Chapter 12

Moor278

@Moor278

[MEMBERSONLY]

[NOCOPY]

Epilogue

10 years later, Police quarters 

“Good morning” Sai says, feeling a peppering of kisses on her neck and the hands hugging her from behind. She continues doing her work smiling. 

“Kya Good morning? Tum pehle kyun uth gai… pata hai na I like waking up to seeing your face first thing in the morning” he exclaims, tightening the hug.

Sai chuckles, “Jaanti hun SP Saheb… par aapko pata hai na aaj ka din kitna important hai mere liye… isliye jaldi uth gai”

Not satisfied with her answer, Virat embraces her further.

Knowing what can break this, Sai smiles and replies,

“Aur vaise bhi mujhe Kunal ke saath shopping pe jaana hai abhi thodi der main”

As expected, the hands that were embracing her loosen up and Sai smiles again.

“Kyun jaana hai uske saath? Ho to gai hai uski shopping. Us din bhi to gai thi tum”

Sai picks up the teacup in her hand and hiding her glee says,

“Kyunki uski girlfriend bhi aa rahi hai function main”

“Kyaaaaa???? Ayesha bhi aa rahi hai????” in a tone much happier but then Virat immediately bites his tongue at the inadvertent faux pas.

Sai has by now turned, accurately guessing the reaction, she raises her eyebrows and with a smirk on her face offers the cup to him.

Virat sheepishly avoids looking at her when she says,

“Listen, I know you find her hot… dekha hai maine kaise ghurte ho use…”

Virat is shocked, but feels relieved seeing her smile.

“Haan ab hai to kya kare… she is hot… but I know someone hotter”

“Rehne do… jhooth mat bolo”

The cup kept aside, Virat pulls Sai closer holding her waist.

“Sach… I know a much hotter, much sexier person … and she makes me feel kya kya… can't even tell you… haan karke bata sakta hun”

Sai blushes and gently pushing him replies… “Besharam ho gaye ho Veeru… Aai baba abhi aate honge Saavi ko bus stop pe drop karke… ye sab ka time nahi hai”

“Are… suno to… time hai na… uske baad vo walk pe jayenge… lets do a quickie”

Sai turns a deeper red, and loudly says… “No… aaj mera bahot important din hai… I need to be fresh… tired dikhungi acchha nahi lagega. Haan raat ko soch sakte hai” and she runs to the bathroom winking at him before he can catch up on her for the last statement.

In the evening, 

Sai walks in with Virat, arms linked through his. She is greeted by Adi-Brinda and they move inside. Ashwini - Ninad follow with little Saavi bouncing in joy. She is soon joined by the other kids and they are promptly sent to the kids corner.

Ram takes up the mic on the stage, to loud cheers and applause. Priya is sitting in the first row, in her second trimester, lovingly looking at Ram. He throws a smile at her and starts speaking.

“Thank you everyone for joining us here on this auspicious occasion. I welcome you all and hope you have a wonderful evening.

Our parents always think the best for us and they take up immense efforts to provide us with the best of everything. As time passes though, more than the material aspects, it is their values, their sense of spirit, ethics and truth is what is left with us. And the sooner we realise this, the better human beings we become. Everyone makes mistakes, but it takes a greater person to forgive others and improve upon themselves. I have learnt this from my father, from my wife and from my friends who are all here today.

It's time now that I give back to society and to live up to those values That I am trying to imbibe.

(Pulling a string of the curtain behind him and unveiling the plaque)

I present to you the “Amarnath Kapoor Foundation Hospital” and its first Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sai Joshi Chavan”

Feeling his chest swell with pride, Virat looks at Sai with moist eyes, she has her eyes closed and Virat knows whom she is thinking of. He hugs her and kisses her temples. Sai opens her eyes, smiles at him, looks at Saavi playing at the sides, and gently nodding to Ashwini and Ninad, walks up to the stage.

Passing a smile to Priya and taking the mic from Ram, she starts speaking,

“Thank you so much Ram Sir… It is a great pleasure to be able to be working at this hospital and to be attached to it. I am glad to have received this opportunity and I will do my best.”

Sai, pauses, looks up at the sky and continues,

“It was my Aaba, my fathers dream that I become a doctor and work in society. He is not with us today but I know he is always with me. His blessings have made me reach where I am today. I have been fortunate enough to meet some wonderful, loving people in my life and that is strong support especially when the job requires long and irrational working hours. I am glad that the support I have at home means I can focus on my job wholeheartedly. Thank you again for this opportunity and I’ll strive to work to the best of my abilities.”

Sai ends her speech to an applause from the audience and a much louder one especially from her family and friends. 

She looks at Ram, and says, “Thank you Jeeju”

Ram lovingly patting her head replies, “You deserve it Sai. I am proud of you”

The ceremony is done, everyone assembles on the stage for group pictures. The kids are promptly called and Ram gently escorts Priya to the stage. The Kapoors and Chavans together pose for the pictures.

Sometime later, Virat asks Sai to accompany him inside the hospital for a surprise.

They reach her cabin and wondering what the surprise could be, Sai gingerly opens the door. A pop of fresh flowers and squeals from Saavi greet her.

“Congratulations Mumma” exclaims Saavi while jumping on the chair and extending to her a handmade greeting card.

Reading it and holding it close to her heart, Sai pulls Saavi into a hug, happy tears falling from her eyes.

Virat too gets in on the hug and gently directs her attention to her side table.

There, occupying a prominent position is the smiling portrait of Kamal Joshi.

Sai looks up at Virat and mouths a thankyou.

Feeling her heart full with the happiness that was long awaited, the Joshi Chavans embrace each other and savour the moment.