Recap: Akshara spends a week at Dehradun with Samarthya and his family. She decides to seek professional help and recognise her childhood demons in an attempt to heal them fully. She tells about this to Samarthya as she bids him goodbye and returns to Pune.

In Udaipur, Abhimanyu is struggling to know about her whereabouts but she has cut all ties from Goenkas, making her difficult to find.

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

Akshara landed in Pune and turned off the airplane mode on her phone. Her phone buzzed instantly and she saw a text from Samarthya.

Samarthya: Hi! Reached?

Akshara smiled. It felt nice to be cared after. She put her phone in her back pocket without replying and got her bag out from the overhead storage. She got out of the airport and hailed a cab. The moment she sat in the cab her phone began to buzz.

Akshara: Hello?

Neelam: Akshara beta?

Akshara: Dadi? Kaise ho aap?

Neelam: Mai thik hoon beta. Pahunch gayi?

Akshara told her she had reached safely and was on her way to the hostel. She could hear Samarthya in the background and understood he made her call. After the call she replied to his message as well that she reached.

Akshara: (to herself) pakka dadi se issi ne call krwaya hoga. Maine socha tha aram se room pahunch kr bata dungi pr ye bhi na...

She laughed it off but couldn't deny that it felt nice. She reached her room and ordered food for the night as she was too lazy to arrange anything else. Later, she sat down with a board. She wrote Akshara's vision board on it and decided to scribble all her thoughts and things she wanted to do. She thought about her career, her mental health, her love life and all the ways she wanted to improve in life. She placed the board on her desk, this way, it would be the first thing she'd see from her bed in the morning.

Akshara: Goodnight Akshu! Kl ki new morning se sath tujhe bhi ek new life ki taraf steps lene hai. Ab sb accha hi hoga.

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

One month leap-

Akshara went to see her therapist and it took one or two sittings to ease up but soon she opened up. It felt good to talk about things with a stranger. Many things and guilt that weighed her down disappeared the moment she said them out loud. Her confrontation with Goenkas had already set things in motion, she had opened up her bottled up pain and was releasing it. Now, it was time to make peace with it and let the pain go as well.

She was also trying multiple jobs. She loved singing at orphanages, hospitals and NGOs. She felt great when people said that her voice soothed pain but there was something even more special about singing on stage. She used to sing live at cafes on weekends and those few hours set her free.

On her journey to heal and find her path in life, her constant was Samarthya. They did not realize when it happened or how but they both fell into the habit of talking daily. Mostly it was dinner. They would talk while they ate their meals and discuss whatever happened during the day. On days when Samarthya couldn't make time during dinner, Akshara would feel empty. She now hated eating alone, quietly without him to talk to, even if it was on the phone only.

Akshara was still many steps away from her desired self but she was happy that her steps were in right direction.

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

6 months leap-

Six months have passed since Akshara returned to Pune. A lot had happened in her life and she couldn't be happier.

Talking about her therapy and self improvement first, it wouldn't be wrong to say she was getting much closer to the person she was under all the layers she had put over herself with time. At first she used to meet her therapist much often but now the session frequency had decreased. A lot of her emotions became clear and she made peace with her past in every sense. She also joined groups and workshops on soft skills that were recommended by her therapist. Meeting all these people helped her build confidence and learn how to tackle the world.

Regarding her career, she had finished her internship of four months as a music therapist in a hospital. As much as she liked it, she realized it wasn't her true calling. Nor was it that challenging for her. She could always hold sessions and contribute like that at places but what she enjoyed now was singing on the stage. She enrolled herself in a local level competition a month ago and Samarthya flew down from Dehradun to cheer her. Akshara won the competition and it was a great feeling.

Talking about feelings, they were growing- overflowing when it came to Akshara and Samarthya. They were the bestest of friends now. Yes, he was the best friend Akshara ever had for the way he stood by her but now they were equally involved in each others' lives. They spoke daily over the phone and shared every little detail. Their days felt incomplete without talking to the other.

Sammy and Shorty were now inseparable.

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

One year leap-

Akshara exited the airport and was hit by the cool winter air of Dehradun. She pulled the coat and her eyes went to a frantically moving hand in the crowd. Samarthya was waving at her in the crowd with a broad smile on his face. She returned the smile and walked closer.

Akshara: someone's exited?

Samarthya: Hi Shorty!!

He ruffled her hair and picked up her luggage.

Samarthya: how is your friend?

Akshara: (yawned) married.

Samarthya: tired?

Akshara: haan!

Akshara was actually returning from her friend's wedding. It was a girl she studied with in college and then reconnected with when she started to live in Pune again. She went for her wedding and then took the first flight to Dehradun.

Samarthya started the car and they began to drive away. A couple months ago, around 9-10 months after Akshara had restarted her life, she decided to shift. She shifted to Dehradun. It was right after a very special day of her life

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Flashback

Akshara flew to Dehradun on Samarthya's birthday. It was a surprise for him so he wasn't aware. She told him that she had been booked for a singing gig and wouldn't be able to make time. He was sad but did not argue. She reached his house and helped Neelam organize a party for him but there was another big surprise for which she took Neelam and Manoj's permission first.

Then after decorating the entire house, she got ready in a deep maroon slip dress with a slit and put her hair in loose curls. She prepared for her surprise and after that, everything was a waiting game.

Samarthya came later and was genuinely shocked to see his grandparents and closest friends home. The house was decorated and he thanked them. His mood was down since Akshara did not even wish him but he appreciated the effort everyone had put.

Neelam: tu apne room me jaa, wahan tere party ke kadpe rakhe hai. ready hokr aaja. Thodi der me baaki guests bhi aa jayenge.

Samarthya nodded and went to his room. He felt something strange in the air but shook it off but the moment he entered his room, he understood what it was. His entire room was decorated in small lights and there where pictures of Akshara and Samarthya from their childhood and the past year.

'uhem'

Samarthya turned and could not believe his eyes, Akshara was standing before him, looking like an angel. She stepped forward and the lights twinkled behind her. He recalled the moment he had fallen for her, the time she saved him from the bullies. The sun was shining behind her then, creating a halo. She looked the same to him with the room's lights.

Samarthya: wow! You loo-

His words died in his mouth when Akshara went on one knee.

Samarthya: Akshu!!

He got down immediately with her as well. Now, both were on their knees. Samarthya's eyes were wide with shock and anticipation. His  palms started to sweat and his heart was beating loudly. So loud that he was sure that if the people in the hall stopped playing the music, they'd hear his heart beating.

Akshara: Dr. Samarthya Gupta.

She said his name like an endearment. Her hands were shaking. Samarthya noticed that and took her hands in his, not after quickly wiping them on his shirt first. Trying to ease her with his warm hands. Akshara smiled at this gesture.

Akshara: Kaise kr lete ho aise? Mere bina kuch bole samajh jate ho?

She chuckled and his lips twitched to form a smile. Akshara pursued her lips and continued.

Akshara: Pune se speech tayyar krke layi thi pr tumhe dekhr sb bhool gayi hoon. So I'll go with the flow..

They both laughed at her silliness but then Akshara grew serious. Her eyes were getting a little teary but she made sure to wipe them clean. She wanted her eyes clear. She wanted to see him; see him as he saw sincerity in her eyes.

Akshara: Sammy. You are any girl's dream best friend. Thank you for being mine. Tumhare ane se pehle wali Akshara me aur aaj ki Akshara me zameen asman ka difference hai. I know tum kahoge isme tumne kuch nahi kiya pr ye jhoot hoga. Tumhare hone se mujhme himmat ayi hai. kissi ka unconditional support hona apko andr se bohot strong bana deta hai Sammy. Mere liye vo tum ho. I am so thankful ki humare grandparents ne matchmaking ki aur humne vo ruse ke baare me socha pr mujhe tb tumhari feelings ke bare me nahi pata tha...

Samarthya looked at her, all his attention was on what she was saying.

Akshara: Tumse pehle na meri love ki definition hi kuch aur thi. Badi filmy si thi. Kissi ke hone ka ehsas hona, music sa feel hona and all that. But you made me realize love is much more than that. It is about caring, respect, trust and so much more. Love doesn't give up. It is about loving selflessly and holding on tight. You held onto me all these years. Now, I want to hold onto you.

Samarthya's eyes went wide. He could not believe himself. Akshara put her hands behind her and pulled out a box

Akshara: Chinta mt kro. Tumse tumhara propose krne ka mauka nahi le rahi hoon mai. Waise bhi thodi filmy mai aaj bhi hoon, isliye mujhe mera full fairy tale proposal toh chahiye but, vo waqt ane pr..

She joked while opening the box. There was simple, gold band inside it.

Akshara: with this promise ring, I promise to give you all of me. Now and always. I love you Sammy. Be mine?

Samarthya looked at the band and then at her. Akshara started to get anxious.

Akshara: sorry pr meri savings me yahi ring ayi.

Samarthya looked away and slyly wiped a tear. He shook his head and smiled.

Samarthya: It is the most beautiful band ever. Just like you are the most beautiful girl ever. My girl?

Akshara: yours.

She promised and leaned to peak his cheeks. She made him wear the ring and he helped her stand. They looked at into each other's eyes before hugging. Their arms wrapped around each other and they closed their eyes, taking in the warmth.

Samarthya: Thank you Akshara. Thank You

Akshara: Thank you nahi, I love you kehte hai.

Samarthya: I love you...

Akshara smiled and wiped her tears. They both started giggling and wiping each other's eyes.

Akshara: You should change. We need to head down for the party.

Samarthya hummed but made no move to let her go. She finally pulled herself out.

Akshara: seriously, vo rakhe tumhare kapde. Change! I will wait outside.

Samarthya pulled her back into his arms, making her crash with his chest as she was going away and looked into her eyes. His eyes kept going between her parted lips and big doe eyes.

Samarthya: May I?

Akshara blushed in a deep red shade that complimented her dress. She looked down. Samarthya laughed loudly seeing her so shy in front of him. He pecked her forehead and let her leave. She almost ran out, feeling extremely flushed and shy.

A few minutes later, Samarthya got out and found her waiting for him outside the room. They went downstairs hand in hand. The moment they entered the hall with their hands entwined, Samarthya's friends broke into loud cheers. Neelam and Manoj blessed them too.

After the party, Samarthya and Akshara sat by the pool as all the guests had left. Akshara was going to stay in their guest room for the night. They talked about their new status as boyfriend and girlfriend- as a couple. After talking till almost 3 under the moonlight, Samarthya dropped her off to the room.

Samarthya: Goodnight

Akshara nervously held his hand and rose on her feet. She lightly pecked his lips.

Akshara: Goodnight birthday boy

Flashback ends

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

What  inspired was a great relationship between two people who were willing to put themselves out there for the other. Akshara informed Samarthya she had received a job as music teacher in Dehradun. Akshara was now trying to make a career as a singer. That is what she had finally decided. She started her youtube channel and was actively looking for opportunities. These things can be pursued from anywhere so she took on a job at Dehradun for a stable income and decided to move. It would be better for her relationship too.

Samarthya was beyond grateful to see her think so much about them and make efforts. He was a little bummed when she refused to live under his roof.

Samarthya: Live with me na Shorty! Please!

He said as they were unpacking things in her new, rented flat.

Akshara: (puts her hands around his shoulders and swayed) You'll have to make me Mrs. Gupta for that Dr. Gupta

Samarthya: Accha? Chalo abhi mandir chalte hai. Raste se saman le lenge-

Akshara: (laughs) pagal! Not so soon...

Samarthya: mai bhi mazak kr raha tha but really, thank you. Mai bohot khush ab tum yahin rahogi. Jb tumhari yaad ayegi toh phone nahi karunga, seedhe milne aunga.

Akshara smiled and they got down to work. Two months passed blissfully. They fell into a routine. Akshara's channel was gaining popularity. It was still not that big but whatever audience she had was loyal and left encouraging comments. They kept returning to listen to her songs and this really motivated her. She spent her time doing her morning job, recording for her channel and doing occasional singing gigs. She spent time with dadu-dadi as well but other than that, all her time was consumed by her boyfriend.

Now that Akshara had given Samarthya as chance, she was pleasantly surprised by how gentle and loving he was. He still flirted with her like he had to win her affections and took her out on dates. Many times they also spent time at her flat doing nothing but sipping coffee and talking. There was no doubt in Akshara's mind now. She was in deep deep love and this time, it was a love that will last!

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

Presently, Samarthya parked the car in front of his girlfriend's building. Girlfriend. It felt amazing to call her that. He looked at her and noticed she had fallen asleep.

Samarthya: Must have been tired after the wedding.

He smiled and picked her up without disturbing her but sadly, the animated greeting of the security guard woke her up. Samarthya gulped down his annoyance as he saw her rub the sleep out of her eyes. She got down.

Akshara: Ghar aa gaya Sammy? Uthaya kyu nahi..

Samarthya wanted to pull her cheeks. That is how cute she sounded in her sleepy voice but he controlled. He got her bags out of the car and helped her to the flat. He placed her stuff against the wall and saw her removing all the layers- coat, scarf, sweater and shoes until she stood before him in a soft t-shirt and comfortable joggers. She hugged him and closed her eyes.

Akshara: I missed you.

Samarthya: I missed you more.

He pecked her hair.

Akshara: I tired

Samarthya: My babygirl...so jao...

He bought her to her room and found her already half asleep. Helping her get comfortable, he pecked her forehead as he adjusted the comforter around her. His eyes fell on the promise ring on her finger- a matching gold band that he had bought for her. He twisted his own band that she gave him and felt his heart swell. He muttered 'I love you' before leaving.

Had anyone told him an year ago that he'd meet the love of his life again and start dating her- he would have laughed to their faces but now, he was blessed. His life was blessed! And he couldn't be happier.

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Thoughts?

xoxo