Loving You

Chapter 44 - Abhimanyu - The Goenkas

My hands gripped the steering wheel tighter as I made turn after turn entering into a neighborhood which was all too familiar to Akshara.

From the corner of my eyes I watched as Akshara's expression changed from that of wonder and curiosity as the familiarity of the decorative palm trees in the gated community came into full fledged view.

She gripped the passenger side door tightly, as she looked toward me in horror.

"Abhi...wwwhy are...wwe hherre?" She stammered, her voice coarse. Afraid.

Akshara's breathing quickened as panic set in, making her breathless. She began hyperventilating as the car came to a full stop right in front of the four walls she once called home.

"Akshara. Calm down. Shh, listen to me, calm down." I hushed her onset panic attack with my words. Calming her down as I rubbed her hands with mine to provide her with comfort. Warmth.

"No Abhi. I can't." She whimpered, a wreck.

This is the first time I was seeing my Akshara —the ever so strong Akshara in such a state. She was falling apart. And for a moment, just for a single moment, a split second, I thought about turning back.

But then I stopped. Realizing she needed closure. I couldn't have Akshara living in regret of being so close to her dream —of being close to the people she loved not taking a chance.

A chance at reconciliation.

And with her being so weak and agile, I had to be the one to take this harsh step. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car, walking over to Akshara's side and opening her door for her.

She looked up at me, shaking her head in fear. And stared back at her, stoic. Determined.

I grabbed her hand and dragged an unwilling Akshara out of the car, grasping her hand, intertwining our fingers tightly as we trudged towards the front door.

I pressed her hand in reassurance ushering her remain calm as I rang the door bell. We waited and waited.

Until the door opened.

"Akshu?" Mimi gasped, her expression changing from that of a stranger to an emotional wreck as she covered her mouth with her hands.

"Mimi." Akshara cried, stopping herself from pushing further.

Mimi stepped out of the house and pulled Akshara into her tight motherly embrace. "Where were you? We missed you so much!" She reprimanded lovingly.

"I'm sorry Mimi." Akshara sobbed into her shoulder.

"You were angry Manish then why did you deprive us of your presence? No phone call. No message? Nothing!" Mimi accused, pulling Akshara back from her embrace.

"No Mimi, it wasn't like that. I missed you all so much." Akshara confessed, her voice breaking.

Akshara wiped her tears away and turned to look at me. "Mimi, this is Abhimanyu Birla. Dr. Abhimanyu Birla, my boyfriend. He's a cardiologist at Birla Hospital, the place where I'm interning."

I fold my hands before touching Mimi's feet for blessings. "Hello Mimi."

"Bless you, beta." Mimi replied, overwhelmed with emotion.

She then turned towards Akshara. "Come instead sweetie. I'm sure everyone would love to meet you."

Akshara shook her head in denial. "No, Mimi. I don't think it's a good idea."

"Nonsense! You're my granddaughter and you've come here after such a long time, I'll see who stops you!" Mimi commanded, pulling Akshara into the house whilst I followed.