While Monami met and seek forgiveness from all, someone was there who was still adamant on something that he has thought of. And without coming in anyone's notice, he quietly left the hanger area and proceeded towards his favorite, secluded one to have some fresh air and some clarity in his thoughts. Although, the wounds on his body are healing slowly but the wounds that the most important person has given on his heart are as fresh as new which is putting him back in the zone that he had fought to escape.

Karan reached the terrace and leaned onto the boundary railing. The hew of sunset which was a scene of admiration for both him and Monami, made him sigh deeply today. The sky was transitioning from orange to bluish, maybe depicting how Monami's return has transitioned his heart-burning loneliness into a calm, serene one. The weather was getting colder and slight cold breezes were touching his skin, making goosebumps arise.

Monami when reached the terrace without coming into anyone's knowledge, just got confused that why isn't Karan being a part of everyone's happiness and celebrations. Afterall, she has returned after all these days of suffering and despair, so he should be there with everyone. Not letting any more thoughts enter her brain, with a short smile on her face, Monami tip-toed and just back hugged Karan.

Ehsaas ki jo jubaan ban gaye
Ehsaas ki jo jubaan ban gaye

Her warm arms around his torso, her leaning onto his back and her whole front body sticking to his back. Somewhere in his mind, Karan already knew that this girl won't be leaving him alone and would surely follow him, so her touch didn't surprise him much. But unknowingly, Monami's touch seemed very warm and comforting in that cold weather.

Karan (bringing her in front) - Mujhe to lagta hai tum mujhe jahannam mein bhi akele nahi chhodogi, haina?

Monami (proudly) - Haan, bilkul! Mere bina kahi jakar to dikhana, fir main dikhaungi tumhe ki main kya-kya kar sakti hoon!

Dil mein mere mehmaan ban gaye
Aap ki tareef mein kya kahe
Aap humari jaan ban gaye
Aap humari jaan ban gaye

On Monami's words, Karan sighed again but this time with a sad expression. He again turned towards the boundary and faced the sky with stress depicting through his face. Whatever he's going through, whether stress, joy or gloom, Monami can detect it in a second and she did it again. She somehow scooped between his arms that were on on the boundary till now and were now holding her.

Monami (holding his face) - Kya ho gaya Khadoos Shergill, tum mere vapis aane se khush nahi ho? Chalo fir theek hai, main fir se chali ja...

Even before she could complete her sentence, Karan's thin hard lips were already on her soft petal ones and shut her up. He was sucking her lips so passionately as if trying to suck out some nectar from them. Before they could realize, Karan's hands are around Monami's waist and Monami's fingers were in Karan's hair, trying to calm his inner beast that she has awakened. Upon realizing that she's breathless, unwillingly Karan left her lips.

Aap hi rab aap imaan ban gaye
Aap humari jaan ban gaye

Karan - DARE YOU UTTER SUCH NONSENSE ONCE AGAIN & I'LL SHOW YOU WHAT ALL I CAN DO!

For the very first time, Karan roared on Monami. Usually, she's the calmness to his chaos and whatever she says is happily accepted to him. But what she said right now was something that Karan could never ever imagine in his worst nightmare. The fire that Monami has ignited could be clearly seen in Karan's eyes and for a moment, even Monami was scared.

But as soon as Karan's rageful eyes met Monami's quite scared ones, the fire of his anger blew away, his eyes softened, and his heart melted. Without wasting any second further, Karan just hugged Monami so tight as if he never wants her to go away. Understanding the turmoil that Karan might be going through, Monami wrapped her hands around Karan's shoulders and hid him in her embrace. Them being close to each other, wrapping their arms around each other and their hearts beating in sync is all what they and the universe desired.

Qismat se humein aap humdam mil gaye
Jaise ki dua ko alfaaz mil gaye
Socha jo nahin woh hasil ho gaya
Chahun aur kya ke khuda de ab mujhe

As the sun bid adieu to the sky, the sky went blank. But to fill it, the clouds of night appeared along with the moon and the stars to lighten up the dark night. Similarly, Monami's presence in Karan's life was just like the moon and the stars. She brought that much-needed joy, brightness and liveliness that lacked in Karan's life after Param's supposed demise.

To share what their hearts have been holding up, Karan & Monami settled themselves on one of the practice mats that was lying on the terrace. Being still scared and insecure, Karan's face was still hidden in the crook of Monami's neck, and he was in no mood to part away. This mission has scared Karan to a scary depth.

Monami (softly) - Karan...kya chal raha hai tumhare dil mein? (After a pause) Kya mujhse share nahi karoge? Kya itni parayi ho gayi main?

Karan (immediately) - Tumhare alawa mera apna hai hi kaun? Jo bhi ho, tum hi ho! Mera dil, dhadkan, jaan, pyaar, izzat, guroor...sab kuchh, bus tum!

Monami was deeply touched by this confession made by Karan. She very well knows how deeply he loves her and how deeply she reciprocates it but getting such a confession from a man like Karan who finds it difficult to express himself, was something surprising for her. By her experience of loving and knowing Karan, Monami was very sure that there's something going on in Karan's mind which he's finding hard to say. But her being her, was determined to make him blurt out whatever is stopping him from expressing himself.

Monami - Karan, main tumhe ek baat batau?

Karan - Meri Rani Sahiba kabse ijazat lene lagi?

Monami chuckled and blushed how he called her by the most unique nickname that she has, 'Rani Sahiba', his Rani Sahiba, only his. All of a sudden, she realized that after the destruction of PRF & the hospital fiasco, this is the first time he's calling her with full authority that too in this very casual setup. Taking a deep breath in and coming out of her own thoughts, Monami decided to focus on what's more important right now.

Monami - Vo bhi sahi hai..vaise, tumhe pata hai jab main vaha PRF ke hideout par thi na, bus aisa lag raha tha jaise jaan hi nikal jaane wali ho!

These words of Monami caught Karan's attention and now he was fully engrossed in listening to her and had also lifted up his head from Monami's shoulder and sat straight. He wanted her to come out with everything that she had suffered in all those past days.

Monami (continuing) - Mujhe to laga tha ki pata nahi kabhi sabke paas vapis jaa bhi paungi ya nahi. Lekin tumhe pata hai, mujhe un sabko dodge karne ki aur Param bhaiya ko rescue karne ki himmat kisne di? (Karan shook his head in no) Tumne Karan!

Karan (confused) - Maine? Kaise?!

Monami (with a short smile) - Haan Karan, tumne! Tum, tumhara pyaar aur tumhare khayal hi to thhe jinhone mujhe vo himmat di jisse main sab karpayi. Tumhari di hui vo saari training, tricks, tactics..sab kaam aaye. You've been my inspiration & motivation throughout! Jaise tum dushman pe vaar karne se pehle sab sochte ho, jaise tum hideout enter karne se pehle sab analyse karte ho, jaise tum sirf apna nahi, apne saathiyon ka bhi khayal rakhte ho...bus tumne aise hi meri saari madad kardi! Lekin ek aur baat hai Karan?

Karan (curiously) - Kya?

Wanting to know more about what all has been going in her heart and how traumatic all these past days have been for her, Karan insisted Monami to go further and speak her heart out. Monami was smiling internally as she saw her masterplan working. He can definitely never win over her and her plans.

Monami - Mujhe na darr bhi bahut lag raha raha tha ki pata nahi vapis aa bhi paungi ya nahi. Pata nahi jo karna chah rahi hoon vo kar bhi paungi ya nahi. Pata nahi agar safal nahi ho payi, to kya hoga...Sab kuchh seekh liya aapse Agent Shergill, lekin nidar hona nahi seekha!

Monami chuckled fakely on her own words and saw Karan engrossed in his thoughts. She was sure that she'd be successful in making him blurt whatever his heart is containing. Karan was just doing nothing but staring at the ground and it seemed as if he's willing to say something.

Monami - Kya hua Karan? Kya soch rahe ho?

Karan (still looking at the ground) - Main nidar nahi hoon Monami, darr mujhe bhi lagta hai..infact, lag raha hai. Jab tum yaha mere paas nahi thi na to har waqt darr lagta tha ki kahi tumhe kho na du main, kahi tum humesha ke liye mujhse door na chali jao.

Karan's fears were finally making their way out his heart & Monami's plan started working. All know that none has suffered less. If Monami has faced everything alone, then Karan has experienced it too. And if Karan has gone through the pain of separation, Monami too went through it. Monami slowly took her hand near Karan and placed it softly on his cheek and made him face her. Till now, the eyes that were just staring the ground were now looking intensely into Monami's eyes. The pain, the fear and the love, all were clearly seen in Karan's eyes and somewhere Monami felt guilty of hurting this poor soul, but she was tied in the ropes of duty.

Karan - Monami, main tumhe kho nahi sakta! Already tumhe aur Param bhaiya ko ek baar kho chuka hoon, ab mujhme himmat nahi hai ki main apni zindagi mein se aur kuchh kho du. (Emotionally) Please, I beg you, please..agli baar kuchh aisa scenario ho to please mujhe bus ek hint de dena, ki tum theek ho. Tumpe ek kharoch bhi aati hai na to jaan nikal jaati hai! Ma..Main na..hi reh sak..sakta tu..mhare bina!

By the end of his words, the pain and bitterness that was filled inside Karan's heart flowed in the form of his warm tears. Listening to this heartfelt confession by Karan, Monami's eyes glistened with tears as she had not expected him to hold back so much. She could see how much this one mission has changed Karan. From his sarcasm to straightforwardness, Monami could clearly make out changes in his demeanor. The man who was known for strictness, melted in a swift in front of her. The boundaries which surrounded Karan's heart after Param's demise, were completely shattered when Monami entered his life but now when she went on such a mission, his heart holds no more power to build those walls again and so, Monami's supposed demised weakened Karan.

Karan (trying to control his cries) - I understand hum commandoes hain, hum..humari zindagi ka koi bharosa nahi hota lekin..Monami, main mar jaunga tumhare bina! Peh..le missions ke liye bilkul nahi ghabrata tha main..le..lekin ab main maut se darta hoon kyuki main tumhare bina jee nahi sakta! Main tumhare saath jeena chahte hoon, tumhare liye jeena chahta hoon! Pleaseee mujhe chhodkar kahi mat jaana!

Karan cries grew dense and louder and in order to plead Monami to not to leave him ever again, Karan was about to join his hands and that shocked Monami the most. She has never seen him this vulnerable, not even when he recalled the mission in which he lost his beloved brother.

With tears in her eyes and with a wobbling chin, Monami kept both her hands on Karan's joint ones and shook her head vigorously. She was aware that her Karan was deeply affected by this incident but the destruction would be this big, was unexpected.

Monami (sobbing) - Karannn...stop! Kya kar rahe ho tum?! Main tumhari hi to hoon, rahungi na humesha tumhare saath! Ho kya gaya hai jaan tumhe? Mera Karan to aisa nahi tha na?!

With soft touches, Monami carefully wiped Karan's flowing tears and lifted his face that had turned red due to excessive crying. She held his face between her palms and just stared at that face for a moment. The face that used to represent his attitude was reflecting his vulnerability and the eyes that used to shine, were now just filled with unshed tears. Guilt overpowered her.

Monami - Karan, tumne hi kaha tha na..ek commando bankar desh ki sewa karne ka mauka sirf kismat walo ko hi milta hai? (He nodded slightly) Ek commando itna kamzor nahi ho sakta and especially Special Agent Karan Shergill to bilkul bhi kamzor nahi pad sakta! Tumse hi to sabki himmat hai, meri himmat hai..Batra sir ka trust hai! Will you let us down? Aise kamzor padkar kya sabko niraash karna achha lagega tumhe?

The unshed tears that lingered in Karan's eyes have made their way down his cheeks as he shook his head slightly at Monami's questions. He knows that the one who's trusted by all, the ministry, the cadets, Batra sir, his colleagues, his family and his Rani Sahiba can never fall weak like this and shouldn't but his heart wasn't in his control today. Today, the Special Agent has lost all his controls over his mind and heart and all that is prevailing there is his Monami.

Karan was deeply affected by the incident of Monami's demise and couldn't afford to lose her again. Right now, only Monami's Khadoos Shergill was thinking and blurting out whatever is in his mind but the Special Agent is yet to come into action.

Karan - I know Monami, sab bahot pyaar karte hain mujhse, magar main tumse pyaar karta hoon. I don't want to lose you again! Mujhe hi pata hai tumhare bina itne din kaise kaate hain maine. Sab thhe mere aas-paas, magar mujhe sirf tum chahiye thi! Aur ab zindagi bhar ke liye, sirf tum hi chahiye ho! Please, please...mujhe firse kisi baat ki itni badi saza mat dena! Main mar jaunga apni dhadkan ke bina!

With eyes about to glisten again, Monami held Karan's face between her palms and planted a deep kiss on the temple of his forehead. This sign of authority, promise and belief somewhat touched Karan and the unsaid assurance started entering his heart.

Monami - Shhh Karan! Main kahi nahi jaungi tumhe chhodke. Dhadkan apne dil ke bina to adhuri hi hai na? Agar tum mere bina nahi reh sakte, to main bhi tumhare bina jeene ka soch bhi nahi sakti. Main humesha tumhare paas rahungi!

Through these phrases, Monami confessed her deep feelings of love for Karan, reassuring him of her love and presence. A wide, bright smile appeared on Karan's face as he heard Monami and in no time, the swan couple were in a tight hug.

Monami (coming out of the hug) - Lekin Karan, ek baat batao..agar tum humesha mere paas rehna chahte ho aur mujhe bhi apne paas rakhna chahte ho, to hum kal hi resign karde?!

His eyes grew wide, and mouth opened slightly as this was a big shocker for Karan. Serving his country and saving the countrymen has always been his profession, passion and priority. Also, it was Monami's courage and love towards the nation that had attracted him towards her in the beginning. He can't even think of hearing such words from Monami herself. He couldn't digest the fact that the girl who's his inspiration and motivation would say something like this.

Karan (in shock) - Monami? Ye..ye tum kya keh rahi ho? How can we resign?! Isn't saving the nation our duty, our topmost priority?!

Monami - Exactly Karan, ek dusre ke hone se pehle hum iss desh ke aur deshvasiyon ke hain. Iss desh ki hifazat karna dharm hai humara, aur dharm se peechhe hatna mere trainers ne mujhe nahi sikhaya hai. Karan, aise kamzor padoge to kaise chalega? Let's promise each other ki hum kabhi ek dusre ki duties ke beech nahi aayenge. Karoge vaada?

Not saying anything and making Monami feel that she had offended him, Karan stood up silently and, in a few minutes, returned with some dry leaves. He threw them in the center and put fire in them. Karan went to Monami and gave her his hand as a sign to ask her to get up. Monami too just did what he wanted her to do as she knew, he's upto something.

As he came closer to her, the fire of love & passion was easily seen to Monami. As his demeanor relaxed from before, she could sense that somewhere her OG Khadoos Shergill is back. Holding both her hands in his, Karan smiled wide realizing how easily Monami could make him understand things that too when such idiotic thoughts are entering in his minds.

Rab se mila ek ayaan ban gaye
Khwabo ka mere muqaam ban gaye

Karan - I don't know how to thank you enough Monami but one thing I definitely know is that I love you to the moon & back! Shayad tumhare jaane ke haadse se itna hil gaya tha ki yahi bhul gaya thi ki apni Rani Sahiba ka Khadoos Shergill hone se pehle main iss desh ka fauji, Special Agent Karan Shergill bhi hoon!

With these words of Karan, Monami's eyes were filled with pride and reassurance that no matter what separating Agent Shergill from his duty would be the most impossible task. She was smiling wide until Karan's next move. Still holding her hands in his, Karan went on his knees making Monami's mouth open wide in surprise.

Karan (forwarding his hand) - Dr. Monami Mahajan, would you please please please be my life partner for not just this life but also for all the coming 7 lives? Would you give me the honour to be yours for the next 7 lives? Would you please take the 7 vows with me right now, right here? (After a pause) RANI SAHIBA, KYA AAP APNE KHADOOS SHERGILL SE SHAADI KARNA PASAND KARENGI?

Aap ki tareef mein kya kahe
Aap humari jaan ban gaye
Aap humari jaan ban gaye

With all her heart, Karan proposed Monami in the most romantic way one could ever. The way their eyes were shining while looking straight into each other's eyes. The glow of love was very well evident and without any further thinking or hesitation, Monami just flew in Karan's arms with eyes glistening with happy tears. She couldn't believe that her dream came true, and the man of her dreams finally asked her for being one forever.

Monami (loudly) - Yes, yes Karan, yesss!!!

Monami couldn't say more but the over-the-top happiness in her voice said it all. Not wanting to stay apart for even a single second now, Monami & Karan hugged tightly again, making their skins stick to each other and feeling the warmth of love. Encircling arms around each other, they definitely performed the 'varmala' ritual well and as Karan kissed her forehead deeply, the smile on Monami's face said it all.

After a while, the most beautiful couple stood up from the ground and held hands beside the fire, in order to take vows & promise each other love and togetherness till eternity! Karan slowly took Monami's hand in his and as their eyes met, Karan's questioning gaze was replied by Monami's trust filled, consent-giving eyes and with charming smiles on their faces, MoRan started revolving around the holy fire.

Aap hi rab aap imaan ban gaye
Aap humari jaan ban gaye

Karan (revolving around the fire) - Monami, main vaada karta hoon ki main iss janam mein to kya, aane wale saaton (7) janmo mein sirf tumse hi pyaar karunga!

Monami - Karan, main vaada karti hoon ki sirf iss janam mein to kya, aane wale saaton (7) janmo mein sirf aur sirf tumhari hi rahungi!

Karan - Monami, main vaada karta hoon ki mera pyaar kabhi tumhare sapno aur zimmedariyon ke beech nahi aayega!

Monami - Karan, main vaada karti hoon ki main kabhi bhi tumhari duty ke beech nahi aaungi! Main jaanti hoon..humare liye pehle desh, fir deshvasi, fir parivaar aur fir hum honge.

Karan - Main vaada karta hoon, apne jee-jaan se tumhe puri zindagi khush rakhunga! Aa-jeevan tumhara saath dunga!

Monami - Main vaada karti hoon, rehne ke liye ghar, pehenne ke liye kapde aur khaane ke liye jo hoga, mujhe vo pura hoga. Mujhe khush rehne ke liye sirf tumhara saath chahiye!

Karan - Monami, main humari zindagi mein aane wale har dukh se tumhari raksha karunga!

Monami - Karan, main aa-jeevan tumhari parchhayi bankar rahungi! Tumhara har dukh aadha aur sukh dugna karungi!

Karan - Main vaada karta hoon, tumhare parivaar ki, parents ki bilkul vaise hi izzat karunga jaise apne parivaar ki karta hoon. Unka daamad nahi, beta banunga!

Monami - Main vaada karti hoon, apne naye ghar aur gharwalon ko pure mann aur izzat se apnaungi. Unki bahu nahi, beti banungi!

Karan - Main vaada karta hoon, mujhe chhodkar tumhe kabhi kahi nahi jaane dunga! Duniya se chhupakar, apni baahon mein basaunga!

Monami - Main vaada karti hoon, fir kabhi tumhe aise dukh pahunchakar, chhodkar kabhi kahi nahi jaungi! Humesha tumhare paas, tumhare kareeb rahungi!

Aap hi rab aap imaan ban gaye
Aap humari jaan ban gaye

MoRan (now together) - Main vaada karti hoon ki humesha-humesha ke liye dhadkan bankar, apne dil ke paas rahungi!/Main vaada karta hoon ki humesha-humesha ke liye dil bankar, apni dhadkan ko apne paas rakhunga!

As they took the vows around the holy fire for the coming seven lifetimes, their eyes could reflect that right now, their love & contentment knows no bounds. Feeling all love around them and without wasting any second further, they embraced each other with all the love, respect, flaws, quirks and what not. The warmth of the fire, the chills of the wind, the moonlight of the moon and slight chirpings of the jugnus, all seemed as if they are blessing MoRan with all their heart for their coming life.

Deen hai ilaahi mera maan hai maahi
Main to sajda karun unko

Karan & Monami broke their hug but weren't ready to let go each other from their hold. They looked straight into each other's eyes conveying what their heart holds. The love they have, the bond they share, the passion they want and the happiness they felt, nothing was left unshared. In the next moment, something strikes Karan and without thinking any further he just bit his right thumb so hard that even some blood oozed out, making Monami gasp in shock.

Monam (concernly holding his thumb) - Karan! Ye kya kiya tumne?!

Karan said nothing but just smirked & in the next second, he filled Monami's hairline with his blood with full authority, surprising her to the core. Gasping in shock, Monami touched her hairline and that's when she realized what he did. Not having the vermilion at the moment, Karan being Karan, filled her maang with his khoon.

Arz rubaani meri farz gawahi
Meri ishq hua mujhko

Karan (smirking) - Ab shaadi ho hi rahi thi to achhe se, puri tarah se honi chahiye na!

Chuckles of amusement left Monami's throat, and the 'just married' couple had their first hug after marriage. Karan wrapped his arms around Monami's shoulders and rested his chin on her head while Monami wrapped her arms around his torso and could hear how fast his heartbeats were. Being together is what their hearts were desiring since days and today, they're finally one!

Karan (touching his nose with Monami's) - Finally, DIL KI DHADKAN LAUT AAYI!

Deen hai ilaahi mera maan hai maahi
Mai to sajda karun unko
Arz rubaani meri farz gawahi
Meri ishq hua mujhko

And from here, the saga of MoRan's endless love for the whole lifetime begins! Under the shining moon as they took the vows of togetherness and how they understandingly convinced each other for no more separation, even the Gods & the Goddesses along with Monami's Juhi maa and Karan's martyred parents from heaven smiled and showered their blessings on them. Experiencing grief, tears, pain, guilt and separation for many long days and weeks, their love found a new definition. As they promised of togetherness & thanked God for blessing them with each other, them being still sticked to each other spoke volumes and justified that they're really going to keep their promises till death do them apart.

Aap hi rab aap imaan ban gaye
Aap humari jaan ban gaye...

With this, an old saga of ups and downs for everyone ended while a new, fresh one of happiness, love and togetherness begins!

Aap humari jaan ban gaye!

--------------------------------------

A big thank you to each and every one who has been a part of this intriguing journey of 'Dil ki Dhadkan Laut Aayi'! I hope I did justice to this very special and last chapter of this book..🥺

Never ever in my dreams, I thought of reaching such great heights in the world of writing fiction🥹. But nothing would be possible with you guys!!! I've always said, and I'll stick to my words that I've got the best readers<33

Though along with me, y'all felt all the emotions that I wanted to express and depict and that's one of the bestest feelings when I could successfully make you cry..jk! But honestly, I owe big to you guys...don't how to say enough of it but a big THANKKK YOUUUU to each and every one of you who has supported me in this journey of DDLA & gave great feedback about it.💖🫶

In no time, we reached the last chapter of this wonderful book & somehow, it reached to 55k+ readers! Kabhi socha bhi nahi tha aisa to...I loveee youuu guysss!!!❤️❤️❤️

And with this, it's time to bid adieu to this book, tysmmm everyone, again for all your love and support! Also, your 'Author Sahiba' is back ;)🫶