📬 The First Review — A Shock from the Unexpected
Three days after launch, the first official review was published in a leading literary journal.
Rudra opened it over breakfast, expecting something formal.
But the byline caught his eye:
"Reviewed by: Meena Sharma"
His mother.
Ruhi looked over his shoulder, stunned.
The article began simply:
"I never believed in public emotion.I thought love belonged behind closed doors.
But my son and daughter-in-law have reminded me —
Some stories must be shared.Because they don't just belong to the people who lived them —They belong to every heart that needed to believe again."
The review ended with:
"Beyond the Buzzer is a celebration of honesty, heartbreak, hope — and most of all, choice.
A must-read for anyone who has ever whispered 'I love you' and meant it with their whole being."
Ruhi wiped her tears, whispering, "She sees us."
Rudra whispered back, "She's proud."
📧 An Invitation from Abroad
A week later, an email arrived in Ruhi's inbox.
Subject: "International Literature & Emotion Symposium – Paris, Guest Author Invitation"
They wanted her to speak. To read excerpts. To represent young Indian voices in love literature.
She gasped.
Rudra looked up."What happened?"
She turned the screen to him.
He read.Paused.Then broke into the biggest smile.
"Looks like the world's about to fall for your words — just like I did."
🏀 Rudra's New Court — The Coach Begins
Meanwhile, Rudra had begun coaching full-time at his old college.
His jersey read: "Coach Sharma."
He wasn't just teaching basketball.
He was teaching discipline.Focus.Respect.
One of his students, a quiet boy named Neel, came to him after practice.
"Sir… I read your book.I didn't know love could be like that. Quiet and strong."
Rudra smiled."It can.And when it is… it lasts."
✈️ Simran's Goodbye — Bittersweet and Brave
The day Simran left for London, the flat felt hollow.
Her room stood empty. Just a note on the desk:
"Thank you for never letting me shrink myself.I'm going to write louder now — for me.
PS: Don't overwater Chintu."
Ruhi cried in the cab.
Simran hugged her at the airport.
"This isn't goodbye.
It's just 'see you in the acknowledgments.'"
☕ Aarav & Kavya — A Simple Beginning
They didn't label it.
But they met every Sunday — chai, walks, silent smiles.
One evening, Kavya handed him a notebook.
"It's blank. Start your second book here."
He smiled.
"I will.But maybe this time, you're in every chapter."
She grinned.
"No maybes."
🌅 One Last Balcony Scene — Full Circle
It was evening.
Ruhi and Rudra sat on their balcony, tea mugs in hand.Chintu stood tall beside them — a leafy witness to everything.
No noise.No drama.Just soft silence.
Ruhi leaned on his shoulder.
"So… this is it?" she asked.
"No," Rudra replied. "This is the start."
She looked up.
"Of what?"
He smiled.
"Of every day where we choose love.Even when it's boring. Even when it's quiet.
That's what happens after the buzzer —
Life."
📓 Final Diary Entry — Ruhi's Voice
Dear Diary,
I never imagined I'd close your pages on a rooftop in Delhi, with the boy who once annoyed me more than my exams.
But here I am.
Still in love. Still learning.
Still choosing this —
This messy, magical, maddening, miraculous love.
— Ruhi 🌸
📸 Final Polaroid
Ruhi and Rudra sipping tea
Behind them: a manuscript, a basketball, and a glowing city
Chintu in the corner with a little name tag now:
"The Real Main Character"
Caption:
"After the game.After the page.After the buzzer.
We're still here.Together."
🎬 The End