Recap: Neelam gifts Akshara a bracelet that once belonged to Samarthya's mother. They reach the function and enjoy, focusing on people they love and ignored the rest. Arohi envies the life Akshara has. Elsewhere, Abhimanyu learns about Samarthya and Akshara.

During the wedding function, Abhimanyu and Akshara have a private conversation where they say their goodbyes. Arohi spots them and tries to instigate Samarthya about them. Samarthya gets away from the function after brutally rejecting her advances.

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

Akshara felt better, much lighter. She thought all her months of therapy had paid off and that she had truly moved on. However now, post this conversation, she felt she was moving ahead in every sense of that word and that something was amiss in her earlier efforts. She never had doubts about her feelings for Samarthya but her conscious wasn't clear. There were things left unsaid in her past. The conversation with Abhimanyu was necessary to close that chapter forever.

One can never truly move ahead with past baggage. To be forgiven and to forgive is what every person needs. Today, she got that well deserved closure. She did away with all resentment, apologized and was glad that she saw acceptance in his eyes.

Smiling, she looked around for Samarthya. She was feeling happy and what better way to double it than being with your loved one?

Vatsal: Akshu?? Kahan thi yr ab tk? Phero ka time ho raha hai ..Aja...

Akshara: Haan. Sammy ko dekh kya?

Vatsal: nahi toh pr kuch time pehle vo parking ki taraf jaa raha tha.

Akshara: Okay. Mai abhi aayi bs.

Vatsal: Jldi. Ladke ki behena, gathbandhan krna hai aapko.

Akshara: Ji...

She gave him a mock salute and ran off. She reached the parking but could not spot him near his car or anywhere else.

Akshara: Sammy??? Sam!

She started to move around and saw him sitting on a garden bench. She smiled and went behind him. Snacking her arms around him from the back, she lowered her head and planted a kiss on his cheek.

Akshara: Hii!! Akele yahan kya kr rahe ho?

When he did not respond, she walked around and sat next to him. One look at his face and she knew it! Something wasn't right.

Akshara: Kya hua hai? Is everything okay.

Samarthya: (takes her phone from his pocket and gives it) It was ringing earlier.

Akshara: (ckecks it) Oh he is Karan. One of my students. Kl ek performance dene wala hai. Shyd uss wajah se call kiya ho...

Samarthya: Hmm.

Akshara kept looking at Samarthya, trying to read his face.

Samarthya: what? (Akshara shrugs) Stop looking at me and call him.

Akshara pulled at his cheek and gave a quick call to her student. Wishing him luck and putting his nerves to rest, she ended the call. She gave the phone back to Samarthya.

Samarthya: Kya?

Akshara: Saree me pockets nahi hoti hai...

Samarthya: so? You should have bought a bag.

Akshara: why? When I have you and you got pockets!

Samarthya made no move to take her phone.

Akshara: That's it! something is wrong. You are mad at me and you will tell me why!

Samarthya: (scoffs) you don't know?

Akshara: I don't. What did I do?

Akshara cupped his face when he did not answer.

Akshara: At least look at me. What did I do?

Samarthya moved his face away and she gasped, feeling confused and worried.

Samarthya: I- uh...not right now!

Samarthya stood up and left. Akshara tried to go after him but he told her off and that he needed to recollect himself before he could speak with her. Crestfallen, Akshara sat down. She did not know what went wrong. A few minutes ago, she thought she got a great closure and now everything seems falling apart. Her phone started to buzz and she saw it. Kairav was calling her. She composed herself and started to go back towards the wedding.

Akshara: I don't know what I did that let you down but I am not going to let my brother down. At least not on his big day.

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

Samarthya was walking very fast, almost breaking into a run. In reality he wanted to run away from what he was feeling. This was never him, he was never overly possessive or jealous as a person but this wasn't any other man. This was Abhimanyu. Akshara's first love! Samarthya himself had witnessed the spark those two had when he first saw them together in a space an year ago. The tension between them was thick. This man loved her. He jumped into fire for her. He also witnessed Akshara's feelings for him.

He trusted her but he did not trust human heart. It was fickle. What if Akshara's heart only settled for him but now, after seeing Abhimanyu, maybe she'd want to go for the person she wanted all along? He ran fingers through his hair, hating this feeling of insecurity that enveloped his heart.

Samarthya: ugh!!

He took off his blazer and threw it on the ground. Then he took a deep breath.

Samarthya: Tu kitna stupid hai yrr!! Apne mann se sb soch kr pagal hua jaa raha hai. Pr vo picture...!? But I shouldn't be so quick to jump into conclusions. I know my fiancé! She agreed to be mine and she isn't someone who'd cheat. If she doesn't want us, I cannot force her but I should not think all this without talking to her. I cannot trust a picture over her. She deserves to tell me exactly what happened. We deserve a conversation. Mai bhi na!!! (smacks his head) Vo kitne pyaar se aayi thi baat krne. Shyd meri overthinking me maine overreact kr diya. Kya baat hai, dimag ka doctor hoon aur dimag se kaam nahi liya...

Ending his inner monologue, he dusted off his jacket and wore it back. He turned to head back towards the venue. To get to the wedding garden, he had to cross the parking where he saw the man behind his problem- Abhimanyu.

Samarthya initial plan was to ignore him but Abhimanyu spotted him as well and approached him.

Abhimanyu: Hi...

Samarthya: Hello..

Abhimanyu: We met an year ago, Abhimanyu...

Samarthya: I remember. I think you remember me as well.

Abhimanyu: Samarthya.

Samarthya: Nice to see you but I need to go.

He said as politely as he could. With the picture still fresh in his mind, Abhimanyu was the last person he wanted to see.

Abhimanyu: Um, just a second.

Samarthya: yeah?

Abhimanyu: (hugs him briefly) Take care of her. I know you will but I have to say it. I hope you know that I wish you both well. Goodbye.

Abhimanyu smiled and left.

Samarthya: (confused but calls after him) I will! I hope you do well too. Bye Dr. Birla!

Abhimanyu did not turn back for he did not want to share the glimpse of the broken man with Samarthya. He just pointed his thumb in the air and continued walking forward, for that was what he truly intended to do- walk forward.

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

While this was happening outside the venue, Vansh and Reem's rituals continued at the mandap. It was now time for the gathbandhan.

Suhasini: Mahurat nikla jaa raha hai. Kahan hai Akshu?

Swarna: Maa ji, Aru ko hi bula lete hai...

Vansh: Bilkul bhi nahi

Vatsal: Waise bhi, Kahan hai vo?

Swarna: Akshara kahan hai?

Akshara: Yahan hoon! Fikar not, apne bhai bhabhi ki koi bhi rasam meri wajah se delay nahi hone de sakti mai... (mutters to Swarna) drama krna nahi chodna aap. Waise, ab apni Aru ka socho, vo kahan hai?

She smiled casually and walked towards the mandap. Giving a genuine smile to the couple, she tied the knot and wished them the best from her heart. She stood on the side and the rituals furthered. A lot of flower petals were passed around to shower on the couple and Akshara took a handful. She felt some petals land on her and turned to see it was Samarthya showering her with them. She controlled her expressions and gave him a blank look.

Samarthya: Um, hi?

Akshara: So now you're ready to tell me what I did wrong?

She looked at him with teary eyes and he felt his heart break seeing the hurt in her eyes.

Samarthya: I am sorry. You did nothing wrong. It was my own over thinking.

He pulled her down to sit on of the royal looking seats that surrounded the mandap. It was late at night now and most of the people who were still around were close friends and family. They were looking ahead at the couple but still talking with each other.

Samarthya: I am sorry. I really am. Mai upset tha aur tumpr gussa nahi krna chahta tha isliye socha ki kuch time baad baat karunga, pehle shant ho jau. But I shouldn't have been this upset without talking to you first..

Akshara: I am sorry but mujhe sach me nahi pata ki maine tumhe kyu upset kiya...

Samarthya told him about what Arohi showed him. Akshara told him that she met Abhimanyu on her way down from the couples' room and they had a conversation. She did not give him a word to word description of the conversation but told him it was their final goodbye.

Akshara: He asked me if I am happy and when I told him I am, he just wished me well and left. It was-

Samarthya: It was necessary in a way. I get it! It will help him move on and it will give you peace as well, knowing someone somewhere isn't wasting his life on you. I understand! Mujhe pehle hi acche se react krna chahiye tha...

Akshara leaned into him as the cool breeze of the night made her shiver.

Akshara: You should have but I am somewhere glad.

Samarthya: glad?

Akshara: Haan. Mujhe pta toh chala ki mera Sammy gusse me kaise react krta hai? You know it says a lot...

Samarthya: accha Shorty? What does it say?

Akshara: jb sb accha ho toh sbhi acche se rehte hai. But jb mood kharab ho, gussa ho...tb insaan apko kaise treat krta hai, usse kahin na kahin uske pyaar ki depth pata chalti hai. You took time off to sort your head instead of lashing on me. Aur tumhe bina zyada time waste kiye wapis akr mujhse baat clear krne ki sochi, bina mujhse poori baat sune koi decision nahi liya- it shows that you are able to see me beyond your anger too. It makes me feel...feel valued?

Samarthya: (wraps an arms around her as she puts her head on his shoulder) You are the most valuable! My precious Shorty!

Later, right after the happy, newlywed couple was sent off to their room- Samarthya pulled Akshara on the terrace and kissed her under the million stars. Their relationship felt solidified and they knew there was nothing ahead of them but happiness.

Happiness isn't the absence of sorrow because without sorrow you won't know happiness is. It lies but in the fact that they knew they were solid. No situation will be able to break them up and every sorrow will be shared- that was their happily ever after!

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

The night of Vansh and Reem's wedding, Samarthya and Akshara shared some promises. They both valued each other to bits and shared deep love. They never kept anything from the other but Samarthya added to that promise that he'd never give her the silent treatment again- even for five minutes. Akshara promised him if he ever went silent, she'd jump his back till he spoke again. He laughed loudly at that.

Akshara also promised that she'd cherish him the most and never take his love for her for granted. That she woo him everyday like she was trying to win his affections for the first time. Samarthya was floored by the raw passion in her eyes when she said that. Pecking her nose, he promised her the same.

The days that followed were extremely busy. There were a lot of post wedding rituals after which Reem and Vansh were set to leave for Gayatri's house in London. A day before they left, Guptas threw Akshara and Samarthya's engagement party in Udaipur where most of their relatives and friends lived for they had spent generations there before shifting to Dehradun.

Goenkas weren't heavily involved but Guptas offered them an olive branch. They clarified that Akshara and their relationship might not be the same. Akshara promised them a fresh start without bitter memories of the past if they promised to never over step boundaries. She wasn't the same and she knew Goenkas could hurt her for Arohi's joy. That fact will forever taint them.

After the engagement party, Akshara got busy with the preparation of her upcoming competition and Guptas proved to be an extremely supportive family a girl could ask for. Neelam forced her to shift to their house since she did not want Akshara to waste any time on any chore when she should either be practising or resting. However, she assigned her a room in front of hers, away from Samarthya's and asked them to promise her to maintain a certain distance. Neelam was a cool grandmother but she was a grandmother after all who did not agree to certain things and the two respected that.

Soon, Akshara left for the competition. She was nervous. The best talent was selected from every city and she had never performed in front of so many talented people. However, she had been singing almost all her life and Samarthya gave her a lot of confidence. He was with her for the initial round which she cleared without much trouble. After that, Neelam- who had recently retired- decided to stay with her in Mumbai as it wasn't possible for Samarthya to leave the hospital unattended any more.

As the rounds progressed, Akshara popularity increased. Her social media handles blew up with followers and positive comments. For her finals, Kairav and Guptas flew to Mumbai to cheer her. After judges scores, Akshara was finishing up second but as soon as the live voting started, Akshara beat every other contestants by a huge margin. She won her first competition ever and her happiness knew no bound. Her family cheered from the side with a proud smile seeing her shining in the spotlight.

Akshara was immediately signed by a big music label after that and got invites to events. Samarthya knew her career had just earned a big break and supported her his best. He never bothered her to focus on him and kept patience. They were doing the long distance but their love was never compromised. Akshara too made efforts. She'd fly down to Dehradun, catching some sleep on the way just to spend a day or two with Samarthya. She never slept without talking to him or leaving him a text about her day if he was busy at that time.

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

One year later

Manoj also retired from his political career post re elections. Manoj and Neelam now spent their days with each other and travelling to places they liked. Samarthya was successfully running his hospitals and received a prestigious award at a doctor's summit. Akshara now reached a point at her career where things were getting more sorted. She was still fresh into the industry but after one year, she became acquainted with the ways of the entertainment industry. She hired herself a manager who managed her show bookings and recordings. Her manager knew Akshara's schedule well and thus, never booked her extensively so that she could split her time between Mumbai and Dehradun.

Kairav took over Goenka industry as Manish retired from work as well. Arohi finally completed her internship and got married off to a doctor who was as practical as her. She now settled in Delhi and was trying to complete her MD- properly this time.

Abhimanyu, finally put himself as priority in front of his mother's manipulative manners and did something he wanted to do from the time he got his first pay- leave the Birlas. He got himself a great job offer from US and left the house. One day, he came across a club that gave an open platform to share feelings. He signed for them and attended their meets. He heard people talk about all sort of life experiences. After a while, he gathered courage to share as well. He spoke about things he saw as a child- his mother's abuse, his father's temper and materialistic relationships around him that scared him from a young age. He was a child of a broken home and talking about his traumas was relieving. He also became open to dating again and meeting new people.

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

3 months later

Shifting to a husband's place of residence is heard of and deemed obvious. Samarthya argued- why not the opposite be treated same? He shifted to Mumbai. His hospital chain had many hospitals all over North- North west belt. They also had a branch in Mumbai, set up recently. Samarthya planned for a few months and finally took his operations to Mumbai. His HQ had always been Dehradun and this shift took some work but he went the mile for her because Mumbai was the entertainment hub and Akshara's career would boom there like no other place.

Sometime after he settled comfortably, their families planned a grand wedding for them. Akshara asked Goenkas to let her use the venue where her parents married each other. It was this wedding where Samarthya parents met so that venue was special to them both. The haveli was the only contribution from Goenkas though. They were as guests for rest of the wedding.

The grand wedding was full of celebrations and love. Neelam and Manoj were beaming seeing their kids so happy and the couple couldn't keep their eyes off each other. They were married traditionally post which a wonderful reception was thrown at Dehradun and later at Mumbai for their industry contacts. Kairav gifted them a honeymoon trip to Hawaii and Neelam-Manoj gifted them a house in Mumbai to start off their new life together.

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

8 Years later

Samarthya and Akshara got out of the car in a hurry.

Akshara: Pta nahi ab kya kr diya hai shaitan ne!

Samarthya: Hum dono hi kitne seedhe bacche they, pta nahi kispr gaya hai...

Akshara: Koi doubt hai tumhe? Dadi sahi kehti hai, bilkul dada ka pota hai!!

Samarthya: Tum aram se chalo pehle...

He said gesturing at her 6 months pregnant stomach.

Akshara: Oh how I hope this one is a girl and less shaitan than him.

She said as they made way towards the principal's office. Their 5 year old son- Samar was sitting on one of the chairs in front of the principal. Turns out it wasn't bad news. Apparently, the principal wanted to discuss sending their son for a science fair on the state level. He'd probably be the youngest there but he had proven to be quiet a science prodigy. They discussed it with the principal and left with their son who asked them for an ice-cream treat.

Samarthya and Akshara had shifted back to Dehdradun some years ago. Akshara was a famous playback singer now who managed most of her recordings from Dehdradun itself and visited Mumbai occasionally for work. Her manager was very efficient and managed dates well. She was well loved and took a relaxed approach to life now. Samarthya's career was excelling day by day. He now headed everything from one place and was aided by Manoj at times. Thus, he wasn't required to travel as much and lived his best life with his family.

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

2 years later

Samarthya woke up and tried to stretch his arms when he was faced with the usual issue- his wife was so wrapped on his side that he couldn't move his arms without waking her up. He craned his neck and looked at her. She was wearing one of his t-shirts as a night dress that covered most of the marks he left on her body last night. The darkness under her eyes hinted that she had been up till late but her form reflected peace. She was at peace in the arms of her husband.

Husband who was so busy admiring her that he did not notice she was waking up. It was only when she kept her palm over his cheek that he came back into the present.

Akshara: Good morning...

Samarthya lowered his face and chewed on her bottom lip.

Samarthya: Good morning indeed.

He came over her and bent his face in the curve of her neck. Akshara held back a moan while complaining.

Akshara: Sammy! Subah subah!!...

Samarthya continued with his way when they both heard a click and parted away quickly. Akshara hit his chest as she pulled up the covers.

Akshara: You forgot the lock!!

Tiny feet ran in first with handpicked flowers from their garden. She climbed the bed as fast as her small feet would let her and ran between her parents.

Samarthya: Good Morning Arya!

Samarthya greeted her while Akshara pecked her chubby cheeks. They heard another pair of steps and looked up to see their son bringing in a tray of breakfast. Samarthya quickly got up and tried to help him but Samar set it on his own.

Arya: Happi Anni-veryvery

Samar: Happy Anniversary Mumma Papa!!!

Arya and Samar shifted in their parents arms. Akshara and Samarthya were touched by the cute little pancakes and sandwiches on the tray. They thanked their kids and feed each other the food and when Samarthya thought the kids weren't looking, he stole a kiss.

....

It was a while later when Neelam peeped through the open door to call the kids when she saw a sight that melted her heart. Sitting on the bed, huddled close was a beautiful family for four. The parents were smiling as their younger ones were talking in an animated fashion. Neelam quietly shut the door and bought her hand close to her mouth.

'thu thu thu!'

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

AND, it's a wrap! How did you like this alternate ending for book 1 of Abhira Series?
Thank you for all your love, support and patience with this book.

What next? Well, I will continue to publish in my short story collection – 'All About Abhira Vol. 2'. Any news about separate book or future stories will be announced there itself.

Wishing you all love, peace and great success. Bye~
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