Epilogue - (part-1)✔

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Read the author note at the end.

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*Jessica's POV*

I was standing in front of the mirror, fixing my hair into a neat ponytail when I heard my mother's voice, "Jassu, Breakfast Tyaar hain."
(Breakfast is ready.)

"Coming, Maa," I shouted back and glanced last time at the mirror. I grabbed my purse and walked out of my room.

"Here you are, have you checked out the time? You have only an hour left for the interview," she said angrily, looking at the clock.

I chuckled, "Relax, Maa; otherwise, people will think that you are happy with my decision."

"Of course, I am not." She scoffed, serving me Aloo prantha.

One of my favorite breakfasts.

I rolled my eyes and remained silent. I didn't want to argue with her on such an important day of my life. I was going for an interview today and it wasn't just a normal interview, but it was very special. As I got it from the New York Times. Yes! The publication house owned by Max's father, and now Max was the CEO of that company.

They had decided to extend their business and opened several new branches in different regions, and India was one of them.

Of course! I knew it must be Max's idea, so that he could find a way to be in touch with me.

It had been one and a half years since I came back to India. Max and I dated throughout college without any problem, but the real test came after we completed our course and I was moving back to my country. Max was very excited to work with his father and I didn't want to stop him from fulfilling his dream.

Although, I hated the idea of staying away from Max, as it was like leaving a piece of me in NYU, I didn't have a choice. Max also masked his feelings and told me to go.

He told me that he was going to miss me, but never once did he ask me to stay. He was very well aware of my situation. My mother was continuously persuading me to come back and I was running out of excuses to stay back at NYU. So, he'd let me leave, but that didn't mean it was going to be easy.

I still remember the last day in NY when he came to drop me off at the airport. The memories of my last day were so fresh like it happened yesterday.

"Max, I have to go now," I whispered in his ears and felt his arms tighten around me.

"Max, let her go." Kyle patted his shoulder.

Max nodded and I took a step backward from his embrace. As soon his arms left me, I started feeling empty and cold.

I gulped down, holding back the tears. I turned towards Kyle and hugged him, "Take care of him."

He nodded, and said, "I will, but you have to take care of yourself."

I smiled weakly and looked at Nina, who was crying on Travis’ shoulder. Yes, they were together now and the credit went to Max. He played the role of Cupid so well, mainly because of his insecurities. He didn't want to take any chance of losing me to Travis. I tried to convince him that he was the only one whom I wanted, but everything was useless when it comes to his possessive behavior. I even threatened him that if something went wrong to cause Nina's heartbreak, I would kill him, but he seemed sure about it.

Now, watching them in each other’s arms, I felt happy and relieved.

After giving them my best wishes, I turned and started walking towards the security panel. Suddenly, I heard a voice, which made me stop dead in my tracks. I turned around on my heels and my eyes widened when I noticed him at his knees. The most surprising thing was the song, he was singing in Hindi. Yes! He learned the song for me. My heart started beating fast and I my breath caught in my throat when the words registered in my mind:

🎵Baatein ye kabhi na tu bhoolna,
Koi tere khatir hai jee raha.🎵

(Never forget these things,
That someone is living for you.)

🎵 tu kahin bhi... ye sochna,
Koi tere khatir hai jee raha.🎵

(Wherever you go remember,
That's somebody is living for you.)

Tears started falling from my eyes and I didn't make any attempt to wipe them. I was too stunned to respond. By singing this beautiful song, he had just left me speechless.

I rubbed my arms and started taking steps in his direction. His eyes were still closed so he hadn't seen me coming. He continued singing the song:

🎵Tu jahaan jaaye mehfooz ho,
Dil mera maange bas ye duaa.🎵

(May you be safe wherever you go,
This is the only wish my heart wants.)

Kyle squeezed his hand on Max's shoulder, telling him about my presence. Max opened his eyes and tears started falling from them but he didn’t stop singing:

🎵Humdard hai, humdum bhi hai,
Tu saath hai toh zindagi,
Tu jo kabhi door rahe,
Ye humse ho jaaye ajnabi,
Tujhse mohabbat karte hain jo,
Kaise kare hum usko bayaan.🎵

(Life is a sharing caring friend,
When you are with me,
When you're away from me,
It becomes a stranger to me.
The love that I have for you,
How do I tell you about it.)

He opened his arms and invited me in. I ran and jumped in his arms, crying loudly. We cried in each other’s arms for few more minutes. After that, Max pulled back and caressed my cheeks. "Never give up on us. I will find a way to reach you. Promise me, you will wait for me?" he asked in a pleading tone.

I nodded. "I will wait for you." I choked out, "I will miss you."

"Me too," he replied and met his lips with mine. The kiss lasted for only few seconds, but it was enough to have left an imprint on each other.

We heard the final announcement and I felt an arm holding my wrist. I looked at Lily who gave me an apologetic smile, pointing towards the security gate. I nodded, and after squeezing Max's hand, I ran away as I was about to lose control.

I was unsure about our future, but Max's promise build a new hope inside me. And with that hope, I came back to India.

The change in my behavior wasn't unnoticed by my parents. After five days only, my mother asked about it. I couldn't hold it anymore and started crying. I told her everything about Max. I expected her to get angry, but she remained silent and hugged me. I thought maybe it was because of my tears, she had a change of heart, but I was wrong.

Later that day, when we were having dinner, she decided to search a match for me as I had completed my studies so now I should get married. My mouth hung open and jaw dropped.

"Mom, how can you say that?"

"Bahut ho gya. We have given you enough freedom, now it's time to make some strict decisions," she scolded.

"I haven't done anything wrong," I countered back. I didn't know from where I was getting the confidence, but I wanted to fight for my love.

"Look at you. You have changed so much. That firangi has turned you into a mannerless and shameless person. We didn't raise you like this." She made a disgusted face.

"What's happening here?" Dad interrupted, looking at my mother.

"Ask your daughter. It was your decision to send her, right? Now, see what she has done." She shook her head in disappointment.

"Mom, loving someone is not a crime," I cried out.

Thank God, my brother wasn't here with us. He had an exam tomorrow so he was staying at his friend's house for late night study. I couldn't imagine his reaction on this matter.

"See, the way she is talking with me." My mother turned to my father, pointing at me.

"Jessica, what's wrong with you?" My father gave me a disappointed look.

"Papa, at least give me a chance to explain," I begged.

He sighed, "Your mom told me everything, but still I want to hear it from you."

I already expected this, but I was glad that he gave me a chance to explain.

"Papa, do you trust your daughter? Do you think I will ever let you down?" I asked him, before explaining anything.

He looked at me for few seconds and said, "I have faith in my daughter. She will never let me down."

I was on cloud nine after hearing it. It was a big declaration from him and it made my hopes high.

"Then trust me, I have done nothing wrong. I didn't plan to fall for him, but I couldn't stop myself. I tried everything to stay away from him, but he was so different and special...." I trailed off and a soft smile crept on my face.

After few minutes, I continued. "If it wasn't him, I wouldn't have been here. He helped me so many times papa, he was like an Angel for me in an unknown city." My voice was shaking now and tears started falling from my eyes. "If you don't want to accept him in my life then it's okay. I won't force you, but please don't make me to marry someone else because I would rather die instead of accepting someone else."

My father got up from his seat and hugged me, caressing my hair. He didn't say anything for a while, and when he noticed I had stopped crying, he said, "You need rest. Let's go to your room."

I immediately stood up, and without waiting for another minute, ran towards my room. My Dad followed me and after closing the door, sat beside me on the bed.

"Papa." I started but he cut me in.

"We are not forcing you to anything, and just because I didn't say anything, it doesn't mean I wasn't aware of your situation. Why do you shed your tears into your pillow every night whilst you pretend to sleep? You do that every night since you’ve come here, don't you? Instead of hiding your pain, you should have shared it with us. I am your father, not your enemy. I just want to see you happy."

"I was scared, Papa. I thought you would get angry and would accuse me for breaking your trust." I sobbed.

"We care for you, beta. We don’t want you to get hurt. Your mom is just upset, but I am sure we will convince her, right?" He raised his brows.

My eyes widened. "What? It means you agree? I can't believe this. You are not playing anything, right?" I asked in disbelief.

He chuckled, "Really? You are doubting my intentions. Who was the one who supported you when you wanted to go for this journalism career? Your mother wanted you to do B.ed, but I was the one who supported you, remember?"

I giggled, "Yeah, but..."

He interrupted, "And the time whenever you spent the night at Mahi's house, I was the one who always gave you permission, right?"

I smiled but remained silent, clearly getting his point.

"And now, when you wanted to go New York, who supported you?"

"Sorry Papa, I thought you wouldn't understand me this time as it's about a guy now." I bit my lip.

"Who must be amazing because it's not that easy to win my daughter's heart." He winked and I giggled again.

"Yeah, Papa, he is really amazing. I am sure you will like him. Let me show you his pictures," I said excitedly and unlocked my phone.

I opened the gallery section and clicked on his pictures. "See." I smiled and gave him the phone.

"Ah, not bad." He smiled, giving my phone back. "But I hope you know what you are doing. He is worth it, right?" He asked me in a serious tone.

"Yes, Papa, definitely. I don't think I can describe in words what he is to me," I said and took a deep breath.

"I could see that." He smiled and I shot him a confused look. "Since you came back, it's th first time when I got to see my princess’ beautiful smile."

"Oh, Papa!" I hugged him. "I can't imagine my life without him."

"Okay, so when you are inviting him here? I want to meet that guy who stole your heart," my father asked after a while.

"What about Maa?" I asked nervously.

"I will talk to her," he assured me.

"Thank you, Papa." I felt relieved. "But Max won't be able to come here... it's not like he doesn't want to, but he wanted to focus on his career right now. He wanted to become something before meeting you." I said, recalling his words.

"That's great. I am glad to know that. He can take his time as we are not in a hurry." He stood up.

He started walking towards door, but I stopped him, "Dad?"

"Yeah?" He turned around.

"I have got a confirmation letter from Hindustan Times, can I join?" I asked hopefully.

"Of course you can. I am not one of those fathers who would ground their daughter just because she loves someone." He shrugged.

"You are the best, Papa." I smiled and jumped to hugged him, again.

He chuckled, "Now, I should go. Your mother must be waiting for me."

"Yeah. Good night."

"Good night. Sleep well." He closed the door and I immediately dialed Max's number which went straight to his voicemail. I groaned and decided to sleep.

The next day, Max returned my call and apologized. His battery died and he was busy at the office. I gave him the good news after which he took a breath of relief.

"Now, I can focus on my work without worrying about you. I will come soon, baby, you just need to be with me," he said before someone called his name and he disconnected the call, saying, "Work time."

After that, I got myself busy with my job and hanging out with Mahi. In the beginning, we talked once in a day, but with the passage of time, it started getting reduced. I also never complained because I knew the stress and workload he was having that time. He was fighting for the post of CEO and I didn't want to be a rock between his dreams. But sometimes I felt so vulnerable and torn.

"I really miss you, Max." I cried out after having a fight with my mother. I had made it clear to my mother that I wouldn't marry anyone except Max, yet she was still searching for a groom for me.

"I know, this is so hard for you but I you need to understand this. I'm working so hard so that we-"

"I know, Max, and I know how much it means for you, but I'm getting sick now. Sometimes, I feel like you don't love me now. You don't even have time to reply to my texts." My voice cracked.

"You know that's not true," Max sighed deeply.

"I don't want to know anything. Do you have any idea what is going on here? Please come soon, Max." I swallowed.

"I know, baby, and trust me, I'm trying hard. I'm doing this only for you. You're the only one for whom my heart is beating," Max whispered and I could sense the sadness in his voice.

"Max, I love you so much, but things are-" I stopped when I heard him cursing under his breath. "What happened?" I asked, furrowing my eyebrows.

He took a deep breath and said, "I'm sorry, but I need to go now. Dad is waiting for me."

I closed my eyes, gripping the phone tighter. Then I let out a sigh and muttered, "It's okay."

I pressed the end button and looked at the call details. The phone call didn't even last for two minutes and the most shocking part was that was the first time we spoke after five days.

I cried a lot after that, but soon enough, realised my mistake. I quickly sent him a text and apologized for not understanding his situation. After that, I stopped complaining because I didn't want to distract him from his work. I loved Max, but I hated the long distance.

Sometimes, when I was having a bad day and Max wouldn't pick up my call, my mind automatically would go down to a dark stream of thought. I'd think, what he was doing in New York, whether he was going behind my back. Then, I'd feel guilty for thinking about Max like that.

Sometimes, when I just needed him to talk to me, comfort me, or hug me, Mahi was there with me.

Mahi also managed to fulfill her dreams by getting a job at a famous radio station, but still we spent weekends with each other only.

It has been two months since I last heard the voice of Max. Yes, but it didn't mean we are not on speaking terms or something. He was busy with the extension planning and travelling around the world for checking out everything about it. He managed to send me emails informing me about his whereabouts.

Last week, when I got an email from the New York Times, I literally jumped from my seat, thinking it must be from Max. Yes, I was stupid enough to believe that he would send me something through his work email.

Anyway, it was just an invitation letter for the interview they were holding for their new branch in India.

No, it wasn't just an invitation letter for me!

And you know after reading the email, what I did?

I screamed. Because it meant Max would be here soon. When I informed my mother about it her response was so cold.

"You are doing very well at your current job, you don't need to change it."

Yes! She wasn't still happy with my relationship with Max, and after fighting about it several times, we decided to drop this topic. I never talked about Max in front of her, but she always talks about my marriage in front of me. Ugh!

"Maa, it's the New York Times. It's a great opportunity for me." I sighed.

"It's not opportunity. You want to join them because of your firangi lover boy." She scoffed.

"Maa, stop calling him that, and you can think whatever, but I don't need to join his company to meet him or something." I replied and took some deep breaths to control my anger.

She didn't say anything and the topic was closed, automatically.

"Jassu?" My mother's concerned voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Yea... yeah?" I stuttered.

"Are you okay? Your prantha is getting cold." She eyed me carefully.

"Yeah, I just spaced out," I replied and started eating it.

She nodded and walked away towards her room. After finishing my breakfast, I washed my hands and glanced at my watch.

Damn! I have only half an hour left.

Quickly, I grabbed my things and shouted, "I'm leaving, Maa."

I didn't wait for her reply as I knew she was unhappy with my decision, but I was about to open the door when I heard her voice, "Best of luck."

I smiled widely and shouted, "Thanks, Maa."

I closed the door and started walking towards my destination.

My Max.

*****

Soooo Did you miss "Jessax" (Jessica+Max)??

Yup, a fan make there cute couple name and I decided to accept it.

Now, the biggest question:-

Do you like it?

Please comment.

I have so much in my mind but couldn't decide what to write in this so I have decided to split it in 2 parts!

I'm working on Next part and it will be out soon!!!!

Also, please check out my other book "Crossing the lies".

Happy Reading!!

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