Truly Yours

Chapter 4 - The Way to the Heart...

Akshara rushed in carrying bags of groceries as she walked inside the Birla residence. The staff on witnessing her struggling with the load, instantly took them from her to which she gave them a sincere and deep smile of gratitude.

Placing her car keys and her purse on the dining table, she wiped off the sweat that had gathered on her forehead.

She had especially left work early today because she was on a mission and she was bound to make it work.

"Akshu... beta what are you doing home early? And what is all of this?" she heard Manjari's voice as she turned around to greet her mother-in-law.

"Ma..." Akshara smiled sweetly as Manjari wrapped her in a warm hug. The bond the duo had shared had always been special, even before Akshara had married Abhimanyu. Ever since Nishta had introduced Akshara to the Birlas, Manjari had developed a soft spot for the girl and even now it was a running joke that Manjari was more obsessed with Akshara than her own children.

"Do you want something to drink... shall I get you something to eat?" Manjari asked cupping her face. "Beta... you must be so tired, it's good you came home early... go rest and it is so hot outside.."

Akshara smiled softly at her, closing her eyes in the embrace for a second and then looking at her.

"Actually Ma...." Akshara trailed, "I need your help."

"My help?" Manjari asked confused.

"Ma I'm going to go and shower... and then I need your help... I want to make chole bathure... and the healthy kheer that's mixed with almond milk...." Akshara trailed.

Manjari looked at the girl as she processed what she was saying and then a lightbulb went off.

Ofcourse.

Manjari smirked crossing her arms in front of her, "All of Abhi's favourites..." she laughed, pulling Akshara's cheek in a loving manner.

"Ma..." Akshara whined slowly, "Not you too... Nishta is already on my case!"

Manjari chuckled, pressing her eyeliner behind her ear. "God bless you beta... Abhimanyu is so lucky. Go shower, I will teach you."

Akshara's eyes widened in excitement, "really ma?!"

Manjari nodded, chuckling at her excitement, "Yes now go!"

Akshara nodded excitedly, as she almost ran to her room, ready to commence her cooking session.

***

"Akshara beta this is so delicious!" Anand announced, diving into his fourth puri, his attention fully focused on the food. The delicious aroma of the food wafted through the residence filling it with a homely aroma. 

"You've completely outdone yourself bhabhi!" Neil seconded.

"My new favourite meal!" Harshvardan agreed, grabbing another puri from across the table as he concentrated back on to the food.

They were all sitting at the dining table, eating their dinner and Akshara smiled at their reactions. She loved her family dearly and her heart felt so content that they were enjoying the food she had made.

Except, her eyes wandered over to the door.

He was still not home.

Still not here.

And he had said today he would come.

She had desperately been wanting to surprise him.

Akshara shook her head, she was sure he would come, he was probably held up by a few things.

She made eye contact with Manjari who gave her a weak but worried smile, pointing towards Akshara's empty plate, and encouraging her to eat. But Akshara pouted in return, begging her to let her wait for Abhimanyu to which Manjari gave up and nodded.

"Of course it would be delicious... it was made with so much thought... and care... Akshara spent nearly three hours in the kitchen, madam wanted to perfect everything!" Manjari teased. "She even went and picked out the groceries!"

"Wow Akshu... I'm really wondering how bhai got you!" Nishta said impressed as she dug into some of the kheer.

Akshara tugged Nishta's foot in return under the chair to which the entire family laughed.

Akshara smiled but then turned her attention back to the door.

Please.

Please today come home on time Abhi.

***

It was after 11 PM now and everyone had retreated to their rooms. The staff had already cleared most of the table except their sat Akshara's plate and another plate for Abhimanyu and the food that Akshara had lovingly prepared. 

Manjari felt her heart give out as she looked at Akshara almost dozing off on the table as she felt a level of resentment towards her son for making the poor girl wait. She caressed her shoulder softly, and then cupped her cheek.

"Akshu beta... go to bed..." Manjari told her.

Akshara let out a yawn as she looked up, she was already exhausted from work... but she had wanted to see him.

"Nahi Ma... it's okay... I am sure he's caught up... go to bed and I will go soon" she reassured her.

Manjari looked at her worriedly but then sighed, and nodded. Her children were grown and it was not in her to meddle in their marriage. She had always prided herself on the fact that they were grown adults that she was proud of.

She pressed a kiss on Akshara's head and then retreated upstairs living Akshara sitting alone.

"Hmmmm..." Akshara thought to herself, letting out another yawn, "Maybe I will just take a moment to rest my eyes" as she rested her head against the table.

And before she knew it, she was fast asleep.

Abhimanyu will be back in the next one! Do let me know what you think his reaction will be? And let me know how do you feel about this Abhi and Akshu?

I'll be back tomorrow with another update! Please leave your comments as they are what motivate me to update faster.

N x