Page 83 of Shattered

Epilogue

Kavya

A few years later

A lot has happened in the past year. Firstly, I resigned from my job because I just couldn’t continue working for Akash after everything that happened. While I understand he wasn’t entirely at fault, facing him every day and trying to maintain our friendship became too painful for me. Despite his apology and my attempt to forgive, our relationship has changed significantly, now more akin to that of acquaintances than close friends. Secondly, I’ve successfully launched my own small marketing firm, and this venture has brought me immense happiness. Life couldn’t be more perfect now that all the nightmares are behind me.

I’m lost in thought when a soft voice brings me back to reality.

“He has Dad’s eyes, don’t you think?”Nisha asks, her voice trembling as she watches Rahil in Reyansh’s arms, her eyes filled with unshed tears.

“Yeah, he does. And Mom’s smile,” I add, nodding as I glance across the living room at my two-year-old son, Rahil, in Reyansh’s arms as he chats with his parents and Sunita Aunty.

We’re gathered at Reyansh’s parents’ house for our weekly family dinner, a tradition we’ve held since the day we got married. Yes, Reyansh and I are happily married, and it feels as if all the stars have finally aligned. Each day is a beautiful reminder of how far we’ve come together, and I can hardly believe the happiness we’ve built.

“Mom and Dad would have been so proud of you, sis. You’re such a wonderful mother already,” Nisha says, squeezing my hand. I turn to meet her gaze.

“I miss them so much, Nisha. They should be here, holding him, giving me advice...” My voice falters, breaking. I let out a heavy sigh. “I just miss them.”

Nisha wraps her arms around me. “I know, sis. I miss them too, every single day,” she whispers softly. “But you have something they would have loved more than anything—their grandson. He carries their love and spirit with him, keeping them alive within us. They are a part of us, and they always will be.”

Tears stream down my face, “You’re right. And...” Smiling through my tears, I pull back and meet her gaze. “I’m so lucky to have you by my side again.”

I still can’t thank God enough for bringing my sister back to me.Looking at her now, I’m in awe of how shemade it through it all.It’s been a long, painful journey, from the coma that had me fearing the worst to the moment she finally opened her eyes.Each step of her recovery was nothing short of a miracle.

Also, theman who put her in that state is now serving a life sentence, but it was Nisha’s bravery during the trial, facing him and reliving that trauma, that truly showed her strength.With the support of a therapist, she confronted her fears, tackling thenightmares and anxieties that no one should ever have toface.She even found the courage to start working again, piece by piece rebuilding what was broken.

“I’m back on my feet only because of you. I couldn’t have gotten through this without you. You’ve been my rock through all of this,” she says, squeezing my hands.

With a soft smile, I shake my head. “It’s not me, but your own strength. You’ve faced every challenge head-on and emerged stronger. Mom and Dad would be so proud of you too, Nisha. The way you fought through every hardship definitely honours their memory. You’ve shown incredible strength, and I know they would be looking down at you with immense pride.”

She wipes a tear from her cheek. “And there’s another thing Mom and Dad would be happy about—Reyansh as your life partner. Waking up to my sister being engaged with such a wonderful man instead of that slimeball, Deepak, was the best news ever. He’s amazing, sis. The way he loves you and Rahil... it’s like he’s here to protect you both forever. And he’s been like an elder brother to me,always making sure I’m okay.”

That’s true. Reyansh’s affection for Nisha is genuine. He regards her as his little sister, always saying how much he missed having one. In fact, his parents have taken Nisha under their wing and care for her like our parents would have if they were alive.

I glance towards my husband, who’s holding Rahil like he’s the most precious thing in the world.“He’s been wonderful, and I’m incredibly fortunate to have him as my husband. I don’t know what I would do without him. He’s been my anchor. And, not to mention, he spoils me and Rahil rotten,” I agree.

She smiles warmly. “You’re lucky, you know?”

“Of course, I know. I’m lucky not only because of Reyansh, but also because I have you as my pillar of strength.”

She smiles softly. “I know how much I mean to you; you don’t have to say it. Also, I understand you have your own family now, with responsibilities and all, but I also know that you’ll always be there for me when I need you. Remember what Dad would say—We’re family. We stick together, no matter what.And your little guy…”she gestures towards my son, where my husband is gently kissing his forehead, “is going to grow up knowing just how blessed he is to be surrounded by such amazing people.”

“Yeah, he will,” I agree, my gaze shifting to Rahil. “But be warned…” I pause, turning back to Nisha, “As his aunt,you’re going to be the target of a lot of his tantrums.”

She grins back. “I am totally ready for it! Aunt Nisha is going to shower him with so much love and spoiling!”

That makes me laugh. “I am sure he’ll love that.” Taking a deep breath, I add, “You know, one day, you’re going to find your forever too.”

“One day, yes,” she says wistfully.

“And when that day comes, it will be as beautiful as you deserve, Nisha.”

“Well, I am ready and waiting for that day to come, but for now, I think you’re the lucky one enjoying the bliss of a happily married life,” she teases. “And by the looks of it, I think it’s my cue to leave; your husband needs you to himself,” she adds, nodding towards my husband.

I turnjust in time to see Reyansh hand Rahil to his mom,placing a kiss on her cheek and whispering somethingin her ear. Her face softens, and she smiles warmly. He then excuses himself and heads towards me, his eyes sparkling with that familiar look that still makes my heart skip a beat.

“Time for me to spoil and pamper my nephew,” Nisha says, setting her drink on the table and walking over to Rahil.She stops briefly to exchange a few words with Reyansh beforeheading toward Rahil, already reaching out to him with a playful twinkle in her eyes.

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