Hi! I was done with the chapter earlier but I was facing issues while publishing. I kept getting homepage whenever I tried to publish the story. 

....

Abhimanyu woke up next morning very early. He looked at his sleeping wife in his arms and smiled. They had been through hell and back.

Abhimanyu: Mahadev! Apka jitna dhanyawad karu, kam hai. Thank You meri Akshu ko safe rakhne ke liye..

He kissed her forehead and checked her vitals. He checked her other injuries too. Realising its still too early, he exited her ward and stood outside. He called in a nurse who he had known since long and asked her to stay inside Akshara's ward till he comes back. Abhimanyu took a quick shower and freshened up in the hospital itself and wore some clothes that he kept spare in his cabin. He offered his morning prayers and returned to her cabin. He thanked the nurse and asked her to leave.

Sometime later, Akshara woke up. She smiled at Abhimanyu who was sitting by her side.

Abhimanyu: Good morning jaan!

Akshara opened her mouth to speak, forgetting her inability for a second. Her smile dropped.

Abhimanyu: Hey! ...(caresses her cheek) don't be sad. You'll be back, talking in no time. Aur phir tumhari chakar-chakar fir shuru ho jayegi...

Akshara pouted and hit his hand. Abhimanyu laughed.

Abhimanyu: (in mind) kaise kahu ki tumhari chakar-chakar sunne ke liye tumhara pati mara jaa raha hai..

He gently pulled her cheeks and asked her if she wanted to eat. Akshara shook her head.

Abhimanyu: Baba, khana to padega na..

Akshara gestured that she had not brushed. Abhimanyu sighed and told her it's okay but she shook her head and folded her hands stubbornly. Abhimanyu rolled his eyes and got her some mouthwash and a bowl to spit.

Abhimanyu: ye lo-

Akshara made a face.

Abhimanyu: This will have to do Akshu..

Akshara made a sad face but cleaned her mouth nevertheless. Abhimanyu got them light breakfast and they ate it. Akshara winced while eating as her neck still ached at movements. Soon, the nurse came in with the sponge bath.

Nurse: Sir, aap jaye toh-?

Akshara's eyes widened and she held his hand, asking him to not leave.

Abhimanyu: dekh toh lo-

Akshara looked at the things for a sponge bath and blushed. She felt shy thinking what the nurse must be thinking. She had not seen the reason why the nurse wanted Abhimanyu to leave.

Nurse: It's okay sir. Agar ma'am chahti hai toh no issues..mai kissi ko nahi kahungi...

Akshara's eyes widened but the nurse turned and left, even she was embarrassed slightly.

Abhimanyu: Oops Akshu!

Akshara pointed a finger at him and then the door.

Abhimanyu: Mai chala jaunga toh sponge bath kon dega?

Akshara laid her palm flat out. Abhimanyu sighed and gave her his phone. She opened the notes app.

Akshara- Call nurse

Abhimanyu: (in a flirty tone) I am sure she is busy with other stuff. Why bother?

He kept his arms on either side of her body. She was sitting in a resting posture on the bed while he was towering over her. Akshara blushed.

Abhimanyu: (slowly) Pati hoon tumhara...koi aur thodi hoon..

He leaned in and breathed her neck. Akshara felt shivers as his hot breath hit the base of her neck.

Abhimanyu: I am sure you'll feel fresh after it...didn't you feel better, cleaner after mouthwash..

Akshara nodded timidly. Abhimanyu kissed her left cheek gently.

Abhimanyu: toh bs...aaj tumhara pati tumhe sponge bath dega...and don't worry, aisa waisa kuch nahi karunga...I know tum abhi uss halat me nahi ho..

He hugged her. While her face was resting on his chest, he moved his fingers to undo her hospital gown. Akshara stopped him by pulling away.

Abhimanyu: what?

Akshara pointed at the door.

Abhimanyu: Oh! Smart Wifey! (winks)

He went and locked the door. He resumed the position and undid her hospital gown from the back. Akshara shivered at cool air hit her bare back. Abhimanyu wet the sponge and carefully wiped the back. She hissed as there were some bruises there but controlled as she did not want to pain Abhimanyu by her whimpers.

However, he husband understood her pain by the way her shoulders tensed and this pained him as well as made him angry. After cleaning her back, he laid her down and cleaned her legs one by one. Akshara closed her eyes as she felt him grab her leg and trail the wet sponge on it. She bit her lips as he trailed it up her knees but he stopped before it got higher. Akshara opened her eyes and found that Abhimanyu was just staring at her face. She looked at his eyes that bore into hers. Without looking, he kept her leg down and repeated it with her other leg. Then he pulled down her gown to cover it. Akshara felt tears well up in her eyes.

Akshara: (in mind) you are the best Abhi...kash mai iss waqt tumhe bata pati ki mai kitna lucky feel kr rahi hoon....

Abhimanyu understood what her eyes said. He smiled at her and held her hands. Kissing her fingertips, he cleaned them too. Then he gently wiped her face and neck.

Abhimanyu: Akshu..I-

Akshara nodded and looked down. Abhimanyu lifted her up and settled behind. The strings of her gown were already lose. He spread the gown and dropped it from her shoulders. It slipped and rested in a heap at a waist. Akshara's breath hitched. This is the most intimate they had been since the wedding but sadly the situation wasn't in their favour. Abhimanyu grabbed the sponge and cleaned Akshara's chest and stomach. Akshara's body trembled but Abhimanyu kept his cool. He knew his wife needed care in that moment, nothing else.

After cleaning her up, he tied her hospital gown and re-did her dressing. The wound was nasty and he couldn't fathom Akshara's pain. He gave her medicines and ringed for the staff to take the bathing tray away.

.....

The families came over and cheered her. They spoke with her and she answered by writing in the notebook Abhimanyu had provided her. Manjiri came and sang her a song. Akshara teared up and hugged her.

Abhimanyu got a call and tensed. He asked Manjiri to stay with Akshara and ran outside.

Neil ran after him.

Neil: Bro kiska call tha?

Abhimanyu: Inspector ka...

Neil: I am coming with you..

Kairav: Me too..

Parth: Me three..

Abhimanyu: No-

Kairav: Tum chup raho..behen hai vo meri..mai toh aunga..

Neil: Meri best friend hai bhabhi, mai bhi aunga...

Parth: Aur mai apne bhaiyon ko akele nahi jaane de skta..

They all urged and got in the car. Abhimanyu began to drive.

Neil: Police station ke liye right lena tha bhai-

Abhimanyu: But hume Jaipur jana hai..

They were shocked. Abhimanyu asked them rethink coming with him, but they did anyways.

Abhimanyu told them on the way that someone had heard the constable's talk with Raghu and Chotu. The department was informed and they had threatened the constable to help them and double cross the culprit. So, the constable had helped Raghu and Chotu escape, telling them their boss wants them to run and meet him. They had also kept a tracker in Raghu's pocket during one of the beatings. Now, the police was following him and keeping Abhimanyu posted.

The men drove towards Jaipur and stopped on the outskirts at chomu. Abhimanyu had fond memories of the place. He had married the love of his life there and now he was going there to avenge her. He saw the police cars parked on the side of the road and parked behind them. It was evening now.

Abhimanyu: Kya hua?

Inspector: The men went inside that house.

He pointed at a house that looked worn down.

Abhimanyu: what are we waiting for?

Inspector: We don't know how many men could be inside so we called for backup from Jaipur.

Abhimanyu clenched his fists. The backup arrived but the police stopped them from going.

Inspector: They could be armed. It's dangerous for you. Please stay here, we'll catch them.

They went in. After a few minutes.

Abhimanyu: Mai hath pe hath rakh kr nahi baith skta...

Neil, Parth and Kairav shouted as Abhimanyu dashed past them and towards the house. The police was breaking in and circling the house. They were shocked to see Abhimanyu run past them and enter through the window.

Inside of the house was complete different story than the outside. It was well-furnished and comfortable. Abhimanyu saw many men inside but he knew none of them could be the leader. He crept behind the walls, looking for the culprit. He saw Raghu and Chotu exit a room. His blood boiled and he hid behind the wall. He heard a voice shout.

Voice: Gadhe! Yahan kyu aye? Tumhe azad kr diya toh bhaag jate....bewakoof!! niklo yahan se!

Abhimanyu controlled his urge to hit two goons as he needed to find their leader. He broke down the door and was as shocked to see the person as the person was, seeing him.

Abhimanyu: (angry) To tu hai be!? Teri himmat kaise hui meri wife ke saath vo ghatiya sazish krne ki

Rudra was scared but then he thought he had many men there.

Rudra: Ohho!! Doctor sahab! Kyu BP badha rahe ho? Apne bhi toh mere mamle me tang adai thi...

Abhimanyu: tujhe meri saali pr nazar daalne se mana kiya tha, tune toh seedha meri biwi pr vaar kr diya....Tujhe pta nahi hai tune kya kiya hai...!!

Abhimanyu stalked closer. Rudra fished out his gun but Abhimanyu kicked it out of his hands and grabbed his neck. Rudra yelled for his men but no one came.

Rudra: Leave me!!! Abbey pagal hai kya!?

Abhimanyu: PAGALPAN TUNE DEKHA KAHAN HAI? MERI AKSHU SE MAI KISSI KO UNCHI AWAZ ME BAAT NAHI KRNE DETA AUR TUNE USPE VAAR KR DALA!? JISSE MAI HALKI SI TAKLEEF ME NAHI DEKH SKTA, USSE ITNI TAKLEEF DI TUNE!!

He slammed Rudra's face on the ground and beat him black and blue. He kicked his body and pulled him up only to throw him at the table.

Abhimanyu: TUNE APNI BARBAADI KO KHUD INVITE KIYA HAI...

Rudra: Maaf krdo bhai...galti ho gayi..maafi!!

He joined his hands. His eyes were swollen shut and his lip was busted.

Abhimanyu: Mera saath kiya hota toh kr deta...but you hurt my wife! Now, I'll kill you...I'll rip you apart, switch you back and again rip you apart...

Abhimanyu's eyes were red in anger. All he could recall was Akshara slit throat, her bruises and bloodied body. He recalled her broken state when she couldn't speak and this boiled his blood as he kept thrashing Rudra.

The policemen barged in and tried to separate the two.

Inspector: Sir, kanoon ko apne hath me mt lijiye!!

Kairav and his brothers also came in.

Kairav: Yeh! Pehle meri ek behen pr buri nazar daali aur ab doosri behen ke saath...Teri toh!!

Kairav pounced on Rudra.

Inspector: Sir!! Please...(to Neil and Parth) aap log please samajhiye...Yahan Abhimanyu Sir nahi handle ho rahe they aur ab Mr. Goenka bhi...

Neil: (nods) bhai...Kairav bhai!! Aap dono chodiye usse...

Parth: Abhimanyu vo behosh ho chukka hai...aagey ka police dekh legi...hum isse saza dilwa kr rahenge!

They somehow separate Rudra and them. Rudra is carried away by Police. Abhimanyu gets up and paces in rage.

Neil: Bhai sambhaliye khud ko...Bhabhi ke culprits mil gaye...inhe toh hum saza dilwa denge but right now we need to go back...bhabhi pakka pooch rahi honge apke baare me..

Thinking about Akshara, Abhimanyu calmed down and all of them headed for Udaipur.

.....

Mahima did a full check up of Akshara and okayed her to discharge. She had a long list of care and precaution. Had it been any other patient, they would not get discharged but since Akshara was always surrounded by doctors, they discharged her.

Akshara was happy. She enquired about Abhimanyu and Anand covered by saying that he had an urgent surgery. Akshara felt sad but understood. She was taken home by Manjiri who fed her some Khichdi and gave her medicines. She tried to stay up and wait for Abhimanyu but the medicines made her drowsy and fall asleep.

.....

Abhimanyu reached the house late and tip-toed to their room. He found Akshara sleeping cutely and kissed her head. He checked her wound carefully and applied cream on it. Now that he had quenched the thirst to avenge her, he was left with only pain and hurt- seeing her in this state. He checked his mail to see if the specialist had responded. She actually had, with an appointment for a call to discuss her case. Abhimanyu knew it was late but replied to the mail anyways, confirming his availability.

He then went and cleaned himself as well before getting in bed with her. He prepared a cushion wall on her side and slept in the very corner so that he doesn't accidently hurt her in his sleep. He kept staring at her and the soft rise & fall of chest before falling asleep himself.

......

Next morning | Birla House

Abhimanyu walked down the stairs with a blushing Akshara in his arms.

Manjiri: Abhi! Ye sb? (chuckles)

Abhimanyu: Maine do option diye they...ya toh room me khao...nahi toh neeche mai lekr jaunga..

Akshara: (in mind) tu mujhe konsa pta tha ki aise lekr aaoge..

She rolled her eyes.

Abhimanyu: zyada ankhe mt ghumao....sb samjhta hoon mai..

He sat her down and fed her small bites. It burned her throat. Abhimanyu noticed this and felt worried. Mahima noticed it too. Abhimanyu fed her porridge after that and gave her medicines.

Later, he laid Akshara in their room to rest and came downstairs.

Mahima: Abhimanyu? Wait- I have to talk to you about Akshara's condition.

Abhimanyu: Kya hua taiji?

Mahima: Solid food is hurting her throat..

Abhimanyu: I noticed.

Mahima: What did the specialist say?

Abhimanyu: I have a call with her today. Actually in a few minutes. Mai study me le raha hoon ye call as I don't want Akshu to know-

Mahima: Haan. Anand told me. Good decision! Bina kuch sure hue Akshara ko stress dene ka koi mtlb nahi tha- vo bhi aisi halat me...

Abhimanyu nodded and left to attend the call. Mahima went to the hospital. While Abhimanyu was in the study, Arohi came to visit.

Arohi: (to staff) Akshara kahan hai?

Staff: Ma'am, vo room me hai..

Arohi: aur baaki sb..

Staff: Abhimanyu Sir study me hai, Neil aur Parth sir backyard me hai...aur koi nahi hai ghar pr...Aap baithiye, Manjiri Ma'am bs pass ke mandir gayi hai, ati hogi..

Arohi: No issues! Mai tb tk Akshara se mil lungi..

She smiled and walked towards her room. Arohi thought it was a perfect opportunity to inform Akshara that Abhimanyu had lied to her. She had heard his talk with Anand when Anand told him that he did good by lying. Arohi thought it to be a great time to create some rift between Abhira. She entered and saw Akshara mindlessly listening to some music.

Arohi: Akshu!?

Akshara got excited to see her. She was about to get up and hug her when Arohi stopped her.

Arohi: arey baithi reh..stress mt le...already kitna dukhi hogi apni awaz ko lekr..

She said sadly. Akshara's face fell.

Arohi: tere liye tera music kitna special hai, jaanti hoon mai..usse kho dena- vo bhi permanently!

Akshara frowned.

Arohi: aise kya dekh rahi hai, tujhe Abhimanyu ne bataya nahi!?

Arohi revealed how she heard Abhimanyu discuss it with Anand and got to know Akshara permanently lost her voice.

Akshara: (in mind) Nahi...nahi....Abhi mujhse jhoot nahi kahega...pr Aru ne khud suna!! Pr kyu....hey kanhaji...meri awaz!! Mai kabhi gaa nahi paungi!! Kabhi bol nahi paungi? No!! no!!

She recalled the times she sang and the fear of never being able to live through that again caused her to panic. She started to breathe heavily.

Abhimanyu: AKSHU!!!

Abhimanyu ran in and sat besides Akshara. He held her face in his hands and tried to calm her down. Arohi was shocked to see him. She had not anticipated for him to see her with Akshara. She planned to slip this information and leave.

Abhimanyu: KYA KAHA TUMSE USSE AISA JO ISSE AISE PANIC ATTACK AA RAHA HAI..

Arohi: M-..maine kuch nahi kaha...stop blaming me for everything..

Akshara pushed Abhimanyu's hands away as panic coursed through her. She looked at him angrily.

Abhimanyu: (Gets shocked and turns towards Arohi) KYA KAHA TUMNE AKSHU SE!!???

Arohi: Nothing!! Mujhpr chillane se accha tum isse calm kro...

Abhimanyu: Akshu!! It is not good for your throat my love....

Akshara remembered his lies as soon as he mentioned her throat and pushed him. Abhimanyu looked at accusation in her eyes.

Abhimanyu: Kyu door kr rahi ho khudse mujhe?? Tumse doori nahi seh skta tumhara docman...

Akshara cried and looked away.

Abhimanyu: accha rona band kro...mai chala jaata hoon..but you promise- don't cry or panic..It is not good for you throat- abhi baat hui meri specialist se...

Akshara frowned and looked at him. She then looked at Arohi.

Arohi: He is lying! I heard him-

Abhimanyu understood what has happened. He first calmed her down by showing her the mail where the specialist had described her condition. Her throat was bruised and so were her vocal chords. The wounds would take time to heal but regular medicines and exercises would cure it. The chances of full cure were very high. Akshara smiled and then held her ears.

Abhimanyu: jaan, don't be sorry. I know you felt betrayed but trust me okay- I will only do what is best for you..

Akshara nodded and glared at Arohi. She snatched Abhimanyu's phone from his pocket while he stared amazed at his little gundi! She typed furiously.

Akshara: (typed) Aur kitne chances chahiye tujhe!? You again tried to cause a rift between us. It is better you leave!

Arohi: Nahi Akshu-

Akshara pointed at the door. Arohi tried to talk to her but failed. She huffed at left. She was nearing the gate when she heard a voice stop her.

Abhimanyu: Dr. Arohi- wait!

Arohi turned.

Abhimanyu: Some nerve you have! Coming into my house and trying to poison my relationship. I thought tum sudhr jaogi...km se km iss halat me toh Akshu ko tang nahi krogi..after all, you are partially responsible.

Arohi: (angrily) I did nothing-

Abhimanyu: I know you didn't do it. You aided the cause though.

Abhimanyu told her how her little stint with Rudra made him want to take revenge through her sister. He had warned him and her to stay away but she still went with him. Abhimanyu had to rescue her causing Rudra to devise a revenge plan.

Arohi wanted to go upstairs and apologize but Abhimanyu didn't let her and also warned her to not enter his house without his permission.

Abhimanyu: Aur haan, kl se thode extra rounds le lena-

Arohi: Why?! You cannot let personal affect professional.

Abhimanyu: I am not! Ye toh mai isliye keh raha hoon kyunki tumhare pass gossip krne ka, spy krne ka bohot free time hai- issi bahane utilise ho jayega..

Arohi made a face and left.

......

Soon, the families were told all about what had happened. Rudra and his goons were in lockup waiting for their hearing but Abhimanyu concentrated his energies on healing his wife.

He used his off days to care for her. He'd feed her and change her dressing. He even gave a head-bath as she felt her hair was greasy. After a few days, when he had to return to the hospital, he still made sure to monitor everything from work and make sure she was cared after. Slowly Akshara healed. Now, her neck wound was a faint scar on her neck and her bruises had become yellow. They weren't that visible either.

She could now take some solid food. Akshara was happy to be off her liquid food diet and Abhira celebrated it with a movie date. Abhimanyu set up cozy blankets and a screen in their room. They ate and watched movies.

Abhimanyu cuddled with her, kissing her cheeks many times. He turned her to face him when the movie ended.

Abhimanyu: I am so glad you are okay love. Pta hai mai na strong hone ki bohot koshish kr raha tha pr tumhe uss halat me dekhr mai bohot dr gaya tha...

He voiced out his fear of losing her after all this while. Akshara hugged him. After few minutes, she pulled away.

Abhimanyu: Tumhari awaz sunne ko kaan taras gaye hai mere Jaan!!

Akshara looked down. Abhimanyu lifted her chin and made her meet his eyes.

Abhimanyu: Hey! Jaan. No, don't be sad. Pta hai your voice is special to me...but you must know- you are most special. Tumhari awaz tumhara hi ek part hai. Tumse pyaar krta hoon, sirf tumhari awaz se nahi..

Akshara felt touched. He had answered a fear she never voiced out. Will the absence of her voice affect his love? Well, his care had proved that thought wrong so many time!

Akshara: T- Than..K...Youu-

Abhimanyu wiped his head super fast at her. She talked! Yes, her voice was a little scratchy but that wasn't important.

Akshara: I know....It not sameee-

She said, feeling sad.

Abhimanyu: But its healing!! Progress matters Akshu!!

Akshara thought of this from this point of view and smiled. Abhimanyu pecked her head and pulled her in for a hug.

His wife had been through a storm and back! He knew their journey to heal her voice was still left but they were headed in the right direction. She was healing and that was all that matters. His heart danced with joy as he basked in her warmth- His Akshu- His Jaan!

..........

Longest chapter of this story! Next, I'll continue with the series :)

xoxo