95

93//✨The Epilogue

One Year & A Few Months Later~

"Mumma, have you seen Jivi?" Ritika asks her mother holding a saree in her hands.

"She is getting ready unlike you who still haven't worn the saree yet." Radhika replies glaring at her daughter.

"But it's not my fault that I don't know how to drap saree in Maharashtrian style." Ritika remarks making her mother to huff.

"Jivu told you that you don't need to wear a saree to be part of the Puja but you're too stubborn to listen to anyone. I am busy as well as others too so if you want, go and look for your bestie." Radhika says getting ready to cook the Bhog for the Puja.

Ritika walks out of the kitchen and decides to take help from her bestie. She runs the stairs and soon enough reach near Jivika's room. She walks inside not even knocking because right now she is getting late. But she stops in her track just as her eyes fall on her bestie claded in a beautiful yellow Nauvari saree with pink and gold borders.

Jivika has worn the traditional Maharashtrian jewelry which is making her look more pretty. She then turns around and finds that Ritika is standing holding a saree in her hands.

"Why did you say that you will wear the saree by yourself in Maharashtrian style when you don't even know how to drap a saree in a common way?" Jivika asks looking at Ritika who gives a sheepish smile in return.

"I thought I could just drap it watching a tutorial video." Ritika replies shrugging her shoulders.

"Not everyone can learn from watching tutorial videos, especially not you." Jivika says and takes the saree from Ritika so that she can help her bestie.

Ritika gets impressed with how expertly and quickly Jivika is drapping the saree. After nearly twenty minutes later, Jivika is done drapping the saree.

"Now go and wear the jewelries or do you need help in that too?" Jivika asks Ritika in a teasing tone.

"No, I can do that myself. By the way, you're looking so beautiful that I am sure Shivansh Bhaiya won't let you come out of the room." Ritika replies and instantly runs out of the room before Jivika can hit her.

"This girl is never going to stop teasing me." Jivika mutters under her breath and takes one last look at the mirror before walking out of her room.

Today is the third day of Ganesh Chaturthi which means the Aavahan of Goddess Gauri. It's the first time that Ganesh Chaturthi is being celebrated in the Rathore palace so everyone is very excited and happy to celebrate the festival together.

Over the years just like Jivika has accepted the customs and festivals of Rajasthan, same way her family has accepted the customs and festivals of Maharashtra. They were supposed to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi last year but suddenly Raghuvendra Singh Rathore's health got deteriorate. So, they had to cancel the celebration.

But this year they are celebrating the festival in magnificent way. A big pandal is being made where the idol of Ganpati Bappa is being placed. The idol is made up of pure clay but it's decorated with real jewelries which are specially designed by Geetanjali.

There is a ritual of doing Gauri Pujan in Maharashtra which starts in the third day of the Ganesh Chaturthi. This puja is performed by married women for the long life of their husbands, at the same time unmarried women perform the puja to get perfect husband.

Jivika has always admired the rituals of this puja but she was never allowed to perform this puja. However, from this year she is going to perform this Puja every year for the well-being of her husband and family.

A lot has changed in the last few years but whatever happened has a positive impact on everyone's life. Jivika has passed her 12th standard final exam with very impressive marks but then she decides that she doesn't want to study any further. She has learnt enough for herself and now it's time to take a different route for her.

Jivika isn't just a housewife anymore. She is now the music teacher of the school established by Shivansh for the underprivileged kids. She is also looking after the NGO where the victims of child marriage stays under the care of Pratibha Kaki. Not only that, she is working on the project of the new college that's going to build in her village under the trust fund of Shivansh after the success of the girls school.

Moreover, Jivika is now a very busy person. But it doesn't mean she has stopped spending time with her family. She is still like before take care of her Dadaji and makes homemade candies for him. She remembers about her Papa and Chachu's medicines which they tend to forget. She spends time chatting with her Maa, Chachi and Bua Maa while they all work together in the kitchen. She still goes into unnecessary shopping trips with Ritika and spends some bestie time together. She still complaints whenever her Adwait Bhaiya brings any luxurious gifts for her but gets happy seeing the stuff animals that he brings along. She still doesn't forget to check on her Kavyansh Bhaiya from time to time knowing how he constantly have headache because of reading so many books. She still talks about random things with Eklavya who always comes to her whenever he needs some advice or just wants to share something. Lastly, she still shares fun moments with Hulk and Shardul who goes with her to the NGO or to school sometimes.

"Kis baare mein itna soch rahi hai aap, Rani Sahiba?" Jivika's trance breaks hearing the voice and instantly she looks in front of her to see that her husband is standing in front of her with a soft smile on his face.

(What are you thinking so much about, Rani Sahiba?)

"Yahi ki aap bade handsome dikh rahe ho." Jivika replies while Shivansh's face heats up but he clears his throat to show that he isn't much effected by his wife sudden praising. However, this will be the biggest lie because now the role has reversed between the two. At first it was Shivansh who used to make Jivika blush by his flirting but now it's Jivika who flirts the most and poor Shivansh tries his best to hide his blushing face.

(That you're looking very handsome.)

"Why are you being such a shameless wife, Rani Sahiba?" Shivansh asks narrowing his eyes at Jivika after looking here and there if anyone can see them.

"I am not being a shameless wife, Shiv. I am just complementing my legally wedded husband." Jivika replies shrugging her shoulders and walks away from there leaving her husband to feel flustered.

Shivansh shakes his head and follows his wife who walks into the living room where other ladies are already waiting for her. Apart from Geetanjali, all the ladies are going to perform the puja. So, they get out of the palace and walks into the pandal where the Ganpati Bappa's idol is installed. Kul Purohit Ji starts guiding them on how to do the Aavahan(welcoming) of Goddess Gauri and all the ladies follow everything.

Finally, after a few hours everything gets done and the gents of the family serve food to the women after they break the fast. During the Puja, only sattvik food is prepared so that's what they are eating.

"Earlier we used to perform Gauri Pujan only once a year during Gangaur. But from this year we are getting the good fortune of worshipping Mata Gauri twice." Aaradhya says after they are done eating.

"The same thing is going in my mind too, Jiji. In our country, we worship so many God and Goddess. Yes, the methods may be different from each other but the feelings are same." Radhika replies with a smile on her face.

"But I am wondering how did Ritika agree to keep fast for the Puja?" Geetanjali asks making Ritika to chock on the Kheer she is eating.

"Here drink some water, Riti." Jivika says looking worried while she gives a glass of water to her bestie. Meanwhile, Ritika glares at Jivika who bites her lips from giggling seeing the misery of her bestie.

"Buaji, I haven't kept the fast intentionally. Your lovely daughter blackmailed me saying that if I don't keep the fast then she would make me cook lunch for everyone for one week straight. So, I didn't have any option left other than agreeing with her." Ritika remarks making everyone laugh remembering the first time Jivika gave the punishment of cooking to Ritika.

"Atleast there is something you are scared of doing." Abhinav says giving high five to Jivika and both chuckles seeing the betrayal on Ritika's face.

"Tauji, see your brother and daughter is making fun of me." Ritika whines looking at Pratap who then scowls at his brother who stopped laughing instantly.

"Why are you guys pulling my Princess' legs? She may not know cooking but she has many other talents." Pratap says making Ritika to grin from ear to ear.

"And what is she going to do after marriage?" Geetanjali asks.

"I will find a husband who knows cooking and can make delicious food for me." Ritika replies shrugging her shoulders.

"And what if he wants you to cook something for him?" Radhika asks.

"I have learnt to cook Maggie so I will make it for him." Ritika answers proudly while others shake their heads.

"So, when are you going to find a husband?" Shivansh asks sitting beside Jivika.

"After you and Jivi gives me a cute niece." Ritika replies with a mischievous smile.

"Then we shouldn't talk about your marriage now because Rani Sahiba and I aren't planning to have a baby soon." Shivansh says linking his fingers with Jivika who smiles in response.

Jivika is only 22 years old and has just started her career. So, both her and Shivansh wants to have a baby a few years later which will give Jivika enough time to grow as an independent person.

"I know, Bhaiya and believe me you're setting my expectations so high for my future husband that I am not sure if I will be able to get someone as good as you." Ritika remarks.

"Princess, I know you admire me but always remember one thing. If you want your life partner to understand you or make changes according to your well-being then you have to do the same as well. In a relationship, efforts should be put forward by both because only then things will move forward perfectly. As much effort as I have given in our relationship, Rani Sahiba has also given the same and that is why both of us have equal participation in the progress of our relationship." Shivansh replies while Jivika looks at her husband with a proud look.

"After listening to Shivansh, I am thinking how easily more than two years have go have gone by since Jivika has come into our lives. It seems like it was only yesterday that the story of these two began." Raghuvendra says remembering the time he kind of forced Shivansh to marry Jivika. But just like he predicted, it has turned out to be one of the best decision that he has taken.

"But first credit goes to me because I have brought Jivi here." Ritika remarks putting her head on Jivika's shoulder as they are sitting together.

"Of course, my Genie. You're the one who saved me when you didn't even know much about me. Yet, you fought for my rights and got me out of an abusive house where I had lived my 19 years of life. So, you're always going to be my saviour." Jivika replies kissing Ritika on her forehead.

"But I am Bhabhi's favourite." Eklavya says while Hulk and Shardul barks at him.

"She is my favourite person which means I am her favourite as well." Hulk says in his mind still barking in protest.

"So, what? She is my second favourite person after Momma so I should be her favourite as well." Shardul remarks in his mind barking at Hulk who growls back.

But before the two can start fighting Jivika holds both of their ears making them stop barking instantly. They sits on their butts like good babies as if a few seconds ago they were ready to tear each other.

"See these two. Just as Rani Sahiba stands in front of them, their whole demeanor has gotten changed." Shivansh says while others chuckles because this is not something new for them.

At first Hulk used to turn baby in front of Jivika but over the years, Shardul has become another big baby for Jivika. The bond between the three is extremely unique and admirable. It's not like others don't love the dogs in the family. But Jivika's love for them is something else, not only for the dogs but for any kind of animals. As if the birds and animals can feel the pure heart of Jivika that they get so attached to her easily.

At the same time, Shivansh's phone starts ringing so he takes out his phone out of his sherwani's pocket and notices that it's Adwait who is calling him. Adwait has gone to Kolkata for an important meeting of his company so he isn't able to take part in the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration.

"Finally, you got time to call. Your sister is very ups-" Shivansh can't complete his sentence when Adwait tells him to move away from the family members.

Shivansh notices the seriousness in his best friend's voice and instantly walks out of the palace so that he can talk in the garden. Upon arriving in the garden, Shivansh asks Adwait what happened and when Adwait starts narrating the information he has gotten Shivansh can't believe if it's true or not.

"Are you sure?" Shivansh asks to confirm one more time.

"Yes, I am 100% sure. Wait let me share the photo." Adwait replies from the other side and in a few minutes, Shivansh receives a photo in his phone which makes him shock.

However, before Shivansh can say anything to Adwait someone takes his phone from his hand and when he looks at the person he gulps seeing that it's none other than his older brother Kavyansh.

Kavyansh stares at the photo for a long time while a tear slides down his face. He then puts the phone on speaker and asks Adwait about whatever information he has. After hearing everything, Kavyansh disconnects the call and looks at Shivansh with tear filled eyes.

"I have to go, Shivansh. I can't wait anymore so please inform everyone on my behalf." By saying this, Kavyansh gives the phone back to Shivansh and runs out of there before getting Inside his car to reach his destination.

"I am sure you'll get back the reason of your living again, Bhai." Shivansh says while texting the pilot of the private jet about Kavyansh's arrival.

"What are you doing here, Shiv? And where did Kavyansh Bhaiya go in such a hurry?" Jivika asks as she has seen Kavyansh driving out of the palace.

"Rani Sahiba, get ready to welcome your older sister-in-law." Shivansh replies while Jivika looks at him with confusion.

"What do you mean, Shiv?" Jivika asks not understanding anything.

"You'll understand everything very soon." Shivansh says while wrapping his hand around Jivika's waist and pulls her closer to him.

"Have I told you how gorgeous you're looking today?" Shivansh asks making Jivika to pout at him.

"You haven't. Instead you called me a shameless wife." Jivika complains.

"Ouch! How can I do something like this? Here my wife is looking so pretty and I didn't even compliment her. I should hit myself for this big mistake." Shivansh says while Jivika narrows her eyes at her husband.

"Don't you dare to hurt my husband or I will tell Riti to file lawsuit against you." Jivika threatens making Shivansh chuckles.

"But your husband is at fault, Mrs. Rathore. He should have complimented his wife but instead he called her shameless. It's a very big crime that he should be put behind the bar." Shivansh remarks in a teasing tone.

"I guess you're right. He should be locked up with Hulk and Shardul in a room for 24 hours." Jivika replies looking at her husband who's eyes widen remembering the time he got the punishment of taking care of the dogs.

"No way I am staying with those big babies of yours." Shivansh says looking scared as hell while Jivika starts laughing loudly can't believing that her Shiv still behaves the same way when it comes to the dogs.

Shivansh keeps staring at his wife who has gotten more beautiful over the years. Her cheeks are more fuller which makes her look cuter than before and the glow on her face is something else. She has always been a matured person but now she has become more mature while handling any situation. She is also handling her role as the Rani Sa more perfectly by randomly going out to meet the underprivileged people and by helping them with whatever way possible.

As if feeling the stare of her husband, Jivika stops laughing and looks at Shivansh with a soft smile. Although it's been more than two years since the two have known each other but the spark between them are same like before. So, the stare of Shivansh is no doubt effecting Jivika as her face heats up which makes Shivansh smirks.

"No matter how much you learn to flirt, you have always been and will always remain Shivansh Singh Rathore's innocent wife." Shivansh remarks but Jivika shakes her head making him confused.

"Not only wife but his innocent queen as well." Jivika replies with a bright smile while Shivansh nods his head smiling at his pure-hearted Rani Sahiba.

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AngelOfDoom9

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I write with passion and try to make it as great as I can. However, I would like to earn some money to be able to atleast pay for some of the things related to my studies.

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AngelOfDoom9

Just a bookworm who wants to share her imagination with everyone through words....