Seasons came and went. Buds blossomed and petals shed down. New foliages formed in place of old ones. Nature is like that. Every beautiful thing comes to an end and new beautiful things replaces old ones. So is life. In every end there is a new beginning. Avni and Neil's story came to an end. They went through a lot of troubles, grief and pain. Now it is time for a new beginning.
5 Years later....
Avni.
It is late morning. There is hussle - bustle of paperworks in the office of jail superintendent. I am going to be released from the jail. Yes! I was in jail for 5 years. Procecution succeeded in bringing out Vidyut's all crimes. Neil got Misty's custody. During these 5 years a lot of things changed. My maa... she passed away. She left this world not knowing that her daughter was a murderer. I was not near her when she inhaled her last breath. But, I could do her final rites. That was the time I met Neil for the last time....

"Avni Mehta"

The voice of Jail suprendent broke my reverie. I went to her to fulfill the paperworks.
"Here is your belongings."
She pointed to the package on the table. I mumbled a thank you and took the package.
When I opened it, more memories enveloped me. It was my wedding saree and ornaments. I ran my fingers over it. Tears blurred my vision. My wedding was not a normal one. But it is a precious memory to me. I went to change my uniform. When I put on the saree and nuptial chain, I felt everything happened just yesterday. Neil gifting me this, our marriage and of course Misty's kidnapping. A shiver ran down my spine. I am going to face the world today. Though Vidyut is no more, I was worried. How people will look at me? What will they think? I am not a normal person now. I am a...
"Avni.."
I turned to the voice. It was a lady officer.
"You look gorgeous dear. You are being released today?"

"Yes, madam."

"All the best. May your life be full of happiness."
I took a sharp breath.
"All these years, I was waiting for this day. But now I am nervous. Will I be able to live a normal happy life?" I asked.

"Why not dear? I know you are not a criminal. I know the circumstances of that crime. You acted in panic like any other mother. And Neil sir will be there for you. He will take good care of you."
She smiled kindly. I nodded.
She directed me to the gate which opens to the outer world. I silently looked at the officer. She nodded. And I stepped out. The iron gate closed behind me with a loud click which shook me.

There was no one outside except the two guards. I slowly walked forward. It was cloudy and wind flew fluttering my saree. My hair locks flew with the wind. A rain drop fell on my face. Suddenly rain began to pour down. I couldn't move a bit. I stood there in the rain, feeling the cold water drenching me. I cried.
An umbrella appeared above my head. Turning around, I met the pair of brown orbs which I was aching to meet.
"Avni.... I was waiting for you. I was right beside you when you came out. You looked everywhere but you didn't look at me. Are you still going to avoid me? After all these years, are you going to keep distancing yourself from me?"
"Neil..." I collapsed on to his chest hugging him. He hugged me tightly. The umbrella flew away. We stood there in the rain clinging to eachother. We both didn't bother about anything.
"Come, let's go." Neil said.
He walked me towards a car parked on the sidewalk. He ushered me to the back seat and sat with me. It was a cab.
He had resigned from the police force. He told me that he is doing this for Misty. He wanted to wipe out all her bad memories. Misty is also unaware of my whereabouts. The cab took us to a hotel in merely 30 minutes.
I silently followed Neil. When we entered the room. Neil handed me a towel and change of clothes. I looked around the room. Misty was nowhere to be seen. When I came back after changing in the washroom, Neil has also changed his clothes. He was talking on phone. I stood there waiting for him to finish the call.
"We will be leaving in the evening flight. Till then you can rest. I have ordered our lunch."
Neil said turning towards me.
"Flight? Where are we going? Where is Misty?"
I was so confused.
"We are going to Misty. We are going to Mauritius!"
"Misty? In Mauritius? Alone?"
"We have been there for almost 2 years now. I wanted a normal life for Misty. "
I can understand why Neil did that.
"How's Misty now? Is she grown up? Is she going to school?"
"You can see yourself. When we reach there."

*******
We flew that night to Mauritius. I was drowned in my thoughts during our journey thinking of past, present and future. Mauritius is a beautiful place with sandy beaches. Neil is really insightful. He brought us here where no body knows us and no shadows of past will haunt us. We reached a small beach house and I saw a beautiful girl coming to us. I don't need any assurance from Neil to know that she is my Misty. She looks like a miniature of her mother now. She stood at a few feet distance watching me. I extended my hands towards her. She looked at Neil for a brief moment and came to me. We hugged.
"Mumma... th..thank you.. for... saving me." She said sobbing in between. I wiped her tears. "I know... papa told me... you saved me.... from... that...man."
I looked at Neil all shocked. Misty knew the truth?
"I told her, when she turned 10 years old. She should know Avni. It is her right and.. There should not be any lies between you and your daughter."
My respect for Neil doubled if it was possible. This man is a gem. Only he can think like this. I hugged Misty tightly.
"I love you mumma...I love you a lot." She mumbled.
*****
"Mumma... are you ready?"
I heard Misty's impatient voice outside. I am sitting before the mirror, getting ready for the welcome party my daughter has organised for me. I can't believe she grew up this much!
"I m ready dear. Just a second. "
I looked at my reflection. I am clad in a pearl white satin gown with simple lace work on the yoke. The dress selected by my daughter. I am also wearing a pearl necklace, ear studs and a bracelet. I remember the last time I got ready like this. It was the day..
"Mumma..."
I heard Misty again breaking my thoughts. I immediately opened the door and let her in. She is also wearing an all white frock.
"My baby looks like an angel."
I kissed Misty's forehead.
"No, you are my angel. Here... please line your eyes with this and use this lip glows. "
"Baby, is it necessary?"
"Of course. All my friends are going to be there. They should be awestruck seeing my mumma. Because you're the best."
"No, you are the best." I hugged her compiled to her request.
"Now, I m going to blind-fold you."
"But... why baby?"
"Because it is a surprise."
She covered my eyes with a piece of cloth. And walked me. I understood we are stepping out of house and moving towards the beach.
"Ok mumma... now you can open your eyes." Misty squealed.
When I opened my eyes my jaw dropped with amusement.
I am standing at the end of a floral carpet of rose petals. There are beautiful pink and white flower posts on either sides. And at the other end stood my Man in a black tuxedo. Neil looked like he just came staight from a fashion magazine. And there is a priest standing near Neil. My heart swelled.
Misty smiled at me and handed a beautiful bouquet of pink roses and white lilies.
"Mumma... you both sacrificed a lot for me. This is my gift to both of you. Papa is going to marry you here in this beautiful beach in front of our friends and neighbours. "
I blinked back the tears.
"Misty... my baby...."
"Mumma... come on walk towards papa. He is waiting. "
I looked at Neil. He gave me contented smile. I heard violins starts to play. A few little girls clad in cute pink frocks started to walk in front of me in two lines. Misty held my hands and walked me towards Neil. I felt nervousness and happiness. Neil gave his hand I allowed my right hand to slip into it. Neil was smiling with teary eyes.
"Avni, you deserve a proper beautiful wedding. We deserve a happy life together with Misty. Today is the beginning of our happiness. We stared eachother. Priest carried out the ceremony. We exchanged the marriage vows. Misty came to us with a tray decorated with rose petals in which our rings are placed. Neil slid the ring through my finger and kissed my knuckles. Then it was my turn to make him wear the ring.
"May the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. Neil and Avni, in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in Matrimony, have promised your love for each other by these vows, the giving of these rings and the joining of your hands, I now declare you to be husband and wife."
Claps followed.
"Kiss the bride..." Someone from the guest shouted. Neil looked at me with tenderness. My heart swelled with happiness.

"Avni..."

"Neil..."

Then we kissed. This is the beginning of our happily ever after.

******
So, this is for the friends who asked for a happy ending epilogue. THANK YOU ALL for your patience.
Lali