The small, intimate comedy club was packed with people, laughter echoing off the walls. On the stage, under the bright spotlight, stood Akshara, known to her friends and fans as Akshu. Her expressive face and animated gestures held the audience captive, every punchline landing perfectly.

"…and that's when I realized, if life gives you lemons, you should probably check if you're accidentally standing in a lemonade stand!"

The crowd erupted in laughter, and Akshu grinned, basking in the moment. This was her sanctuary, the place where she felt most alive. For those few minutes on stage, she could forget all her worries and just focus on making people laugh.

After her set, Akshu made her way backstage, where her best friend, Rhea, was waiting. "You killed it tonight, Akshu!" Rhea exclaimed, hugging her tightly.

"Thanks, Rhea. I needed that," Akshu replied, her smile fading slightly as reality set back in.

Rhea noticed the change in her friend's demeanor. "What's wrong? Is it about the orphanage again?"

Akshu nodded, her eyes downcast. "They're threatening to shut it down, Rhea. I don't know what to do. Those kids... they need that place. It's the only home they’ve ever known."

Rhea squeezed her hand reassuringly. "We'll figure something out. You're not alone in this."

Akshu sighed, grateful for Rhea's support but feeling the weight of her responsibility pressing down on her. The orphanage had been her home, her refuge after losing her parents. Now, it was her turn to protect it and the children who depended on it.

Later that evening, as she walked back to her small apartment, Akshu's mind raced with thoughts of how to save the orphanage. Fundraisers, benefit shows—she had tried everything, but the amount needed was overwhelming. She was beginning to feel desperate.

When she reached her apartment, she found a letter from the bank waiting for her. With trembling hands, she opened it, reading the final notice with a sinking heart. They were giving her one month to come up with the money, or the orphanage would be closed.

Akshu slumped onto her couch, tears welling up in her eyes. She had always been a fighter, but this battle seemed insurmountable. The thought of those children being displaced broke her heart.

As she sat there, her phone buzzed with a message from Rhea. It was a link to a video of her latest performance, already going viral. The comments were filled with praise, people appreciating her humor and wit. A small smile tugged at her lips. At least she was making a difference, even if only in small ways.

Just as she was about to put her phone away, it buzzed again. This time, it was a call from an unknown number. Hesitant, she answered.

"Hello, is this Akshara?" a deep, authoritative voice asked.

"Yes, this is Akshu. Who’s speaking?" she replied cautiously.

"This is Abhimanyu Birla. I’ve heard a lot about you and your performances. I believe we might be able to help each other."

Akshu's heart skipped a beat. Abhimanyu Birla was a name she knew well—one of the most powerful businessmen in the world. Why would he be calling her?

"Help each other?" she echoed, confused and intrigued.

"Yes. I have a proposition for you. One that could save your orphanage," he said.

Akshu's mind raced. Could this be the solution she had been praying for? "I'm listening," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

"I need you to meet me tomorrow at my office. We'll discuss the details then," Abhimanyu said.

As she hung up the phone, Akshu's thoughts were a whirlwind of hope and skepticism. What kind of proposition could he possibly have for her? And could she trust him?

The next morning, Akshu dressed in her best outfit, a simple yet elegant dress that Rhea had insisted she buy for special occasions. As she made her way to the Birla Tower, she couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension mixed with a sliver of hope.

Arriving at the towering skyscraper, she was ushered into Abhimanyu's opulent office. The man himself stood by the window, much like she had seen in countless business magazines. He turned to face her, his expression unreadable.

"Thank you for coming, Akshara," he greeted her, his voice calm and steady.

"Please, call me Akshu," she replied, trying to match his composed demeanor.

"Very well, Akshu. Please, have a seat," Abhimanyu said, gesturing to a chair opposite his desk.

As she sat down, Abhimanyu wasted no time in getting to the point. "I understand you're in a difficult situation with the orphanage. I believe I can help you, but I need something in return."

Akshu nodded, her curiosity piqued. "What do you need from me?"

Abhimanyu took a deep breath. "I need you to pretend to be my wife for three months. It’s to fulfill my mother’s dying wish. In return, I will ensure the orphanage gets the funding it needs."

The proposition was so unexpected, Akshu was momentarily speechless. "Pretend to be your wife?" she repeated, trying to wrap her mind around the idea.

"Yes," Abhimanyu confirmed. "It will be a purely business arrangement. You will live with me, attend social events, and maintain the appearance of a married couple. After three months, you can go back to your life, and the orphanage will be secure."

Akshu's mind raced with the implications. It was an absurd proposal, yet the lifeline she desperately needed. She looked into Abhimanyu's eyes, searching for any hint of deceit, but found only sincerity and determination.

"And you're sure you can save the orphanage?" she asked, needing reassurance.

"I give you my word," Abhimanyu said firmly.

Akshu took a deep breath, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. Finally, she nodded. "Alright, Mr. Birla. You have a deal."

As they shook hands, Akshu couldn't help but wonder what the next three months would hold. It was a risk, but one she was willing to take for the sake of the children she loved so dearly.