Epilogue

10 years later 

As I sat in the lawn of our quarter with a few officers gathered in front of me, I heard small, hurried footsteps approaching. 

Reva, my little girl with her boundless energy, ran up to me, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Papa, can I go sit on the backseat of Bhaiya’s cycle?" she asked, her hands clasped in a hopeful plea. 

The officers chuckled, each clearly softened by her enthusiasm.

I couldn't help but smile, leaning forward to kiss her cheek. "Yes, you can, Reva. But don’t go too far, alright? Stay close to the quarters." 

She gave an eager nod, her face lighting up with joy, and dashed off as fast as she had come.

Once she was out of sight, I turned back to the officers, who still had amused smiles on their faces. 

Clearing my throat, I asked, "So, what brings you all here today, gentlemen?"

"Major Kashyap, we know you've applied for your retirement," one of the officers began, his tone respectful but hesitant. 

"Your 15 years of service to the nation have been nothing short of exemplary." He paused, glancing at his colleagues, as if searching for the right words. 

"But we... well, we have a proposition for you."

They looked at each other, an unspoken understanding passing between them, leaving the sentence hanging. 

Just then, Reya entered the room, balancing a tray of hot tea. 

“Good evening Mrs. Kashyap!” They greeted her.

She gave each officer a polite nod before settling beside me. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, pulling her close, feeling the familiar warmth and comfort she brought.

As she handed out the cups, the officers couldn’t help but smile. They’d all known Reya’s unwavering support for me throughout my career. 

Finally, one of them cleared his throat and continued, “Sir, the army would be honored if you would consider staying on a little longer.

Reya looked up at me, her eyes filled with understanding. She gently squeezed my hand, giving me a small nod of encouragement. 

"Major Kashyap," the officer began again, his voice laced with admiration, "we want you to lead one last mission before taking your retirement."

I felt Reya shift beside me. She held my hand a little tighter, her expression calm yet understanding. 

Over the years, she'd become all too familiar with the weight of such words.

I cleared my throat, holding Reya's hand even tighter than before as I began, "I would love to lead this mission. But…"

The officers watched, listening intently, as I glanced at Reya, her eyes full of quiet strength. 

Then I looked back at them, knowing this was the decision that had been weighing on me.

"You know, in these fifteen years of service, I've always chosen my country over my family," I continued, a slight tremor in my voice. 

Memories of late-night goodbyes, hurried farewells, and all the moments missed with my children replayed in my mind. 

"Every bullet I've taken, every battle I've survived—it's been because of the prayers of my wife and my family."

I paused, looking at the gate of the quarter, where Vyansh and Reva played, their laughter filling the air. 

"You see, my kids," I said, gesturing subtly to them, "my wife has raised them alone. Without a single complaint. Through deployments, months apart, celebrations missed—she's been there, holding our family together."

Reya’s fingers squeezed mine gently, encouraging me. I could feel the officers’ respectful silence, waiting, understanding the sacrifice behind my words.

"And even if I say yes to leading this one last mission," I continued, my voice soft yet unwavering, 

"I know she won’t stop me. My family, my wife—they’ll stand by me like they always have, without question, without hesitation."

I took a deep breath, gathering the courage to say what my heart needed. 

"But after choosing my country over my family countless times…today, I want to choose my family over the country.”

“Just once.”   

“At least once.”

The officers looked among themselves, exchanging understanding glances. 

One of them gave a solemn nod. "Major Kashyap, you've given everything you could to the country. No one could ask for more."

Vyansh and Reva came running toward us, their laughter filling the air, I bent down to scoop Reva up into my arms. 

Her small hands immediately curled around my neck, and her giggles were pure joy. 

Vyansh settled beside Reya, his head leaning against her shoulder as he watched us with those familiar, bright eyes.

I turned back to the officers, still holding Reva close, and spoke with a quiet but steady resolve. "I'm sorry, gentlemen," I said, looking each of them in the eye. 

"But this time, I will choose my family. My wife, my son, my daughter…my parents. Every one of them."

Reya’s hand slipped into mine, her gentle grip reassuring. There was no hesitation, no second-guessing in my mind. 

Fifteen years of service, countless sacrifices, but today, this—these small, precious moments with my family—this was what mattered most.

One of the officers nodded, a respectful acknowledgment of the choice I had made. 

“Major Kashyap, your dedication has been unparalleled. Take this time. Your family deserves you.”

As the officers left, Reya leaned in, her head resting gently on my shoulder, and I felt Vyansh tugging my sleeve. 

I glanced down at him, smiling as he looked up at me with pride and happiness. This was the life I’d fought to protect, the family I’d come back to.

And in this moment, surrounded by the love that had carried me through every challenge, I knew I'd made the right choice.

Few Months Later

As I returned home from the hospital, tired but happy to be back, I settled in front of the mirror and began removing my earrings. 

The quietness of the house, with Vayu and Reva out for grocery shopping, was soon broken by the sound of fast footsteps.

“Mumma!” Vyansh called out, his face lighting up as he hurried over to me.

I smiled, meeting his excited gaze in the reflection of the mirror. “Haanji?” I replied, turning to him with curiosity.

He shifted his weight, looking slightly shy yet determined. “Can you do me a favor?” he asked, hands clasped behind his back.

“A favor?” I repeated, intrigued. 

“What’s that?”

Vyansh paused, his face growing serious as he gathered his words. 

“Can you hire a coach for me?” he finally said, his tone earnest.

“A coach?” I asked, caught off guard. 

“What for?”

His face lit up with enthusiasm, a spark of passion in his eyes. “Yes, a football coach, Mumma! I want to learn all the skills. You know…like the real players!”

His words tugged at my heart, pulling me deep into a memory. 

Football. 

The very word carried a weight of bittersweet moments.

His love for the game was something I could never forget, each match a testament to his skill and dedication. 

The guilt washed over me like a heavy tide, threatening to drown me in a sea of regret. 

I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was the reason he left his passion behind. 

"Why did I have to be the reason?" I whispered to myself, the weight of it all pressing down on my chest.

“Wait a minute,” I said to Vyansh, feeling a sudden surge of nostalgia. 

I walked over to the cupboard, my heart racing as I opened the locker that held our cherished memories—the past we had built together. 

Inside, there was a small box, worn at the edges but brimming with the essence of our love story.

As I lifted the lid, a wave of memories washed over me, each item telling a story of its own. 

I rummaged through the contents, my fingers brushing against ticket stubs, old letters, and little trinkets that reminded me of the moments we had shared. 

Then, I found it—a photograph tucked away carefully, a gem among the memories.

I pulled out the picture, and my heart swelled. It was Vayu in his football jersey, a radiant smile on his face, holding a football in one hand like it was the most precious thing in the world. 

The sight of him, so full of life and passion, brought tears to my eyes. He looked so young, so carefree, lost in the joy of the game he loved.

“Look, Vyansh,” I said, turning the photo towards him. 

“This is your papa when he played football. He was so good at it.”

Vyansh’s eyes widened with curiosity as he took the picture from my hands, his fingers tracing the outline of his father’s face. 

“Wow, Mumma! Papa looks like a superhero!” he exclaimed, his innocent admiration warming my heart.

“Yes, he really was,” I replied, a smile breaking through my misty eyes. 

“And you know what? You can be just like him if you work hard.”

Vyansh beamed, his excitement palpable as he nodded vigorously. “Yes, yes!”

In that moment, I felt a flicker of hope and joy. Perhaps this was a way I could convince Vayu to take up his passion again.

I had to let go of the guilt and instead focus on the opportunity for all of us. “I’ll encourage him,” I resolved silently. “I won’t let our past decisions dictate our future.”

In that moment, I realised that it was never too late to reignite the flame of passion, not just for Vayu but for our entire family. 

“What if Papa teaches you football skills?” I suggested, a playful grin spreading across my face as I knelt down to Vyansh’s level.

His eyes sparkled with excitement, and he gasped, “Really? Papa can teach me?”

“Absolutely! He used to be amazing at it,” I replied, my heart swelling with pride as I thought about Vayu's passion for the game. 

“You’ll get to learn from the best!”

Vyansh bounced on his little feet, his enthusiasm infectious. “I can’t wait! I want to kick the ball just like him!”

“Can we ask him when he gets back?” Vyansh asked, his voice filled with eagerness.

“Hmm..I'll talk to him first. Okay? Till then it will be our secret, deal?” 

“Deal!” He said as he gave me a high five and ran outside.

Soon, I heard the cheerful giggles of Reva and Vayu as they walked through the door, the sound lifting my spirits.

“Mumma! Look!” Reva exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement as she held up a colorful bag. 

“Papa bought me so many chocolates!”

I turned to Vayu with mock exasperation, my hands on my hips. “Kashyap, what have you done?”

With an innocent grin that could rival Reva’s, he shrugged. 

“Mumma, Papa said that even if I get cavities, you’ll just treat me because you’re a doctor!”

“Seriously, Kashyap?” I said, fighting back a smile, but the corners of my lips betrayed me. 

He looked like a mischievous child, caught red-handed with his hand in the cookie jar, and it was hard to stay mad at him.

“Of course! You know I can’t resist those cute little smiles,” he replied, leaning down to give Reva a playful kiss on her cheek, which made her squeal with delight.

I shook my head, laughing softly. “You two are impossible!”

Vayu looked at me, his eyes sparkling with that same youthful charm I had fallen in love with years ago. 

“Okay, okay! Just don’t spoil your dinner,” I chimed in, unable to resist the joy radiating from them. “And save some for me too!”

After dinner, I settled the children at the dining table, pulling out their homework materials and making sure they were ready to tackle their assignments. 

“Okay, guys, let’s get this done so we can have some fun later,” I encouraged them, handing Reva her coloring book while Vyansh took out his math worksheets.

As they started working, I glanced over at Vayu, who was lounging on the bed with a book in hand. 

The sight of him relaxed and engrossed in his reading made my heart flutter. He had that focused look on his face, the one that always drew me in, and I couldn’t help but smile at how he balanced being a father, a husband, and a man with his own passions.

But one passion was still left. 

And it was the right time to flourish it again.l

“Hey, Kashyap,” I called out softly, breaking the quiet atmosphere. 

“What are you reading?”

He looked up from the pages, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Just a little historical fiction. You know how I love getting lost in stories of the past.” He turned the page, his brow furrowing slightly as he got engrossed again.

“I need to talk to you about something.” I said as I settled beside him. 

I took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of Vayu's body against mine as he wrapped his arms around my waist. 

“Go ahead,” he encouraged, his gaze steady.

“Vyansh asked me if he could have a football coach,” I revealed, watching closely as his expression shifted. 

His body froze for a brief moment, and I could see the surprise flicker across his face before he quickly tried to regain his composure.

“Tell him to focus on his studies, Sunflower,” Vayu replied, attempting to sound casual, and starting looking away, everywhere except at me.

“Vayu,” I said, pulling back slightly to meet his eyes. 

“I said you'll teach him!” 

His eyes widened and he immediately shook his head. 

“It can never happen, Reya!” He said sternly and stood up from the bed. 

“Why? Why can't you teach your son?” I said following him.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s just that... I can't…I hate football now!” 

“Don't lie to me, Kashyap!” 

“Reya I said I fucking hate this game. And I'm not going to play it or even lift the ball in my hands, not now and ever.” 

“Oh really? You hate it right?” I said moving towards him.

He nodded.

I narrowed my eyes, crossing my arms. "Oh, so you thought I wouldn’t notice, huh? Watching football matches late into the night while we’re all asleep, sneaking around like some teenager?”

Vayu’s face flickered between surprise and an attempt to stay casual. “What are you talking about?” he mumbled, glancing away.

“Don’t play dumb with me, Kashyap!” I shot back, my voice laced with mocking anger. 

“You think I’m clueless? I’ve seen you, trying so hard not to cheer out loud when someone scores! Do you know how silly you look, sitting there with that big grin, mouthing along like it’s still your game?"

He was just looking at me with surprise but I kept going. "And don’t even get me started on how you’re still following your favorite players like some die-hard fanboy. That old jersey’s just gathering dust in the wardrobe—why? Because you’re too stubborn to admit you miss it?"

“It's not what you think, Reya!” He said irritatingly.

I threw my hands up, exasperated. “For God’s sake, stop lying to me, Kashyap.” I literally shouted at him.

“You left it all behind because of me, but now… now you have me, we have our children. What’s stopping you?”

He looked down, unable to meet my eyes, but I wouldn’t let him brush this off.

I softened my voice, reaching out to hold his hand. “Please, Vayu… not just for Vyansh but for yourself. You gave me everything, you supported me through my dream without a second thought. Why can’t you let me do the same for you?”

His shoulders dropped, and I could tell he was listening, taking it in.

“The way you encouraged me to pursue my career, to become a doctor, I want to be there for you. Back then, when you used to play for the country, I couldn’t be there for you. I couldn’t stand by you in the way you deserved.”

I paused, letting my words sink in. “I want that now. For you. For Vyansh. And for us.”

He looked up, his eyes softening as he let out a long breath. He gave me a small, grateful smile, the walls finally coming down.

“Start playing again, Vayu… please.” My voice trembled a bit, carrying all the hope and longing I’d held back for years.

He looked away, struggling, but I wouldn’t let him close off. I reached out, gently turning his face back to mine, catching his gaze.

“Do it for yourself,” I whispered, my hand resting on his cheek. 

“For Vyansh, who wants to learn from his hero. And for me… because I want to see that fire in your eyes again. The way you supported me through every step of my career—I want to do that for you, too.”

He was silent for a long moment, eyes clouded, then finally, a slow, reluctant smile spread across his face. 

“You’re not going to drop this, are you?” he asked, his tone both amused and resigned.

I smiled back, shaking my head. “No, I’m not. You know how stubborn I'm!” 

He chuckled, shaking his head. 

“I want you to be happy, Vayu. I want you to go back to what you love, to what you were born to do.”

Vayu exhaled, a mix of relief and surrender, and pulled me into his arms. "Alright, Sunflower,” he murmured against my hair. 

“I'll play again. But not just for me, for us!”