Akshara yawned. She felt over-stuffed with food and tired by the day full of travelling and eating. In a way it was good too, since she was so busy- she had no time to lament and be sad. She had a great time with her Nanu and wished she had met him sooner. Vatsal had really pampered her too. She was his favourite cousin after all and as far as he considered- she was his only sister. She thought of what a great adventure the day had been and rested her head against the window pane while soft 90s music blasted on the car radio.

The car pulled inside Singhania Sadan and Vatsal turned to see Akshara asleep. Carefully lifting her in his arms he got shocked as he saw the welcome party.

Vatsal: Abhi tk yahin hai ye...I thought chale gaye honge..

Naitik: Mujhe bhi aga tha...pr accha hai Akshu so rahi hai....inhe toh do second me bhaga dunga mai..

They approached them. Abhimanyu looked at his cute wife asleep. He moved forth to take her from Vatsal's arms but Vatsal backed away. Abhimanyu looked at him with disdain.

Manish: Naitik ji..

Naitik: Mr. Goenka! (nods)

Manish: Dekhiye...

Naitik: Pehle aap dekhiye, so rahi hai na meri bacchii. Don't disturb..kl ana...

His driver got down and opened the house door. Naitik stepped in followed by Vatsal. Abhimanyu was walking close to him since he didn't trust him to carry his wife with utmost care. Vatsal had just entered the threshold when Abhimanyu blocked his path and forced him to put Akshara on the couch. Manish and others followed in.

Naitik: Bade dheet ho aap log...Vatsal Akshu ko room me sula do...yahan shor se uth skti hai..

Abhimanyu picked her before Vatsal.

Abhimanyu: Hands off my wife!!

Vatsal: (steps closer) or what!?

Abhimanyu: You!!...Just let me put her some place comfortable and quiet and then I'll show you what?!

Swarna: Naitik ji! Humare parivaron ke beech jo bhi hai, usse ye nahi badal jata ki Akshu humare ghar ki beti hai, usse milne se aap nahi rok skte hume...

Naitik: Aur ye baat apko saalo pehle yaad nahi aayi thi. Apne Naira ka sach chupaya Akshu se aur humse bhi milne nahi diya. Jb usse pata chala uske baad bhi meri natin ko mujhse milne nahi diya!! Chale jaiye mere ghar se...

Manish: Dekhiye ye waqt beeti baaton ka nahi hai...hume Akshu se maafi mangni hai...

Naitik: Mangne aye hai ya cheene? Aise attitude ke saath toh mai milne nahi dene wala...

Manjiri: Ji..Namaste. Mai Akshu ki saas hoon...hum sb baat krna chahte hai usse bs...

Akshara woke up hearing all the commotion. She blinked her eyes and frowned. She was confused as she was staring at Abhimanyu's jaw. She raised a finger to touch it. Abhimanyu shivered as he felt her soft touch after so long while she got surprised and realised that this wasn't a dream.

Abhimanyu: Akshuu...

Akshara: (looks away) neeche utaro mujhe..

She got down Abhimanyu's arms. Vatsal pulled her behind him. Remorse in Abhimanyu's eyes got replaced by anger.

Abhimanyu: Get out of my way...

Akshara: Don't do this. Both of you.

Abhimanyu: Then ask him to not get in between us...

Vatsal: Tumhari kyu sunu mai...meri sweetipie ke liye jo sahi hai mai vohi karunga!!

Abhimanyu caught his collar and Akshara moved to his defence.

Akshara: Chodo collar Abhi!!...leave!!...

Abhimanyu: Dare he-

Akshara: Shut up! shut up!...bs karo ...kyu aye ho yahan?

Abhimanyu: Akshuu...

Akshara: Kya hua hai? Tumhe space chahiye tha na...to ab kyu aye ho...

Swarna: Akshu ye koi tareeka nahi hota beta pati se baat krne ka..

Akshara: kyu badimumma..kyu...(she looks at everyone with tears in her eyes) saare tareeke mere liye hi hai kya? Mujhse jo chahe, jaise chahe baat kr leta hai....kabhi bhi paraya mehsus krwa deta hai, kabhi bhi hath jhatak deta hai...lekin mai humesha tareeke se hi pesh aaun! Kyu?

Manjiri: Akshuu...Beta humse bohot badi galti hui hai...maaf krde beta..

She sobbed while joining her hands. Akshara couldn't see her beg like this. She held Manjiri's hands and asked her to stop. Manish and Swarna also started to apologize. So did her brother for not taking stand for her.

Akshara: aisa kya hua jo aap sb achanak??

Kairav filled her in with what happened with Arohi and Rudra. Akshara stared at them in shock and then started to laugh hysterically.

Akshara: (laughs while clapping) toh ye baat hai...aur mai bhi kya gadhi hoon...mujhe laga mujhe miss kiya, mere liye aaye hai...pr aap sb toh sach jankr bs apna guilt km krne aaye hai...

Manjiri: Akshu..beta please humari baat sun..

Akshara: Kyu maa? (looks at her with sad eyes) mai hi kyun? Meri toh kissi ne nahi sunni...toh mujhse ye umeed kyu?

Naitik: Aapme se koi Akshu pr dabav nahi banayega...maafi mangni thi na? Maang li aapne...ab maaf krna ya nahi kran..kb krna...ye sb Akshu decide karegi...aap log nahi...

Manish and Swarna tried talking to her but Akshara was beyond sad to listen. She felt really unimportant in everyone's life. They all came after knowing the truth. What if Arohi had not drunk confessed? They would have continued to blame everything on her. Manjiri looked at the girl who gave her the place of a mother in her life and felt gutted for hurting her like this. They all tried to beg her for forgiveness. Finally, Akshara just nodded at their apologies and left.

Abhimanyu didn't know what to feel anymore. What he felt was beyond guilt. He felt disgusted with himself. Not even a week into the marriage and he broke so many vows. He promised to love her, trust her, protect her and be by her side. All of which he broke. He saw her move inside the house and walk towards the staircase. He felt like the distance wasn't just physical but also emotional. Unable to bear it, he rushed after her.

Vatsal tried to hold him back but he shook his hand away. Naitik also hinted him to stop. Naitik was mad at his son-in-law before meeting him but he also saw undying love in his eyes for Akshara. Akshara had every right to be mad at him and he had every right to try & remove her grief.

Abhimanyu caught her hand and Akshara froze but didn't turn.

Abhimanyu: Akshuu...

Akshara: Abhimanyu...

Abhimanyu's heart broke. She was giving him a taste of his own medicine.

Abhimanyu: Please Akshu..

Akshara: Please, I need space.

This was like a slap on his face. He had demanded space and now she was doing the same. It hurt him and he wondered how much hurt she must have felt when she faced this treatment from him. Naitik then asked them all to leave and not force an apology out of Akshara.

...............

Later that night, Abhimanyu sneaked in through a window. He saw Vatsal and Naitik in the hall and tip-toed to the first floor. He moved in the large corridor to try find out the room where is wife was staying. His eyes fell on all the pictures on the wall. Some even had Akshara on them but all of her pictures were with Vatsal or alone. Whoever he was, he seemed important to her. He wondered when a door opened.

Akshara had sensed Abhimanyu's presence. Thinking it to be her wishful thinking, she ignored it but it got stronger and stronger. Finally giving into her instinct, she moved out and saw her husband looking a picture of her on the wall. It was a collage with solo pictures of OG Akshara, Naira and herself. Abhimanyu looked at her, like a kid caught doing mischief. Then, he sobered up. He was quiet but his eyes portrayed all the emotions he was feeling. Akshara stared back blankly.

They both hear footsteps. Alarmed, Akshara quickly pulled him in and shut the door. Abhimanyu's back was against the wall and Akshara was breathing hard in front of him. Someone stood in front of the door and tried to open it. Finding it locked, they knocked.

Vatsal: Sweetiepie!! Akshii...

Abhimanyu's nose flared. Akshara saw his jaw twitch and quickly placed her palm against his lips before he could say anything. She pulled Abhimanyu to a corner while another knock was heard. Making her voice sound sleepy, she responded.

Akshara: Haan bhaii....

Abhimanyu's shoulders visibly relaxed and Akshara squinted her eyes at his silly behaviour.

Vatsal: Gate khol...milkshake laya hoon...

Akshara: Bhai bohot neend aa rahi hai..uthne nahi hoga...and pet abhi tk full h...pleasee..

Vatsal: Accha chal so jaa...bye...Goodnight..

Akshara: Good night!

As Vatsal left, Akshara turned to Abhimanyu. She hit his arm.

Akshara: What were you even thinking???? Coming her like this?? Koi dekh leta toh..

Abhimanyu: Akshuu...mai..mujhe nahi pta kiss mu se kahun..

Akshara: Kyu? Chaar mu hai tumhare pass? Issi se keh do..

Abhimanyu walked closed and held her hand. He got down on her knees and begged for her forgiveness.

Abhimanyu: I am sorry Akshu..

Akshara: Akshu kon hai??...Akshara kaho na..

She said with angry tears in her eyes as she tried to break free. Abhimanyu stopped her from moving.

Abhimanyu: Please! I am so so sorry...I am sorry for not listening to you, for not believing...for not giving you a chance to tell your side of the story. I am sorry I was so blinded by my rage that I hurt you....

Akshara nodded. Abhimanyu stood up and hugged her. She kept her hands at his waist. He could feel her half heartedness but resolved to undo every pain he caused.

Akshara: You should probably go...

Abhimanyu: May I stay with you...please???

Akshara didn't say anything. Truth be told, she missed him desperately. She just nodded and went to sleep. Abhimanyu got in bed with her. He moved closer while Akshara turned, putting her back to him. Abhimanyu sighed. That is how they slept, Abhimanyu facing her and her facing away.

............

The sound of birds was the first thing Abhimanyu heard. He smiled. This was the most peaceful sleep he had in a while. Looking around, he saw Akshara had moved in her sleep and now her feet were near the pillow while her head near his foot. She was holding his leg like a koala bear holding a tree trunk. He chuckled at her cuteness and got up. He carefully removed his leg from her hold and couldn't stop himself from planting a kiss on her cute cheek.

Akshara stirred in her sleep and woke up. She smiled at Abhimanyu.

Akshara: Good Morning Abhiii...

Abhimanyu: Good Morning Akshuu.....

His rough morning voice did wonders to her inside but it also bought her to reality. She sobered up and got off the bed.

Akshara: you should leave Abhii...before everyone wakes up.

Abhimanyu: Okay. What time should I come get you?

Akshara: You don't need to..

Abhimanyu: Arey I need to...and tumhare nanu se bhi toh milna hai...

Akshara: I meant ki I am not coming home..

Abhimanyu got on his feet quickly while panic rose inside his chest.

Abhimanyu: What do you mean?? Akshu did you not forgive?? Sorry baba...I will never do something like this..I beg you...tum jo kahogi vo karunga...

Akshara: Abhii...Abhii relax...I am meeting my brother and Nanu after so long. This is my first time at my Nanu's home. I wish to stay longer....

Abhimanyu: Okay, I'll come with my luggage later..

Akshara: No, I think I should stay here...you stay at your home..maybe the distance will do us some good...

Abhimanyu: Akshuu......

Akshara: Bye Abhi..

Abhimanyu: I'll wait for you always, you know that right...

Akshara: I don't know anything anymore...

............

Manjiri was upset when Akshara didn't return with Abhimanyu. Manish and Swarna decided to swing by again later but Abhimanyu convinced everyone to not suffocate her. Arohi felt guilty too but she had expected Akshara to forgive her like always- without apology but even she got the shock of her life when Akshara stopped picking up her calls and she was too chicken to go to Singhania Sadan where Vatsal could really tear her to shreds with his speech.

As for Abhimanyu, he got ready for hospital and did his duties as a doctor. Then her dropped by Singhania house. He waited for Naitik, Vatsal and more importantly Akshu. While the men gave him the cold shoulder, Akshara had a few words with him before asking him to leave.

Regardless of her lack of warmth, Abhimanyu never stopped trying. He'd visit her daily, sometimes drop flowers or small tokens of love. They weren't expensive ones but things that made her happy like her favourite food, some candy or music boxes.

Eventually Naitik warmed up a little and started inviting Abhimanyu over. One night, Akshara caught them playing video games while Vatsal sulked. Akshara knew Abhimanyu had work in the morning but was staying up to form a bond with her nanu. She appreciated it. Truth be told, she wasn't even mad anymore but something was keeping her away. She just couldn't point a finger at it.

On certain days, Akshara wouldn't invite Abhimanyu in and Naitik wouldn't be around to do it either. He's silently stay outside for as long as he could. She felt bad but got confused too. She loved this person. Then why did she fear going back with him??

..........

Akshara was in her mother's room, now hers, at Singhania house. She was looking out of the window and playing with her mangalsutra absent-mindedly. Suddenly, a cup of warm tea appeared in front of her. Looking up, she saw her nanu. She shuffled and made room for him to sit.

Naitik: Kya hua beta?? Kya soch rahi ho?

Akshara: Kuch nahi nanu..

Naitik: Kuch to hai...Tu ab bhi Abhi se naraz hai kya??

Akshara shook her head.

Naitik: Toh tu wapis kyu nahi jaa rahi?

Akshara: Apko bhi mujhe jaane ko kahenge??

Naitik: Baat mt palat...tujhe pata hai mera vo mtlb nahi hai...bol na kya baat hai..

Akshara: Nanu...I feel..I feel alone ...

Naitik: Kyu beta??

Akshara: Aru ne jo kiya...kissi ne meri nahi suni Nanu..Aru! jisse maine sirf pyaar kiya...vo mere khilaf sbko manipulate kr rahi thi...and sb uski chaal me aa gaye..kissi ne mujhpr vishvas nahi kiya...I know sach bohot bda tha...sbko jhatka laga tha...Uske liye shyd maine maaf bhi kr diya...pr I am scared Nanu...what if I actually make a mistake? Is it so easy for everyone to just give up on me?? Sach kahu toh Goenka house me mai kabhi priority nahi thi kisi ki bhi...Kairav bhaiya bhi humesha torn hi rehte they...unse hi seekha maine- sahi ho ya galat- family ka support kro bs.....pr ab dr lgta hai...mujhe kon support karega?...mera sahi bhi galat lgta hai toh mere galat ka kya haal hoga?

Naitik: Dekh meri bacchii, mai kissi ki safai nahi dunga...sbne galat kiya tere saath...pr galti teri umeed ki bhi hai...tujhe Arohi pr bohot pehle give up kr denga chahiye tha....I don't mean ki rishte se hi haath dho lo pr jb pta hai ki samne wala kaise hai toh usse hadh se zyada pyaar dena humari ki bewakoofi hai...Arohi teri hr nas pehchanti hai, isliye tujhe manipulate kr pati hai, aur tu phir bhi uspr vishwas kr leti hi....let go beta...

Akshara: Apko kya lgta hai Nanu? Mai nahi jaanti Arohi ke mn me kya hai? Pr Sirat maa se bada kiya tha maine..

Naitik: Btaya tha tune...Sirat ne kitna ehsaan kiya than a tujhpr...beti ki tarah pala...

Akshara: Nahi Nanu! She loved me...unke pyaar ko ehsan nahi bula skte..

Naitik: Then I am sure ki agr aaj vo hoti toh Arohi ko samjhati, tujhe compromise krne nahi kehti...aur tu meri bahadur Naira ki beti hai...Arohi ko hr time maaf kr dena, uska saath dena- ye Sirat ke vachan ka maan nahi, apmaan hai...vo tujhe Arohi ka saath dene keh rahi thi....na ki uskr har galat me saath dekhr usse bigarne...

Akshara nodded. This was the first time someone had such conversation with her. Akshara mentioned her fears and pains while Naitik addressed them.

Naitik: Accha ye bata, Abhi se kya diqat hai tujhe...kyu maaf nahi kr paa rahi?

Akshara: Maaf toh kbka kr chuki hoon Nanu...pr uske lack of trust se bohot hurt hoon...vo gusse me kuch nahi sunta...na samjhta ..

Naitik: Tune mujhe bataya tha na...kaise Abhi ne tujhe do second me maaf kr diya tha..

Akshara: So, I should repay that???

Naitik: Nahi, pyaar me repay nahi hota..pr samajh...jb tujhe tumhare rishte pr trust nahi tha- tb usne dikhaya na...Haan mai manta hoon ki usne galti ki, pr uska pachtawa bhi hai...ab tujhe decide krna hai ki kya ye rishta iss layak hai ki tu galti se aage badhe ya nahi?

Akshara didn't even need a second to know her answer- ofcourse he was important.

Naitik: Pta hai Akshara aur mere bhi bohot disagreements hote hai, shuru ke dino me aur bhi zyada.....hum roothe bhi hai, lekin jb ek gussa hota that oh doosra sabra rakhta tha...kissi ki pakad chootne lgti thi toh dusra aur kaskr pakad leta tha....rishte perfect nahi hote baccha...age aur bhi musibaat ayegi...pr hume aisa saathi chahiye jo apko hr situation me pakde rahe aur jisse pakde reha apko worthwhile lage...

Akshara nodded tearfully. Her Abhimanyu was definitely worth everything and more. She looked at the rain outside.

Naitik: Oh btw, Abhi tera wait kr raha hai...jb mai upr aa raha tha tb dekha tha...

Akshara nodded.

Akshara: Btw, he hates people calling him Abhi..

Naitik: then I will continue doing so and he won't tell me anything as he is trying to be in my good books..

Naitik smiled mischievously and Akshara giggled before rushing down. She did not see Abhimanyu. She asked Vatsal who told her that he shooed him away. It was clear- Vatsal will not forgive unless Akshara does.

She sighed and decided to call him when she felt something. Frowning, she peeped outside to see Abhimanyu waiting in the rain. Akshara's eyes fill with tears seeing his persistence.

................

Abhimanyu Birla looked at the single rose in his hand. Its petals were getting weary in the downpour. He rubbed his face and arranged his hair away from his eyes. He still had time before surgery and it was normal for him to spend every free hour trying to meet his wife. Suddenly, he heard the front door open. He turned and saw an unreal sight.

Akshara was running towards him. He pinched himself to see it was real and spread his arms last minute to catch his wife. She clung onto him, her hands fisting his tight shirt.

Abhimanyu: Akshu...

Akshara: I am sorry Abhi...I am sorry for making you wait, for making you suffer..for taking so long to figure out..I am sorry...

Abhimanyu felt happy and shook his head.

Abhimanyu: Nahi baba..I AM SORRY. You had every right my love...I am sorry...

Akshara told it was her fault while he continued to say it was his fault. He then hushed her and kept going about his mistakes. Tired of him constantly putting himself down, Akshara caught hold of his wet tshirt and pulled him down- smashing their lips together.

..................

Abhimanyu did not know how long it had been. All he could feel was her soft lips against her. Their happy tears, the rain and their tongues dancing together as Akshara traced his abs while his hands rested on her back- bare in the deep cut kurti.

They broke the kiss and rested their heads together. A giggles escaped their throats before they both relaxed into a fit of them. Out of the blue, Akshara sneezed. This alarmed Abhimanyu for health and he pulled her inside.

Hours later, they both were drying each other's hair after the shower while Naitik and Vatsal prepared hot chocalte for them. Now that Akshara had forgiven him, Vatsal finally started to ease onto him.

Abhimanyu: I swear tumhare Nanu pighal gaye pr tumhara vo bhai nahi maaf kr raha tha..

Akshara: Vatsal bhai ke liye aisa hi hai...mai sbse pehle...pta hai jb vo Goenka house me the na tb aur koi kuch kahe ya na kahe lekin vo Arohi ko bohot danta krte they ....infact unhone toh usse behen mane se hi inkaar kr diya tha kyunki to him- anyone who hurt me is nobody to him..

Abhimanyu's respect grew for the man who loved his wife to this extend. They drank the hot chocolate and waited for rain to subside. Naitik and Vatsal went to their rooms to give them privacy as they cuddled on the couch.

Yes, they faced a storm but they knew for sure- nothing can separate ABHIRA.

.................

I am sorry. I tried to wrap it up otherwise this track has potential to go on forever! So, Lo ji- yahan bhi ho gaya hai resolution. Pta nahi show me kb hoga :p

I am done with an intense track for a short while I guess. Want to focus on a few happy ones next. See you guys Thursday :)

xoxo