Second Chance Love

Will She? Won't She?

The past few days have been unusually quiet in the Birla household. Although Abhir and Roohi no longer had any fever, they were extremely tired and spent most of the time napping. When they were awake, they would prefer watching TV or cuddling with their Baba, insisting he read a book or tell them a story. They also wanted him to sing for them like Akshara, but Abhimanyu had drawn a full stop to the demands right there, insisting that they could request whatever song they wanted to Alexa. 

The twins were upset that their father had given Akshara a holiday without asking them. But Akshara had convinced them that she had a lot of studies to do if she had to pass her assignment. So, they had to reluctantly agree, mostly because Akshara promised that she would call them twice every day.

While the kids recovered, Abhimanyu was in a different kind of turmoil. He couldn't believe that anyone apart from his family could take care of his kids like Akshara had. But the evidence was in front of him. His mother had told him that Akshara had not even flinched when Abhir threw up on her. And the way she had held them close to comfort them; he had seen that himself. All that could not be faked. 

But was that enough to consider what Abhir and Roohi wished for? It seemed far-fetched but still possible. It felt that he could not put the thought away. Even Akshara's absence couldn't help him in pushing it away. And who was he kidding? He liked Akshara. He couldn't deny it any longer. At least not to himself. She was kind, warm, positive, and of course, beautiful. And he recognized there was an inner strength behind her innocence and softness. But he didn't think he could ever love anyone again. He had given his heart to only one girl, and it felt that his ability to love again had gone with her. 

Days passed with this thought and by Saturday evening, Abhir and Roohi had completely recovered but there was no peace for Abhimanyu. He was relieved when the kids' chatter filled the house, giving him a break from his never-ending thoughts. By Sunday afternoon, the kids were done with staying at home. It was raining and Abhimanyu did not want them to spend time outdoors when they had just recovered. Going to a mall was also out of question, as weekends were extremely busy. The kids' immunity was still low, and he didn't want them to get any other infection so soon. So, when the kids suggested the library, he felt it was the safest option.

Also, Abhimanyu had never visited the library that the kids and Akshara visited often. After the library incident with Mrs. Sharma, Akshara had found a library not far from his house. The kids always talked about the place with a lot of excitement but he never got the chance to go there. When Abhimanyu and the twins reached the library, he realized why the kids were so ga-ga about the place.

The Book Leaf was in the commercial building, right in front of a large residential society. Although flanked by a grocery store and a doctor's clinic on either side, the library exuded a cozy and warm vibe from the outside itself. Abhimanyu could see the interiors through the glass wall and was impressed by the floor to ceiling book shelves, the comfortable bean bags, the simple but elegant wall art, and the soft lighting. As they reached the entrance, the glass door was opened by a lady in her 50s. "Sonia Aunty," yelled Abhir.

"Abhir, Roohi! Hi Guys, how are you? Akshara told me you are unwell. All good now?"

"Yes, Aunty. We are completely fine now. We have come here with our Baba today," chimed in Roohi.

Sonia looked up and smiled at Abhimanyu, "Hello, Dr. Birla. Welcome to my library."

"Hello M'am. How do you know me?" Abhimanyu asked as they entered the library.

"Please call me Sonia. Your kids are quite forthcoming about their Baba, Dadi, Mausi, Aaji-Aajoba, and Chachu. Also about Kavita Didi." she laughed while Abhimanyu smiled sheepishly.