Destiny. Kismat. Fate. Naam jo bhi ho, it was screwing Akshara over. She desperately tried to avoid Abhimanyu, but the universe had other plans for her. Mahima Birla propositioned Akshara a job at their NGO that Akshara couldn't decline. Mahima said Akshara was perfect for the job because she knew some of these kids. Since the job wasn't at the hospital, she couldn't cite Harshvardan's objections as grounds for refusal. Then, frequent visits to the hospital to treat NGO patients pushed her Abhimanyu's arms further. The intimacy the two share in an eye lock supersedes anything she's seen before. They don't dialogue or touch to communicate and feel each other's presence. The feelings his presence ignites are those forbidden in a Jija-Saali relationship and the thought of anyone finding it out, besides Haider - Akshara had an inkling he already knew something was up -, makes Akshara's skin crawl with guilt. Moreover, Aarohi, her Aaru, requested Akshara's help planning the wedding in a tone laced with honey and sugar. Aarohi ka mandap Akshara ka sapno aur uski pyaar ki aarthee (pyre) par sajega.
As the days went by, Akshara's plight fell into the background as the rapid pace of wedding planning shifted all the attention on Aarohi. Still, Manish, Kairav, and Haider knew better than to believe Akshara's charades of 'I'm fine'. Kairav kept pressuring Haider to reveal his 'plans,' but the latter wouldn't budge. Instead of sharing, Haider assured Kairav that he'd understand when things pick up the speed.
On the morning of Aarohi-Abhimanyu's engagement party, the Birla Villa was bustling with energy and preparations. Manjari, Anand, and Harshvardan Birla were exuberant. By looking at how Manjari sang and danced through the house, one could never guess she had been sick a few days ago. There was a spring in Harshvardan's step that stupefied onlookers as this sombre old businessman was giddy like a schoolgirl.
"Bhaisaab, everything is perfectly set. All the hospital benefactors RSVP-ed, Aaj Tak is sending their finest coverage team, and Bhabhi ne decorations set ki hai to woh to sahi honge hi" Harsh beamed, pacing before his elder brother, constantly awaiting updates from the venue. "First, we'll invite the Goenka's on the stage, have the engagement, and then announce the new wing the Goenka's donated. It'll establish our business and personal relations. Perfect PR!"
"Haan Harsh," Anand assured soberly. "Par tum ase chakkar kyun lag aa rahe ho? Sab kuch thik hoga. You just said as much yourself."
"Kyunki Abhimanyu ka koi barosa nahi hai."
"Abhimanyu is a grown man and a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon. He can handle himself just fine," Mahima chastised.
"Woh sab tab lago hota hai jab Akshara beech mein nahi hoti. When Akshara's around, he's something else." Harshvardan took a deep breath before continuing. "I just hope everything goes as planned."
Anand and Mahima hummed in understanding.
...
The party was in full blast. The Birla brothers, Neil and Parth, welcomed the guests while the elders engaged them in sterling conversations. The guests were invited to the party on the premise that the Birla's had a big announcement, but none had the slightest clue of what the news was. When the Goenka's arrived, excluding Aarohi and Akshara, who would make a separate entry just before the announcement, buzz picked up among the attendees. Considering the tilak drama and the paparazzi visit at Aarohi's accident, none expected a positive relationship between the Goenka's and Birla's.
Amidst a room of cheerful and carefree individuals, Kairav felt isolated, bursting with stress and impatience.
"What are you waiting for?" Kairav chastised Haider, who was sipping a mocktail in laxity. "For Aarohi and Abhimanyu to be married with kids for you to intervene in this tamasha?"
"Kairav, relax. Koi sun lega" Haider. They were in a room full of people, not Mars. For Godsakes, people couldn't hear them, Haider thought, internally rolling his eyes.
