Abhimanyu's phone beeped. He checked his phone and saw the text message from Akshara. It enquired about his day and plans for it. It was something Akshara often asked him these days. At first, he did not think much of it. But now, after a few days, he began to find it rather strange. They shared everything with each other but never did they enquire about minute by minute plans.

Usually he would see her messages late after his lectures and work was over but today he was free. His lecture was cancelled and due to some event, he wasn't required at the hospital where he had to spend many hours during the day. He replied instantly. Akshara asked a few more questions and then replied with an okay.

Abhimanyu: Strange....

His room's door opened and his roommate walked in.

Aditya: Abhimanyu, chal na library chalte hai aur phir canteen...

Abhimanyu: Nahi-

Aditya: Nahi mt bol yr....kitne dino baad aisa din aya hai jb sb jagah se leave hai, shaam ko to tu waise bhi time nahi dega...padhta rahega nahi to phone pr baith jayega, abhi chal le yrr...final year-

Abhimanyu: arey bs kr bhai, aa raha hoon...chal..

He grabbed his jacket and ID card. They first went to the library. Aditya returned some books and they researched some material there. After spending a good 45 minutes at the library, they left for the canteen where some of his other batch mates were already waiting for them. Abhimanyu ordered something for himself and sat back to relax.

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

Akshara Goenka was driving her brand new scooty. She had been driving it for a while now and had left the city behind. Now, she wasn't surrounded by the city building anymore but large trees. Only heavy trucks were passing her by as she was navigating her way on the highway.

It had been two weeks since she had shifted to Pune. A beautiful city. She had to beg her family to let her leave but she was firm in her mind. She had to leave. Not just for Arohi, but for herself. It was doing her no good- to be living with a sister like her who kept hurling hurtful words at her.

After deciding to leave, the question was- Where to?. While almost everyone she knew preferred staying back in Udaipur and the farthest anyone left was Jaipur, she instantly thought about Pune. It only helped her case that the first college to mail her acceptance was from Pune as well. So, she set her heart on it. She was going to study at Pune! She selected her major as music and her minors were psychology and sociology. It was her dream to inherit and run her mother's dance academy. She had trained years in dance for that too. She wanted to take 'Akshara Dance Academy' to new heights and make her mother proud.

Another major pro of Pune was Abhimanyu. Her love! Yes, love! She realized what she felt for him was way more than a stupid crush. She loved him and being around him would be blissful. She had begged Birlas to not tell Abhimanyu about her college plans. As far as he knew, she had taken admission in Udaipur. Every day she would ask his routine and no go as he would be busy but not today. Today he was available and she was going to surprise him at his college. So, she took her scooty, a gift from her badepapa; picked some fresh flowers and began driving towards his college which was almost an hour away from her place of stay.

She reached the main campus and drove right in. It was a pretty chill medical college with a hospital too so nobody enquired much about her. She was wearing a pink crop top and white pants. She removed the crease on the fabric and adjusted her sling back across her body. She held the flowers and walked towards the college area.

Akshara was getting slightly nervous due to the looks she was getting from some people. Most ignored her. She asked some people about Abhimanyu and one of them was kind enough let her know about the canteen where he had spotted him. She walked towards the area and felt a familiar feeling hit her- Abhimanyu was close by! A smile automatically graced her lips and she walked inside the colourful place with a bouquet.

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

Abhimanyu was sitting back in his seat. He heard his friends talk half-interested. He'd rather utilize his free time to study or talk to Akshara. This did not seem like a productive use of his time and she had been acting strange lately. He was worried for her. Suddenly, a feeling of calm spread over him and his heart started beating fast. He touched his heart and got confused. This feelings wasn't new to him but he always got it when she was around. Impossible!

He felt her before he saw her. She stood a few steps away from him. She did not want to embarrass him in front of his friends so she controlled and spoke softly.

Akshara: Abhi?

Abhimanyu suspicion cleared and he turned. His friends stopped too. They'd never heard anyone call him Abhi before. He hated that. His roommate knew right away that the girl was Akshara. Specially, by the way Abhimanyu sprang off his seat.

While she was worried and held herself back thinking about his reputation, he cared of nothing when he saw her. It had been long- last time he saw her was at Parth's wedding almost two years ago. He ran and hugged her close. Her feet dangled in the air as he picked her up to his level. She got shocked at first but then her giggles filled the silent canteen. Everyone was shocked. In all the years that Abhimanyu had stayed there, they had never seen him smile like that or stood so close to another person.

Abhimanyu: Akshu!!!! Wow!!!....oh wow!!!

He was smiling ear to ear. He set her on her feet and held her face in his large hands.

Abhimanyu: what a surprise!! I love it!

Akshara: thank god! I thought tumhare college aa to rahi hoon pr kahin...

Aditya: Hello Ji ma'am, judging by his reaction- you must be Akshara...Akshu?

Akshara nodded while Abhimanyu realized the public display of affection that he had bestowed upon the people. Abhimanyu introduced her to his friends quickly before leaving with her. She handed him the flowers on the way. He smelled the bouquet and grabbed her hand in his before leaving.

Friend 1: Oye, Adi? Ye Abhimanyu ki gf hai?

Aditya: Bola toh nahi yr, ho bhi skti hai...roz baat krta hai isse...but you know him na, zyada personal talks nahi krta...

Friend 2: Ruby to jal ke khakh ho jayegi...

Friend 3: Ho jayegi nahi, ho gayi! Dekh na peeche wali table pr hi toh baithi hai...

They all turn to see a sour looking girl who left hastily.

Ruby: Kon thi ye chuhiya!? Kahin iski wajah se hi toh Abhi baby mujhe reject nahi krta? Lol, no way! Ye toh bacchii si hai...so tiny! Not even a real woman!

While the people were recovering from the shock of seeing Abhimanyu so cheerful and so close to a girl, Abhira were in there own world. Abhimanyu took her to his room and enquired about this sudden visit. He was pleasantly shocked when he realized she had moved so close to him but was horrified when he realized she drove a scooty to his college. He scolded her before cuddling with her. She sang him a song while he slept in her arms. He woke up later and they walked to the cafe. They chatted about her new college and Abhimanyu drove her back to her hostel.

She insisted that she'd leave on her own but he would not have any of it. So he dropped her off and then booked himself a cab. They stood outside her hostel- waiting.

Abhimanyu: Akshu, waise I'm super glad tum itna pass aa gayi..

Akshara: yes, and I also know tum alsi doctor bs banne hi wale ho so busy rahoge...but...but its nice to know you'll be close by..

Abhimamyu nodded.

Abhimanyu: Look, my cab is here. Bye Akshu...

He kissed her cheek and she hugged him.

Akshara: Bye Abhi...

...........

Months flew by. Akshara was adjusting to a new environment while Abhimanyu was in final year of his MBBS. Both were busy but did make it a point to meet every one in a while. Their friendship as blooming to a different relationship. Both were slowly falling more and more for the other. Abhimanyu began seeing how Akshara was his perfect partner. His friends also commented how she bought a completely different person out of him.

..........

Presently, Akshara had finished her second semester exams. The college had a break before 2 year began. The hostel was almost vacant but she stayed back. The reason was Abhimanyu. His final exams were still being conducted. After that, there was a party for the leaving batch. He was also going to get awarded there as the best student. Abhimanyu had asked her to be his plus one at the party.

Hence, she stayed back and spend the four days buying the perfect dress. Abhimanyu called her as soon as his finals ended. He drove to the city and they celebrated with a dinner. Post that, they went for ice cream upon Akshara's insistence. Then, he dropped her at the hostel.

Abhimanyu: Akshu, tum jao. Mai bhi jata hoon..

Akshara: Sambhal kr jaana Abhi...

Abhimanyu: Haan...

They heard thunder at a distance.

Akshara: lgta hai barish hone wali hai...

Abhimanyu: haan, I should hurry...

Akshara: or...you could stay here...

Abhimanyu was a little torn but Akshara explained how hostel was almost empty and no one would care. They parked his bike properly. She sneaked him inside and as soon as they reached her room, they heard heavy droplets against the glass.

Abhimanyu: great decision!

Akshara: I know!!...decision kiska tha...

Abhimanyu: Oh hello!

Akshara: Hi!

She poked his cheek and giggled. He melted and forgot what he had to say.

Akshara: waise tum kya pehne wale ho kl?

Abhimanyu: kapde...?

Akshara: Uff...

Abhimanyu: waise ab mai alsi ka doctor ban chukka hoon Gharelu doctor...bachpan se jo ye nakli doctor ka stamp laga tha mujhpr, usse mita diya maine...

Akshara: mere liye tum humesha se docman hi they Abhi....I...I lo-

His phone rang. He gave her an apologetic look and picked it up. It was his friend enquiring about him since it was late and raining. Abhimanyu told him about his stay arrangements. Then, his friend asked him to come tomorrow as that will be their last day together. Day after was the party and people would start leaving. Abhimanyu agreed and turned to see Akshara missing.

Abhimanyu: Akshu?

Abhimanyu knocked the bathroom empty but the room was locked from inside. He got confused and looked around. He saw her in the balcony.

Abhimanyu: Ye Akshu bhi na...

He opened the door.

Abhimanyu: Akshu? Andr aao, thand lg jayegi...

He saw her bent over. The rain was hitting her back and causing her chikankari dress to become a little see through.

Abhimanyu: Akshu?

Akshara: shh, Abhi look...

She made him see two baby pigeons.

Akshara: Barish dekhr mujhe yaad aya ki meri balcony me dono baby birds hai. Lgta hai inki mumma nahi aayi hai aur barish me inke nest bhi neeche aa gaya. Thank god they are okay but the rain is hitting them hard...

She had got a small box and layered it with hand towels to make the bottom soft. She put the birds inside it and carefully bought them in. She dabbed them with tissues and put two cups with water and crumbs.

Abhimanyu leaned against the wall and saw her as she dedicated herself to the care of the birds. She herself had gotten wet and her dress was clinging her body but she paid it no mind.

Abhimanyu: Kitni pyaari ko tum Akshu...koi kaise pyaar na kare tumse?

He bit his lips at the admission. Thankfully, she had not heard. The last thing he wanted was to spoil their friendship. But he also knew that he wanted her in his life- not just as a forever friend- but a lover, a partner. He wanted to date her, be her boyfriend and eventually marry her. However, he wanted to ask her out in the best way possible, a way she'd deserve. He took a towel from her chair and headed towards her. The moment he put the towels on her wet hair, she turned to face him.

Abhimanyu: You took care of the bird's baby. Now, let me take care of my baby.

Akshara blushed at he helped dry her hair. She excused herself and changed into a dry night suit while gathered ingredients from her cupboard to make coffee in the kettle. They sipped coffee cuddling near the window and looking at the rain. Later, Abhimanyu settled on her roommate's bed as she had already left for home and she slept in her own bed.

Later that night, Abhimanyu felt his sheets rise. He half-opened his eyes to see Akshara with her eyes closed. She was getting in.

Akshara: I cold..

He scooted a little and let her get inside the sheets with them. She hugged him tight and settled in his warmth. She was cold and Abhimanyu gathered her in his arms- helping her fall asleep. He kissed her nose and slept too.

The next day, Abhimanyu woke up to a ticking sound. He rubbed his eyes and saw the faint light come in from the window. The baby birds were making slight noise and another bird was hitting the window with its beak. Abhimanyu carefully got out of bed- immediately missing her warm body against him. He picked up the box and put it in the balcony. He closed the door and saw the reunion with a smile.

He ordered some breakfast and freshened up. Then he woke Akshara up. She bought the food which they ate together and then she helped him sneak out of her hostel.

Abhimanyu returned to his hostel and spend the day with his friends. He also spoke to some of his professors. In the evening, he was sitting with his friends in the campus garden reminiscing the past years when Ruby approached him.

Ruby: Hi Abhi...

Aditya: Besharmi ki hadd hi hai....Abhimanyu naam hai uska...

Abhimanyu: rehne de bro, kuch logon ko samajh hi nahi ata...and you Miss Ruby, for the last time I am Abhimanyu. It is that or don't talk to me. Personally, I prefer the later.

Ruby was embarrassed that he spoke to her in that manner. She tried to act cool and shrug it off.

Ruby: Hahaha tum bhi na...Abhi-manyu...Mai to utla tumhare kaam hi baat krne aayi thi. I know you don't have a plus one for the party so..

Abhimanyu: You don't have to worry about that. Now, leave. I want to spend time with my friends.

Ruby: arey but I spoke with the girls, no one is your plus one so...

Aditya: so? None of your business...bro, hum sb hi chalte hai..

He muttered chipku churail as they all stood and left. Ruby felt insulted and went to look for the girl who was Abhimanyu's plus one but sadly none of the girls from the hostel admitted.

Ruby: (to her friend) nahi bolti toh kya hua? Kl toh saath dikh hi jayegi, chodungi nahi mai..

.........

Akshara got down the cab and paid the driver. She wore a simple, body hugging dress as it was a formal event and this is the most formal she had. Her heels clicked against the floor and she stepped forward.

Abhimanyu: Oye!

Akshara turned and forgot to breathe as she saw the sight of Abhimanyu in a formal suit. He stood near her and snapped. She shook her head and smiled.

Abhimanyu: mai yahin tha, tum kahan jaa rahi thi?

Akshara: I didn't see you...waise you look...um..wow...

Abhimanyu: arey arey....kya baat hai....

He linked their arms together.

Aditya: Abhimanyu, ek second robes to lekr ate hai na...

Abhimanyu: convocation thodi hai bhai...

Aditya: haan pr baad me sb ho ya na ho, isliye pictures click karenge sb..

Abhimanyu: kya?

Akshara: Abhi, you go...It will be fun...

Abhimanyu: You sure..

Akshara nodded.

Abhimanyu: mai aya abhi...

A few minutes pass and a junior came to Akshara.

Junior: Ma'am, I am from second year and a volunteer. My name is Rohan.

Akshara: Hi...you can call me Akshara. I am also in second year...but a different course...so yeah...

Rohan: (smiles) Hi Akshara.

He noticed Ruby glare behind him and remembered why he was there.

Rohan: Aap Abhimanyu sir ki plus one hai na, please auditorium me chaliye...Sir wahin milenge...

Akshara, being the innocent naive person, trusted him. she walked with him. Rohan found her pleasant and polite. He reached the hallway where he was supposed to bring her when out of nowhere he saw two girl push Akshara in a room and lock it.

Rohan: hey!!? Why-

Girl 1: We are your seniors Rohan, shut up!

Rohan: This is wrong. Ruby Ma'am ne mujhe sirf Akshara Ma'am ko yahan lane kaha tha...she did not mention all this.

Ruby: So? Is it compulsory to tell the pawn about the plan? Go Rohan or else I will tell my father, the HOD to make your life hell for your remaining years.

Rohan left in a hurry. He could hear Akshara shouts for help. She even took his name. He felt guilt well up his eyes. He had no expected this!

Ruby: Badi aayi thi Abhi ki plus one banne. Ye chuhiya to badi tez nikli, but anyways, ye party me nahi hogi and I'll approach Abhi..

Girl 2: But won't he wonder what happened to her?

Girl 1: what if she calls him?

Ruby: Arey iss wing ka network sbse weak hai...wifi ki bhi range nahi hai...moreover, andr jo cheeze padi hai na...unhe dekhr iska dr aur thand ke maare jo haal hoga, Abhi to kya, kissi doctor ke baare me nahi sochegi...

She left with her minions.

...........

Elsewhere, Abhimanyu came and saw her missing. He called her but it did not connect. On the other hand, Akshara was getting scared seeing all the animals and organisms in the glass tubes which was filled with some liquid. She was easily scared of such things. This was one of the reasons she never wanted to take science after 10. She was petrified of her school's biology lab and the one she was currently trapped in was more advanced. She was skeleton in a corner. The temperature of the lab was very low and she was freezing in her sleeveless dress.

Akshara rubbed her hands together and tried the door again but it was shut. She found no other exit. She tried to call but got no reception.

Akshara: ab mai kya karun?!?!?!....Nahi, I should not panic. Abhi mujhe dhoond hi lega, mai nahi dikhaungi toh vo shant thodi baithega?....but, mai kya karu???

She was getting scared of the skeletons and the organisms surrounding her were not helping her calm down either. She saw a cloth on a table and thought to cover herself with it. She lifted it up and screamed loudly. It was a man! A dead man.

Akshara felt faint.

.........

Abhimanyu was running towards the halls with Rohan who had confessed to him when he found Abhimanyu searching for Akshara. He heard her scream and increased his pace. He entered the room so she her panicking on the floor. Without thinking anything, he ran and sank on the floor next to her grabbed her to his chest.

Abhimanyu: Akshu?!?! Sb thik hai baba...Akshu, look at me!!

She was shivering and he began rubbing her arms.

Abhimanyu: Akshu, calm down na, please...dekho mai aa gaya hoon, your docman is here.

Akshara: Abhiiii....bo-body...Abhiiii....

She was breathing hard.

Abhimanyu: Akshu its not real...dummy hai, real aise nahi padi hoti...sun rahi ho na...

Akshara however was in too deep. Her panic was rising. Abhimanyu lifted her off the floor and carried her outside.

Rohan: I am so so sorry-

Abhimanyu: You can go Rohan. Tell my friends we'll be down soon..

He pulled her into an empty classroom which was warmer. He sat and pulled Akshara into his lap.

Akshara: Abhi vo-waha vo...

Abhimanyu: It is not good for you...accha hum, hum with me....

The music too failed to bring Akshara out of her misery. She had spend the last hour trapped inside a cold classroom with scary objects and her heart was still thumping. She had also heard Ruby and her friends call her names before leaving. All that was ringing in her ears. Abhimanyu saw her trembling in his arms with a faraway look in his eyes .

Abhimanyu: sorry love-

He smashed his lips onto hers. All thoughts that she had flew out the moments her lips met his. She melted in that moment. Abhimanyu felt her cold, unresponsive lips but his kissed her with all his love and care. He felt her kiss him back after a few seconds and smiled into the kiss. He broke it and rested their heads together.

Abhimanyu: Akshu?

Akshara: Abhi...you....this...

She had tears in her eyes and got up from his arms. She ran away from him- leaving him guilty and shocked.

Abhimanyu: Akshu, wait..

He ran after her.

Abhimanyu: (in mind) I am sorry Akshu, I got lost in the moment but I will beg you if I have too. I cannot let my friend leave me though.

Akshara: ( in mind) why did you do this Abhi? I don't want your pity kiss? Does this not mean anything to you? I- ..It was like a dream come true for me but does it even matter anything to you...

He grabbed her arms and turned her. His heart twisted at he saw the tears in her eyes.

Abhimanyu: I am sorry Akshu..

Akshara: leave my hand Abhi...

Abhimanyu: I am sorry Akshu, I shouldn't have kissed you like that, I should controlled my feelings. I-

Akshara: Damn right! You should have-..wait!..what feelings?

Abhimanyu: I...I love you Akshu. I have loved you for a while now. I...

He saw tears in her eyes and misunderstood them.

Abhimanyu: I understand if you don't feel the same but I don't want to lose you over this, please....I don't care of you don't lo-

Akshara did not let him complete his sentence as she jumped on him. Her arms crossed around his neck and he held her waist, feeling surprised.

Akshara: I love you too docman!! I thought you didn't feel for me and this kiss meant nothing to you when it meant everything to me...I love you Abhi, I love you...

She pulled out of his arms and saw a huge grin on his face. This time, she initiated the kiss. Their lips moved together. Her hands were clutching his arms while his were circling her waist. They kissed for a while before breaking away. Abhimanyu's phone was ringing. He picked it up.

Abhimanyu : (huffs) Yeah?

Aditya: kahan hai yr? Shuru hone wale hai function. Tujhe award milna hai...

Abhimanyu: bs aa raha hoon...

Aditya: Jldi...

His eyes studied the blush on Akshara and her heaving chest as he answered the call. As soon he cut the call, he lifted her hands to his lips and kissed the back of it.

Akshara: what does this mean for us?

Abhimanyu: whatever you want it to...

He winked and entwined their fingers. Slowly, they made their way towards the auditorium hand in hand, smiling ear to ear.

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

.....The end.....

Unedited- 2/11/22

xoxo