Recap: Akshara decides to participate in a singing competition and Guptas encourage her for the same. She rekindles with her brothers and learns about Vansh's upcoming wedding and promises to attend it. She gets selected in the offline auditions that were held in Delhi but there was few months time before the actual competition. Samarthya and Akshara shop for the wedding and later, they become an engaged couple when Samarthya proposes his lady love in a full filmy style.

Elsewhere, Abhimanyu is still pining for Akshara. He has not had his closure and is still stuck in time. Learning about Vansh's wedding, he becomes hopeful about meeting Akshara again.

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

Samarthya and Akshara landed in Udaipur. He twisted in his seat to wake his girlfriend, strike that! fiancé up. Akshara had slept the moment the flight took off early morning. They had stayed up almost all night, celebrating their engagement so she was lacking sleep. He was tired too but his happiness wouldn't let him rest. His reality was better than his dreams. So, he stayed up admiring his fiancé and the rock on her finger.

Akshara: We landed?

She mumbled with her eyes still closed. Her head was on his shoulders and her hands were wrapped around his arm.

Samarthya: Yes sleepyhead. The aisle is almost cleared out..

He replied, pecking her head

Akshara: just a second.

She rubbed the sleep away from her face and stretched her arms. To him, she looked like the cutest kitten.

Akshara: okay! (huffs) I am up.

Samarthya smiled and got their bags out. Collecting their luggage, they left the airport where a taxi was already waiting for them. Akshara texted her brothers to let them know that they reached Udaipur but were heading to Gupta Mansion first. Kairav texted her back immediately that he'd meet them there.

Samarthya quietly interlaced their fingers as they sat in the moving cab. He knew regardless of what she said, coming back to Udaipur wasn't easy for her.

Akshara: This place. It took so much from me...

Samarthya: Perspective ki baat hai babygirl.

Akshara: mtlb?

Samarthya: we met here, our friendship developed here. I fell in love with you here. You grew up here. I know your childhood wasn't very easy but you must have some beautiful memories with your parents, specially your papa? Kartik uncle ki toh jaan basti thi tumme. Tumhari mumma ki academy bhi yahi hai na...

Akshara smiled and closed her eyes as she focused on the happier part of her life here. He was right. It was all about perspective.

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

At the house, Akshara met the guard who had helped her earlier when she had dropped by unannounced. Samarthya thanked him for being so nice to her.

Kaka: Aise sharminda mt kijiye Chote sahab. Is bachi ko toh humne dekha hua hai yahan. Ye jante hue bhi ki ye apki jaankar hai, iski madad kaise na krte?

Samarthya: sirf jaankar nahi hai kaka, jaan hai. Iss ghar ki bahu banne wali hai.

Samarthya's words cheered the guard and the old staff of Gupta Mansion. They were happily congratulating them when Kairav reached the house. He was delighted to hear about the engagement and congratulated the two. Samarthya was talking to Kairav when Akshara spotted someone else.

Akshara: Omg!

She ran to him and hugged him tightly. The man chuckled and spinned her around.

Man: Cutie!!!

Kairav smiled seeing the two meet. Then, he turned towards Samarthya and saw him frowning. This evoked a loud laughter from him causing the duo to split and look back.

Akshara: Sammy! Meet him! .. (to Kairav) Kya hua bhaiya?

Kairav: kuch nahi... (whispers to Sammy) Vatsal hai vo..

Samarthya: Vatsal!?

Vatsal: the mam himself! Hi Sam..or should I saw Jiju now?

Samarthya: Idhr aa saale..

They hugged.

Akshara: Sammy!

Samarthya: saala hi toh hua na?

Akshara blushed.

Akshara: Ha ha. Funny. Ab andr chale? Masi kahan hai?

Vatsal: Mom Reem bhabhi ki family se baat kr rahi hai...

The four went inside and spoke for a while, catching up with one another. The brothers congratulated their sister and then when she left to freshen up, they threatened him in a friendly manner. Vatsal mentioned how annoying Goenkas were and Samarthya offered him and Gayatri to stay with them. Vatsal did not want to intrude but upon insistence, he agreed.

Later, Vansh, Reem and Gayatri came to meet Akshara and Samarthya. The Masi-bhanji duo had an emotional reunion post which they all went out for a meal to celebrate. Gayatri was moved by Samarthya's offer and was grateful that she wouldn't have to tolerate Goenkas anymore.

Gayatri: waise toh mujhe beti-beti kehte they pr second marriage ke liye bohot zyada force bhi krte they. Vansh toh US me tha par ghar mein mera aur Vatsal ka haal bura kr rakha tha. Ek din maine decide kiya ki bohot hua and I left with him. I am sorry Akshu, I wish mai tujhe bhi le jaati apne sath. Pr tere parents ke hote hue tujhe leja nahi paayi..

Akshara: It is okay masi. Hum past pe nahi present pr focus krte hai. Aur present me bhai-bhabhi ki shaadi ki bohot si tayariya hai.

They all sat talking and Akshara offered to help out with the wedding. Kairav delegated Akshara such work on purpose that she wouldn't have to face Goenkas at all. He wanted to keep her away for as long as possible.

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

2 days later

Akshara: I'll miss you.

She muttered as she hugged her fiancé.

Samarthya: I'll miss you more.

He replied and kissed her hair. He loved her but he was also a man with responsibilities. He had hospitals to look after and patients that needed him. He could not drop all of them for weeks. So, he returned after ensuring Akshara was settled in Udaipur and had people to look after her in case things went south.

Thereafter, he got busy with work and she got busy organizing for the wedding but they still made sure to keep in touch with each other, as much as possible.

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

A day before Vansh's Mehendi

A few weeks passed. All wedding preparations were on track. Abhimanyu had hoped for Akshara's return and Neil had been frequently visiting Goenka house despite Goenka's outright annoyance. He wanted to see if Akshara came. He too was unaware that she was in a different house and Vansh did not spill the beans either. Neil was his closest friend but for once- sis before bros.

So far, Akshara had remained hidden as she ran errands and helped as much as she could but she knew it was high time now. Therefore, she took a deep breath and walked up the steps of her childhood home.

Kairav was standing near the door when he saw Akshara. He ran to her before she went in.

Kairav: Akshu? Tu yahan kya kr rahi hai??

Akshara: Sbse milne toh aungi nahi bhai pr haan, I am letting them know I am here.

Kairav: Kyu? Kl dekh hi lenge tujhe...

Akshara: exactly bhai! Kl Vansh bhai ki mehendi hai. Mai nahi chahti mujhe dekhr kl ye log koi tamasha kr de. Aaj dekh lenge to kl ke liye prepared rahenge.

Before Kairav could defend further, she marched inside the home with her head held high. Suhasini was giving some instructions regarding rituals when words failed her. Gayatri, who was trying to listen patiently, grew a little annoyed. She turned to see what Suhasini was staring at understood the case. She sent Akshara a small smile, letting her know she is with her.

Suhasini: Humari bacchii!

Vatsal rolled his eyes but continued his talk on the phone with the caterer. However, others heard the loud reaction and came dropping their work. Everyone was stunned to see Akshara standing before them. She looked healthier and happier, her face was practically glowing but there was also indifference on her face.

Arohi: what the hell is she doing here!!

Arohi was the first one to come out of her shock. She had enjoyed the time without Akshara, pretending to be the sole princess of Goenkas. Seeing Akshara was a nasty shock for her, one that did not sit well.

Manish: shh...it's her house. kaisi hai meri bacchii? Kahan thi itne din?

Manish tried to damage control.

Truth is, Goenkas were so accustomed to Akshara understanding and adjusting that they never cared for her feelings. Her leaving had taught them that she had reached her breaking point after which even she could abandon them. They always prioritized Arohi to avoid her loud reactions and abused Akshara's love for her family, thinking she will accept everything silently While they were now hoping to cover up for their unfair treatment, they failed to see that the damage to their relationship was permanent. Akshara had detached from them emotionally- for good!

Akshara: It is not my house anymore. Mai acchi hoon aur itne din jahan thi, wahan khush thi. (To Arohi) to answer your question, I came here for my brother's wedding.

Arohi: Ab kyu ayi hai??? Rishta nahi hai tera toh!!

Swarna: Aru! Aise mt bol. (to Akshara) Akshara aacha kiya aa gayi beta...

Suhasini: Hum to pareshan they ye sochkr ki rishtedar puchenge ki Akshara kahan hai to kya kahenge! Tilak aur Pujan pr humare pass koi jawab nahi tha. Bohot accha kiya beta jo aa gayi..

Akshara: Off course apko abhi bhi logon ki padi hai. Anyways, I don't care. And Arohi, tune mujhe humesha paraya mana toh maine bhi tujhe paraya kr diya pr Vansh bhai aaj bhi mere bhai hai. Unse rishta nahi toota hai mera. Infact, tera unse kya rishta hai? Vo toh mere masi ke bete hai, Goenkas ke adopted son hai. lekin tu toh step relations me manti nahi hai. So, Vansh bhai tere kya hai?

Arohi fumed in anger as she was made speechless by her. Goenkas tried to engage in a conversation with Akshara and she shot their attempts down. When Swarna asked about her luggage and preparing a room for her, Akshara refused and said she won't be needing their hospitality. She only wanted them to know that she'll be a part of the wedding so that they don't create a fuss later and left.

Goenkas were trying to process all this. They were sad that Akshara was so indifferent but hoped that the wedding will again bring her close to them. Arohi was in her room fuming in jealousy and rage.

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

Vansh-Reem Mehendi

The week of the wedding festivities started. It was the day of the first function- Mehendi. It was to be held at Reem's place and Akshara prepared all gifts and the 'shagun ka samaan' with Gayatri. Samarthya reached Udaipur in the morning and greeted them. His grandparents were invited but they'd come later as Manoj had an important work.

When they reached the venue, it was beautifully decorated and Reem was looking radiant. People noticed Akshara. Goenkas were surprised to see Samarthya. What surprised them further was him standing by Akshara at all times. It wasn't until Suhasini noticed the rock on Akshara's finger and shared her doubts about their engagement that the elders broke. Was their child really a stranger to them now?

Akshara, on the other hand, did not care about all this. It was her brother's wedding function and she was hell bent to enjoy her time. She danced and ate. She did apply the shagun ki mehendi on Vansh's palm and made a small design to start off Reem's. Neil, who entered the venue late noticed Akshara and informed Abhimanyu. His brother was in the OT at that time and did not see the message but the text was sent- a text of hope as Neil was unaware of the fact that the heart his brother wanted was already spoken for.

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

After the Mehendi function, Akshara went to see her mother's academy as she was nervous. Being there sounded like a comfort she needed. Samarthya, meanwhile, prepared a surprise for her. He set up a projector, screen and a cosy, comfortable seating in Gupta Mansion with food and everything. He invited the people close to Akshara and his grandparents arrived as well.

The reason for her nervousness and Samarthya's surprise arrangement was that today was the day her offline audition would air on television.

While all this was happening, elsewhere in Udaipur, Abhimanyu came out of the OT and read the text that Neil had sent. He smiled and literally ran out of the hospital. He hopped on his bike and reached Goenka house as soon as he could. The house was getting decorated for some function that would be held tomorrow so he quietly entered as he did not want to create any ruckus before seeing her.

Abhimanyu: Akshara...finally! Kitna tadapa hoon mai ek saal...But, why am I not feeling your presence like before?

He went straight to her room and saw Arohi instead. He looked around but couldn't find her. Disappointed yet not disheartened, he left before anyone could spot him. He might not have met her, but he was sure he'd not let her slip away this time.

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

Abhimanyu drove towards the community center he knew about but did not find her there.

Abhimanyu: Shadi ka ghar hai! kitne kaam hote hai, vo kahin bhi ho sakti hai...

He muttered as he was driving around when his eyes fell on a building.

'Akshara Dance Academy'

Her mother's academy! Abhimanyu saw a new wing besides the building that seemed under construction. There was a board that read Naira Music Studio. He parked and entered the building. Upon asking around, he got to know that the academy was getting renamed soon as 'Akshara Dance and Music Academy' and a studio was getting opened as well for helping students record their music.

He felt a strange sense of pride. He knew the person behind this was the girl he loves- it had to be her! Standing there, he felt the urge to meet her deepen. Maybe it was his urge or some greater powers at play because in that exact moment, a voice reached him. A song that reached his heart- a voice that had first made him believe in love.

There it was- the invisible pull! There was strange peace his heart felt whenever he heard her voice. Hearing it after so long was like music to his ears- literally and so, he ran. He ran towards her like a madman, like he'd die if he did not see her soon. He didn't have to run for long. Just around the building where she was sitting in the backyard, surrounded by kids who were listening to her sing.

He huffed and held the closest tree. She was here! The day he dreamed about was here! Finally! He wiped the moisture off his eyes and composed himself. Taking deep breaths, he started to walk towards her. With each step, he tried to memorize her. Not that he could forget her. She looked good, like always. The angel he had always thought her to be!

He knew he had messed up badly and had no idea how he'd pull it off but he had to. He had to win her back. 

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

This chapter was literally sitting in my drafts since last week but I did not know if I liked it enough to post it. I didn't want to overthink anymore, so I finally published it.

Just to be clear, Abhimanyu is not the villain of the story.

xoxo