Story 1: A Cinderella Story (part 2)

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A/N: There are some questions at the end of the chapter. It would be of great help if you readers give them a thought. 

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Abhimanyu was rubbing his palms to kept the cold out. He was dressed in common clothes and was waiting for Akshara but when he did not find her, he felt disappointed.

Abhimanyu: Vo apni roz wali jagah gaana gaane gayi hogi.....thik bhi hai. Why will she trust a man she only met twice?

He turned towards the dark alley that led to the shady neighborhood where she usually sang.

Abhimanyu: kya majburi hogi iski jo ye aisi jagah akr gaati hai, vo bhi iss time?

He wondered and started to walk towards the alley when he saw a shadow move. His hand quickly went to the dagger that he kept hidden under his robes and got cautious. As the shadow walked closer, he realized it had to be his mystery singer. It was short and covered under a cape- Yep! Had to be her.

Abhimanyu: You!

Akshara: me!

Abhimanyu: Where is your horse?

Akshara: That poor thing? He was sick today. He is old you see...

Abhimanyu: So you walked all the way here!!!

Akshara: Hmm, it is not that far...

She stood in front of him. Truth be told, she had not expected him to turn up. She thought he was playing games with her. The entire day she had thought about him and wondered why someone would offer her a generous amount of money to sing when they could pay her less. Yet, something in her told her she could trust him. So, the ever so cautious girl who tactfully handled the mean people as she sang at night, walked towards this known stranger in a dark alley.

Akshara: So...

Abhimanyu: So?

Akshara: Were you truthful yesterday or did I decline my source of income for nothing....

Abhimanyu processed her words and realized what she meant. He felt elated.

Abhimanyu: YES!! I mean no you did not decline it for nothing and yes, my offer stands..

Akshara: okay then...But I got rules...

Abhimanyu: Rules?

Akshara: Yes. No personal questions, my cape stays on and I cannot stay longer than 1 hour. I used to perform there for 2 hours but since I don't have my horse today, I'll need to walk back and that cuts down my time.

Abhimanyu: No issues...

He was all smiles. He wanted to hear her music again. Her voice soothed him. There was something else too. He was curious about her. Why did she do what she did? A part of him was also glad she accepted his offer and now would be away from that unsafe place.

Akshara: Chalo, then what do you want to hear? Which song?

Abhimanyu: Hmm....wait, not here...at the back of this dark alley. Come with me..

He walked away and she followed. Soon, they reached the outskirts and stopped near the field she had guided him to the day she had met him.

Akshara: You are not some serial killer, are you?

Abhimanyu: What? (laughs) why do you think that?

Akshara: Just because... (shrugs) I heard they are very handsome and lure women alone to kill them...

Abhimanyu: You think I am handsome.....interesting...

Akshara: (rolls her eyes) Ofcourse this is all you hear.....Where to?

Abhimanyu: I found a place here in the morning...wait.

He walked her towards an abandoned wooden hut in the middle of the field.

Abhimanyu: Nice right?

Akshara: Exactly where a serial killer might take a victim.

She said. He could hear the smile in her light tone. She sat down on a block of wood while he took to the floor. He looked at her, itching to see the person underneath the cape.

Abhimanyu: sing!

Akshara: Tumhi batao...Kya gaun?

Abhimanyu: 'Piya toh se naina lage re...'

Akshara went numb for a second.

Abhimanyu: vo, meri maa ka favourite gana hai...

Akshara: (mutters) Meri maa ka bhi favourite tha, papa roz gaate they..

Abhimanyu: Kya?

Akshara: nothing...

She took a deep breath and sang the song. Abhimanyu got lost in the melody and was in awe. She finally ended the song and he broke into big claps.

Abhimanyu: Are you professionally trained?

Akshara: No...

Abhimanyu: wow! Could have fooled me!

She laughed.

Abhimanyu: Ab kuch apna favourite gao na...

Akshara closed her eyes and sang the first song that came to her mind. Lag jaa gale...

Akshara sang a few more songs before pulling a pocket watch out of her skirt.

Abhimanyu: hey! That looks old. Where did you get it?

Akshara: (quickly kept it back) My father.

Abhimanyu: He has good taste. That is a good watch...

Akshara nodded. Her eyes getting a little moist.

Akshara: I should go in a while. Any other songs?

Abhimanyu: Pr tum already kitna gaa chuki ho...

Akshara: I sing more usually...

She shrugged as if it was usual for her but he felt bad for her.

Abhimanyu: Kyu pr?

Akshara: I-I..vo...(stands up) I said no personal questions...

Abhimanyu: Okay baba sorry...please sit...personal nahi puchunga pr abhi aur mt gaao...jaane se pehle ek gaana suna dena pr abhi kuch aur baat kr skte hai na...personal nahi puchunga...come on! Accha ek kaam krte hai...tum mujhse bhi puch skti ho...kuch toh jaana hoga mere baare me...

He crossed his fingers, hoping she'd agree. He did not know why he was so curious about her. Why did she intrigue him so much? But she did and he was enjoying her company even without seeing her face. Akshara slowly nodded and he let out a sigh of relief.

Akshara: Why did you propose this arrangement? Tum mujhe free me sun skte they..

Abhimanyu: That neighbourhood is unsafe.

Akshara: I have been tackling it fine. Why do you care?

Her tone wasn't condescending or mad. She was genuinely confused why he cared.

Abhimanyu: Tch tch...Nope! My turn. Wait for yours..

Akshara: (giggles) Okay..

Abhimanyu: You sing so well! Any other thing that you like?

Akshara: that is what you want to know?!

Abhimanyu: You said no personal questions so...

Akshara was surprised he respected that but very glad too. She thought what she liked doing the most and recalled how her father would bring her books when she was younger.

Akshara: I like to read..

Abhimanyu: Sweet! Anything you are reading currently?

Akshara closed her eyes recalling how since her father's demise, she hadn't been outside the house unless it is to sneak out and earn for herself.

Akshara: My turn...

Abhimanyu: Right...

Akshara: where are you from?

Abhimanyu: The neighbouring kingdom... 

They chatted for a while before Akshara realised she overstayed and ran away. Abhimanyu said he'd walk her since it was dark but she refused and told him she'd come to this place tomorrow too. He ran after her.

Akshara: No nee-

Abhimanyu forwarded her some money.

Abhimanyu: Your money. I promised right.

Akshara was stunned. She just forgot to take the money for which she had started the whole night time sneaking out in the first place. She had enjoyed his company so much that it skipped her mind that why she was there. She took the money and left.

...........

The next day Akshara was shocked when Abhimanyu bought her a book. She had held one after so many years! She was smiling through her cape and said she could not accept this but he insisted. She sang for him but there was something different that day. Her voice was heavy with emotions. She had received something she liked for the first time since her father died!

This continued for a few days. Akshara would come to the hut and sing for Abhimanyu before talking with him. He would often bring her things- books, sweets. She also hid away portions of meals she prepared for Sirat and Arohi, bringing some for him. He was bowled over the first time he ate the pie she made. He had praised her the entire time making her blush.

Akshara had no one to really talk to since a long time. She entire day she worked without break for her step family and at night, she worked to save money for herself. No one had asked her things and Abhimanyu was the first person in a long time.

For him, it was refreshing. He had many people and most were always buttering him up. He was a prince and all his life, people bowed down to him. It was refreshing indeed to have someone talk to him and treat him as just a person and not a title. Rohan kept asking him about the holdup and that they should return but Abhimanyu would refuse. He knew it was for the singer and that Abhimanyu was slowly falling for her without realizing it himself. 

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All this while, Sirat also started to notice changes in Akshara. She seemed happier and that was evident by the glow on her face. It wasn't earlier but now she started to look happier day by day. She even caught her humming as she scrubbed the floor.

Sirat: Kuch toh hua hai? I must find out....

Akshara cleaned the stables and touched her horse's ears.

Akshara: Finally you are in good health toh aaj apko saath lekr jaana hoga...

She petted her horse and smiled to herself.

Akshara: I have enough money saved up too. I will probably leave soon. Pr phir apka kya hoga? Usse de doon? He gives me money every night to sing only for him so he must be comfortable enough to look after a horse, right? Kyunki yahan toh koi tumhari care karega nahi aur mai saath le jaa nahi paungi...

The horse huffed. She hugged him.

Akshara: Ye kya usse-usse lga rakha hai maine? Kitni bewakoof hoon, naam tk nahi puchi...aaj puch hi lungi...

That night she rode her horse to reach the hut and saw Abhimanyu waiting outside. She smiled and got down the horse. Then she remembered he cannot see her face so she said 'Hi'

Abhimanyu: Hi..I see he is all well now..

Akshara: Yes...

Abhimanyu: Chale andr? Bring him in too...It is cold..

She was about to step inside when Rohan came running at them.

Rohan: Sir!! Sir!!

Abhimanyu: Kya hua?

Rohan: You need to come, It is urgent. It is your uncle...

Abhimanyu looked at Akshara who nodded at him. He ran before stopping and running back to her. He held her hand. Her dainty fingers slipped between his big ones.

Abhimanyu: I will come back here. I promise okay.

Akshara: I know ...Take care...

Abhimanyu nodded at her, his promise shining through his eyes. He ran away with Rohan, leaving his heart with her but maybe at that time- even he did not realise it. Akshara went home that night with the horse and kept him at the stable. As she turned she found Arohi standing with her arms crossed , glaring at her.

Arohi: Mumma!!!!!

Arohi brought Sirat .

Arohi: Dekhiye Mumma, ye itni raat ko bahar jaati hai, admiyon se milti hai. Ye hai iski khushi ka raaz? Soch rahe they na aap? Aur dekhiye mujhe iske kamre se kya milla hai.....

She showed Sirat the books and money.

Akshara: Those are mine!!!

She tried to snatch it back but the two pushed her back and Arohi hit her hard.

Sirat: Beshrm ladki! Kahan mu kala krti hai jo ye sb...chi!!

Akshara stood up.

Akshara: My father did not know how mean you are. Wrna vo sb kuch apke naam kabhi nahi likhte...

Sirat and Arohi gave each other a look.

Arohi: pr ab toh likh diya na....you cannot do anything about it...

Akshara: I know I cannot but THAT is my hard earned money and MINE!!

Sirat: Hume kya pata kaise mehnat ki hai tune...

Arohi: Maine iska peecha kiya tha mumma...vo jo purani field hai na, wahan ek admi se milli ye hut ke bahar...phir koi doosra aya aur usse le gaya...

Sirat: cheap!! He pays you???

Akshara: He pays me to sing!!!...I sing for him..

Sirat: tune kaha aur humne maan liya...hain na? Ye galat kaam se aya paisa hume nahi chahiye...kl hi daan kr aaungi...

Sirat took all her money despite her protests and Arohi felt accomplished.

Arohi: You will never be able to leave so it would be better if you get on to the things you can do..like clean.

Akshara went to her room which in the basement and cried. Cried at her ill fate and loss.

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Sirat and Arohi spent away Akshara's money on new dresses. They taunted Akshara and overburdened her with work. Sirat also kept a more watchful eye on her now and gave her very little to eat. Akshara was losing weight and hope. She knew he might return but he cannot wait there forever! If she doesn't meet him soon, he will eventually stop waiting.

Meanwhile, Abhimanyu met his uncle Anandvardhan who had fallen sick. He said that he wants to crown Abhimanyu soon and as per kingdom rules, Abhimanyu must be married. So they were going to host a ball for him to meet his match.

Abhimanyu was instantly reminded of his mystery singer. The girl he never saw. He felt foolish that he never even got her name. His own feelings were shocking him. The next day, Harshvardhan and his wife Manjiri came as well. They met Anand and Abhimanyu. Manjiri was excited that Abhimanyu would marry son too. Neil was already married and ruling their kingdom. Abhimanyu gave her a nod and left.

He returned to the hut that night but Akshara never came. He got worried but there wasn't much that he could do. He waited a whole week before returning to the palace, now gloomy and sad. The endless waiting had made him realize his love for her but also broke him as he did not know how to find her. He was really stupid as she had said, he did not even get her name!

One day, his parents called Rohan as they had noticed Abhimanyu's sadness. Rohan told them about the singer with whom Abhimanyu had spent a lot of time and her disappearance. They decided to look for her for Abhimanyu's sake and happiness.

Rohan: We never saw her but saw the area she would run off too...I think we can search that area well.

They nodded and Rohan set out with royal guards to find Abhimanyu's mystery singer. The news soon spread like wildfire than Royal guards were looking for a girl that sings really well. They came to Kaira's house and Arohi looked outside the window.

Arohi: Mumma! these men! Usme jo beech me hai na....vo uss raat tha jb ye Akshara ko maine dekha tha wahan hut ke bahar...yahi aya tha uss doosre ladke ko lene...

Akshara was shocked and peeped outside. Royal Guards!? Rohan was a royal guard!?

Sirat pulled her back.

Sirat: Kya manjra hai ye??

Akshara was shocked while Arohi tried connecting the dots.

Arohi: Mumma!! Kahin ye jinke liye gaati thi vo koi royal toh nahi tha....ya court ka important admi...market me bhi log baat kr rahe they ki guards ek ladki ko doondh rahe jo accha gaati hai...

Akshara felt numb. Abhimanyu never told her about any royal ties. But again, she never told him anything about herself either. She never even showed him her face. She stood up to meet those men.

Sirat: (pulls her back) where the hell you are going??

Akshara: Outside!

Sirat: Aru! Stop her.

They caught her arms and she tried to put up a fight. Arohi picked up a lamp and hit her head. Akshara fainted. 

Sirat: Ye kya kiya?

Arohi: aur kya rasta tha?

Sirat: isse kuch ho gaya toh?

Arohi: Chill, nahi hoga...aur hua bhi toh abhi humari kismat waise bhi badalne wali hai....ab bs inka vo cape laa do mujhe...

Sirat: Tu kya soch rahi hai?

Arohi mutters something in Sirat's ears. She smirks as Sirat's eyes widen. The mother-daughter duo giggle.

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Rohan had been knocking the door for a while now.

Rohan: No one is responding, let us leave. (to himself) Mujhe laga tha yahan mill jayegi pr shyd vo aur bhi door ki area se aati hogi

He was about to leave when the door opened. He turned, surprised before a huge smile broke on his face.

Rohan: You!!

He recognised the cape anywhere.

Arohi: Yes, I recognised you too.

Rohan thought she sounded different and asked who all stayed with her. She said she lived with her mother and father's old horse. Rohan saw the same horse at the stable and was satisfied. He took Arohi to the palace.

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Abhimanyu was looking outside the window. He had to look at the state affairs as his uncle was sick.

Abhimanyu: Once Uncle is well enough to handle things, I'll come look for you. I will scan the whole kingdom I promise.

Manjiri: Abhi?

Abhimanyu: Ji Maa...aap yahan? Koi kaam tha?

Manjiri: Kaam toh nahi tha pr tere kaam ki baat hai, koi aya hai tujhse milne...

She smiled and asked Rohan to come in. Abhimanyu frowned before his eyes landed on the familiar cape.

Abhimanyu: You! You found her!!

He ran to stand in front of his mystery singer.

Abhimanyu: Kahan chali gayi thi? Kyu nahi aayi hut ke pass? Maine kitne din wait kiya!!

He complained.

Abhimanyu: Tum thik toh ho na...

Arohi: (in mind) OMG!! He is the price. Mujhe lga koi badi post wala hoga but not this!!! Kya hath mara tha uss Akshara ne...

Arohi: Haan...

Abhimanyu frowned. He did not know her face but her knew her voice by heart and that was not it.

Abhimanyu: Your voice?

Arohi: yeah...(coughs) I am a little sick..

Abhimanyu: Why did you not tell me? Rohan call the doctor. Tum baitho....

Arohi sat .

Abhimanyu: I was going to look for you myself but mai bohot khush hoon tum mill gayi...I ..I...

He was at loss for words. He was elated. He had never liked someone so much, maybe even love.

Abhimanyu: Will you show me your face now?

He said softly. Arohi took off the cape and smiled at Abhimanyu.

Abhimanyu: (in mind) This is so strange. Her company was something I always craved so much, it made my heart flutter but now I feel nothing.

He returned the smile nonetheless.

Abhimanyu: Hello, I am Abhimanyu. I guess you figured that part already. What is your name?

Arohi: Arohi. It is a pleasure to me. Great honour.

Abhimanyu and Arohi sat their talking. Abhimanyu felt like he was talking to a different person altogether. Manjiri and Harshvardhan smiled looking at them. They felt accomplished that they found the girl their son was pining after.

Manjiri: We should talk to this girl's mother.

Harshvardhan: Yes, yes. Infact let us throw a ball tomorrow. I know short notice but let us celebrate. Bhaisahab bhi bimar rehne lage hai...he will be delighted to announce Abhimanyu as the crown prince of his throne.

Manjiri: I will get preparations started at once.

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Meanwhile, at Kaira's house.

Akshara woke up with an awful headache. She looked around and saw that she had been thrown into her basement room which only had one window near the vent. The light was ample which meant it was afternoon

Akshara: Mtlb un guards ko gaye zyada der nahi hui hogi...

She held her head in her hand and moved towards her door to find it locked. She banged the door and tried to open it but couldn't. Sirat heard these noises and came to open her door.

Sirat: Uth gayi maharani!!!

Akshara: You! You hit me! You stole my money too....those guards are here for me...you...

Sirat: are??? You stupid child. They were here yesterday. Now my Arohi has taken your place. That dumb prince did not even know the difference...

Akshara: wh-what? Ho-w??

Sirat: doesn't matter...

Akshara: yes it does...He'll know...I am sure...he'll know...when he requests her to sing...

Sirat: about that...You don't worry...Aru said she has a bad throat and they will get married soon. By the time he will realize anything, they'll be one...

Sirat laughed and dragged Akshara upstairs where Arohi was sitting with rich gifts. She asked Akshara to help Arohi get ready for the ball where Abhimanyu will announce Arohi as his beloved. Akshara's heart broke but somewhere she was sure he would know it is not her.

Arohi: Chalo jaldi haath chalo...curl my hair...

Akshara saw a flower pot and emptied it on her head.

Akshara: You should go natural...

Arohi: YOU!!! MUMMA!!! LOOK...

She began howling.

Sirat: haye meri bacchii...Akshara!!!!!!!....Aru ro mt beta, mai sb thik kr dungi...abhi time km hai...ek baar tu queen ban gayi na toh isse acche se maza chakhana...ro mt meri bacchii...sabash!

Arohi cries dies down to sobs. Sirat dragged Akshara and locked her back in the basement. Akshara tried to pick at the lock but all in vain. Sirat and Arohi got ready. Royal carriage arrived and took them to palace.

Akshara: Mumma ...Papa...

She sat down on the floor feeling dejected and bad. Sirat and Arohi had always looked down upon her. When her father was alive, things were better but now her life felt hopeless.

Akshara: Humesha mere saath ye kyu hota hai....I try to find my way out, find better things everything....I saved money to get away from here...vo bhi unhone le liye...itna kaam krke, apni neend sacrifice krke...uss jagah kaam kiya taaki paise jod saku...

She prayed to her parents to help her when she heard neighing. She looked out and saw her father's horse was out of its stable.

Akshara: Ye yaha-

She did not get much time to think when the horse kicked it hoofs and broke down the window vent.

Akshara: You've come to help me!! Right! abhi bhi zyada kuch bigra nahi hai...I can sort this out....

She looked around. Her room did not have much but she saw a cupboard and pushed it towards the vent. She somehow climbed it and pulled herself out of the vent. She climbed out and shook the dirt off her dress and ran fingers through her messy hair. The horse huffed near her hand which was slightly bleeding.

Akshara: Don't worry. I am okay.

She looked up at the sky and thanked her parents. After all life has unique ways of helping one out. A fairy God mother need not be magical fairy but maybe the spirit of your parents that looks out for you. She climbed the horse and made her way towards the palace, full speed.

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

The Palace was decorated beautifully. Everyone in the kingdom was invited. They donned their best outfits and made way to the palace. There was music, dance and food. Everyone was excited and in a great mood. They were dying to see the next heir seeing their king was childless. They were also excited to know the girl that won the heir's heart.

Arohi was standing in the middle of it all. Proud. Sirat spoke with Manjiri and kept highlighting what a gem Arohi was which honestly, started to irk Manjiri. Abhimanyu was standing in the far corner. Something was amiss but he could not point it out. Arohi had recognized Rohan. Rohan also saw the horse at her house and she even had the cape but even then, things did not feel the same. It was not just the voice, the feelings he always got were now all gone.

Suddenly, his ears perked up. He felt like he heard something.

Harshvardhan: Abhimanyu beta...I have been observing you. You don't like Arohi then tell us? Abhi tk announcement nahi hui hai.... There are many other girls her-

Abhimanyu: Shh....father...one second...

He closed his eyes and tried to hear again. He opened his eyes and went towards the musicians and made them stop playing. People were surprised as the music suddenly stopped.

Harshvardhan: What are you-

He stopped talking as the music resumed but now it was a faint singing voice of a girl which was coming from outside. He turned and Abhimanyu was already rushing out.

Abhimanyu: Ye....ye wahi awaz hai...

He ran outside and saw a girl singing his mother's favourite song. The horse he recognized was standing behind her. She smiled as if feeling his presence and opened her moist eyes. He felt like he had been sucked. This was her! the real her!!

Akshara smiled. The guards had tried stopping her saying she wasn't dressed well enough for the occasion. When they did not let her in despite her protest, she retorted to her last resort, she sang! The music that once pulled him to her could do it again. She was sure. She smiled at him broadly as he ran towards and dropped to her feet.

Akshara: (drops down as well) what are you doing!?? You are the prince!!

Abhimanyu: I am nobody..koi nahi hoon tumhare aage...

His parents looked out along with the rest of the kingdom as the prince went on one knee and they were sure, the simple girl standing in front of him was the one- his princess.!

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

Akshara's arrival bought Sirat and Arohi's scheming to light. They were duly punished. Akshara also realized that Sirat lied about her father's will. She took possession of her parents' belongings and resumed the education that had been once stopped.

Abhimanyu was announced the crown prince and took to royal duties. Later when he became the king, his wife and queen Akshara assisted him in those duties. Together they were fair, kind and the most loved rulers. They lived a long life together ruling their kingdom and raising their children. Their life had love, joy and just a hint of magic!

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

Did you like the story of Abhira beyond the basic set up of the show?

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If Abhira had a baby boy, what do you think would be a perfect name for him?

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If I write something about the current track. Do you want to read a story where Abhira are together at the end or Akshara does not forgive Abhimanyu?

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Thanking in advance for your responses. They'd be helpful in shaping future stories. 

xoxo