Hello everyone, few months back when I had published the epilogue I had promised many of you an bonus update, so here it is. I am sorry for taking this long to update it. Hope you will all enjoy this chapter.

Author's POV.....

The security guard had opened the gate and smiled at me seeing my car. He is a polite man in his 50's. After parking my car, I slowly walked into my house and rested on the couch for a little bit and as I was taking a short nap, my phone started ringing. It was my mother in law.

"Hello Amma! How are you?" I asked her.

"I'm good Priya. I rang to inform you to tell you the good news" Vijay's mother said excitedly.

"What is it Amma?" I asked Amma

"Anjali is pregnant dear" Amma said

"Wow!!! That's great news Amma. I will call her in a little bit" I was genuinely excited for them. After Shree's birth, they struggled a lot to conceive.

Then Amma and I had a general conversation about life and about kids in general. Vijay's parents are grandparents to 6 six children now. It will be 7 soon. She is mostly in front of Shree and Sakshi always, maybe because it's her first grandchildren. After talking with her a little bit, I ended the call. Soon it was time to pick the children up from school. As I was going to leave, I received a message from Vijay saying he will pick the kids up. From that I understood he was back. I felt really happy knowing Vijay is back....

Around 30 minutes later, I heard the noise of a car entering. When I looked outside the window, it was Vijay and kids in his latest BMW. I rushed outside to welcome them. As usual Vijay maintained a cold face. However the kids came running up to me and started hugging me one by one. "Amma look!! I got full marks in my English test!!" Sakshi told me happily. "Aww well done baby!! I'm so proud of you" I told her and hugged her. Academically Sakshi was very bright just like her father.
"Amma looked at me and Anu got gold stars today" Shradda told me innocently. I then congratulated them and hugged them tightly as well. Throughout the conversation between the kids and I, I could feel his eyes on me...

"Sakshi, Shradda and Anu, go and get ready quickly after eating something. Let's go out today. Tell your mom as well" Vijay announced. We haven't gone out in ages. "Vijay, actually I'm not feeling good. You guys go and enjoy" she replied to her husband. "No excuses Priya, you are coming!" Vijay stated giving Priya no options to opt out.

I got the children ready and got ready myself. We went to Amusement park after a long time. Vijay held Sakshi's and Anu's hand. Shradda (the cheeky one) was running around. "Shradda, stop running, wait for us" I shouted but she replied "no Amma, if you carry me I will stop running". "I am not carrying a 5 year old" I replied. Vijay and I took the children on most of the rides. After a long time we were enjoying it. We actually forgot the problems for a little bit. After a few minutes, Vijay bought ice cream for all of us. Within no time we finished the ice cream and the children went to play whilst Vijay and I watched them.

"They are growing up very fast right?" Vijay asked me.

"Yes, being pregnant with Sakshi and giving birth to her all seems like yesterday" I replied.

"Those were the best times of marriage," Vijay said brushing his hands through his hair.

"Hmmm. Vijay?" I decided to clear all the misunderstandings today.

"Yes Priya" he replied

"What happened between us?" I asked him taking a deep breath.

"You tell me Priya. You are the one who changed drastically!" Vijay replied, frowning.

"Vijay, I don't know. After the miscarriage, I felt numb and afraid of another unplanned pregnancy and losing it. That's why I pushed you away. I was scared of being in depression once again" Priya finally opened up.

"Priya, I can understand your pain. It was my child too. We can easily avoid pregnancy by taking precautions. Another child is not in my mind anyway. God has blessed us with three children and I am happy. Our fourth pregnancy was unexpected but I was still happy for us. Losing it was painful but Priya life doesn't always go the way we want it to be right? I had suggested options to take you to the psychiatrist but you're the one who refused" Vijay expressed his feelings.

"I'm sorry for hurting you and pushing you away. Please don't avoid me anymore" I said wrapping my hands around his arms.

"I wasn't avoiding you my love. I felt like you were still in that depressed stage so I was giving you space. Sorry Priya if I've hurt you" Vijay said as he caressed my hair and placed a small kiss on my forehead.

"Vijay, we dragged a small misunderstanding for a very long time right? We could have solved this issue ages ago" I told Vijay.

"Yes I understand Priya. If we had communicated like this very long ago life would have been easier but I guess it was a lesson for both of us. I love you Priya. In this life you're the greatest blessing God has blessed me with" Vijay said and placed his arms around my shoulders.

We then watched our kids playing with happiness that all our problems have been solved.

x x x x x

"When I tell you I love you, I am not saying it out of habit. I am reminding you that you are my life"

Author's POV.....

12 Years Later......

Life has drastically changed for Vijay and Priya over the 12 years but their love for each other has only increased. Priya is 41 years old and she hasn't changed a lot in appearance other than gaining some weight but her grace and elegance is just as it was when she married Vijay 19 years ago. Vijay is 46 years old now but looks much younger than his age. Apart from a few grey hairs he still looks handsome. Sakshi is 18 and she has grown up into a beautiful young girl looking a lot like young Priya. Her waist length black hair and brown eyes are the best features of her. Anu and Sakshi are 16 years old. Even though they have the attitude of typical teenagers, they both are gems. Priya and Vijay love them to bits. Anu is generally a quiet person and academically very bright. She resembles Vijay a lot and shows a lot of interest in Vijay's business even though she is still young. However, Shradda is the total opposite of Anu. She isn't academically bright like Anu but she too is a bright student but her interest is not in studies but in sports. Badminton is her favourite sport. Shradda is looking forward to a career in badminton. She has already taken part in so many competitions representing her school and has won many medals for it. Shradda is the naughtiest and cheekiest child and everyone's favourite.

Today Sakshi is going to Delhi for her higher studies. Priya was reluctant to send Sakshi so far away. She only agreed to send her over to Delhi because of Vijay's persuasion.

"Anu ... Anu please let's play badminton" Shradda pestered her sister.

"No, I'm not playing with you anymore, you want me to play with me just to see me losing and boasting about how you won" Anu said typing on her laptop.

"No no!! I promise you Anu. I won't do that" Shradda requested her sister once again.

"Go away Shradda!!" Anu said, pushing Shradda aside. Shradda stormed out of Anu's room and went to Sakshi's room to see her busy packing as her flight was in the evening. "Sakshi Akka, can you play badminton with me?" Shradda asked her sister innocently. "I'm sorry I can't right now baby as I am packing, ask Anu" Sakshi replied. "She's not coming with me Akka. She's in front of that laptop 24/7 pretending to work and get Amma's attention" Shradda complained to Sakshi. "Oh dear, I would have loved to play with you baby but look I have a lot of packing to do" Sakshi said pointing at her clothes lying on the bed. Shradda sighed feeling annoyed. Suddenly she heard the sound of a car horn so she rushed to the front of the house as she understood it's her father.

"Appa!!" Shradda screamed and ran to her father and hugged him. "I've missed you so much Appa" Shradda said because Vijay was out of station for a few days. Suddenly Sakshi and Anu came out from their rooms and when they saw Vijay they too hugged their father. "How are you Appa?" Anu asked Vijay. "I'm good Anu. They have approved my plan and have given me permission to start the work next month" Vijay said. "Wow congratulations Appa!! You need to show me the plan" Anu said, getting very interested. "Of course dear" Vijay was about to show the plan but was interrupted. "Could both of you stop talking about business?" Shradda asked, feeling irritated knowing where the conversation will lead to. Vijay smiled at Shradda and Anu muttered something under her breath.

"Where is your mother then?" Vijay asked his daughters. "She went to her boutique. Divya aunty came with Aishwarya (Divya's daughter) to try her dress for her birthday" Sakshi told him. "Oh alright" Vijay replied and went inside the house with his daughters. After half an hour, Priya returned and smiled seeing her husband sitting on the sofa. "Welcome back" Priya said and went to hug him as the children weren't around. Priya pecked on Vijay's lips. "I missed you" Priya said cupping his face "me too" he replied. "Ewww stop being mushy" Shradda said, coming out with a bag of chips from the kitchen along with Anu and Sakshi while they just chuckled. "Look somewhere else then" Priya said, feeling a little bit embarrassed. "Look at Amma's red cheeks Appa. She's embarrassed" Anu said to tease their mother. When it came to teasing their parents, Anu and Shradda where one party. They actually loved each other to bits and shared a special bond in the family that no else has even though they fight often. Vijay slowly got up and wiped the sweat off his face and to avoid the situation he said "guys, I'm going to have a shower" and escaped. Priya made an excuse and went to the kitchen.

Soon it was the evening meaning it was time for Sakshi to leave. She got ready wearing casuals and came downstairs with her luggage. It was definitely an emotional day for Vijay and his family because Sakshi was leaving them for the first time to go to a different city. Priya was trying her best to not cry but when they reached the airport; Priya completely lost it and started crying. "Amma please don't cry. I'm only going to Delhi right, we can video call every day and whenever I get a holiday I promise to come home and spend the time with you all" Sakshi said cupping Priya's face. She then hugged Vijay "Sakshi, you're going into a new city so always be careful and take care of yourself" Vijay advised her. "Of course I will Appa. No more advice now!! I had a lot of that from mom" she said smiling a little bit. Vijay's heart was aching sending his gem away but it was Sakshi's dream to go and study there. He didn't want to be an obstacle to her dreams. Then the sisters came. Sakshi who was pretending to be okay all this time broke down and hugged Shradda and Anu tightly. "Don't fight okay? Be good girls for Appa and Amma" Sakshi advised her sister. "Aha we will Akka, for sure" they said chuckling in between their tears.

"Okay okay Sakshi. They will start boarding in a couple of minutes. Have a safe journey baby. Amma will miss you a lot" Priya said and hugged her child once again. Soon Sakshi left. Vijay, Priya and the twins returned home. "The house feels very empty without Sakshi '' Priya said. "Hmm" Vijay replied. Anu and Shradda were really quiet after that as well. Soon after having food, everyone went to their room wishing good night.

After getting changed into her night dress, Priya snuggled into the bed with Vijay.

"How did 19 years fly by Priya? It feels like yesterday when I married you. I still remember Sakshi as a little baby!! Now she has grown into a young lady and is starting to become independent. Can you believe it? How did she grow up so quick, Priya?" Vijay asked Priya whilst caressing her hair with his other hand.

"I don't know Vijay, it scares me about how quick the time is going. Soon Anu and Shradda will leave us too and then Sakshi will get married. Eventually it'll be like the beginning, where it was just us two" Priya hugged Vijay tighter.

"People come and go in life but only Soul mates will never leave each other right?" Vijay asked Priya.

"Hmmm other than death, nothing else can part them Vijay" Priya said.

Suddenly memories of Vijay's first love Sakshi crossed his mind. He is thinking about her not because he doesn't love Priya but because some people or memories never leave your heart no matter how hard you try. Whether it's positive or negative, it is hard to completely forget your first love.

"What are you thinking Vijay?" Priya asked him noticing how he had zoned out.

"No nothing" Vijay replied.

"Don't lie. You were thinking about Sakshi right?" Priya asked Vijay who was very reluctant to answer that question.

"Yes I was Priya. Love comes in the most unexpected ways. I believed Sakshi was my soul mate but when she left me and you came, I realised you are my true soul mate. You made my life complete Priya. Without you I wouldn't have been the happy man I am today. Thanks for everything, I love you more than you can imagine" Vijay said embracing his wife.

"Me too, Vijay. Marrying you and giving birth to your children were the best life events in my life" Priya confessed

Vijay may I ask you something?" Priya said to which Vijay nodded.

"We had an arranged marriage right? Even though we had issues at the beginning we eventually understood each other and fell in love. Would you force our daughter Sakshi into an arranged marriage like our parents did?" Priya asked Vijay

"Hmm no I will never force her, if she wants to she can find the person she likes. If not I'm happy to bring proposals and get her married that way but it will only be with her consent. But I know for sure that arranged marriage will not be a thing in Shradda's life..." Vijay told her, laughing a bit.

"Shradda reminds me of Divya a lot. She was just like this when she was Shradda's age. I mean she is still childish even after having Aishwarya" Priya said.

"Yes I agree Priya. But that's what makes them unique. Anu is different from her though. I'm sure she'll be following in my footsteps in a few years time" Vijay expressed his thoughts.

"Yes Anu is just like you. When our children are settled, I want to travel the world with you. I mean you have taken me and our kids to a lot of places but it'll be beautiful just us two. We can reminisce about our past like our honeymoon" Priya said.

"As you wish, Priya. That sounds like a beautiful retirement idea" Vijay said

"Yes it will be awesome! Shall we sleep now?" Priya said looking at the time.

"No I'm not sleepy" Vijay said and stared into Priya's eyes and he then slowly started kissing Priya. Even though she protested at the start, she eventually gave in and made the night a memorable one with Hopes and dreams for many more years with each other.

In this rapidly moving life, it is very hard for them to remain like this especially because of how they are not young anymore. But Vijay makes sure he spends quality time with Priya just the way she makes sure as well.

Priya feels blessed to be part of this beautiful family. There isn't a day where she doesn't thank God for giving her this beautiful life. There were many times when Priya thought this marriage would never work out. They were on the verge of divorce many times but they fought all the odds and are living happily now. Priya found love in the most unexpected way...

Over the last 19 years Priya has learnt many things, her family has played a big role in her life to be the successful woman she is today, personally and professionally. Even though Priya does not interfere a lot in Vijay's business, she helps him manage the finance sometimes. Her boutique is one of the leading boutiques in Chennai, especially known for wedding dresses. Vijay has supported her a lot in this journey.

It is very hard to predict life. It goes in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes there will be a point in life where you don't want to live. Both Priya and Vijay have experienced this in life but they fought all those feelings. Even in Vijay's case, Priya was needed to make him understand it.

Every chapter in your life happens for a reason, learn from it and move on.

Vijay's or Priya's life may not be an inspirational one. They both have made mistakes and learnt from it.
Today Priya is Vijay's reason for living. His fortune, his sadness, his fear and his love most importantly just like how he is hers.

Watching her sleeping peacefully, Vijay held her hand and he too drifted to sleep thanking the universe for this beautiful life.

The End

Out of Vijays and Priya's children who did you like the best ?

What was your opinion of this chapter ?

I took me a long time and effort to write this chapter, some kind of feedback will be appreciated ❤

I would like to thank all my readers once again for all the support and love you have showered upon this story, this was my first story on wattpad and probably the one with the most views compared to my other stories.

It felt so good to write about Vijay and Priya once again.
As an end note I wanted to say something ...
This story is completely fictional and maybe a little bit far from the reality, in real life nobody would have sacrificed as much as Priya has in this story, she could have left Vijay and focused on her career, but let's appreciate her for accepting his past wholeheartedly. Sometimes it's hard to forget your first love whether its positive or negative, even though it took him a long time he overcame it as well eventually.

Thank you for being with me in this journey ....

Please do check out my other books as well when time permits. In this books previous chapter I have attached the list of my other books, would mean a lot of you would check those out as well.

Thank you so much kiki8775 for editing this chapter for me, and for editing all the other chapters of this book as well. ❤