Closure

15. Unprotected

After the mehendi, Anisha and Kairav went for their dinner date, urged on by Abhi and Akshu's persistence.

In the middle of the meal, Kairav finally brought up the topic that had been haunting him. "I know I have probably asked you this multiple times before, and it's not that I don't trust you. But I know you, Anisha. You are not someone who would ghost me just to see if you really love me or not."

Anisha kept eating, not reacting, though being unable to share the truth had been troubling her. In her mind, she was doing it to keep everyone safe. At the same time, she had been wishing to tell Kairav but couldn't find the courage. The current setting, away from families, seemed right.

"You're hiding something, I know. I just hope it's for a good reason and one day you can tell me."

Anisha looked up, her eyes teary. "I have been, Kairav. And I think you should know since we'll be married in a few days."

Then Anisha went on to tell her story. She said that while struggling in Mumbai, she met a man at work who made big promises of finding her work with big producers in the film industry. It looked legitimate, and she really needed work, so she signed up with his agency. However, she soon discovered that one of the agency's demands was to sever all ties with her past, including cutting off contact with everyone she knew. The intention was to eliminate distractions and focus solely on her career. It wasn't until later that she realized the extent of these demands, which forced her to cut Kairav out of her life and led to her ghosting him.

Within two weeks, Anisha received messages from two women warning her that the head of the agency was an abuser who had assaulted them in fits of rage. Being strong and fearless, Anisha met with the women, listened to their stories, and helped them file a police report against the agency head. In retaliation, his henchmen began blackmailing and threatening her, warning they would kill her if she didn't withdraw the FIR. Feeling hopeless and realizing how much she missed Kairav, she decided to give up everything and return to him. She had hoped the threats would cease once she left the city, but they continued.

Kairav was stunned. He never imagined Anisha was hiding something so significant. While he needed time to process the revelation, his immediate concern was for Anisha's safety. He urged her to never go anywhere alone from that point on.

The next day, the bride's and groom's families gathered for dance rehearsals in preparation for the sangeet ceremony. Abhi and Akshu had planned a performance together and were deep in practice.

As they danced, Abhi clumsily stepped on Akshu's feet several times. "Watch it! Don't step on my feet," Akshu chided, a playful glint in her eyes.

"You're so tiny. Your legs can't keep up with my pace. Maybe I should just lift you the entire time. You weigh like a feather anyway," Abhi teased, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.

Akshu shot him a look of mock indignation. "Oh really? And how long do you think you can carry me, Dr. Abhimanyu Birla? Until you need back surgery yourself?"

Abhi grinned wider. "I can carry you for the rest of my life if you want me to. I'll do anything you ask."

Akshu laughed, her eyes twinkling. "You're so cheesy." Their laughter filled the room, blending with the music.

At one point, Abhi attempted a dramatic dip but misjudged his strength and balance. Akshu yelped in surprise as they both tumbled to the floor, collapsing into fits of laughter.

Instead of adhering strictly to the choreographer's instructions, they began to improvise, creating a dance uniquely their own, filled with twirls, playful spins, and gentle sways. During breaks, Abhi would spin Akshu around, eliciting giggles from her each time.

Manjiri and Swarna watched from the other end of the room, hearts melting at the sight of the couple.

"I have never seen Abhi so playful and happy," Manjiri remarked. "Akshu has brought such pure joy into his life. May God protect their bond."

Swarna nodded in agreement. "You're right, Manjiri ji. I have never seen Akshu this happy either. Once Anisha and Kairav are married, we need to get these two married too."

Meanwhile, Anisha was leaving the beauty parlour after her appointment. She stood at the top of the stairs outside, waiting for her driver, who was stuck in traffic. Suddenly, a man came from behind, pushed her, and fled on a waiting bike with another man. The push was strategic, causing her to hit her head on the stone wall in front. She fell to the ground.

Anisha was rushed to the hospital, and all members of both families hurried there.