Closure

14. Pang of Jealousy

The functions were in full swing, and Abhi and Akshu were thrilled to be able to spend time together amidst their families and the festivities.

Everything seemed perfect, but Kairav appeared a bit uneasy. Akshu noticed it but, after asking him once and getting a dismissive response, decided to give him space.

"I feel like something is troubling Kairav Bhaiya. He doesn't want to talk about it, though," Akshu confided to Abhi.

Abhi nodded. "Hmm. Anisha seems different too. She seems anxious about something. They really need to talk to each other, I think. The festivities are tiring them, and there's clearly something going on between the two."

Abhi and Akshu devised a plan to set Kairav and Anisha up for a dinner date at a fancy restaurant on the day of the mehendi ceremony. 

The day of the mehendi ceremony arrived, and everything seemed to be falling into place perfectly.  The air was filled with laughter and the intricate scent of henna. However, Abhi's contentment was disrupted when he spotted a man gazing at Akshu with undeniable romantic interest. A pang of discomfort twisted in his chest. Unable to ignore it, Abhi strode over to Vansh and, with a furrowed brow, demanded, "Who is that guy?"

"That's Jayant. Kairav's childhood friend. Why?" Vansh replied.

"He keeps staring at Akshu in a weird way. Just wanted to check who he is, in case he's some creep I should kick out," Abhi said.

Vansh laughed. "Jayant is harmless. He probably isn't over Akshu yet."

"What do you mean?" Abhi asked, frowning.

"Jayant had a massive crush on Akshu back in the day. Everyone knew, even Akshu," Vansh explained.

Abhi felt a pang of jealousy. He then saw Jayant walk up to Akshu and start talking. Jayant held her hand, admiring her mehendi and praising it.

Abhi's jealousy flared. He strode over to them, grabbed Jayant's hand, and moved it away, his eyes blazing with anger. Sensing the intensity, Jayant timidly asked, "Did I do something wrong?"

Abhi, trying to keep his composure, said, "I need to talk to her. Excuse us." He then took Akshu's hand and led her outside.

Once outside, Akshu, confused and concerned, said, "Abhi, what's wrong? You're scaring me."

"That guy who was holding your hand. Vansh Bhaiya told me he has had a crush on you for years. And you know about it too. Did you ever like him back?" Abhi asked, still fuming.

Akshu, surprised, responded, "Abhi, he's Kairav Bhaiya's school friend. And I never liked him. I never liked anyone before you. I have only liked you. I thought you knew that." Sensing Abhi's tension, she added, "Abhi, he's irrelevant. Did he say something? Please tell me what's troubling you."

"I just didn't like how he was ogling at you," Abhi admitted.

Akshu hugged him from behind. "We can't control what other people do, Abhi. Plus, he is not a bad guy, I can tell you that. We have known him for years, and he is like my brother."

"But I don't think he thinks of you as a sister," Abhi retorted.

"Abhi, please stop," Akshu pleaded.

Abhi turned to face her, his eyes reflecting a mixture of love and frustration. "Akshu, I love you," he whispered, his voice tinged with longing. " You take my breath away every time I lay my eyes on you. But that feeling... it's something I cherish, something I want to keep just between us. Today, seeing another man react to you like that—it's driving me mad. When I saw him come towards you and take your hand, I had to fight every urge not to walk up to him and punch him. I've never felt like this before."

Akshu placed a small kiss on his cheek. "Abhi, the entire world can look at me any way they like. I don't care. I just know only one guy's eyes on me make my heart beat like crazy. And that's you."

Abhi felt a bit more relaxed now. "What do you mean anyone can look at you whichever way they like? If anyone dares to look at you the wrong way, I'll make sure they regret it." His voice softened as he added, "And about the other thing you mentioned... If just my gaze makes your heart race, I wonder how fast it beats when I..." He moved closer.

Akshu chuckled softly, interrupting him. "You and your mood swings. Let's go inside before someone notices."

With that, Abhi and Akshu headed indoors, and the mehendi ceremony concluded on a delightful note.