Few months later

ABHAY SAT IN the car, outside of Priya's apartment, as he waited for Indira. It was Anjali and Varun's wedding.

Priya wasn't there, Aditya obviously with his sister, giving a hand in the wedding alongside her. After the accident, he was more protective of his sister, and always accompanying her with tiny chores at home and Sinha's whenever he could. This annoyed Abhay sometimes because when he want Priya for himself, Aditya was there looking his way sternly. He knew that look because he's a brother and he gave the same treatment to Varun.

Now, he understood how much annoyed Varun must have been with him and how many times he wanted to throttle him.

Anyway, finally his sister and his best friend were tying the knot after a long wait. They would have been married by now if not for Priya's accident. They wanted to wait for Priya to recover from her injuries, so that she could be a part of their wedding. He couldn't express how happy and proud he was for his sister, as her dream was always to marry Varun.

The past few months have been wonderful. There were no insecurities anymore between Abhay and Priya. They were officially dating now. He was against the idea, as he wanted to marry Priya as soon as she recovered. He doesn't want to stay away from her. But the damn woman was making him wait. After a month of her recovery, he came home with his family to ask her hand in marriage. It was a shock to him when she denied and he almost panicked thinking the worst. But then, she reasoned she didn't want to rush and get to know him better. He was disappointed with her idea, but gave in not wanting to pressure her.

Only he knew how much of a pure torture it was to see her everyday but keep his hand to himself. Only he knew how many cold showers he had taken to suppress his desires and how many sleepless nights he spent not having her in his arms.

It was a punishment. She was punishing him for all the turmoil he caused her, he deduced and he knew that he deserved it.

Anyway, though it was a torture for him, he was glad for her being firm. He got the chance to know Priya better and he fell more and more in love with her. Though they still fight and argue over tiny things, he extremely enjoyed them, watching her cute angry expressions. Sometimes, he wantedly riled her up, to watch her beautiful face, scrunch up comically making him laugh.

Not only did they get to know each other, they both found a chance to bond with each other's families. Abhay had a good connection with Indira and though Aditya was protective when it involved Priya, he was good with Abhay. Whereas Priya became a part of his family, even before she entered his home. For his parents, she was like a daughter, just like Anjali and to Anjali a big sister. No need to say how much Aisha adores Priya. Sometimes, his parents voiced that Ramya and Priya would have made a great pair of Sinha brides if Ramya was also alive. He doesn't know about that but he was sure his brother and sister-in-law would have loved Priya dearly.

Priya was his perfect bride.

There was a tap on the passenger side of the window and he turned his head to see Indira. She was waving her hand and signaling to open the lock. He did and she climbed in.

"You're beautiful, Maa," Abhay said. He started calling her Maa, just like Priya and Aditya. She was wearing a white saree, with a golden border, with her hair in a loose updo.

Indira smiled and she said, "Sorry, beta. I kept you waiting."

He smiled. "Don't worry, Maa," he said, starting the car, "Compared to your daughter, you are an Angel. She wasn't even sorry for keeping me waiting," he mused.

"Awww... my poor baby," Indira ruffled his hair, almost laughing out at his sulky expression. "I wonder what's in my daughter's mind. She has become unpredictable after falling in line with you." She gave him a meaningful expression.

He was stuck. He kept his eyes on the road as he asked, "Are you saying I'm the reason?"

"Do you have a doubt?"

They both chuckled.

"When are you marrying my daughter?"

"She didn't say yes yet."

She shook her head. "Even if you both are not in a hurry, I'm. Just kidnap her."

He laughed. "I guess I'm the luckiest man to get such a mother-in-law."

"You will be once you tie the knot."

"I guess there is only one way left."

She looked at him curiously.

"I have to hold her chin and ask her firmly. Marry me."

They laughed. He was glad as Indira accepted them. She no longer had any inhibitions towards Abhay since the main villain of their story was dead. Anyway, she understood the depth of the connection Priya and Abhay shared. In fact, she was more encouraging toward Abhay than her own daughter, which annoyed Priya sometimes. But she knew Priya adored their bond.

Soon, they reached their destination. A board filled with marigold flowers has the bride and groom's names. Anjali weds Varun. The wedding hall was filled with laughter and joy, as his relatives, friends and well wishers gathered to bless the couple. The guests were still filling in their cars. Abhay stopped the car and a valet came to open the door. Abhay handed him the keys and reached around to help Indira out of the car. He held her hand and walked inside, as she held a gift cover in her hand.

He saw Varun's father, Prem, and his mother, Sharadha at the entrance receiving the guests. When Sharadha saw Indira, she was delighted and came to hug her.

"Glad you are here, Indira ji. Come," Sharadha said, dragging her inside to God knows where.

"Where is Dad, Uncle?" Abhay asked Prem as he came to stand next to him and greet their guests. When he wanted to go inside and look for only one person.

Prem shook hands with one of the guests who just arrived smiling, as he answered, "He's playing the host inside."

Abhay nodded, and headed inside. Once he entered, his eyes searched for the one person, who occupied his thoughts and heart. One of his relatives came up to him and he greeted him politely, still as he searched for Priya. His eyes glinted when he saw Priya. She was standing with his father and Aditya, conversing with one of the guests and smiling. His heart beat fast as he saw what she was wearing. A huge red lehenga with intricate swirls of rhinestones and golden border, matching with a golden rhinestone blouse and red georgette dupatta. Her hair was left in loose curls around her shoulders accentuating her face, a maangtika between her hair partition and tear-drop rhinestone earrings adorned to her ears. Her big kajol eyes were smiling and he held a hand to his heart. She was matching his red sherwani and gold-colored bottoms. When they both saw each other in the morning, when he asked her curiously what she was wearing, she told him it was a surprise.

Definitely, a sweet surprise. She was no less than the bride. He might have to consider Indira's suggestion to kidnap her.

Shekhar was looking admiringly at her as he talked to their guests and she blushed, brushing him off, probably for praising her. Abhay noticed that and stood off to the side, crossing his arms. She whispered something in Shekhar's ear and started walking away. He waited for her to notice him. But she didn't. She joined Madhu and they both wandered across the hall. His face scrunched up in a frown.

She saw him and she smiled. He crooked his finger at her, beckoning her. She narrowed her eyes and shook her head slightly, as she spoke with Madhu. He bugged his eyes being stubborn.

He blew out a breath when he saw her move away from Madhu. But instantly groaned when another one stopped her. Who happened to be Kunal. Her eyes caught his and she smiled mischievously.

Oh! She's definitely enjoying this.

Kunal changed for the better. He started working in AS Textiles, starting from a basic level, just like Anjali. The happiest thing was he started to understand his father and take care of him. Much to his annoyance, Priya and Kunal became good friends. Initially, he still wasn't comfortable with their friendship, as once he attacked Priya. But, people change. He did.

Priya changed him for good. He was acting upon his fears and making people around him walk on eggshells. She made him accept his fears and move on.

Abhay narrowed his eyes at her and in return received a wink from her.

Oh! What is he going to do with her?

A smile spread across his face when he saw Aisha run up to Priya and Priya kneeling down to welcome her in a hug. It was still a surprise when Aisha started calling Priya as 'mom'. His darling daughter was always a step ahead of him. Seeing them both together, he always felt complete and at content.

A hand patted his shoulder and he turned his head to see his friend Ramesh. He was smiling looking at both Aisha and Priya.

"I always knew she'd the one the first time I saw her," he said.

Abhay looked at him curiously. Ramesh shrugged, a grin forming on his face. Abhay shook his head and returned the grin, as he couldn't disagree. She's the one!

He walked up to her and he saw her eyes widen. He smirked.

"Daddy!" Aisha squealed, but did not leave Priya's arms.

When Abhay reached them, he smiled at Kunal politely and then slowly leaned toward Priya, making her heart race. And just like that he turned his head, kissing Aisha on her cheek, making her giggle.

"You look gorgeous, my love," he said to Aisha. But, Priya knew those words were meant for her.

Priya sighed in relief. But couldn't help the blush that crept up her cheeks, making her even more beautiful. She bugged her eyes at him admonishingly and smiled at Kunal awkwardly, who was looking elsewhere smiling.

"You both look great together," Kunal complimented wholeheartedly.

Abhay nodded stiffly, keeping a hand around her shoulder.

As Aisha was wiggling to get out, seeing a group of kids, Priya let her down.

"How is Mr. Vijay?" Abhay asked, as he did not see him anywhere.

"Good. He is here. He went to see Anjali," Kunal said. "When do I hear your wedding bells?" He asked curiously.

"Ask Priya," Abhay replied sulkily.

She glared at Abhay playfully and slapped his chest. He put his hand over there as if he was really wounded.

Kunal chuckled. "You are in a tough spot, Mr. Sinha," he said with experience as he too once roamed around Priya to get a 'yes' from her.

Abhay did not mind that. So did Priya. They now understood Kunal and accepted his past mistakes.

"All the best, Mr. Sinha," saying, Kunal left.

"Shameless," Priya whispered, keeping her eyes around.

"You haven't seen how shameless I'm," he countered, staring at her. Priya turned to him and they both stared challengingly.

A throat was cleared and they both turned their heads to the side, finding Madhu and Ramesh together smiling at them.

Madhu and Ramesh were dating officially. Priya was happy for Madhu as she finally found a partner who understands her. She finally decided to pursue art, with Priya persistence and Ramesh encouragement. Abhay was more than happy to sponsor her. Now, Priya, Madhu and Anjali have become close friends and they would sometimes team up against their men, playing pranks on them which annoyed them the most.

Madhu hugged Abhay and pulled back slightly , standing next to him and asked, "Is Priya giving you a hard time?" They both have become chillier than ever.

Priya rolled her eyes.

"Is that new? He deserves it for giving a hard time before," Ramesh said, as he plopped a hand around Priya's shoulder, "You look beautiful, Priya."

"Thank you. So, do you," Priya smiled.

Abhay sighed. Madhu patted him on his shoulder comfortingly, "You will get through, Abhay."

"I hope so."

That made them all laugh. They saw Varun, dressed in a cream colored Sherwani, looking handsome as ever to the mandap. Soon, Anjali was called and they all turned their heads in the direction of the bride's room, from where Anjali walked out.

Abhay's breath stuck in his throat as he saw his little sister as a bride. His eyes teared up instantly, blurring his vision and he lifted his hand to brush them fast before they flowed out.

Anjali was looking happier, as she walked towards the love of her life. She was looking beautiful in her red bridal attire and the glowing smile on her face. Her eyes looked around the hall and they smiled at Abhay. He couldn't be more proud of Anjali than he was at the moment. Maybe this was what every brother feels. He missed his brother, Rahul, at the moment. If he was there, then this day would have been even more remarkable. He squeezed his eyes and forced a smile.

This was his sister's day. He shouldn't be crying, he thought.

Wiping his tears, he looked to the side and saw Priya looking at him with concernedly. She tilted her head in question. He just smiled and gestured with his fingers to smile.

Priya walked towards him and her soft hand entwined with his. She was looking up at him with so much love and admiration.

"I love you," he said, bringing their entwined hands to his lips and kissing her knuckles.

"I love you too," she whispered. A faint pink blush on her cheeks. Hand in hand they joined their families at the mandap, along with Ramesh and Madhu.

Everybody was happy and they were happy seeing them all happy. The threat that lingered around then was no longer there and they were safe and happy.

Priya rested her head against Abhay's chest and watched as marriage vows were exchanged. Their little girl was on the mandap looking and asking everything curiously, making them smile.

Varun tied mangalsutra around Anjali's neck and they stood up to take the pheras around the fire. Throwing flower petals on them, as they walked seven steps together and seeing their glowing faces, Priya turned her head to Abhay curiously. He looked ecstatic, giving that rare smile, as he threw flower petals over the newly wedded couple.

It's still hard for her to believe this gorgeous, silly man was hers.

"Abhay," Priya whispered.

"Hmmm..." he hummed absentmindedly, as he watched his loving sister and best friend.

"Do you still have the mangalsutra in your pocket as you said?"

That caught his attention. He turned to her curiously. "What?"

She looked away blushing now. "Shall we marry now?" She asked.

"What?" He exclaimed, shocked.

"I am here. You are here. Our beloved family and well-wishers are here. Mandap is there, priest is there and holy fire is there. What else do we need?"

He was literally staring at her gobsmacked.

"If you don't want it now, then you have to wait some more-" she yelped as he suddenly dragged her towards the mandap.

Everybody looked shocked.

She laughed as he made them sit in front of fire and threatened the purohit, ignoring the astounded looks of their guests.

"Arey wait! Priya at least wear the bridal dress," Indira said.

"She'll wear it for our first night, Maa. She might again change her mind if she steps out of this mandap," Abhay said hurriedly. Priya smacked his head and hit her face in his chest embarrassed.

That made everyone in the mandap laugh and watch the most hurried wedding ever.

An hour later they were both married with a happy looking Aisha holding their hands.

"I love you," Abhay said, placing a kiss on her forehead.

"I love you more," Priya said.

"I love you both to the moon and back," Aisha shouted. Everyone smiled.

Priya and Abhay lifted her in their arms and kissed her cheeks from both sides and stared at each other as they said, "To the moon and back."

THE END

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