*Tik*

*Tik*

*Tik*

Akshara woke up due to the constant sound of small stones on her window. It took her very little time to get the sleep out of her system as she realized what was happening. There was only one person who could be doing this. A thief!

That was her natural response a few months ago but now she knew it different. It was Abhimanyu! Her Abhi. She quickly got out of bed and waved at him from her window. Abhimanyu saw her hands and lowered the catapult. Akshara tip-toed downstairs without making any noise and opened the front gate. She shivered as the night air hit her face and pulled Abhimanyu inside.

Abhimanyu: I could have climbed the window you know. There are plenty things to grab and your window is not that high.

Akshara: (whisper shouts) Shhh....(gestures him to follow her quietly) and no! that is too dangerous.

Once inside her room, she bolt it shut while he grabbed her blanket. His face was pink from standing out for so long.

Abhimanyu: What took you so long?

Akshara: I was sleeping...

She said as she rested against her head board and he kept his head on her lap. She slowly massaged his scalp and felt some tears against her ankle.

Akshara: That bad?

Abhimanyu: The worst!

Akshara let him lay in her lap and cry softly. She let his tears flow. To anyone, it would be strange. Why was a class 12 boy crying in the lap of a class 8 girl? She was in class 3 when she met him and he was in class 7. These five years for them had only seen ups. They are seen some good days, some bad but regardless of slow or fast, good or bad; there had only been positive growth in their friendship. They had been best friends through it all!

Akshara felt his tears seize and breathing become even. She knew he was falling asleep. She hummed his favourite song and recalled all their years of friendship.

Yaari, Teri Yaari
Chal Maana, iss baari
Saari, meri fikren, tere aage
Ake Haari...

.

(Akshara's flashbacks-All the years- growing up)

Initially every friend of his ignored her. They thought she was a random girl he had lunch with but then their friendship grew stronger. They'd meet for lunch and breaks. They found it weird. Why he was friends with her? He was four years older and she was just an annoying little kid. But he defended her every time someone told her to shoo off. She met his cousins- Neil, Parth, Anisha- who were all in the same school.

.

Soon the news of Abhimanyu's little friend had reached home. His father did not pay attention but passed a taunt that if he stayed with small kids, he'd never learn but Manjiri was happy. Abhimanyu would often cycle to her house and call her out to play. First few times, Akshara would slip out without getting noticed but one day Arohi saw her and complained that Akshara played with big boys. Swarna was worried so she met Abhimanyu but realized he doesn't play any games that hurt her granddaughter. They only played in the park. Akshara also begged for her to understand and Swarna had never seen that, so she agreed.

.

Later that year, she received a birthday invite for Abhimanyu's party. Arohi threw a tantrum because Manish would not let her go to a party where Akshara was the only invitee but Abhimanyu clearly only invited Akshara. He had never met Arohi. Akshara enthusiastically made Abhimanyu a card and went to buy presents with Suhasini. Arohi tore her card to bits and Akshara had cried about it. Suhasini hugged her and helped her make another one for him. This was the moment Suhasini realized Akshara was really attached to her friend.

The party went great and Abhimanyu was mostly by her side. So much so that his other friends ditched him and played without him but he did not care. He requested her to sing. He had heard her hum often and found it melodious. Akshara sang him a song, feeling very shy about it but his claps right after the song ended made it worth it. He also pasted her card inside his cupboard.

.

When Abhimanyu came for Akshara's party that year, he found it weird that Arohi was celebrating with her. Akshara told him that her little sister did not like it and cried so family celebrated for her too, to avoid drama in front of everyone. Abhimanyu gave her a gift, saying, loud enough, that it was only her birthday. He accidently helped Neil knock down Arohi's cake too. Arohi cried a river and tried to pull down the decorations but Anisha pulled her to a corner first and sat on her. Akshara was shocked and horrified but Abhimanyu told her it was necessary. Anisha told her that if she ever bullied Akshara again then Anisha will write 'no. 2 loser' on her face with a sharpie. Arohi stayed quietly in a corner after that till the Birlas left.

.

Every year after that, Abhimanyu broke his piggy bank on Akshara's birthday and took her out. She only cut a cake with her family during lunch but celebrated the day with him and his cousins. She would draw him cards and sing songs on his birthday. The would cycle together and sit near the lake for hours. At school, she would be his biggest cheerleader during sport events and science fair. He would cheer her to sing and explore her dancing talent too. They learned the truths of their families too. He made her accept that whatever happened to her step mother wasn't her fault and that Arohi was only manipulating her. Though her equation with Arohi never became better, it did help her case as Arohi also never developed a habit to exploit her. Akshara was too strong for that and Abhimanyu would never let her get manipulated.They would simply keep distance.

Akshara too understood the strange dynamics of Birla house. Abhimanyu was now a regular at her house. He would play chess with her badepapa and sit with Mimi when she would apply oil in her hair, waiting for his turn patiently. She would listen to him as he would tell her about his father and tauji-taiji. This was his genuine medicine- someone listening to his side of stories. His mother would listen too but he couldn't burden her more. Also, she'd never understand his contempt without explaining things to him. At times, you don't want justifications- you wanted someone to just listen.

Akshara would visit Manjiri often whenever she went to Birla house. He was a senior and had more homework than her so she would wait with Manjiri while he studied. Manjiri always wanted a daughter and got one in Akshara. They would cook and chat while he would rush through his homework.

.

Growing up, they held each other through tears and joy. It was habit for them- the purest friendship. Their different classes, ages and interests could never keep them away. When he got busy with his medical entrance tests, she started to explore music to keep her busy. They would make time, however less to meet but it never caused them to drift away.

.

Presently, Abhimanyu had slipped inside her room. He did this whenever Harshvardhan's constant yelling made him want to hurt something or someone. He was left with soul consuming anger that only she could pacify. Mahima would take her sister out of the room and he would slip away to see his therapist- his best friend in the whole world. His Akshu.

He fell asleep in her lap while she thought of all the past memories. Her eyes fell on the large photo frame on the wall. A collage of their pictures- a gift from him. She got emotional. Soon he would leave the school while she would have four more years of school. His farewell was tomorrow and she wasn't allowed to go as only class 11 and 12 attended it. She had made him a scrap book of memories but did not know when she would be able to give it to him.

Next day, they woke up as the sun rays through her window. She had fallen asleep as well. Usually they got up early morning and he left before anyone would be up.

Akshara: Oh no!! wait!! Don't panic.

Abhimanyu raised his brows.

Akshara: Right, you are not panicking..I am!..don't panic Akshu...Abhi tum ruko, mai neeche check krti hoon, rasta clear hoga to ishara karungi, then you can go...okay....

She peeped and saw Manish with a newspaper and Suhasini in the mandir.

Akshara: Difficult but possible....krna to padega hi...Abhi..

She peeped and saw him gone. She heard a small thud and ran to her window with eyes wide.

Akshara: Abhi!!

Abhimanyu turned and smiled.

Abhimanyu: Told you I could do it.

He waved her a goodbye and jumped over the fence behind which he had hid his bike- his class 10 present on which they had had countless rides.

Akshara got ready for school. She was distracted at school though. Her mind was going back to his farewell. She went to Birla house after school. She was riding with Abhimanyu, Neil and Anisha. The driver and Neil were upfront while she was sitting between Abhimanyu and Anisha.

Abhimanyu: Oye, ye kaise hue..

He noticed and poked a bruise on her knee. Akshara hissed and nodded.

Abhimanyu: dhyan kahan hai aaj tera?

Neil: She is sad bro!

Abhimanyu: Kyu?

Anisha: Kyunki aaj apka farewell hai...

Abhimanyu: Bs? Akshu mai nahi jaunga farewell me...problem solve. Ab smile karo...

Anisha: Uff bhai! Apko kuch nahi pta.

Neil: It's not about the party, it is about leaving.

Abhimanyu himself was avoiding this talk for months now. He wordlessly took Akshara into a side hug. She put her legs across his knees and cried softly.

Abhimanyu: Akshu!! Please...

Anisha: Akshu yr, hum toh yahin honge na...mai toh ulta tumhare baad niklungi school se...

Akshara: pr tum Abhi to nahi ho na...

Anisha: haw!! Dekho Neil bro, kaise mu pr bol diya..

Neil: (laughs) ab bff ki jagah toh kon le skta hai but Akshu please na...

Akshara somehow got control over her feelings. They got home and Manjiri gave her lunch along with other kids. Akshara changed into one of Anisha's dresses. Manjiri called Swarna.

Swarna: Hello Manjiri Ji, let me guess. Akshu aaj phir seedha Birla house hi chali gayi...

Manjiri: (laughs) Ji...

Swarna: Abhimanyu to iss saal school se nikal jayega, pta nahi kya karenge tb ye dono...

Manjiri: aap chinta mt kijiye...sambhal jayenge....

She hangs up. Meanwhile, Akshara was now convincing Abhimanyu to attend his farewell and not miss his last of school memories.

Abhimanyu: My most beautiful memories are with you...no point if you are not there.

Akshara: Don't be dramatic Abhi!!! Plus you NEED to go. I don't want ki vo kaustav ko Mr. Modern High bana de....Ugh!!

Abhimanyu: same guy who proposed you last year?

Akshara: same guy you punched.

They laughed at the memory. She gave him the scrap book. Abhimanyu become emotional flipping each page- handmade with love and memories. He hugged her.

Akshara: I will miss you so much but I will hate it if you missed today. Please.

Abhimanyu agreed and left for the school. She left after some time for her home. That night, Abhimanyu asked his driver to stop by at the Goenka house first. It was post dinner. Manish greeted him and they made small talks before he headed towards her room. Arohi was coming out of her room but quickly went back inside when she saw him. He controlled his laughter and went to Akshara's room.

He saw her in her pink bunny night suit with pigtails. She was sitting on her desk, no doubt scribbling in her dairy.

Abhimanyu: Gudhail ka tel, khushboo bahar se hi aa rahi hai...

Akshara: Abhi!!!!...(noticed the sash around his body) Abhi!!!! I knew it!! yay

She ran to him and he caught her as she flew into his arms. They laughed.

Abhimanyu: I saved you the last dance.

He played a random song on his new phone and threw the phone on her bed. He put the sash around her making her chuckle. They danced and enjoyed their time in peace. He left for home after that.

..........

Abhimanyu got busy with studies as boards were approaching as well as his entrance exams that would be after that. Akshara understood and never bugged him for more time. She in turn started spending most of her time at her mother's dance academy learning dance or with her music teacher. She would send him voice notes from Swarna's phone. He would listen to the sound of her voice, singing, whenever he took small breaks and that would give him instant boost of energy. They gave their last exams and school shut down. Abhimanyu got busier.

Some days later,

Akshara cycled vigorously. She got down when she reached Birla house, not caring that her new cycle fell on the ground. She saw Abhimanyu sitting nervously between his father and tauji. She looked up and sure enough, Manjiri was in the temple. Abhimanyu looked up and smiled as he saw her but his nerves were still kicking.

Harshvardhan rolled his eyes at the sight of his son's bff but bit back his comment. He was nervous too. His son had to get in! Become the doctor he couldn't!

Abhimanyu got up but Harshvardhan pulled him back. Akshara gestured him from the side and sat away. She smiled, telling him she had full faith in him.

Anand: Time ho gaya!!

Harshvardhan: haan!! Abhimanyu, roll no. bollo...

They checked and they mouths flung open.

Abhimanyu: I- I did it!! Maa!! Maa, I did it...Akshu!!! see, see my score!!

He hugged her and they saw Manjiri run downstairs. She pecked her son's forehead.

Harshvardhan: I knew my boy could do it!! I am proud of you!!

Anand: Idhr aa bacche!! (hugs him) bohot badhiya....score bhi bohot accha, tujhe manpasand college milega, dekh lena...

Manjiri: Mai kuch meetha lekr aati hoon...

She ran inside and Anand went to the side to inform Mahima. Harshvardhan wanted to hug his son but couldn't due to the distance of his own making. Neil, Anisha and Nishtha danced around him. Later, Akshara gave him a congratulations card.

Abhimanyu: Thank you! Sach kahun toh mujhe laga nahi tha, bohot nervous tha mai...pr tum sure thi?

Akshara chuckled and took another card which said 'It's okay, you'll get there'. Abhimanyu laughed out loud.

Akshara: hey! It was my 'just in case' card.....mujhe hope to first card ke use hone ke hi they...

He shook his head and ruffled her hair. Apart from his mother, he'd miss her the most. He knew going away was essential and if anyone knew how attached he was to this adorable 14 year old, they'd laugh. She was the only female he could stand after his family. She knew him the most after his mother- in some ways even more than his mother. He hugged her without saying anything. Akshara understood his mood and hugged him back. She was always mature above her age. Abhimanyu was her confidant, best friend and everything that held her strong. He was the one who helped her overcome her traumas in life and she did not know how to get past her days without him- but she knew she had to.

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

A month goes by. Abhira spent most of their waking hours together. Akshara refused a family trip to meet her brother because Abhimanyu would soon leave too. She requested her family to postpone their trip and they respected her emotions. Abhimanyu would take her on bike rides and trips around the town. They'd go for ice-creams and sit by the lake.

Time goes by fast when one is having fun. Finally came the day for his leaving. Goenkas came to see him off too. He touched his mother's feet and hugged everyone goodbye. Manjiri was crying badly till Harshvardhan barked at her to control.

Abhimanyu bit back his angery response but Anand asked him to behave gesturing at Abhimanyu who was trying his best to control. He looked at Akshara standing in a corner and slipped past everyone.

Abhimanyu: Akshu?

She hugged him without saying anything and cried.

Abhimanyu: Aise bye bologi mujhe?

Akshara: sorry...I thought I won't...

She looked into his moist eyes.

Abhimanyu: I'd come during breaks you know. We'll talk as well.

Akshara nodded.

Akshara: So, finally you are going to become an Asli doctor?

Abhimanyu: (laughs) Have to....ab tum mujhe nakli doctor nahi bula paogi...

Akshara: Tum mere liye humesha asli doctor hi they, you cured me....my pain..

Abhimanyu: And you cured me, my gharelu doctor...regardless of what career path you choose, you are my doctor too.

Akshara: Don't forget me, promise...

She showed her pinkie. He wrapped his large one around her tiny finger.

Abhimanyu: Tum bhulne waali cheez nahi ho jaaneman...

He winked and Akshara blushed.

Akshara: (in mind) uff! Ye aise kyu bolta hai, aise to mera crush chupana aur mushkil ho jayega...

Abhimanyu: (in mind) ye kitni cute hai...meri favourite, sbse acchi...meri Akshu....tumhe kabhi nahi bhool skta mai...never!

They hug one more time before Harshvardhan calls him. 

It was time for him to leave. She stood with Manjiri and watched him leave. Abhimanyu left and the two most important people in his life held each other, watching the car disappear.

The distance between them grew and was essential but even great distance can never keep those apart who are bound by fate and a deep love like theirs. They find their way back to each other.

They always do.

.....The End.....

Second update of the day! I am sorry, I wasn't able to respond or check all the comments but all your love is really appreciated.

Do you guys want a sequel of Nakli Doctor? It would be about them as young adults.

Up next, I will be publishing something related to show's current track. It will be out in a few days. Until then, take care, have fun :)

xoxo