—SOHINI—
(A year later.)
I had just put Vinnie to sleep when Vedant gently took my hand and led me out of the room.
"Where are you taking me?" I asked, surprised to be sneaking out in the middle of the night.
"It's your birthday," he said with a soft smile. "And I've prepared a little surprise."
He walked me out to the lawn.
As soon as we stepped outside, Sweta, Rohan, and Mom jumped out from behind the bushes with party poppers, balloons, and a beautiful cake in hand.
"Happy birthday, Sohini!" they all shouted in unison.
I hadn't expected this. Not at 12 a.m. Not when everything felt so quiet. But there I was—surrounded by the people I loved, and who loved me back. It was the most priceless gift I could ever ask for—love.
My eyes welled up with tears. Vedant pulled me close by the waist.
"Thank you," I whispered, overwhelmed.
He smiled, mischief playing on his lips. "This isn't the main surprise."
My brows furrowed. "Then what is?"
He pointed toward the house across the street—the house I once called home, where everything began. The same house, across Vedant's.
It was lit up, glowing in soft fairy lights. And on the street, right in front of it, stood my parents—and Chinu.
I froze. Turned to Vedant, stunned. "Am I dreaming?"
He shook his head. "No. Go to them. They've been waiting for you for so long."
I didn't wait a second longer. I ran. Straight into my mother's arms.
I hugged Maa and Papa, tears pouring freely down my cheeks.
"We missed you, Sohini," Papa said, voice trembling with emotion.
"You've become so beautiful," Maa whispered, kissing my forehead as she wiped my tears.
Vedant came and stood beside me. Calm, smiling. Strong.
"Maa, Papa—please come inside," he said, his tone respectful and full of warmth.
He welcomed them in with no grudges. No bitterness. Only admiration and humility.
I leaned down to Chinu and whispered, "How are you here?"
"Vedant bhai(brother) came to our house two days ago," he said. "He begged Papa. Got on his knees. Maa and Papa—they were already missing you."
My gaze shifted to Vedant, who was now laughing and talking with Papa like he hadn't just buried his ego for my happiness.
"Vedant bhai really loves you," Chinu added quietly.
"He's not bhai anymore," I smirked, ruffling his hair. "He's your jiju (brother-in-law)."
"Whatever," he muttered, rolling his eyes. "Are you happy now?"
I turned to him, my heart full.
"Yes," I said softly. "Vedant was worth it. Worth the fight."
THE END.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Thank you all so much for your support throughout this journey. It's been one hell of an emotional rollercoaster, hasn't it?
The main reason I wrote this story was to shed light on some of the unspoken stereotypes that still persist in our society—those quiet injustices we often overlook or accept as normal. I truly believe that someday, we'll rise above these outdated norms and create a world where love, respect, and understanding win.
Until then—stay safe, stay healthy, and keep fighting for the love and life you deserve.
See you soon,
Sacha.