Truly Yours

Chapter 29 - Apology II

Abhimanyu took a deep breath as he composed himself against the podium and straightened his back, he had been waiting desperately for when he could apologise to her.

"Akshara...I'm sorry doesn't even begin to describe it... I should have told you about Anushka being at the workplace... believe me nothing transpired... there was never even a hint of emotion from me toward her... I tolerated her because of contractual obligations since she was hired by Arohi..." he began, telling her the tale of how it had all gone down. 

"I should have sensed at that second that there was nothing good to come out of this... but I should have told you... it is my greatest regret" he continued and then he hesitated, "I should have told you immediately and I wanted to so many times but I was just scared..." 

Akshara looked up at him, gazing into the eyes she was head over heels in love with. "Of what Abhi?" she asked him cupping his cheek and reassuring him that they were going to be okay.

"Of losing you....." he whispered and Akshara let out a sharp breath. 

"We had just started navigating our relationship... everything seemed so perfect that I was terrified of ruining it. But that didn't mean I didn't want to or I wasn't going to... there were so many moments. Do you remember that day I came home calling out your name.... but you had injured your ankle?" he asked her softly whispering like she was the most gentle thing in the world.

She nodded slowly.

"I wanted to tell you that day itself but when you became injured... I suddenly got really worried that it was not the right time to approach the topic... I was so worried about your physical health and that you recovered properly that I just didn't see it as a priority at the time... which was wrong... and then afterward, news of me leaving came up. But I'm sorry Akshu... I am so sorry love... I was scared -with everything I-..." he paused taking a deep breath as Akshara caressed his cheek, reassuring him that she was listening.

"I guess what I am trying to say is... I've never felt the way I feel about you ever before... and I was worried that my past would get in the way of it... I just wanted to enjoy the moment we were spending progressing in our own relationship without having shadows of the past that don't matter interfere... but I am sorry Akshara it's no excuse... I should have told you without waiting for the right time..." he told her softly.

Akshara looked up at him with tears watering her eyes, who could know what he was feeling better than her? She understood him completely and was at the same time grateful they were being so honest and vulnerable.

"I want to clarify that I was never worried about anything happening with Anushka Abhi... it doesn't bother me that she was there... I trust you completely... what I was upset about was that you didn't tell me that she had started working there. Yes, I know that you share a past.... but that does not matter to me, Abhi... I have always trusted in what we have... I am not leaving. I am not going. I am here to stay. So please stop worrying... nothing in your past could affect what we share today. You here now in the present and us... it's all I want" Akshara reassured him, pressing a kiss under his eye.

"Akshu..." Abhi croaked his voice cracking as she peppered soft kisses on his face, her nimble hands warming up his heart, "I'm sorry jaan... I have been such an idiot... I should have told you right there and then at the moment..."

"Shhh... I understand... we have both had our battles... we have both had things we worked through... it's okay Abhi... we just needed to communicate" Akshara whispered leaning in and pressing a kiss to his forehead.

Abhimanyu took a deep breath, the first proper breath he had taken since their argument. It felt like he could properly be alive again... with her in his arms. He tightened his hold on her, caressing the back of her head gently.

"We can get through it all.." he whispered back.

Akshara created some distance, looking at him cutely, as she wrapped her arms around his neck, all huddled up in his lap. "You know... I forgave you before today itself... I was counting down till I could be in your arms"

"But I would not take it for granted ever Akshara... even if you didn't forgive me... I am willing to pay the price... do whatever it takes... I will repent what happened for some time to come" he told her seriously, his eyes reflecting his honesty and sincerity.

"Abhi..." Akshara cried, tears brimming in her eyes as she could see how much he had tortured himself over what had happened.

Abhimanyu took a deep breath, settling himself from his cries as he calmed his heart down and breathed in the sight of her.

It was almost time for a new chapter to shine on both of them.

Almost.

Akshara broke apart from him and stared at him.

There was one last thing she had on her mind.

And then they could hopefully turn a new page.

"Abhi one more thing... I am sorry for my words that day... I know you... I know it was a plan schemed by Anushka... I was just overwhelmed and somewhat.... insecure" Akshara told him honestly.

"Insecure....?" Abhimanyu picked up straight away, focusing his attention on her.

Akshara twiddled with her fingers, wondering how to word what was bothering her in her head next.

If they were really going to move forward, then it was time...

And who can relate to Abhi?

This Akshu and Abhi actually communicate!

Two more chapters left.

N x