Closure

4. Stay

Abhi and Akshu had found their secret place, the park by the river where they had first spent time together during the camp. It was their escape from the world around them, their little sanctuary. After work, they would often meet there, taking walks around the park or simply sitting and gazing at the stars. Sometimes, Akshu would sing for Abhi, especially when he had had a hard day at work.

One such day, Abhi had performed surgery on a young toddler. The child had been abused by his neglectful parents, landing him in the hospital. Though Abhi was a seasoned surgeon, some cases like these drained him emotionally and physically. He was able to save the child, but by the end of the day, Abhi himself needed healing.

He was to meet Akshu at the park that evening. As soon as he saw her, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. Without a word, he pulled her into a tight hug, feeling her warmth seep into his bones and slowly relax his tense muscles.

"I'm so glad you're here," Abhi murmured into her hair, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

Akshu held him close, her heart aching for the pain he was carrying. "I'm here, Abhi. Always," she whispered back.

They found their favorite spot by the river, and Abhi began to recount his day. He spoke of the toddler, the surgery, and the anguish he felt witnessing such cruelty. As he spoke, Akshu listened intently, her eyes filled with empathy and love.

Later, they sat down, and Abhi lay his head on Akshu's lap. She gently stroked his hair, her touch tender and soothing. The tension in Abhi's body began to melt away under her gentle caress.

"I can't imagine how hard it must have been," Akshu said softly. "But you saved that child's life, Abhi. You're a hero."

Abhi closed his eyes, letting her words wash over him.  She then began to hum "O Kanha," her voice a soft, melodious balm to his weary soul. The familiar tune wrapped around him like a warm embrace, each note soothing his frayed nerves and bringing him a sense of peace.

Her voice was a healing melody, mending the wounds in his heart that no one else could see. He felt a deep sense of gratitude for having her in his life, a love that went beyond words.

When Akshu finished the song, they sat in silence for a while, the only sounds around them being the gentle rustling of leaves and the flowing river. 

Abhi and Akshu continued their relationship in secret, finding solace in their clandestine meetings at the park by the river. It was their escape, a haven where they could be themselves, away from prying eyes and familial pressures until an influential MLA from Udaipur organized a grand feast for his daughter, inviting the crème de la crème of Udaipur, including the Goenkas and the Birlas. Both Abhi and Akshu had to attend with their respective families.

On the day of the party, Abhi dressed in a sleek black suit, exuding charm and elegance, easily the most handsome and eligible bachelor in Udaipur. Akshu, on the other hand, looked like a vision in her dark blue maxi dress, radiating a serene beauty that captivated everyone around her. When their eyes met, it was as if the world around them faded away, leaving just the two of them in a moment of mutual admiration.

Abhi texted Akshu, "You said we have to pretend like we don't talk to each other and then you come looking like this? How am I now supposed to not gaze at you if you look like that? Not fair."

Akshu read the message, moved a bit away from her family, and replied, "As if you haven't dressed up like it's your 'Swayamvar.' Do you realize almost all the girls are checking you out?"

Abhi responded, "No, I don't realize, because my eyes can't move from this one girl in a dark blue dress who looks absolutely breathtaking."

Akshu blushed, put her phone away, and tried to focus on the evening. The party proceeded as usual, with occasional flirtatious messages exchanged between them. However, the atmosphere changed when Manish called out to Akshu, introducing her to Aryaman, the son of his childhood friend Roshan. Aryaman had recently returned from the US after completing his studies and was set to join his father's business.

"Hi, I'm Aryaman. Nice to meet you," he said.

Manish added, "Okay, you kids talk and get to know each other. I'll leave now."

Akshu froze, realizing what this meant. She could see the expectations in Bade Papa's eyes, hoping she would connect with Aryaman. Abhi, observing this from a distance, felt a surge of jealousy and frustration. He overheard Manish talking to Roshan, saying, "I am sure our kids will like each other. I can't wait to turn from friends to relatives." Abhi's anger simmered.

Unable to contain his emotions, Abhi went to the bar and ordered whiskey. Akshu, after politely excusing herself from Aryaman, scanned the room and saw Abhi drinking. She knew him well enough to understand that he was upset and likely drowning his anguish.

Abhi's mind raced with negative thoughts. "Is Akshu's family going to marry her off to someone else? What if Akshu stands up for me and loses her family? What if being cut off from her family makes her sad? No, my Akshu can't be sad, but she can't be not mine either." Consumed by these irrational fears, he drank more until Neil noticed and took him to a room in the hotel where the party was being held.

Akshu, seeing Neil lead Abhi away, followed them. When she entered the room, she saw Abhi lying on the bed, clearly inebriated. With tears in her eyes, she rushed to his side.

"Abhi? Are you okay? Why weren't you responding to my texts? And why did you drink so much?" she asked, her voice trembling with concern.

In his intoxicated state, Abhi pulled her close, hugging her tightly while lying on the bed. "Akshu... please don't marry him. Let me talk to Bade Papa. I'll make him understand and accept us."

Akshu gently stroked his face and looked deep into his eyes. "What makes you think I would marry someone else?"

"I don't know. I just can't stand even the idea of it. I heard Bade Papa talking about setting you up with his friend's son. And I lost it. I lost it," Abhi said, his voice filled with pain.

"Shhhh..." Akshu whispered, calming him. "Look into my eyes. I love you. I will never marry anyone else. And nobody can make me. Okay?"

Abhi nodded slowly, his tension easing.

Akshu hummed a soothing tune, and Abhi, still holding her hand tightly, slowly drifted off to sleep, comforted by her presence and her unwavering love.