As she thinks of her life, standing on the balcony of her room and embracing the sunlight, her husband hugs her, resting his chin on her shoulder. She smiles and places her hand on his hands, which are resting on her waist.

"So, what are you up to, Mrs. Shergill?" he asks, his tone light and playful.

"Nothing much, Mr. Shergill. Bas ye soch rahi thi ki zindagi bhi pal bhar mein badal hi jaati hai. Jaise meri zindagi tumhare aane se badli. Hamari shadi ko 2 mahine ho gaye hain, lekin abhi bhi kal ki si baat lagti hai," she says, leaning into his warm embrace.

"Yeh toh hai, Ruhana. Aur main umeed karta hoon ki maine tumhe disappoint nahi kiya hai. Did I?" he asks, as she turns towards him, still caged in his arms.

"Nahi, Vineet. Tumne mujhe kabhi disappoint nahi kiya hai. You've been the constant support in my life, and you've been the best father that Ruhaani could have," she says and pecks his cheek lightly.

"Really? Tumhe aisa lagta hai?" he asks, glad to hear it from her.

"Bilkul! Jaise mere pas tumhare proposal ko naa karne ki wajah nahi thi, waise hi tumse disappoint ho jaun, aisi koi baat nahi hui hai, Vineet. Tumne mujhe bataya ki second chances bhi khubsurat hote hain. I am glad to have you," she says, her tone filled with love and admiration for her husband.

"Aur zindagi ki dusri paari mein zindagi kaise jeete hain, ye tumne aur Ruhaani ne mujhe sikhaya hai. Jaanti ho, kabhi kabhi mujhe bhi lagta tha ki shayad jaisa main chahta hoon waisa jeevansathi mujhe kabhi nahi milega, par phir tum mili," he says, boring his eyes into her.

"Aur phir pata hai kya hua...?" A familiar voice echoes in their room, and as they turn around, they find Ruhaani standing at the door.

"Phir na... meri mummy ko Papa se, aur papa ko mummy se pyar ho gaya..." the girl chuckles as she clings onto her mom, causing her parents to giggle.

Ruhana slaps her arm playfully, at which she hides behind Vineet, who takes her into his warm embrace. As Ruhana watches, her daughter talks to Vineet, seemingly sharing a secret. She narrows her eyes at them.

"Hmm, kya baatein ho rahi hain?" Ruhana asks.

"That's a secret, Mumma! Aur vaise bhi maine sach bola, love happens!" Ruhaani winks at her mom, causing her to smile.

"Hmm, ye baat toh hai. Aur tujhe pata hai, ye love shuv se zyada achcha kya hai?" Ruhana asks, while her daughter looks at her curiously.

"Kya hai, batao?" the girl asks, her curiosity piqued.

Ruhana looks at her daughter and reaches out to hold her hands. For her, her daughter has played the main role in bringing them together. They not only tied the knot for the sake of their love, but also for this girl, who has brought them together as one entity.

"Wo yeh ki hamare beech mein tum ho. Tumne hi toh hume ek dori se bandha hai. Tumhari wajah se hi toh ye sab possible hua," Ruhana explains, her tone soft.

"Mumma, maine aapse kaha tha na ki main hamesha aapke sath hoon. Aur vaise bhi I've got the best parents ever," Ruhaani says as she leaps into her mom's arms, who embraces her in her warmth.

"Isliye toh main har roz tujhe thanks kehti hoon, betu. Teri wajah se hi toh meri zindagi mein yeh pal aaye. Agar tum mujhe motivate nahi karti toh na main koi step leti, aur na hi hum yahan hote. Hum teenon ek sath, ek parivar ki tarah," Ruhana says, as she parts the hug and looks at her daughter and husband.

"Tumhari mumma ki baat thik hai, Princess. Mujhe bhi tumhe thanks kehna chahiye, tumne mujhe accept kiya aur tabhi toh mujhe itni pyari si beti mili hai," Vineet says, his tone gentle and filled with love.

"Hmm, toh thank you treat bhi banti hai. I know aap dono ko celebrate karna pasand nahi hai, lekin aaj aapki shadi ko 2 months ho gaye, aur aap dono mujhe hi thanks bol rahe ho, toh Ruhaani and Dadi deserve a treat," Ruhaani chuckles, looking at both her parents.

"Hmm, ye baat toh hai. Toh thik hai, hum sab jaayenge shaam ko dinner pe. Abhi mujhe office jaana hai," Vineet says, feeling the ladies' stares at him.

"Dadda, aaj Sunday hai," Ruhaani retorts.

"Haan, Vineet. Aur Ma bhi keh rahi thi ki wo aaj koi puja karna chahti hai, hamari shaadi ke 2 mahine hue hain isliye," Ruhana says, her tone soft.

"Jaanta hoon, Ruu. Main puja ke baad hi office jaaunga. Tumhe yaad hai na Mr. Vinod Batra, unhone koi error report kiya hai. Vo aaj raat ko kahin baahar jaa rahe hain toh unhone insist kiya milne ke liye," Vineet explains, looking at his wife and daughter.

"Oh, lekin usme toh vaqt lagega," Ruhana says, fearful that he might forget the plan.

"Nahi, main jaldi aa jaunga. I promise. Infact, mere pas ek idea hai," he says, and Ruhaani chuckles.

"Kaisa idea?" Ruhaani asks, her eyes sparkling with joy.

"Mujhe Mr. Batra se 4 baje milna hai, unke office mein. Toh main soch raha tha ki main tumhe, dadi aur tumhari mumma ko market mein drop kar dunga. Tum log shopping karna utne main meeting karke wapas aa jaunga, phir hum dinner karne jayenge, how's it?" Vineet says, expressing his idea.

"Hmm, sounds good. Main Dadi se puch ke aati hoon, bahut mazaa aayega.." she chuckles and turns to move out of the room but stops in her tracks and looks at her parents.

"Aur dadda, hum studio mein pictures bhi click karenge, okay? Humari individual pictures aur family bhi, okay?" Ruhaani says, looking at her parents, and Vineet gives a positive nod to her.

Ruhaani chuckles and runs out of the room, while Ruhana adores her husband. Ever since their marriage, she has noticed that he never denies her daughter. And thanks heavens, her girl hasn't demanded anything wrong so far. Meanwhile, Vineet notices that Ruhana is looking at him, and he asks her the matter. She walks towards him, holds his hands, and pecks his forehead, surprising him.

"Subah subah itna pyar, koi khas wajah?" he asks.

"Mere liye tum khaas ho, aur tumse pyar karne ke liye mujhe khaas wajah ki zaroorat nahi hoti hai, lekin abhi mujhe tumse thanks kehna hai," she says, her tone gentle, and her eyes brimming with respect for the man in front of her.

"Phir se, kyun?" He raises his eyebrows at her.

"Kyunki maine dekha hai ki tum hamesha Ruhaani ki har baat maante ho, usko help karte ho, aur kabhi kabhi meri jagah usey sambhalte bhi ho. Thank you, Vineet. Agar koi aur hota na toh itna sab kuch nahi karta meri beti ke liye," she says, her tone filled with gratitude.

"Hey, wo meri bhi beti hai, ye kya tum 'meri beti - meri beti' karti rehti ho? Mind you, wo meri beti hai, samjhi tum? Aur usko kaise mana kar dun, jo meri khushiyon ki wajah hai. Isliye tum hum baap beti ke beech mein mat pado," Vineet says, his tone playful and amused.

"Achha achcha! Mujhe maaf karo, main jaati hoon, mujhe naha kar Ma ke sath puja ki taiyari karni hai, panditji 10 baje aayenge," Ruhana says, and turns to move into the washroom, but Vineet holds her hand and pulls her close, such that she dashes onto his chest.

She's surprised, but as she realizes her close proximity to him, she takes the chance to quickly peck a kiss on his lips, and hugs him in the next instant. It's been a smooth ride with him so far."

*****
After the puja and having a scrumptious lunch, the family of four leaves for their outing. Firstly, they visit the photography studio, Eternal Moments Studio. The owner of the studio is Vineet's friend, Vikrant, and he treats them as a priority. Mrinal asks the other three to get the pictures done, and later, on Ruhaani's insistence, she also agrees to get clicked.

At first, Ruhana and Vineet get a few portraits clicked, and in the next moment, Ruhaani insists on getting clicked with her parents individually and then together. Mrinal joins them at last. Ruhaani is glad to get the pictures clicked. Vikrant assures them they can take the pictures in an hour, and they agree. Further, they head to their favorite marketplace, the mall, where Vineet and his mom often visit. Leaving them at the mall, Vineet goes for his meeting, while the ladies stroll in the mall and do some shopping.

Two hours later, they're waiting at the exit of the mall. Vineet has already informed them that he's coming to pick them up. On their way to their favorite restaurant, Savory Palate, they take their picture frames from the studio. Ruhaani is quite excited to see the pictures and insists on opening one, but Ruhana shushes her, telling her that they will open it when they reach home. The girl agrees, and on the other hand, Vineet shows her the pictures on his phone. She chuckles.

"Ab aap aur Daadi hi dekhna, ye bade frames, mujhe toh Dadda ne dikha diye..." she says, her tone teasing.

"Vineet, tum na isey bigaad rahe ho, agar kuch gadbad ki na isne, toh sabse pehle tumhe saza milegi, haan!" Ruhana glances at her husband.

"It's one and the same thing, Ruhana. Jo main Ruhaani ke sath kar raha hoon, Ma tumhare sath karti hain. Hmm, aajkal wo bete se pehle bahu ke baare mein puchti hain," Vineet mocks his wife, causing Mrinal and Ruhana to giggle.

"Puchungi hi na, tere nakhre bahut uthaaye maine, ab bahu ki baari hain aur teri beti ki bhi. Aur tune hi kaha tha ki ab se Ruhana tera dhyan rakhegi, toh mujhe meri bahu ka khayal rakhna hoga," Mrinal teases, her tone light at the moment.

"Dadi has a valid point. Nai toh Mumma bolegi koi unse pyaar hi nahi karta, samjha karo Dadda..." Ruhaani chuckles.

"Oh, ye baat hai? Dekhti hoon main tum dono ko, bahut satate ho aajkal mujhe!" Ruhana rolls her eyes at her two precious people.

"That's our right, Mumma/Ruu..." Ruhaani and Vineet say in unison.

Mrinal watches her children bantering, and soon, after relishing their dinner, they head home. As they reach home, Ruhana feels content; she's glad to have this sweet family by her side.

Ruhaani takes the chance and opens the pictures; there are a total of six frames – one picture of Ruhaani, another of Ruhana and Vineet, the third one is Ruhaani's picture with her parents, the fourth one is their picture with Mrinal, the fifth picture is Mrinal's picture with her son and daughter-in-law, and the last one is her picture with Ruhaani.

Mrinal chooses the wall, and Vineet fixes the pictures immediately. Ruhaani is in awe of the beauty of the wall, while Mrinal asserts that she'll be glad to see the smiling faces of her family every morning. Ruhana is glad for the same.

*****

Soon after, everyone retires to their rooms. Ruhana tucks Ruhaani into her bed, kisses her head, and assures herself that her daughter is fast asleep. She watches her for a moment, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over her. After that, Ruhana walks into her room and finds that Vineet has already changed, and he's standing on the balcony, gazing at the night sky. She quickly changes into her nightgown and walks towards him, hugging him from behind and resting her head on his back.

"Vineet, aaj ka din bahut achcha tha, thank you," Ruhana says, her voice soft and filled with warmth.

"Aaj ke din se zyada tum khas ho, Ruhana," he replies, holding her hand on his shoulder, his touch gentle and reassuring.

"Han, lekin aaj mujhe kehne do na..." She steps beside him and gazes at him, her eyes reflecting the moonlight and the deep affection she feels for him.

"Tumne meri zindagi mein naye rang bhare hai, Vineet. Pyaar ke rang, wo rang jo main bhul chuki thi. Tumne hume pure dil se apnaya, thank you, sach mein pyaar toh hamesha rehta hai, aur jab hum khush rahenge tabhi toh hum apne parivar ko khush rakh payenge," Ruhana says, her tone filled with emotion and sincerity.

Vineet turns to face her, his eyes softening as he listens to her heartfelt words. "Tumne bhi toh wahi kiya, Ruhana, meri zindagi ka khalipan bhara aur mujhe jeene ki wajah di. Tumhare aane se meri zindagi mein ek nayi subah hui hai." He says, his tone filled with love for her.

"Haan, Vineet, tumhara pyaar, tumhara saath, yeh sab mere liye bahut maayne rakhta hai. Tumne mujhe yeh sikhaya hai ki aaj se zyada zaruri kal ki umeed hoti hai. Love of tomorrow, Vineet. Yeh soch mere har din ko roshan karti hai. Tumne hi kaha tha ki pyaar karna koi gunaah nahi hain, mujhe khushi hai ki maine apne dil ki suni aur tumhara haath thaam liya." She looks at him, her eyes mirroring the unwavering resolve she could see in his eyes.

"Bilkul, Ruhana. Humara pyaar sirf aaj tak seemit nahi hai, yeh kal bhi rahega. Life is beautiful with you, Ruhana." Saying so, he kisses her head, and she closes her eyes to feel his warmth.

They stand on the balcony, embracing each other, gazing at the moon and bright stars. The stars seem to twinkle brightly, as if they're getting their power from their love that's seeping into the environment.

"Vineet, mujhe nahi laga tha ki hum iss mukaam tak pahuchenge, par tumne kabhi mera sath nahi chhoda, aur main jaanti hoon, tum hamesha mere sath rahoge, hai na?" She asks.

"Haan, Ruhana. Main hamesha tumhare aur Ruhaani ke sath rahunga. Tum dono ne hi toh meri zindagi ko roshan kiya hain. It's our love that will light our present and future too," he responds, his tone filled with unwavering resolve.

Ruhana shifts closer to him, putting her lips on his, sharing a kiss filled with pure love. They share a tender kiss, sealing their promise to cherish every moment and to look forward to the endless possibilities of their love, the love of tomorrow.

***THE END***

Love has no age, you must nurture it with all your heart and heal yourself.

Love stays forever!! Its the only constant.

A/N: thank you to everyone who have read it so far. I am glad you found it interesting. ❤️

Preetx Thank you for reading it from scratch and I hope you enjoyed it. I love yaa! 😘😘

magical_wisher thank you❤️❤️ your comments mean the world to me😘😘

Anamika_anu ❤️❤️you always enjoy what I write, i hope you will love this one too ❤️❤️😘😘

Sagel-Runsh thank you for the idea❤️❤️i hope you will like it too... Read soon😘😘

And Saloni, i am thankful to you as well. I couldn't tag you, for, i don't remember the username. But thanks for voting on last few chapters. And if you liked the story, i request you to leave a comment on this last chapter. I'd be grateful to know your feedback..

And to all silent readers, thank you. I'd be glad if you type in few words of appreciation too.

Until next time,
Ruhana ❤️