chapter 3

Mahalakshmi stood there, her heart heavy with unspoken truths, watching the man she once hated but now saw in a different light.

She whispered to herself, I know what you’re thinking, Vijay. But it wasn’t you. It was Roshni… my so-called best friend. She drugged you on our first night. She confessed it to me before I died.

Her thoughts overwhelmed her, and she looked at him with teary eyes. “I’m sorry, Vijay,” she finally said, her voice trembling.

Vijay, alarmed by the sadness in her voice, stepped closer. “What happened, Mahalakshmi? Who made you cry? Tell me, and I’ll—” But he couldn’t finish his sentence because she suddenly leaned forward and gave him a small kiss on the lips.

It was brief, but the moment felt electrifying, like a current of emotions passing between them. Vijay froze, shocked by her unexpected gesture, his heart racing.

Mahalakshmi pulled back, tears streaming down her face. “No one… It’s me… I’m sorry.” Her voice broke as she started crying, unable to say more.

Vijay gently cupped her face, his own eyes filled with concern. “Please tell me what happened,” he pleaded softly. He then pulled her into a comforting hug, holding her as she wept into his chest.

In that embrace, Mahalakshmi felt a sense of safety she hadn’t felt in a long time, and though the words were stuck in her throat.

Mahalakshmi looked into Vijay’s eyes, her heart pounding as she whispered, "Nothing... I just love you."

Vijay’s eyes widened, his mind struggling to process her words. He searched her face for any sign of deceit, but all he saw was sincerity. Still, the pain of their past made him hesitant to let his guard down.

"What?" he asked softly, his voice trembling. He didn’t want to get his hopes up, yet something in his chest tightened at her confession.

Mahalakshmi bit her lip, tears filling her eyes as she looked away. "You don’t believe me…" she said quietly, her voice cracking.

Vijay reached for her, his heart aching at the sight of her tears. "It’s not that, Maha," he said gently. "Okay… I love you too. And I will love you forever."

The words hung between them like a promise, but before either of them could say anything more, they both heard their babies crying in the other room.

The tension between them melted away in an instant, both of them rushing towards their children, knowing that their love for each other was just beginning to heal.

------

As Mahalakshmi and Vijay entered the room, they were surprised to find their babies no longer crying. Instead, they were playfully giggling and reaching out, their little hands waving in excitement.

Mahalakshmi’s heart melted at the sight of her children, and she couldn’t help but laugh softly. "Looks like they were just looking for some attention," she whispered, her voice filled with love.

Vijay smiled, his eyes softening as he looked at the two little ones. "I guess so," he said, kneeling down to pick up one of the babies. He looked at Mahalakshmi, the weight of their past struggles fading in the light of their present happiness. "They know how to keep us on our toes, don’t they?"

Mahalakshmi nodded, her heart full. "Yes, they do. But I wouldn't have it any other way."

As they sat down together, holding their babies, Mahalakshmi and Vijay realized that despite everything they had been through, they had finally found peace in their love for each other and their children. The future, though uncertain, felt brighter now that they were united as a family.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***