Moving Ahead

Part 5

Akshara sat on the sofa a little far away from Abhimanyu, Ridhima and Abhir, her heart felt heavy with a mix of anger, jealousy, and confusion. Abhimanyu laughed with Ridhima, the happiness shining through his eyes like never before. It was a happiness that seemed so far from her grasp, and it stung.

Abhir and Ridhima had also formed a close bond in the past few days, becoming Ridhu aunty and buddy to each other. Three of them would often laugh and share stories, building a connection that Akshara couldn't help but feel excluded from. Even worse, Ridhima seemed to know things about Abhimanyu's childhood that Akshara had never heard before, including a childhood story that left Abhimanyu flushed and warning Ridhima teasingly about his own collection of stories. Ridhima continued her story, her voice filled with amusement as she recounted a childhood memory of Abhimanyu that Akshara had never heard before. The image of young Abhimanyu in LKG, visiting his Tauji at the hospital, made Akshara smile. She could almost picture the mischievous twinkle in his eyes as Ridhima described the beautiful lady who had caught his attention, causing him to turn around completely and earning him a smack from his uncle. Abhir's laughter filled the room, and Akshara couldn't help but join in, finding joy in the innocence of Abhimanyu's childhood antics. As Ridhima playfully warned Abhimanyu about having more stories to share, Akshara's gaze shifted towards Abhimanyu, noticing the slight flush on his cheeks. It was endearing to witness his vulnerability, reminding her of the person he used to be.

Although, Akshara couldn't help but be curious about how Ridhima knew so much about Abhimanyu's childhood. She decided to ask in a subtle manner.

"Ridhima, but how did you come to know about Abhimanyu's childhood? You seem to have a good understanding of his family," Akshara asked, trying to keep her tone casual.

Ridhima paused for a moment, her gaze meeting Akshara's. She took a sip of her tea before responding, "Well, it was during our second or third year of college. I happened to visit Abhimanyu's family once. Anand uncle and Manjari Ma, shared stories about his childhood, his dreams, and aspirations. They spoke so fondly of him, and it was heartwarming to hear."

Akshara couldn't help but steal glances at Abhimanyu as he engaged in lively conversation with Abhir. There was a warmth in her heart as she observed him, completely absorbed in their son's stories and laughter. She couldn't help but wonder why she had never taken the initiative to talk to him about his past, about his childhood, or even his college days. They had been in each other's lives for so long, yet there were so many things she didn't know about him. Just then a realization struck her that she had been so preoccupied with the affairs of their respective families that their personal connection had been overlooked.

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Late @ Night

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense as Akshara's emotions bubbled up inside her like a volcano ready to erupt. She couldn't believe what Abhinav just said. His innocent comment about Ridhima and Abhimanyu looking perfect together had struck a nerve she didn't know she had. The idea of Abhimanyu loving someone else filled her with a mix of fear and despair. She couldn't bear the thought of him loving someone else, someone who seemed so perfect for him in every way.

"You think they look perfect together?" Akshara's voice trembled with suppressed anger. "Why would you even say that, Abhinav?"

Abhinav seemed taken aback by her reaction, not understanding the depth of her emotions. "I mean, they both are successful doctors, and they seem to have a great bond as friends. I didn't mean anything by it, just assumed that maybe they want to be in a relationship or something."