Recap: Akshara and Samarthya reach Udaipur and stay at Gupta Mansion. Gayatri and Vatsal move into that house as well. Akshara decides to stay and help with the wedding while Samarthya leaves for Dehradun due to work. A day before Vansh's mehendi, Akshara meets the Goenkas so that they know of her return and do not spoil the fun by giving dramatic reactions at Vansh's function. Samarthya arrives and they attend the function together. Neil sees Akshara and texts Abhimanyu.

Akshara's audition episode is all set to air on television. To ease her nerves, she is visiting her mother's academy. Meanwhile, Samarthya is setting up a surprise for her at home. Abhimanyu sees Neil's text and is trying to catch hold of her when he too reaches the academy. Lured by her voice, he spots Akshara for the first time since she left an year ago.

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

Akshara opened her eyes and placed the guitar down. The kids around her clapped and praised her singing, urging her to come every day and teach them to sing like her. She just smiled and gave the guitar back to its owner.

Akshara: Ab bohot late ho gaya hai. Aap sbki class ka time bhi khtm ho gaya hai na aaj ka?

The kids nodded. They gathered around her and hugged her before running away inside the building. Akshara breathed. Singing, specially for these kids who were students at the academy, was very peaceful but she was still nervous. The world had seen her youtube channel but television was major. She tried to hide on her channel but there was no hiding now.

All of a sudden, she frowned and then her eyes widened in realization. She understood she had company. A company from someone known yet so unknown.

Akshara: Abhimanyu....

She said his name softly. Abhimanyu, who had been admiring her all this while before approaching her, stilled. She could still sense him like he did her?

Abhimanyu: You can... sense me?

Akshara: I saw your reflection in that car parked over there...

She pointed ahead simply. He nodded before walking closer and lowering himself to sit beside her.

Abhimanyu: Hi

Akshara: (nods) Hi

Abhimanyu: Kaisi ho?

Akshara: Never been better? You?

Abhimanyu: I am better now.

She got a feeling he meant that in her context. She still refused to meet his eyes. Her voice was calm but her mind was running miles.

How did he get here? Did it matter though? She knew it was a possibility that she might run into him at Udaipur! Will seeing him do anything anymore?

No!

Her mind quickly answered the last question. Samarthya flashed before her eyes. Akshara let that realization seep in further before turning to face him- her first love and heartbreak. She focused on his face first. He looked the same, kind of. He looked tired.

Akshara: That is great to know...

Abhimanyu: Akshara...I-..I..You left!

Akshara: I did...

Abhimanyu: I couldn't find you.

Akshara: why did you want to find me?

Abhimanyu: because I love you...

Akshara closed her eyes briefly before looking into his eyes. The pools of hazel and warm sunshine that once melted her insides. She still felt an emotion. She wanted him happy but at the same time, she did not want to be his happiness.

Akshara: Maybe. But I am not your love Abhimanyu.

Abhimanyu: No! I made a mistake....last time-

Akshara: an year ago! (she cut him off) last time was an year ago..

He closed his eyes in pain. He did not know where to start from. She was the first person to reach his heart. Only women he ever desired and then in his foolishness, he pushed her away.

Abhimanyu: I am sorry! I am so so sorry Akshara. Mai itna stupid tha...I-

Akshara: Doesn't matter anymore Abhimanyu...

Abhimanyu: (winces) Tum mujhe Abhi bulao na. Abhimanyu paraya sa lagta hai. Meri maa ke baad sirf tumne hi mujhe Abhi bulaya hai...

Akshara gave him a sad smile.

Abhimanyu: I- I am sorry. Again! shyd mai zyada expect kr raha hoon...

She shrugged and turned.

Abhimanyu: Maine na is ek saal me tumhe bohot dhunda. Har din imagine krta tha ki tum milogi to ye kahunga, vo kahunga...ab tum samne ho toh shabd nahi hai mere pass.

Akshara: Tum kyu dhund rahe they mujhe Abhimanyu?

Abhimanyu: I got your letter Akshara...

Akshara frowned.

Abhimanyu: believe me! Mujhe vo letter shaadi todne ke baad mila. I wish sir ne usse destroy krne ki koshish na ki hoti. Mujhe vo bohot pehle milla hota toh- I wish!!

Akshara looked at him in shock. All this while she assumed, he chose to not wait for her and move on with Arohi when in reality fate had played a game with him, with them. He never knew! HE NEVER KNEW! A tear escaped her eye and she let it fall. Abhimanyu's eyes were teary as well.

Akshara: wow! I don't know what to say. Mai humesha sochti thi tumne mujhe replace kr diya hai...

Abhimanyu: Maine galti ki thi. Bohot badi galti. Bewakoof tha mai! Dimag kharab ho gaya tha. Dil toot gaya tha mera aur Maa ne bhi tabyat kharab kr li thi. Maine bhi unka sochkr haan kr di. Socha mere mann ki toh nahi hui, kum se kum Maa hi khush ho jayen...lekin-

Akshara: Lekin jb hum khud khush na ho toh kissi aur ko bhi khush nahi kr sakte.

Abhimanyu: Kash maine ye tb samajha hota..

Akshara: Kash ye hota, kash ye na hota...In sb what ifs ke baare me soch kr kya milega? Khayalo ki duniya me toh nahi reh sakte na?

Abhimanyu turned and caught her hands.

Abhimanyu: Khayal reality se better ho tb bhi nahi? I know what we felt was special! I am sorry, I-

His fingers hit the rock on her finger and his eyes lowered to see the heart shaped diamond sitting proudly on her ring finger. He frowned as his fingers twisted around it.

Akshara: Yep

She confirmed his silent question and he dropped her hand. She saw a lot of emotions hit his face. Shock, disbelief, denial, sorrow, anger, pain. A lot of them. She wanted to comfort him but what could she say to comfort him? She was proud of her relationship and did not regret it one bit! She knew she could have ended up with him but she did not; and no part of her wished things were different.

Well maybe a tiny part of her wished she met Samarthya sooner so Abhimanyu's feelings were never involved. Akshara had a soft heart and no matter what, she never enjoyed another's pain.

Abhimanyu: No!

He whispered and stood up. All this while he had imagined meeting her, convincing her and loving her. He built a castle of hopes. He was ready to be cussed, yelled and even hit by her but he wasn't prepared for this. He wasn't prepared for her moving ahead!

Abhimanyu: No no no...No!

Akshara rose as she saw him walk backwards. His eyes wide in surprise, looking everywhere but her. He ran his hands though his hair.

Akshara: Abhimanyu...

But he could not hear anymore. His hearing was numb. He looked at her one time before breaking into a run, trying to escape himself.

Akshara's heart clenched as she saw him hurt and leave. She ran after him and saw him drive away on his bike. She quickly got into her own car and followed him. She had to admit, he was driving extremely fast, even by a reckless person's standards. She felt a small pang of guilt plant itself inside her. She did not want him getting hurt. Her conscious will not be able to handle the guilt of causing someone injury or worse- death!

It was only after she noticed Abhimanyu drive inside his house that she sighed in relief and continued driving to go around and reached Gupta Mansion. Parking in front of the house, she did not get out. She breathed and tried to compose herself. She looked ahead and saw the sky. It was getting a little dark now. She bit her lips and saw her phone had been ringing. She had a couple missed calls that she had not been able to hear since her phone was on silent.

She picked her cell phone and got out of car when she saw Samarthya running out.

Samarthya: Kaka car ki keys do! Akshara-

He stopped when he spotted her and rushed towards her. Hugging her tightly, he let out a sigh of relief.

Samarthya: Kahan thi? Call kyu nahi utha rahi thi? Academy manager se pucha toh unhone kaha nikle time ho gaya...(cups her face) you fine Shorty?

Akshara backed up to see him. His concern and love for her was really something else. She hugged him back, digging deeper into his scent.

Akshara: I am good. Sorry for worrying you. My phone was silent.

Samarthya: You are safe and well. That is what matters...

He backed away and laced their fingers together. They started to walk towards home.

Samarthya: (in mind) Iska dhyan kaha hai? she doesn't look like herself! Is she just nervous, ya koi baat pareshan kr rahi hai isse...

Akshara: (in mind) should I tell him? Off course! I should not keep anything from him...

Samarthya twisted the knob and opened the door to the house.

Akshara: Sammy, aaj-

SURPRISE!

Akshara jumped at the sudden sound and crashed into Samarthya's chest. He broke into a deep laugh, seeing her get scared like that. Akshara turned towards him but her words left her as she took in his happy, laughing self. She bit her lips.

Vatsal: Akshu!! Bs kr! Dekho kaise dekh rahi hai Jiju ko. Behen tera wala hi hai vo-

Kairav and Reem joined them in teasing her. She blushed deeply and Samarthya enjoyed the sight. His fiancé getting caught eyeing him and getting teased for it was definitely making him feel nice.

Samarthya: Hey! Nobody tease her!

Kairav: uhem uhem!

Akshara: (trying to change topic) Dadu! Dadi! Aap? Yahan? Aap toh kl ane wale they...ye surprise?

Manoj: aaj ana zaruri thi aur surpise ye nahi hai..

Neelam: ye hai...

They all guide her to the set up and inform her that they'd be seeing her first ever television appearance with her. Akshara thanked them all, specially Samarthya who planned this for her. They all got comfortable and served themselves the food. There was still little time for the airing. Akshara excused herself.

Samarthya noticed her leave and excused himself too. Fixing her a plate since he noticed she hardly ate, he headed towards the room and found her in the balcony.

Samarthya: Shorty?

Akshara turned and saw the plate in his hands.

Samarthya: I saw you did not eat.

Akshara looked away. He set the plate down and back hugged her.

Samarthya: still nervous?

Akshara: A little...

Samarthya: (moved his hands to her shoulders and starts to massage) You got in babygirl and you did well. Nothing to be nervous about...

Akshara: (closed her eyes as she felt his hands working through her tense muscles) You are right!

She leaned into his chest but she knew why she uneasy. She had to get something off her chest too.

Akshara: I have to tell you something.

She twisted to face him and held his hands.

Samarthya: (raises the same hands and kisses the back of hers) You can tell me anything!

Akshara: I know...

She told him about what happened. Her running into Abhimanyu. Him apologizing and then reacting badly seeing the ring. She told him how he ran off and she followed him. Samarthya nodded and took in her words.

Akshara: are you mad at me?

Samarthya: why will I be mad at you?

Akshara: because...

Samarthya: because? Did you invite him?

Akshara: No...

Samarthya: Did you know he'd be there...

Akshara: No...

Samarthya: Then I have no reason to be mad at you. Aur sach kahun toh Abhimanyu se baat krne me kya issue hai? Vo koi cheap, sadak ka Romeo nahi hai. Agar tumhe zarurat lagi aur tumne usse baat ki toh isme kya harz hai? Mai tumhara fiancé hoon, master nahi! It is your life Shorty!

Akshara's eyes watered and he wiped it off. She asked him how he was so understanding to which he simply replied that he trusted her and kissed her nose.

Samarthya: ab chale?

He turned but Akshara pulled him back. Getting hold of his collar, she smashed their lips together. Samarthya was taken aback by her sudden action but quickly held her waist as she deepened their kiss. He followed first and then took the lead away from her as his lips caressed hers. A soft moan escaped the back of her throat as neither was willing to break apart.

Finally and only due to the human need of breathing did they break apart, both breathless.

Samarthya: wow!

Akshara: (chuckles) You are wow! My best man forever...

She said while running a finger on his swollen lips. Her own lips were parted and a deep pink due to the kiss. Samarthya found her state irresistible and he felt no need to resist as he pulled her back for another round.

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

Samarthya and Akshara finally got down. She joined the other while Samarthya ditched the cold plate of food and served her a fresh one. He sat next to her and made her eat a couple bites. The show began with an introduction shot of the show. Judges were shown and finally Delhi audition began.

Reem: Arey dekho! Vo Akshu hai na...

They looked and nodded as they spotted Akshara standing in the cue with Samarthya in the sun. He was making her drink water while she seemed stressed.

Vatsal: wahan bhi yahi kaam kr rahe hai...

They tease the two. Contestant performances began and Akshara grabbed his hand. She relaxed back into the seat and looked around.

Akshara: (in mind) Mera ass pass jo ye log hai, ye sb mujhse kitna pyaar krte hai. Meri life me itni khushiyan lane ke liye thank you Sammy. Thank you mumma, papa...for him.

The family was eagerly waiting for her part. Akshara felt like she was again auditioning despite knowing that she got in.

Kairav: Finally! Akshu ka audition!!!

Neelam: Kitni pyaari lag rahi hai ye screen prr!

Gayatri: Thu thu thu...nazar na lag jaye...

Akshara began singing and the whole house filled with her voice. The house help and guards came too, to see her part in the show. In the meantime, the screen kept going on the impressed faces of the judges and happy face of Samarthya as he was cheering her from backstage with a proud look on his face.

As soon as her song ended, everyone erupted in applause- both at home and on screen. She got a standing ovation and judges praised her.

Judge 1: Mai likh kr de raha hoon! Ye ladki bohot age jayegi...

Judge 2: Akshara ji! Jadoo hai apki awaz me. Waah! Maza aa haya..meri taraf se haan...

Judge 3: Aap jaisi awaz ko naa bolne ki galti koi nahi kr sakta. Meri taraf se bhi bohot badi wali haan hai..

Judge 1: HUM SABKI HAAN HAI...AAP MUMBAI AA RAHI HAI!!!

Vatsal/Vansh/Kairav: YAH!!!!!!

The whole house clapped. Akshara's emotional face was visible as she took the 'singer batch' from the judges and it got pinned on her shirt. She got the entry ticket too and wiped her tears. Samarthya was seen jumping backstage. The family laughed.

Manoj: Kaise Bandar ki tarah uchal raha hai...hahaha

Samarthya: arey yrr!! Mere pr itna focus kiya kyu hai!!?

Akshara is seeing running backstage and they share a big hug.

Akshara: I got in!

Samarthya: I am so proud!

Host: That was a very power packed performance! Isse match krna difficult hone wala hai but let's move ahead with the next singer...

The show continued but all of them lost interest thereafter. Dessert was served. The families teased Samarthya and celebrated Akshara over the sweet.

Akshara: Thank you..all of you..

Akshara suddenly spoke, feeling grateful and overwhelmed by the love she had.

Neelam: arey ye kya baat hui bhala? Thank you? Vo bhi apne bacche ke liye khush hone ke liye!?

She all share a group hug. Being surrounded by all the love, Akshara couldn't be happier.

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

I have full intentions of wrapping this story soon so next chapter will most probably be last. This is just an alternate ending to the first book of Abhira series and is already way longer than expected. Expectation was one chapter epilogue and it became a full on book!

xoxo