Moving Ahead

Part 7

Akshara stands by the window, gazing at the night sky, lost in her thoughts. The silence is interrupted as Abhinav enters the room and wraps his arms around her from behind, attempting to embrace her. Akshara feels uncomfortable but chooses to remain still, hoping it will pass. Suddenly, Abhinav gently kisses her neck, causing Akshara's mind to race with thoughts of Abhimanyu. She accidentally utters Abhimanyu's name in the heat of the moment, leaving Abhinav shocked. He takes a step back, bewildered by the unexpected response.

Akshara, though surprised herself, realizes that she must address this situation and communicate her feelings honestly to Abhinav. She gathers her thoughts and speaks, her voice filled with a mix of surprise and determination.

AK(softly): Abhinav, I am sorry but I can't continue this marriage with you anymore.

Abhinav, not wanting to accept Akshara's words, tries to reason with her, believing that she is simply confused about her feelings. AN (confused): What are you saying, Akshara? You love me. You're just confused right now with everything that is happening.

Akshara acknowledges Abhinav's perspective but firmly stands by her decision, realizing that continuing the marriage would only lead to more pain and deception.

AK(sincerely): I understand that I made a commitment to you, Abhinav, but I can't deny my feelings anymore. I'm still in love with Abhimanyu. I don't know what to do with this love, but I can't continue to bind you with myself.

Abhinav chuckles, attempting to dismiss her confession, AN (Sadly): Is it because I am not as rich or handsome as BhaiJi? Is that why you're leaving me?

Akshara suddenly realizes that Abhinav has a pattern of emotionally manipulating people with such tactics. She responds sternly, her voice filled with determination.

AK: It has nothing to do with your financial conditions. I loved Abhimanyu, and I will always love him. Maybe, in my anger and hurt, that love was buried somewhere, but I can't deny its existence any longer.

Abhinav, angered by Akshara's words, accuses her of mistreating & using him and claims that she will come back to him when Abhimanyu leaves her in anger again.

AN: (angry) You're doing wrong by me, Akshara. I've done so much for you and Abhir, and you're thinking of abandoning me. You're not in your senses. When Bhaiji leaves you again in his anger, you'll come back to me. You will realize that you don't love him anymore. You two cannot be together.

Akshara, keeping her head down, feels the weight of her decision and the pain it brings. She struggles to find the right words but manages to utter a heartfelt apology.

AK(softly): I'm sorry, Abhinav.

The air in the room is heavy with unspoken emotions and uncertain futures. She stands there with her head bowed, unable to find more right words to convince him.

Abhinav, as expected, denies the confession of Akshara's love for Abhimanyu and abruptly announces that he's going out of town for a week, suggesting they start fresh upon his return, as if this conversation never happened. Akshara watches silently as Abhinav leaves the room. She realizes she has no idea how to handle Abhinav anymore, but one thing she is certain of is that she can't forget her love for Abhimanyu. She contemplates talking to him about her feelings, acknowledging that it won't be easy for them to be together again, given their complicated history and the involvement of Abhir. Furthermore, Abhinav's denial only adds to the challenge she faces.

***

Akshara wakes up to the sound of laughter echoing from the kitchen. Curious, she makes her way there and is greeted by the heartwarming sight of Abhimanyu cooking breakfast while Abhir tries to climb onto his back, chattering animatedly about something. The sight fills Akshara with a sense of peace and acceptance. Finally embracing her feelings has brought her a newfound calmness.