
I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it
Darling, you look perfect tonight

"You didn't tell me why we're on a special date?" 

"Do I need to explain everything?" 

"Yes?" 

"No. I'm not telling you." 

Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home

"Shiva, if you're going to throw tantrums like this, toh humare bacche kya sochenge?" 

"Kyun, tu pregnant hai kya?" 

"For the last time, I'M NOT PREGNANT! And don't you dare make me take 5 pregnancy tests again, Shiva Darshan Pandya!" 

I found a lover, to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own

"There's no harm in being precautious!" 

"Shut your damn mouth and kiss me." 

We are still kids, but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time

Shiva chuckled and kissed her under the twinkling stars, twirling her around one last time and facing her towards the open waters, where the ocean shore had lit up due to the fireflies of the ocean. 

"Oh my god, it’s so beautiful ,Shiva! Look-" 

“It is beautiful.”

Raavi turned around to look for Shiva, only to find him on the ground, kneeling on one knee, looking at her with the kind of love in his eyes that made her breath hitch. 

Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes

"Raavi. My love." Shiva smiled, and Raavi chuckled nervously, her hands clasped in front of her, tears forming in her eyes.

"I've known you for 3 years now. And I'm being completely honest when I say that this is the happiest I've ever been. Happiest with you." 

"I may not know a lot of things, aur tu mujhe unn sab cheezo ke liye daat lagati rehti hai. But I do know one thing for sure," He looked over to her, and his eyes finally settled on the single tear track across her cheek, and the goofy smile plastered on her face. 

"I want to wake up to this face beside me, every day, for the rest of my life. I want to grow old with you, I want to build my life, our life together, I want us to have tiny, chunky babies running around our house, trying to catch a hold of their puppy's tail. I want to watch endless sunsets and sunrises with you, bear your tantrums, and love you; just love you like I always have."

"Dekha jaaye toh meri puri zindagi mein, tu har hisse mein rahi hai. Bachpan se leke abhi tak, har jagah tu rahi hai, har tarah se judi hui thi, aur jud gayi hai."

"Mai chahta hoon tu mujhse ek aur dor se jud jaaye, humesha ke liye." 

"My chipkali, my phoolkumari," Shiva held out the turquoise-stone silver ring in front of Raavi, 

"Marry me?" 

The breeze picked up slightly, and the water crashed over the shore, the silence was deafening when suddenly Raavi released a burst of chuckling, sobbed a “yes” and started nodding her head vigorously. Shiva held her left hand in his, smoothly slipping the ring on her finger. 

Shiva got up and held Raavi by her shoulders and peered down to look at her, as she continued to sob and stare at the ring she’d wear for life. 

“Kya baat hai, chipkali? Vaise toh bolti bandh nahi hoti teri.. aaj kya ho gaya?”

Raavi let out a startled laugh and flung her arms around his neck, hugged him like her life depended on it, and maybe, in that moment, it did. 

After a while, she pulled back and looked at him with reverence sparkling in her eyes. 

“I'm just so happy, bhoothnath. You make me so happy.” Raavi chuckled tearfully. 

Shiva merely shook his head and kissed her under the moonlight, the feeling of contentment settling in after days of anxiety. 

Raavi took his hand, intertwining their fingers and led him towards the beach. They walked along the endless strip of land, stealing glances at each other, laughing and talking, spending their first night of forever just being in each other’s company. 

She pulled out her phone to call her Maasi, who didn't pick up her call, so she dialled Suman's number instead. 

"Raavi beta, ekdum correct time pe phone kiya. Dekh, aaj mera bhai aur woh Prafulla aaye hai ghar." 

Suman turned the camera around to show all their family members seated in the aangan, snacks laid out on the table as the World Cup finals played out on the screen in front of them.

"Kaki, aap idhar toh dekho!" Raavi chimed in, gathering Suman's attention back. 

She raised the back of her hand, flashing her ring towards the screen as Shiva entered the frame, an arm coming around her shoulder

Pin drop silence, as everyone contemplated what was happening, and a moment later everyone erupted into cheers, screams and laughter, best wishes, compliments and a flurry of emotions zapping in the moment. 

"Usne kar dala par-poj?" Suman asked excitedly. 

Raavi nodded and covered her face with her palm, as Shiva kissed the top of her head and everyone hooted at the sight through the screen.

"Ab toh aapko maa bolna hi padega." Raavi sheepishly said, a weird excitement settling in at the thought of being his fiancée. 

Fiancée. No longer just girlfriend, but his future wife. 

Butterflies settled in her stomach, and Suman laughed, as the whole family poured in to congratulate the newly engaged couple, wishing them luck and ending the phone call. 

Shiva held her hand and sat down by the soft waves, lying down on the sand under the light of a thousand stars. Raavi laid down beside him and scooted closer, his arm coming around her waist, to hold her closer to himself by her 

"You want to stay here a while longer?" Shiva whispered, kissing her lips tenderly. 

"I don't mind." Raavi hugged him, laying her head on his chest, admiring the ring that now rested on her finger. 

….. 

Gaurav, Shashank, Aman, Mahi and Richa sat impatiently in the living room, wondering what was taking them so long after they had specifically asked them to wait until they got home. 

"Inn dono ko ek time pe aane nahi aata hai kya, late lateefs kahinke!" Mahi grumbled under her breath, the sound of keys clinking against the door. 

Shiva and Raavi entered with bright smiled plastered across their faces, exchanging such obvious glances that made their friends suspicious. 

"Aise kya ghoor rshe ho ek dusre ko, ek hi kamre mein toh din bhar lipte rehte ho." Mahi grumbled again, and received a nudge and glare from Gaurav. "Bulaya kyu humko?" 

"We have something to tell you." Raavi beamed, looking at Shiva excitedly and with so much love. 

"Tu…..pregnant hai?" Richa asked suspiciously and Raavi stomped her feet. 

"Why does everyone think I'm pregnant?!" Raavi asked annoyingly, and everyone rolled their eyes. 

"We have ears. And unfortunately, eyes." Shashank piped in, and Raavi flipped him off. 

"Excuse me, we aren't THAT loud! These two are way worse!" 

"Ye debate baadme!" Gaurav intervened, trying to save his honour and little honour, "Kya batana tha?" 

Raavi looked at their friends, at Shiva and then flashed the ring that rested on her left hand towards the room of people, waiting in anticipation for their reaction. 

It took a few moments, but the light bulb went off and everyone squealed on excitement, running towards them for a hug. 

"HE PROPOSED?!" 

"Tera wicket sabse pehle down?" 

"Oh my, the ring is so pretty! Gaurav, catch hints!" 

"I. NEED. PROPOSAL. DETAILS. RIGHT. NOW. SPILL THE TEA!"

"Ab toh bachelor's party banti hai, ayyyyyy!" 

"Raavi, I'm telling you there has to be one strip club involved in the bachelorrete-" 

"Strippers bulana hai kya Shiva-" 

"SHUT YOUR MOUTH, ENGAGEMENT TUDWAAYEGA KYA?" 

"Have you decided outfits? Functions? Wedding card? Caterers? Venue? Lehenga choose kiya?" 

"Guys relax!" Raavi chuckled, pulling away from the group hugs and kisses that were being shared in the middle of the night. "Abhi toh propose kiya hai, kuch decide nahi kiya hai." 

"But," Shiva clapped his friends back, pulling them into a brotherly hug, "Ladki waale aur ladke waale toh tum log hi ho, mere yaar!" 

A round of drinks, phone calls, dress and event discussions, and many more hugs kisses later, as everyone laid passed out in the living room of their house, it had finally settled in:

They were going to spend the rest of their lives together, and Shiva just couldn't wait for the day she took his name forever.