Dia’s POV

Five years had passed since that fateful day when Ekansh had come into my life, changing everything I thought I knew about myself, about love, and about the world. So much had transformed, yet it felt like time had flown by in the blink of an eye. The scars of the past had slowly faded, replaced with the warmth of new memories, new beginnings.

My relationship with Ekansh’s family had blossomed into something beautiful. I had never imagined that I would be accepted so completely, but his parents had welcomed me with open arms. It was hard to believe that the man who had once been a terrifying figure in my life was now my husband. The bond between our families had become so strong over the years that it felt like they had always been my own.

Ekansh and I had married two years ago in a grand ceremony, with both our families by our side. It had been a day I would never forget—one filled with love, laughter, and the promise of forever. And then, not long after, we had welcomed our daughter into the world. Our little girl was now two years old, full of energy, and she had brought so much joy into our lives. Every time I looked at her, I saw both Ekansh and myself in her—her eyes were a perfect mix of his dark intensity and my gentleness.

Today, the house felt especially alive with her laughter echoing through the halls. She was running around the living room, playing with her toys, while Ekansh and I sat together on the couch, watching her. There was a warmth in the air, a contentment that we had both worked so hard for, and now, we were living the life we had dreamed of.

“I can’t believe how much she’s grown,” I said softly, my hand resting on Ekansh’s leg. “It feels like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital.”

Ekansh smiled, his gaze never leaving our daughter as she ran past us. “Time flies,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble. “But every moment with her has been worth it.”

I leaned against him, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat. “She’s so perfect,” I whispered, a tear slipping down my cheek as I watched her play. “I never thought we could be this happy.”

Ekansh gently wiped the tear away, his thumb tracing my cheek. “We’ve earned this happiness, Dia. After everything we’ve been through, we deserve it.”

Ekansh’s POV

Looking at Dia now, at the woman she had become, it was hard to remember the girl who had once been so fragile, so broken. She was strong—stronger than I could ever have imagined—and she had become the center of my world. I had never expected to find someone like her, someone who made me want to be a better man every single day.

And then there was our daughter—our little princess, who had wrapped her tiny hands around both of our hearts the moment she was born. I never thought I could love anyone as much as I loved Dia, but seeing our child grow, hearing her call me "Papa" for the first time, it was a love unlike any other.

“Our families are doing well,” I said, my voice soft, almost to myself. “Your father doesn’t owe me anything anymore, Dia. Everything is in the past.”

She smiled, her eyes soft with contentment. “I know. My family is finally free from the burden, thanks to you.” She paused, her hand resting on her heart. “And now, we’re free. Completely.”

I took her hand in mine, squeezing it gently. “We’ve built something strong, Dia. A family, a life… and nothing will ever take that away from us.”

Our daughter toddled over to us, her small hand reaching up for both of ours. We smiled at her, both of us feeling the weight of the love we had built together. As I looked into Dia’s eyes, I saw nothing but happiness, peace—things I had never believed I could have until she came into my life.

“Yes,” I said, my voice firm with conviction. “Nothing will ever take it away.”