Thank you for all your comments on the previous OS. Much love.

Note-Abhira are married in the OS.

OS 3: Who is bothering Akshu?

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

Late night | Birla house

Abhimanyu Birla cracked his neck as he finally shut his laptop. There was a rather complicated surgery scheduled tomorrow and he needed all the literature study of past cases to get better equipped to handle it. He rubbed his neck and got up from his desk. He organized his material and noticed the time. It was almost midnight.

He got ready for bed and noticed his wife was already deep in sleep. She looked adorable in shorts and one his t-shirts- which was rather large on her but she claimed it was comfy. Her hair formed a halo around her head and pecked her forehead- his angel. He got in bed and pulled her in his arms. As if sensing his presence, she rolled over and put her face in the crook of his neck and snuggled into his chest.

All of Abhimanyu's fatigue faded and he felt at peace. Hugging her close, he closed his eyes to join her in the dreamland when her phone pinged. He ignored it but it kept going on.

Abhimanyu: Itni raat ko kon message kiye jaa raha hai tumhe?

Abhimanyu was hell protective and possessive of her but even he was clear of boundaries. Snooping through her phone would mean he lacks trust and that is a boundary he did not want to cross. However, as her phone continued to ping, he sighed.

Abhimanyu: Pta nahi kon hai? Koi emergency hoti to call aa jata...ek kaam krta hoon...silent kr deta hoon.. Kahin Akshu ki neend disturb na ho jaye...

He picked up her phone to silent it but her lockscreen display was filled with the notifications and his eyes accidently fell on the messages.

'Babyyyyyyyyyyyyyy'

'It is me!'

'I missed you'

'Heyyyyyyyy'

'Sun na..........'

'Kahan ho?'

'I got a surprise for you'

'I know you missed me too.....'

'You mad at me?'

'Babe...'

'Babyyyyyy?????'

'I love you na.....'

Abhimanyu's nose flared at the last message. He clenched his jaw. Akshara made a soft hissing sound in her sleep and he noticed his grip had tightened on her. He moved his hand and looked up the number. It wasn't saved. Was someone stalking his wife? Was she getting harassed?

Abhimanyu called the number but it was switched off. Strange! He noted the number and blocked it from her phone so that she doesn't get any more texts. Placing her phone back on the side table, he pulled her into him. He caressed her soft face and pecked her cheek.

Abhimanyu: I love you Akshu. Tumne mujhe bataya kyu nahi ki koi tumhe pareshan kr raha hai? Shyd this is the first time this idiot is texting you and you don't know yet. Jo bhi ho we'll talk in the morning. Tumhe tension lene ki koi zarurat nahi...iss admi ki aisi class lagayega na tumhara docman ki dubara kissi ko bhi text nahi karega...

Vowing to find and straighten up the person texting his wife in the middle of the night and calling her baby, Abhimanyu felt asleep, with his world in his arms.

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

The next day Abhimanyu did not get a chance to talk to Akshara as he had to go to the hospital early to prepare his team for the surgery. Akshara was still sleeping when he left. Later, she woke up and reached the hospital too but at that time Abhimanyu was about to the rush for the surgery. She only had a few minutes to wish him luck before he went to get sanitized for the surgery.

Akshara then started her day. She had to check in with some patients and she had one open session post lunch.

Akshara: Kash ye session bhi lunch se pehle hota...Abhi toh surgery me busy hoga, uske bina lunch hour me accha hi nahi lgta...post lunch session ki wajah se jaa bhi nahi skti..

She was finding it hard to kill time during lunch hour so she left to sit in the garden in front of the hospital. Akshara stood in front of the fountain and looked ahead. She was lost in the memories of the day when her Abhi had chased her down in this very garden, they had their first date here! She closed her eyes, reliving those moments as the wind ruffled her hair.

She was zoned out so she did not notice someone sneak up on her and freaked out when she felt a pair of hands slip in front of her eyes cutting her vision.

Akshara: Kon hai!?

She held those hands that covered her eyes. They were definitely male hands but not her Abhi's.

Akshara: Choro mujhe!

She tried to get out of the hold but the person just tighten their hold and chuckled. Akshara tried to calm her racing heart.

Akshara: (in mind) shaant Akshu, dimag se kaam le...Birla hospital ke age tere saath koi kuch nahi kr skta...teri ek awaz me poora staff aa jayega...you are safe!

Giving herself a pep talk, Akshara made a calculative move like Abhimanyu had taught her. She lowered her hand a little and pulled it back with full force, hitting the person in the stomach.

'Ow!!'

The person had not expected this move and their grip became a little lose. Akshara used that fraction of distraction and twisted her way out of their hold. She turned, feeling angry at the person who had the nerve to sneak up on her. She got shocked when she saw who it was.

Akshara: You!!!!

'It's me!!! Yay!?'

The person said enveloping her into a bear hug. Akshara only got angry.

Akshara: How dare you!? Leave me!! I said leave!!!!!

Akshara pushed this person away and ran inside the hospital while the man kept yelling behind her to stop.

'Akshu!! Sweetpea!!...'

Security: Any issues ma'am?

Akshara: No...

She mutters before entering the building. The security did not let the person enter and he left.

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

Akshara did her open session but she was distracted. The session ended and as people were finally leaving, she wrapped up her equipments. She kept thinking of what happened during the day and a tear trailed down her face and she quickly wiped it. She turned to the nurse.

Akshara: ye equipments aap rakh dena jagah se....I will leave now..

Akshara left quickly. Reaching the house, she quickly went to her room and shut the door. Once alone, she let her tears fall freely.

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

Abhimanyu Birla just finished the surgery. It had been complex and the patient would require heavy monitoring but he was out of danger. He briefed his team for further actions and changed. Heading straight to his cabin he was looking forward to meet his wife. He saw her everyday but every time he was around her, peace enveloped him. He always looked forward to being with her, especially after tiring surgeries as her presence energized him.

Abhimanyu: (to a wardboy) Akshara Ma'am ke session ho gaye?

Wardboy: Unka session to bohot pehle hi khatam ho gaya, she left a few hours ago...

Abhimanyu: (in mind) Aaj Akshu jldi chali gayi...she usually waits till I am done too. Maybe aaj thak gayi hogi aur wait bhi kitne ghante krti...koi baat nahi mai bhi ghar hi jaata hoon....

After doing some urgent paperwork, he too wrapped up his day and moved to sign the register at the desk when heard two nurses talk. He usually tuned out any gossip but his ears perked up as soon as he heard his wife's name get mentioned.

Nurse: Sach keh rahi hoon mai...Akshara ma'am bohot sad thi aaj ke session ke time.

Nurse 2: Kuch bhi...Ma'am toh kitni cheerful si hai...aur Dr. Abhimanyu toh bohot dhyan rakhte hai unka, why would she be sad? Maine unhe lunch se pehle hi dekha tha, vo toh khush hi dikh rahi thi..

Nurse: Arey pr ye post lunch ki baat hai...trust me, maine ma'am ko rote dekha...she had tears in her eyes...lunch time me hua hoga kuch..

Nurse 2: Oh...pr kya hi hua hoga? Ma'am itni acchi hai, unhe koi kyu hi kuch kahega...

Nurse: vo toh hai, upar se Dr. Abhimanyu ke hote hue kiski himmat hogi iss hospital me ma'am se kuch bhi keh dene ki...

Abhimanyu: (thinks) Akshu? Sad? Ro rahi thi..? Kya hua hoga? Kahin sir ne toh kuch..nahi nahi...Mai ghar jaakr dekhta hoon..........

He rushed out when the security stopped him.

Security: Dr. Abhimanyu??

Abhimanyu: Ji Rajesh kaka?

Security: Vo apko kuch batana hai...

He told him what he saw during lunch. Akshara had rushed out from the garden followed by someone calling at her. They had not let him follow Akshara inside the hospital and he left before they could enquire him further.

Abhimanyu: Thank You kaka...

He got on his bike.

Abhimanyu: Ye kon hai? Kiski himmat meri Akshu ko mere hi hospital me akr chedne ki? Usse tang krne hi? Kahin ye vo raat wala toh nahi jo text kr raha tha...baat messages se physical stalking pr aa gayi hai? Isse to mai chodunga nahi....pr pehle Akshu se mil leta hoon....

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

Akshara had been sleeping in her room when Manjiri knocked. Akshara woke up and opened the door.

Akshara: Maa? Sorry vo pta nahi kaise ankh lg gayi..

Manjiri: Ho jata hai Akshu...chal neeche chal, koi aya hai tujhse milne...

Akshara nodded and came downstairs after freshening up. She noticed someone talking with Neil but the moment the person turned, Akshara made a face.

Akshara: ye yahan kya kr raha hai maa?

Manjiri: Akshu?

Akshara: Itne busy insaan ka time waste nahi krne chahiye hume maa...and you! You may leave. Bye!

She turned to go back to her room when the person rushed and held her hand. Manjiri signalled Neil and they left. The person pulled Akshara outside into the front lawn. Akshara frowned and sat on the seat, facing away.

Akshu! I am so so sorry. Meri baat sun le...ek baar bs...please..

Akshara turned away. The person kneeled before and held her hand.

'Babyyy please....please...'

Akshara: Leave my hand!

She tried to pull her hand away but the person tightened his grip on her hand. Meanwhile, Abhimanyu pulled his bike over. He quickly got down to rush into the house but the noise from the lawn got his attention.

He turned and the sight made his blood boil. A stranger was on his knees in front of his wife, calling her baby while she was struggling to get her hand away from his grip.

Abhimayu: ABEY OYE!!!

Abhimanyu rushed to his wife's side and pushed the man away from her. He got in front of her, acting as a shield. The man was taken aback by the sudden push but got up quickly.

'Heyy!!!'

Abhimanyu: (grabs his collar) HIMMAT KAISE HUI TERI? MERE HI GHAR ME MERI HI BIWI KO CHEDTA HAI?!?!?!

Akshara: Abhiii...collar chodo..

Abhimanyu: (to Akshu, softly) You okay?

Akshara: Haan Abhi, tum collar chodo...

Abhimanyu: THANK YOUR STARS THAT SHE IS OKAY. AB SUN!!

'Listen, I am amused okay but you better let me go...'

Abhimanyu: I WILL LET YOU INTO ANOTHER LIFE YOU-

Neil and Manjiri rushed out hearing the commotion. Akshara tried to get Abhimanyu to drop the collar.

'You stay out of this Sweetpea!'

Abhimanyu: WHAT DID YOU CALL HER??!?!?!

Abhimanyu punched the man right in the face and Akshara screamed.

Akshara: KRISH BHAIYA!!!

Abhimanyu froze and looked at the man he had just punched down on the floor. His eldest brother-in-law whom he had heard of but never met. He gulped.

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

Abhimanyu sat stiffly as his wife placed an ice pack near her brother's eye. Krish was looking around awkwardly while Manjiri was trying to apologize. Neil was sitting to the side, enjoying the show.

Manjiri: Beta! Mai maafi mangti hoon tumse..

Krish: It is fine. Really! Aap itna sorry mt boliye..

Manjiri: Ab jisko bolna chahiye, vo to murti bankr baitha hai...

She smacked Abhimanyu's head slightly.

Abhimanyu: Uh..um

He got up and came back a minute late.

Abhimanyu: Please take this painkiller. Since it is face I cannot recommend a lot of methods to relieve the pain..

Akshara shot him an annoyed look as if asking with her eyes-' Dr. mode se bahar ao docman!'

Abhimanyu: and...vo..I am sorry Krish-

Krish: Mr. Singhania! We are not on first name basis yet.

Abhimanyu gulped. He had heard about Krish in Akshara's stories. She did not get to meet him often while growing up but Krish was the oldest of their generation and as far as Singhanias were concerned, she was the youngest and the only girl in their side of the family, thus holding a special place specially for Krish. He made sure to be in touch with her despite the distance. Abhimanyu did not like to have a bad equation with someone who was clearly this important to his wife.

Abhimanyu: Right! Sorry. Mr. Singhania and really sorry for hitting you like that...

Krish got up with a blank face and everyone stood up too. He started to walk towards Abhimanyu and then took him by surprise. He hugged him.

Abhimanyu: Mr Singhania..ye?

Krish: Mazak tha jijaji.....chill and you can call me Krish!

Neil: ek second...ye kya ho raha hai? I thought you were upset bro hit you..

Krish: Nah! I am super happy that he is strong! And he does not hesitate to protect my sister here.

He put an affectionate hand on Akshara's head but she shrug it off..

Akshara: Some sister! (she rolled her eyes)

Krish: Arey ab gussa thook de meri maa....

Akshara: Easy for you to say!!

Abhimanyu: Akshu? Tum apne bhaiya se aise kyu??

Akshara: some brother he is! Konsa bhai apni behen ki shaadi miss krta hai?? Humesha mujhe favourite favourite bolte rehte hai aur meri shaadi me aaye hi nahi.....maine socha tha mere saare bhai ayenge...lekin hua kya?! Kairav bhaiya aur Vansh bhaiya ke alawa apme se koi nahi aya...na aap, na mamu..na ki koi aur..

Akshara scolded him and left. Abhimanyu was stunned. He had never seen his wife scold someone with this amount of 'haq' , she was always polite to everyone and never complained against anything. Krish must be something else all together.

Abhimanyu: Krish...aap chaliye...

He took him to their room. To Abhimanyu's shock, Akshara threw a fit. She yelled at Krish and then cried a little before forgiving him when Krish told her the reason was Naitik's health. Akshara got worried for her nanu.

Abhimanyu: Akshu...chinta mt kro...I am sure Krish yahan aya hai to tumhare nanu better honge isliye aya hai..

Akshara: Pr mujhe bataya kyu nahi?

Krish: teri shaadi me tera mood kaise off kr dete? Isliye papa ne tickets and visa ka reason dekhr cover up kiya tha..

Akshara pouted. Abhimanyu felt bad seeing her like this.

Abhimanyu: hey! Don't be sad. Nanu ko travel krne se mana kiya hai doctor ne toh kya hua? Hum challenge tumhare nanu se milne..

Akshara: Pakka?

Abhimanyu: Haan..

Akshara: yay!!!!......

She cheered up. Abhimanyu looked at her jumping around happily.

Akshara: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!

She was about to jump in his arms when Krish coughed a little and Akshara corrected her excited.

Akshara: Bhai aap baithiye...maine na subah kachori banai thi....apko pasand hai na mere hath ki? Mai abhi lekr aayi...

She rushed out to get snacks for her brother when the two men sat down, a little awkward.

Krish: You will really plan a US trip for my sister?

Abhimanyu: It makes her happy so it will happen.

Krish: But aren't you like a busy doctor?

Abhimanyu: Never too busy for her.

Krish: Hmm...

They had this weird stare contest.

Krish: waise I don't know if you noticed but I share a special bond with MY baby sister.

Abhimanyu: I know. MY wife told me how much her brother means to me.

Krish: I am the closest to MY sister , jitna haq se vo mujhe dant leti hai, utna kissi pr haq nahi jatati.. (smirks)

Abhimanyu: Mai dant khane wale kaam hi nahi krta...(smirks back)

Krish: you!!...

Abhimanyu: (rolls his eyes) why are we doing this? We both love her...

Krish: I agree. And I may have missed the wedding but I can clearly see ki MERI Akshi khush hai tumhare saath..

Abhimanyu: Obviously! MERI Akshu ko khush rakhna meri top most priority hai...

Krish gave him a look and Abhimanyu reprimanded himself. They were acting like territorial school boys.

Krish: Bohot bholi hai Akshu....kbhi kbhi sochta hoon aajkl ke fast zamane me ye 90s ka piece kaise aa gya humare ghar me...pr then dadu tells me how much she is like my dadi- her nani..

Abhimanyu smiled.

Krish: Uska- uska khayal rakhna humesha please. She is innocent! Uske intentions humesha pure hote hai and she tries to see best in people...kabhi kabhi she goes out of her way to be there for people- it can be annoying but please look past them and be there for her...she only craves love...

Abhimanyu: Krish! I love your sister. She is my wife. I can fight the world for her. Don't worry....she will always have me..

Krish: Sorry...shaadi me ye saale wali dhamki nahi de paya tha..

Abhimanyu: koi baat nahi...ab note kr liya hai maine..

Akshara: kya note kiya?

She asked coming in with a tray of food and a staff behind her carrying another tray. Krish and Abhimanyu stood up to get the tray from Akshara . She smiled as she shook her head and started to set it on the table herself. Krish noticed the spark in Abhimanyu's eyes as he looked at Akshara. Finally his sister has what she craved- unconditional love.

Krish: (to Abhimanyu) Welcome to the family Mr. Birla...welcome to the family!

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

Before you guys ask: I am already working on the third OS for pregnant Akshu series. Might publish it tomorrow or friday.

xoxo