Can we skip to the good part?

Here, I present to you the epilogue 1 of 'Yours From Birth'

So, I hope everyone comments and votes!! 

The longest I have ever written! (8000+ words!)

Please read the note at the end!

Inline comments are love!💜

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Writer's POV:

Five years later,

An exhausted sigh escaped the lips of the person walking along the river shore as the sunlight sapped his energy.

The muddy road was a little bumpy in condition, filled with potholes from the earlier rain, which made the already draining walk more difficult, causing the family of five to groan in frustration.

"Anna, wait up!" A deep voice called from the back, causing the twenty-four-year-old to pause and wait for the new adult to catch up.

Vikram turned around to see his brother running towards him, trying not to step on the puddles and grinning when he neared.

"Why does our car breaks down on every trip to our native?" Vihaan complained, his voice deep, which perplexed Vikram whenever he spoke.

Vikram chuckled in response, glancing at his brother, who ran a hand through his hair with a smile.

His hair fell above his eyes in long, soft waves that caused an urge in everyone to run their hands through them.

"I bet you are excited to see Harshi Anni after so long!" Vihaan exclaimed, glancing at him with a knowing look. Since Vihana called his darling 'Anni' in front of everyone, Vihaan started calling her Anni.

"I am." Vikram nodded, meeting his brother's eyes.

There were times Vihaan looked up to speak to him. Now, he stood at equal height, leaving Vikram to wonder if he was the same Vihaan he last saw a year ago.

"Come on, Viha, move faster! You seriously make me question if you are really my twin! You walk like a sixty-year-old instead of a twenty-two-year-old!" Vihaan laughed, eyes bright and crinkling in the corner, as he squealed when Vihana threw a stone at him as she walked behind them.

"Shut up! You don't have the right to speak when you still speak like a 10-year-old." Vihana scowled through her panting, sweat dripping from her forehead to down her face, causing her hair to stick to her neck, which she wiped every minute.

"At least my voice doesn't sound as squeaky as someone else's!" Vihaan teased, throwing a mocking glance at her over his shoulder.

That, Vikram has to admit, because when he returned from his training after a year, four years ago, Vihaan sounded so mature —well, his voice sounded deep and mature, but still spouted nonsense like he was a noisy ten-year-old.

"Want me to tell Amma about your Dhanya?" Vihana smirked, finally catching up and stepping between the brothers and winding her arms around Vikram's arm, who chuckled when Vihaan halted on his steps at her words.

"You wouldn't." His eyes grew wide with horror. His fashion diva would kill him if their relationship got revealed without her consent. He could imagine her red high heel piercing his heart as she stared at him murderously through those faux lashes she loved to wear.

"Try me!" The playful expression faded as Vihana stared at him dead serious.

Many things had changed, but his brother remained the same—the blabbermouth who 'accidentally, in his words' outed the Hari-Viha couple in front of everyone last year, which caused a tiff between the twins.

Though Vihaan revealed their secret abruptly, the elders had seen it coming because of the sudden closeness between Vihana and Hari.

Moreover, they were ready for anything their children would throw at them after Vikram and Harshitha's pregnancy scare in the past year. It happened last year when Harshitha returned from her vacation with her office team. Sakthi found a pregnancy rest while unpacking her bag.

Although the couple insisted that they didn't cross any lines and that the test belonged to her senior working in her team, the situation caused quite a mess in their household.

"Viha, I already apologized for that." Vihaan swallowed remorsefully, the teasing smile slipping off his lips as he noticed the change in her tone.

"Well, an apology doesn't change any—"

"Okay, enough." Vikram intervened, switching Vihana to his right side and walking in between before they started fighting again. He breathed a sigh of relief when his siblings walked silently for a few minutes before Vihana whined, clutching her legs.

"My arms are cramping. Can anyone carry my bag?"

Vihaan nudged his brother with his elbow and mouthed "acting," pointing at Vihana's crouching figure.

"Tsk tsk." Vihaan drawled, his eyes twinkling mischievously, as he raised his eyebrows playfully at his twin.

"Vikram anna, please!" She pleaded; her eyes were bright and full of life as she looked at him with puppy eyes, the jumka on her ear swaying as she ran a hand through her thick hair, dark Mehandi-stained hands peeking through the sleeve of her dress when she forwarded her hands towards Vikram expectingly.

"Don't be so selfish, Viha. Everyone has a bag to carry, so maybe take some rest and come later." Vihaan laughed at her grumpy face as their parents reached them, causing Vikram to sigh in relief.

He was not in the mood to be the peacemaker when all he wanted was to reach their grandparents' home soon. Walking under this scalding sun is draining the heck out of him. He would use a quick shower and some hot food to replenish his energy.

And get warm hugs and kisses from someone he hadn't seen for nearly six months.

"Vihaan! Don't be mean to your sister." Siva Kumar chastised, closing his eyes regretfully for not sending one of them to his sister's car. Sakthi offered that one of them could join their vehicle when they started the journey this morning. But, he declined, telling them that it wasn't allowed before the function.

"What?! I told the truth. Everyone has a bag to carry, pa. No prince charming on a white horse is coming to carry her." Vihaan laughed, but it died down when his mother spoke.

"But an engineer in a white car is coming for her." Their mother stated, pointing at a distance where a shining white car was coming towards them.

Vihana's head snapped in the direction her mother pointed. Her already flushed cheeks from the heat reddening, even more, when the car stopped right in front of her.

"Sorry, I was late!" A deep, manly voice reached their ears as the driver's door opened. A twenty-six-year-old man stepped down, smiling at them apologetically. Vihana froze, staring at her boyfriend—oops, ex-boyfriend.

Her mother smiled at Hari, who opened the door for her. "No, no, you are not late, Hari. We thought about walking a short distance until you arrived."

In contrast to the hot weather, the cool air from the AC in the car brought a smile to her mother's lips.

Vihana watched her ex-boyfriend help her parents into the car as her brothers loaded their luggage into the trunk. Once everything was in place, her brothers hugged Hari happily and got inside, leaving them standing in the middle of the road.

Vihana's heart raced when he walked towards her slowly and reached out his hands to help her stand up.

Eyes wide, Vihana stared at him, the sun creating a halo around him from the angle where she sat. He looked like a Greek god with that golden halo around him, and that body of his was so hot that it would cause her to have a nose bleed just from a lo—

"Viha?" Her dirty train of thoughts broke from the voice above her.

"Oh!" Embarrassed, she blinked twice when he raised a brow at her flushed cheeks.

Quickly she placed her henna-filled hands on his, who pulled her off the rock she was sitting on, closing the distance between them in one step.

"Hello, Viha." Her ex-boyfriend leaned down slightly and whispered in her ears. His strong arms circled her clothed waist and squeezed her sides softly, earning a breathy hi from her. A chuckle escaped his lips when he felt her shiver from his touch.

"What are you doing? Everyone's looking." She whispered when he leaned down towards her. Her breath hitched when he came face to face with her.

As if they heard their conversation, Vihaan rolled his eyes, closing the window, "Maa, please look away!" Seeing the scene unfold, Radha turned away, giggling like a teenager while the men facepalmed at her excitement.

Whereas outside, the couple carried on their conversation.

"They will misunderstand that we are doing something inappropriate in the middle of the road." Vihana tried again, but his arms remained around her waist. She thought he would maintain a distance when he heard someone watching, but no! He moved even closer shamelessly and hugged her tighter.

"So what?" You are my wife." Hari reasoned, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. His finger lingered near her flushed cheek and caressed the hot skin gently.

"Not yet!" Her kohl-lined eyes widened when he tightened his arms around her waist and brought her to the car's rear, away from their family's vision.

"Oops, sorry. Fiancee!" He corrected, backing her against the car.

"Now you know I'm your Fiancee, but yesterday someone was so busy that they forgot to call me!" She huffed, escaping from his arms when he zoned out for a second to remember what she was talking about.

"I apologize, but it was already 2 am when I reached home. And I don't want to disturb my wife's sleep." He explained, ruffling her hair and smiling when she smiled discreetly at the 'W-word.

"But— " He drawled, eyes twinkling with mischief.

"—don't even think I'll let you sleep once we get marr—" Vihana gasped aloud, pressing her palm against his mouth to stop him from speaking more.

"My parents and brothers are in the car!"

"Oh, don't start with me! Vikram and Harshi speak even dirtier!" He countered back.

"How did you know!? Did you eavesdrop? Ew!" Her face scrunched up in disgust while he laughed at her expression.

"Your husband is a gentleman, but your brother is not. He was not discreet while speaking dirty to my sister, thinking, I was sleeping!" Hari laughed when her eyebrows relaxed. But soon, her face changed when she heard what he said next.

"As I more of the action guy than speak, I can show you a trial of what's coming up for you once we marry. Shall we try something today?"

[W/N: I volunteer, sir🙋🏽‍♀️]

"Shut up!" Vihana exclaimed, hiding her blushing face in his chest.

"Come on." He pressed a discreet kiss on her blushing cheeks and led her towards her seat. Everyone gave them a knowing look once they settled inside the car, causing Vihana to hide in her mother's arms, who embraced her tightly with a giggle.

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Hari hadn't even turned off the car yet Vihana, like a bundle of joy, climbed out of the car, and ran towards their grandparents and hugged them happily.

Vikram got out of the car and walked forward to get blessings from the elders. Just as he was about to touch Harshitha's father's feet, Krishnan stopped him and hugged him warmly with a smile.

"Epdi iruka, marumaganeh?" Krishnan asked, his eyes glistening with happiness as he looked at him from head to toe.

(How are you, son-in-law?)

"I'm good, maama!" Vikram replied with a smile and thought. 'I'll be even finer if you let me meet your daughter soon, but viduvigala? Illala!'

" How are you, and how's the business going?" He continued as he hugged his aunt, who raised a brow at his tattoo peeking through his sleeve on the wrist. He shook his head and winked at her slyly, mouthing, 'Your name,' to which she smacked his shoulder playfully.

"I'm good, good! How will I not be good when you young people make us happy with all the achievements you achieve." Krishnan laughed, looking at the hardworking young gentlemen proudly.

The way Vikram carried himself, how he treated everyone with respect, and his gentle smile won over Krishnan's heart again and again.

His daughter's choice has always been right. Vikram is the perfect gentleman who would treat his daughter with respect and love.

[W/N: *cough*gentleman*cough* More like a wolf in a gentlemen costume!]

"Did your transfer get approved?" Krishnan inquired him about the transfer. He had been trying for about a year, but it got canceled every time for some reason.

"Yeah! I'm excited to be back with all of you." Vikram replied. Though his mouth answered the other questions, his eyes flickered continuously from side to side, searching for his darling.

"More likely, excited to finally live with Anni." Vihana coughed, earning a knock on the head from Vikram playfully, but he didn't deny her words. What she said was true, and he fucking can't wait to start his life with her.

Suddenly the cooker whistled, bringing the aroma of spices and content presented in the vessel to the front door.

"Sakthi, how many whistles have come?" Lakshmi turned towards her daughter, who looked at her guiltily as she tried to remember.

"Sorry, ma. I forgot to count." Sakthi apologized sheepishly, scratching her neck.

"You're old enough to have grandkids, yet you don't count the whistle on the cooker when I ask you!" The older woman huffed, walking towards the kitchen hurriedly.

"Is that the mutton curry I smell?" Vihaan wondered out loud, unleashing his inner gourmand as he followed her towards the kitchen with Vihana on his toes to see who would have a taste first, causing everyone to laugh.

'Glutton!' Hari inwardly chuckled as he watched the twins fight for the spoon that their grandma offered.

Everyone took a seat in the living room as their house help Sundari brought water and refreshment to replenish their energy.

When he was about to place the glass on the floor, Vikram heard his grandfather's voice from behind.

"Don't place the glass on the floor, brat!" Ganesh scowled, signaling him to take the glass off the floor.

"He just came back after a long time! Why do you have to scold him, pa!" Sakthi reprimanded as she took a seat beside Vikram.

"Why is the baby-proof tile spread throughout the living room? Did Prathy akka's family come?" Vikram touched the soft yet grippy textured tile and asked, raising his brows in confusion.

In response, Ganesh coughed as his eyes avoided everyone's curious eyes.

"Don't ask that old man Vikram! He is babyproofing the whole house." Laksmi answered, gently knocking her guilty-looking husband on his head and sitting beside him. Her old man is acting more and more like a child as he ages.

"Excuse me? Who is having a baby?" Vikram blinked, his eyes flickering to Vihana's face and her stomach in doubt.

Guessing what might be he thinking, Vihana quickly shook her head negatively and exclaimed, "I'm still young!"

She gave a fleeting glance toward Hari and blushed when he winked at her suggestively.

"Take your mind off the gutter, Vikram. You are making my Finacee shy!" Hari laughed, pulling Vihana to sit beside him, to which she obliged shyly.

"Your grandfather has renovated this whole house, Vikram! If you are not so into searching Harshi, you would have noticed the changes!" Sivakumar laughed at his son's dumbfounded expression.

Vikram looked around to see the furniture that had sharp edges had changed into rounded edge furniture. The marble staircase now had carpet draped across it, and the railing was grips proofed.

The color of the wall has now changed from dark blue to soft pink, giving an airy and romantic look.

Their childhood photos still decorated the walls, but one of the sides was left empty to fill up by the next generation.

"When did it happen?" Vikram questioned, referring to the renovation, as he looked at their photo. Just as he was about to sit back down, his eyes caught a beautiful picture at the very corner. He strode towards the wall, getting lost in memories.

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"Macha! Pass the ball!" A fourteen-year-old shouted from a distance when he noticed his dear friend who went to pick up the ball frozen at the ground entrance. Gokul frowned when his friend dropped the ball and ran outside the ground without a word.

"Dei!" He called his friend, following him after informing their football coach, who warned them to be back in five minutes.

"Dei Vikram!" Gokul breathed through his mouth as he ran fast to catch up with his friend, who ran as if a tsunami was coming. He stopped on his track when he saw his friend hide behind the pillar, wiping the sweat off his face and combing his hair neatly.

Gokul smirked, having an idea what was happening but still felt the need to play with him. So, he walked towards him silently and whispered in his ears from behind. "Vikram, what are you doing?"

The teen Vikram gasped, dropping his comb to the ground when he heard his friend's voice. "Fuck! Can't you come, announced?"

"No, now answer my question! What are you doing here? Our tournament is next week, and we have to win the cup. Instead of practicing, you are escaping at this time daily without informing anyone." Gokul crossed his arms across his chest and questioned his friend.

"Is there anything you are hiding from me? And why are you in the walkway to the 8th B classroom! You know if we get caught, we would get punished." Gokul panicked when he finally noticed his surroundings. They were standing in the hallway leading to the 8th B classroom, which class had Ms. Malathi, aka the devil, as their tutor. She was so protective of her class girls that she ordered that boys above 8th grade must not enter this hallway without her permission.

"I'll explain it to you briefly afterward, now shush!" Vikram ducked him under the staircase when they heard a couple of footsteps above their heads.

Gokul held his breath when he heard the devil tutor's voice as she walked past the staircase they were hiding.

"De—" Gokul opened his mouth to ask what was happening, but Vikram shushed and smiled like a freak when a soft whistle echoed through the hallway.

"That's my call." Vikram pointed out, breathing deeply to relax.

"What call?" Gokul blinked in confusion.

"My darling's call!"

"Darling?"

"Yes, do you have your phone with you?"

"Yup, but tell me, who is she?!"

"If you want to know everything, help me capture some candid now! I'll explain everything to you briefly!"

Gokul gasped when his friend walked towards the sound, sporting a huge grin that freaked the hell out of him as this was the first time he saw Vikram have this love-sick expression.

Vikram slowly climbed the stairs, stopping on his track when he saw her. His darling, who was he wooing for three months, and who always kept him on his toes by not giving him a proper answer.

His breath hitched when she turned around and greeted him with a smile. Her eyes formed crescents as she smiled, her bangs flickering lightly, her ponytail swaying as she ran towards him.

That smile made him realize that all the risks and the waiting were worth it.

"Hi, Vikram!" Her sweet voice greeted, warming his heart. His heart skipped a beat when she moved closer to him and ran a hand through his hair, messing his just combed hair and murmuring how messy hair looks good on him.

'Wait for a second— did she just touch my hair and compliment me?'

He inhaled her scent as he gazed at her from above. Her hands running through his hair froze, and her cheeks turned red when she saw the way his eyes were looking at her.

The same way her father looked at her mother.

"Don't look at me like that," Harshitha whispered, moving a step back shyly. Her hand fidgeted with her skirt as she waited for him to speak.

"Are you coming to the movie tonight?" He questioned, tucking his hands into his football shorts to control the urge to tuck her hair behind her ears as it fluttered in the air.

"Of cou—" She cleared her throat as she facepalmed inwardly at her excitement."—ahem, yes. I think I'll. Only if I'm free."

How would she miss out on a night with him! She doesn't want to sound so eager to spend time with him and also not so indifferent.

"Oh." Vikram nodded, awkwardly smiling when she stared at him without blinking. Harshitha cheered inwardly, her heart fluttering when his ears turned red in embarrassment.

"Do you wanna tell me anything?" She asked, wiping her sweaty hand on her skirt as her heart palpitated for what she was about to do. 'You can do it, Harshu!' She cheered to herself as she slowly took a step forward.

"No, do you?" Vikram raised his brows in question as he noticed her nervousness.

Shedding her doubts and hesitation off her mind, Harshitha gulped, showing her right hand to him, to which he blinked in confusion. "How is it?"

'Is she asking me how her hands are?' He asked himself.

"How is it?" She repeated, hoping he would catch the hint, but he only looked at her with puzzlement spread across his face.

"Of course, they are beautiful! But it would be more beautiful if interlaced with mine."

"Here like this!" Vikram interlaced his hands with her causing her to gasp in surprise. He looked so proud of himself that she felt not to retreat, which left Vikram baffled at her acceptance of holding hands.

"Shameless and stupid." Harshitha facepalmed with her other hand, but one could see the shy smile spreading across her face at his touch. "I'm asking about the ring!"

"It's beautifu—— Vikram halted, his breath hitching when he finally noticed the ring.

The ring he gave when he proposed to her was on her ring finger, which she said she would wear once she accepted his proposal.

"Okay." Harshitha accepted, squeezing his hand that interlocked with hers.

"Huh?" Still in shock at her, wearing the ring, he looked dazed as he tried to understand what she was saying.

"I said okay," Harshitha admitted, giggling at his expression and wording each word so he could come out of shock.

"I said okay to be your girlfriend."

"Macha, look here!" The couple turned around to see the intruder as Gokul captured the moment.

A shit-eating grin was present on his lips as he clicked a few more pictures of the couple. Vikram still had a dazed expression, but there was a glow in his eyes, while Harshitha had a shy smile and her eyes twinkled in love.

Hearing the bell ring, Harshitha kissed the still dazed Vikram on his cheek and ran away before he would react, while Gokul hugged his dear friend to congratulate him.

"Bye, boyfriend! See you tonight!"

"Macha!! Nama Harsha ku propose panirka but sollave illa?!" Gokul chastised, shaking his friend by his shoulder to bring him out of shock.

(Dude! You proposed to our Harshu but didn't tell me?)

"Namma Harshu illa, en Harshu." Vikram grinned wide, laughing and touching his cheeks where she kissed him.

(Not our Harshu, My Harshu)

"En Harshu da."

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"It's been three months," Ganesh answered, observing his grandson as he paused at a photo and caressed it gently with a smile.

"Huh?" Vikram blinked, coming out of his thoughts as he looked at his grandpa in question.

"You asked when did the renovation start, so I answered."

"Ho, nice." Vikram nodded, hanging the photo back in the same place carefully. Everything has changed. The grandparents, who refused to move, or change a brick from their house for over 60 years, had voluntarily renovated it to accommodate the next generation.

Really unbelievable.

"Everyone, go freshen up! Lunch is ready." Lakshmi ordered, signaling Sundari to place the plates on the table as Krishnan and Hari brought the dishes to the dining.

As he was about to climb the stairs, Lakshmi informed, "Vikram, your and the boys' room is towards the left corner."

"Our old room?" Vihaan wondered, looking up from his phone.

"All the rooms upstairs are renovated. Vikram and Harshi will take the boys' bedroom, whereas Vihana and Hari will take the girls' room. And you will take the bedroom you currently occupy."

"Oh?" Vikram stopped, raising brows, clearly amused with all the changes.

"After getting married, Vikram. Only after marriage." Lakshmi emphasized, narrowing her eyes when her grandson smirked and walked away.

"Did he hear anything I said?" She sighed, shaking her head when he walked toward right instead of left.

"Venkatesa! At least don't make me a great grandmother before their marriage."

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Vikram's footsteps quickened as he neared their future room she was staying in currently. His hands raised to knock but stopped when he heard his brother's call.

"Anna! What are you doing in front of Anni's room? Our room is on this side." Even though being in a relationship for five years, Vihaan remained oblivious to a few things, and this was one of them.

"Just go, Vihaan. I'm one thread away from snapping at you." Vikram warned him. Dropping the idea of knocking, he entered the room directly while Vihaan stood gaping in the hallway.

'Did he say something wrong?!'

Inside the room,

The curtain filtered the noon light, only allowing sufficient light to pass through the room, giving it a cozy vibe with soft romantic music playing in the background.

Vikram caught his darling's figure sitting on the futon humming to the music as he let out a deep sigh of contentment. He then locked the door behind him and waited for her to notice him.

But she stayed oblivious to his presence as she concentrated on painting her nails. She suddenly chuckled as she read something on her phone. After a few seconds, he watched her lay on the futon, her shiny hair tumbling down like a waterfall which would cause the onlookers to gasp in its beauty.

Vikram smiled as he heard her sigh dreamily to the lyrics.

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'Oru veetil naam irunthu

Orr ilaiyil nam virunthu'

In the newly renovated room on the right, the speaker blared up high as a young woman sitting on the futon by the window hummed to the song played. Her kohl-lined eyes concentrated on the nail polish as she applied another layer of coating to the freshly painted nails.

'Iru thookkam oru kanavil

Moozhgi vaazhkai thodangum'

She chuckled, rereading the text her boyfriend sent her a few minutes ago about their car breaking down on their native border. He complained and cursed the car brand for stopping him from reuniting with her soon.

V<3 ∞

'Stupid car'

'Always working against me.'

'I'm trying not to lose my cool here, but my siblings are driving me to the edge with all the whines and complaints.'

'You must reward me greatly once I reach there.'

'It's not a request, an order.'

You

'It's okay, babe.'

'Come to me and collect your reward for not losing your cool.'

Her long hair reached the floor as she lay on the futon with her head at the edge. Her eyes zeroed to the time to see it's already been 15 minutes since he last texted, which means he would be reaching here shortly.

Naan samaiyal seidhiduven

Nee vandhu anaithiduvaai

En pasiyum un pasiyum sernthae

Ondraai adangum

A dreamy sigh left through her parted lips, her eyes fluttering as she imagined how it would feel to be in his arms after six months. Taking a pillow into her arms, she imagined it was Vikram and hugged it tight to her chest, but just as she was about to kiss the pillow, a cough reverberated through the room, causing her head to snap in that direction.

"Ahem!"

Her heart skipped, eyes watered when she finally noticed his figure leaning against the door. He looked devilishly gorgeous with his dark hair tousled to a side with locks of hair falling right above his sparkling brown eyes. His lips curved in a pleasant smile, making the dimple appear on his cheeks.

"You know, you can kiss me instead of that pillow." He arched a brow at his darling, crossing his arms across his broad chest, the muscles in his arms and shoulders straining against his shirt.

"Vikram," Harshitha whispered, slowly rising from the futon and running towards his open arms.

"Hey, baby." Vikram grinned when he felt her body crashing into his arms like a breeze. He tightened his strong arms around her in a bone-crushing hug, his right hand weaving through her hair gently as he swayed them to the music playing in the background.

Paal sindhum pournamiyil

Naam nanaivom pani iravil

Nam moochu kaaichalil

Indha paniyum nadungum

"Missed me?" He asked, burying his nose in her soft hair as he inhaled her scent after a long time. His strong arms picked her up, her legs going around his torso in habit as his hands rested on the familiar curve of her hip.

"So much. You?" Harshitha nodded, pressing a lingering kiss behind his ear, causing him to gasp and tighten the hug. His free hand roamed across her back, feeling her familiar curves on his palm as he carried her towards the king-size bed in the center of the room.

"Like crazy." He slowly lowered them into the bed with her clinging to him like a koala. Vikram felt his heart flutter like a butterfly when she refused to let go of him, shaking her head stubbornly and mumbling she wouldn't let go. Her arms and thighs tightened around him when he tried to pry her off him.

"Come on, darling, I just wanna see your face. Please." He placed a soft kiss on top of her head, patting her arms around his neck to let go, and smiled when she retreated a little, her eyes curved like a crescent, her eyelashes damp with tears as she gave him an adorable smile.

"Hi, beautiful!" His warm palms cupped her face gently, and his lips placed soft kisses all over her face, except her awaiting lips.

"Hey, handsome!" Harshitha giggled, running a hand through his dark hair and leaning forward and bumping her nose against him playfully as he caressed the curve of her waist.

"Finally feels like home." Vikram breathed deeply, pulling her toward him, resting his head on her chest, his eyes fluttering close when he heard her heartbeat matching his. Her arms encircled him tightly in response, hugging him closer to her chest as she whispered, "I know. I feel the same."

The couple whispered sweet nothing to each other as they sat hugging for a few minutes before Harshitha teased him, "Are you waiting for a good time to kiss m— ?"

He didn't allow her to finish her sentence as his lips smothered her in a sweet kiss. Their eyes fluttered shut as their mouths moved against each other gently, hands cradling each other's faces. Harshitha smiled against his lips when she felt a lone tear roll down his cheeks as he pulled her closer.

"I missed you so much." He mumbled against her lips, and suddenly, his whole demeanor changed as he flipped them on the bed, confining her between the soft mattress and his body.

His desire-filled eyes matched her as they leaned toward each other again. This time their kiss grew more passionate, arms tightening around each other in need of warmth as they unleashed all their longing for each other for the past six months.

Her hand tugged and pulled his hair as his lips descended to her neck, placing kisses along the way. Once his lips reached her sweet spot, he sucked hard on her soft skin, earning a breathless mutter from her parted lips. "Vikram!"

His hands found their way into her jumper, caressing the bare skin on her back, making her sigh softly against his temple.

She cupped his jaw, leaning into him, parting her warm lips to receive his kiss. Their tongues rubbed against each other lazily, fingers drawing random patterns on each other's skin.

As his fingertips brushed along the sensitive sides of her bare waist, she gasped, sucking in her breath as the sensation spread across her whole body.

Her eyes fluttered shut when she felt his hand enclose her bra-clad breast and press it softly while his lips descended south, placing open mouth kisses across the planes of her stomach, causing her to gasp in pleasure.

Vikram paused when he felt her legs wrapping around his waist, pulling him toward her pulsing heat. He felt the rise and fall of her chest against his hand, her warm hands against his taut muscles, evoking something within him.

"Baby." Vikram groaned. The feel of her body against him was not enough to quench his growing need. They must stop right now. They clung to each other, his head resting on her chest as he tried to control his breathing while she ran a hand through his hair.

The couple broke apart when they heard a knock followed by a sweet voice demanding they open the door for her. Harshitha laughed, patting him to get off her, but he refused, hugging her tighter. "That little devil would snatch away all your attention from me! I just now got you after six long months."

"Come on, baby! Do you even hear what you say? You are her favorite uncle! I should be the one who should be clinging to you." She reasoned, not wanting the cute devil to run off and informing her grandparents that they were together in a room.

And heavens know what rules next, they would lay for them.

"Then, cling to me," Vikram whined, rubbing his beard on her stomach, causing her to roll away from him in laughter.

Vikram chuckled, snatching her around the waist and dragging her into his arms again. They lay in silence, facing each other, hands interlocked in between their chests.

"I love you," Harshitha confessed, placing a chaste kiss on his forehead, her hand combing back his wild dark hair.

"I love you more." He gathered her into his arms and peeked at her cheeks softly.

"Hello, Chithapa Chithi! Open the door." This time the knock was loud, causing the couple to sigh in annoyance but adorable annoyance.

"I'll open the door and take her downstairs. You go and freshen up once we leave." Harshitha gathered her long hair in a bun and walked towards the door, signaling Vikram to hide somewhere, but he followed behind her like a lost puppy, his arms encircled around her waist, refusing to let go.

"I know, I want to stay with you too, but it's almost lunch, nah? Go freshen up and take a rest once we eat. We have our function in the evening."

"Fine." Placing one last lingering kiss on her forehead, he walked towards the bathroom to freshen up while she opened the door for the nine-year-old girl once he was out of vision.

"Where is chithapa?" The nine-year-old Devi stared at her aunt, crossing her arms across her chest, trying to look intimidating, but she looked adorable at that stance.

"Won't you greet your Chithi" Harshitha matched her stance, raising a brow at the little blabbermouth who frowned at her question.

"Hi, chithi!!" Devi smiled, hugging Harshitha around her hip. Before Harshitha could hug her back, the young girl moved back, returning to her earlier stance.

"Vikram chithapa." Devi huffed, trying to peek inside the bedroom.

"No, he's not here." Harshitha lied through her teeth, crouching to match Devi's height. Eyes similar to hers looked back at her, small button nose scrunching up in irritation as she stood on her toe to look inside the room.

Her Amma said not to enter a room without anyone's permission but didn't tell her that she shouldn't peek, so she tried her best to look inside the room from the threshold itself.

"Is he really not here?" Devi looked at her aunt and the room suspiciously, but no one was inside. She blinked in confusion, pouting when Harshitha shrugged innocently.

'That Vihaan maama! He lied to her again.' She huffed, stomping her foot on the floor.

"No, baby! Come, we will go search for him!" Harshitha scooped her into her arms and kissed her cheeks. Her smile widened when she felt Devi kiss her cheek.

"But Vihaan maama said he entered your room." Devi circled her arms around Harshitha's neck as the little girl inhaled her aunt's sweet scent.

"Your Vihaan uncle is enough to get everyone in trouble." Harshitha shook her head as she carried the little girl down the stairs to see her other close relatives had arrived.

"Hello, Kalyana ponne!" Harshitha hugged Vihana from behind, pressing a soft kiss on her checks in greeting.

(Hello, bride-to-be)

"Hello, anni!" Vihana laughed, turning around and circling her arms around Harshitha in a warm hug. Vihana's brown eyes gleamed in mischief when she caught a hickey peeking through Harshitha's dress. She leaned forward and whispered, "You guys didn't waste time, do ya? You might want to hide that."

"Oh." Harshitha blushed, hands flying to cover that before anyone would see them. She excused herself and hurried towards her room as Vikram descended the stairs simultaneously. Seeing his darling blushing, Vikram raised a brow in question at his sister, who shrugged playfully and sat on her seat.

"Vikram chithapa!" Devi exclaimed, seeing him finally, her little feet quickly running towards her favorite uncle for a hug.

Vikram caught her midway, squeals erupting from the little girl's mouth as he twirled them around. Her little arms hugged his neck tightly as he walked them towards the dining room where everyone was waiting for them.

"Hey, everyone!" Vikram greeted those who arrived just now with handshakes as the little girl refused to let go of him.

"Oh! will the couple arrive only at the same time and with matching clothes?" Devi's mother Suganya teased when Harshitha entered the room right after Vikram, her Kurti top matching Vikram's tee.

"Hello to you too, ka." Harshitha's cheeks reddened under everyone's teasing glance. She glanced at Vikram to see him taking the seat opposite her, a sly smirk on the corner of his lips as he signaled her to sit down.

"Chithapa, you smell like Harshi chithi," Devi chirped, her small chubby hand cupping Vikram's jaw as she stared at him innocently. Everyone's movement passed as they stared at Vikram and then at Harshitha, who hid her face by ducking down, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

Pointing at Vikram's ear, Devi asked, "Is that lipst—"

"Devi, come sit here." Suganya beckoned, patting the empty seat next to her daughter before she could spill more secrets.

When she refused, Suganya looked at her daughter with wide eyes (the infamous 'if you don't do as I say, you are finished eyes), causing the little girl to scramble back to her mother.

"Shall we start?" Vihaan groaned, impatiently patting his hands on the table as he looked at his grandmother expectingly.

"Everyone, don't be shy! Eat without hesitation." Lakshmi ordered, sitting at the head of the table while her old man took a seat to her left. A smile spread on her face seeing all her family members together after a long time.

Small talk and jokes were exchanged, causing everyone to laugh from time to time. In the midst of the conversation, shy and suggestive glances were exchanged between the couples, slyly holding or touching hands while passing the dishes.

"Darling, pass that bowl." Vikram pointed his chin towards the bowl near his darling, who casually passed it to him without noticing the teasing smiles thrown at them.

Slowly one by one they finished their lunch and shifted towards the living room to discuss the preparation for the evening ceremony, leaving behind the couples who ate slowly to spend time before all their relatives arrived.

Just as Harshitha was about to stand, she yelped in surprise, falling back on her seat, startling everyone.

"Harshu, are you okay?" Hari asked in concern, passing a glass of water to her, who drank it in one go and glared at her boyfriend playfully.

"I'm good. My leg is numb from sitting too long." Harshitha smiled sheepishly, trying to remove her leg from Vikram's hold. Her breath hitched as he tightened his hold on her more. The harder she tried removing her legs, the stronger his holding became.

"Okay, rest back for a few minutes," Hari suggested, getting up from his chair and walking towards the kitchen to wash his hands; a few seconds later, Vihana followed him, not before winking at her with a knowing look.

Once everyone was out of sight, Harshitha glared at him playfully and warned, "Vikram."

"Yes, baby," Vikram answered, looking up from his plate and feigning innocence as his toes caressed her heel sensually, causing her to gasp in shock.

"Stop that."

"Feed me, and I'll stop." He smirked, pushing the plate towards her, who laughed, shaking her head at his antics. Vikram grinned, leaning forward to accept the morsel of food she offered.

.

.

8.30 PM, living room.

Draped in a beautiful maroon saree, Harshitha looked drop-dead gorgeous as she stood beside Hari at the living room threshold.

Her saree draped in a way that enhanced her curves beautifully and a single pleat over her shoulder, flaunting the intricate golden rose hand embroidered borders.

The front portion of her hair is in half French braid, and the rest was left to cascade down like a waterfall, with a few loose strands framing her face beautifully. Not wanting a heavy look for the simple saree, Harshitha did a simple makeup which enhanced her beautiful features more.

"How many more minutes do we have to wait like this?" Vihana whined, leaning against Hari's arms as the elders spoke among themselves as they waited for the auspicious time to start the ceremony.

"They won't start anything until 8.40. Do you want me to bring you a chair?" Hari asked, wrapping his arm around her waist to support her. The sofas and chairs were pushed back against the wall to accommodate all their guests.

"No, I'm good like this," Vihana whispered, leaning her against his chest happily as they stood out of everyone's vision.

"You sure?"

"Pakka. If I want, I'll just join them."

On the ground, Jamakkalam was spread out for everyone to sit. Plates full of fruits, flowers, and sweets were placed on the floor before a single sofa, awaiting Harshitha to sit.

(Jamakkalam is a carpet made in Bhavani, Erode district. It has horizontal stripes in various colors. along the width of the carpet.)

"The auspicious time has started! We can start." Lakshmi announced, looking at the time, signaling Radha to start. Radha lit up the five-face brass lamp, a smile spreading on her lips as she looked toward Harshitha.

"Harshu, come here, ma." Sakthi beckoned Harshitha to come forward as she draped a white cloth on the sofa for Harshitha to sit.

Harshitha joined her palms and greeted everyone with a smile before sitting on the chair. Her movement was graceful, accompanied by chimes from her anklet.

"First, Radha must keep the flower." Lakshmi guided, passing the flowers plate to Radha, who picked a yard of jasmine and a hairpin.

She closed her eyes for a moment and prayed before pinning the jasmine to Harshitha's hair, conveying that she accepted Harshitha as her daughter-in-law and as her daughter.

('Poo Vaithal' is the engagement/half-engagement ceremony in the Hindu marriage ritual where the groom's mother gives the flower to the bride meaning that they have accepted the bride as a new member of their family, which confirms the marriage.) (This scene here doesn't point to any caste or division, I like this type of half traditional and half modern engagement ceremony, so I chose this!)

Her eyes watered as she cupped Harshitha's face before kissing her forehead and whispering, "Finally! We are so lucky to have you in our family, Harshu."

"Athai!" Harshitha's lips curved in a bright smile, and her glistening eyes gave Vikram a fleeting glance to see him wiping his eyes as everyone congratulated him.

Next, Vikram's maternal side ladies pinned flowers and blessed her with a long life. Following that, everyone congratulated the smiling couple, who looked like a match made in heaven, as they posed for the photos Vihaan took.

"Can we have their engagement after or before Hari and Viha's wedding?" Vikram's maternal grandmother asked, looking at the auspicious dates on the calendar as the elders sat in a circle to discuss the date for the ring exchanging ceremony.

"I would like to speak with Harshu alone before that," Vikram announced, causing everyone to stop what they were doing.

"Is there any problem, Vikram?" Sakthi asked in concern, her eyes going back and forth between him and Harshitha. Harshitha shook her head negatively, looking up at Vikram to see him smiling as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"Nothing, I just wanna get to know my bride before you guys fix the engagement. Don't you think?" He shrugged nonchalantly, pulling his bride-to-be towards the front door as everyone sighed in relief and then teased,

"Get to know the bride? Dei, you have literally grown up with her!"

"And 10 years of dating la pesadha pecha ipa pesa pora?"

"What did you two not talk about in 10 years of dating that you want to discuss now?"

"Naanum varen chitapa!" (I'll come too!)

"Shh, Devi!"

"Be home within an hour!"

"Don't you guys have space in this house to talk?!"

Vikram ignored all their teasing as he took her outside the home. Opening the car door, he helped her inside before walking to the driver's seat.

"Are we going to our lake?" Harshitha beamed, staring at Vikram as he reversed the car smoothly with his right hand on the steering and left on the gear.

"Yeah." Vikram smiled at her excited expression as he drove along the familiar route to their lake. A place that witnessed and will witness all their happy memories.

They arrived at the place sooner than they thought. Parking the car by the side, the couple walked through the fields with the soft breeze caressing their skin. In the dark, the moon's soft glow guided them, accompanied by the bumbling of bees and the light echo of their footsteps.

The couple smiled once the beautiful lake came into their vision. The lake was calm and transparent as the moon shined on its glassy surface.

"It's so beautiful." Harshitha breathed, her eyes feasting on its beauty.

"Not more than you," Vikram commented, interlocking their finger and bringing her closer.

"Don't, don't look at me like that." Suddenly, Harshitha blushed, eyes fluttering shut in shyness from his heated gaze.

"You are literally so beautiful," Vikram whispered, circling his arms around her waist and bringing her closer to him in a tight hug. His fingers caressed the soft skin of her hip as he tightened their hug.

"And you are perfect." Harshitha's eyes curved to a crescent as she smiled, embracing him tightly, her body melting into his hug.

"Are you happy?" She asked after a minute of silence, looking up at him. She retreated from his arms when she heard a light sniffle, turning around to see him wiping his eyes with a smile.

"Happiest, happiest I've ever been," He confessed, bringing her back to his arms, embracing her from behind as they stood gazing across the horizon of green fields.

"I love you," Vikram confessed, nuzzling his nose along her neck, to which Harshitha titled her head involuntarily.

"I love you more." Harshitha declared, her eyes fluttering shut as he started peppering soft kisses across her neck, his hand caressing her waist gently.

"You are finally mine." Vikram rested his head against her as they stared at their hands intertwined at her waist, the couple wristwatch that they had gotten each other during their fourth anniversary glistening in the moonlight. Vikram promised that the moment their parents accepted them as a couple, he would start wearing that, and today for the first time, he wore it.

"No." Harshitha denied his statement.

"Excuse me?" Vikram tightened his arms around Harshitha as she laughed at his offended look at her denial. Turning around in his arms, she circled her arms around his neck, looking up and staring at his eyes, she declared,

"I'm 'Yours From Birth' love."

~முற்றும்.

~The END.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 𓆩♡𓆪 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Who is cutting onions here *wiping happy tears* 🤧

Finally!!!!!!!!! I completed 'Yours From Birth.'

Don't remove this book from your library yet! We have one more epilogue and a few bonus chapters coming up! (I'll try to write it soon)

Thank you so much to everyone for joining and traveling through this long journey!

This book can't be possible without all your love and support! So once again, thank you very much, it means the world to me!!!

To all my darling old and sweetest new readers, I love you so much!! Each one of you is very precious to me! *Virtual hugs*

P.s; I appreciate all the votes and comments you guys make. My second book- The Blushing Bride, has been updated! Please, continue supporting me!

p.p.s; This book is so far from 'Arrange marriage' that I die a little every time someone adds it to the 'Arrange marriage' list. So, please, add it to any other reading list, guys. 😭✋🏼

-Love, K♡