Closure

17. Move On

Several months had passed, and everyone was faring much better. They had finally reached a point where they could talk about Anisha with fondness instead of breaking into tears.

One day Akshu received a letter from a prestigious mental health institute in Mumbai offering her a position as a music therapist. Excitedly, she hurried to Birla Hospital to share the news with Abhi, who was having lunch in the cafe when she arrived.

Upon hearing about the offer, Abhi was overjoyed. He lifted her up and twirled her around. "What fantastic news, Akshu! I'm so proud of you. It's the most renowned mental health institute in the country."

Akshu smiled, but then her smile faded. "But Abhi, it's so far away. From Udaipur. From you."

They both understood the implications instantly—the distance that would separate them if she accepted the offer. Abhi, a respected figure at Birla Hospital with a loyal patient base, couldn't easily uproot his life. Akshu faced a dilemma: either reject the offer and stay with Abhi, or accept it and live apart.

"Akshu," Abhi began softly, his voice carrying both pride and apprehension, "this is a chance for your career to soar. Our love can withstand this. We'll find ways to be together—visiting on holidays and weekends."

Looking into her eyes, he continued, "I can't bear the thought of you being far, but I also can't bear to see you miss this chance. You're meant for greatness, Akshu. I don't want either of us to look back and wish we had done things differently."

Abhi also suggested that Kairav, who was still struggling mentally to come to terms with Anisha's death, could accompany Akshu to the institute. "Akshu, it's such a reputable institute. I'm sure he'll receive the best help there and might finally be able to come out of his trauma," he said as they discussed the opportunity.

After much deliberation, they finally decided that Akshu should accept the offer on a contract basis for a year and take Kairav along with her. After making their decision, they embraced each other emotionally, holding onto each other tightly for what seemed like forever.

As the days drew closer to Akshu's departure, Abhi couldn't shake the heaviness in his heart. Each moment spent together felt both fleeting and infinitely precious. The night before her flight, they decided to steal a few quiet hours by the riverside park, away from the chaos of packing and goodbyes.

Under the canopy of stars, Abhi had meticulously set up a small camp with a cozy tent and a makeshift cinema. They nestled together, sharing snacks and sips of warmth, their laughter mingling with the soft murmur of the river nearby. As the movie played out in flickering lights, their fingers intertwined, silently pleading time to stand still.

Wrapped snugly in their embrace under a cozy blanket, Abhi whispered gently, his voice filled with a blend of longing and reluctance. "Akshu, don't go. I don't know how I'll manage without holding you like this."

"Okay, I won't go.", Akshu murmured, nestling into his chest.

Abhi smiled affectionately and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "But you have to."

"I don't want to," she replied, sinking deeper into his embrace.

As the night waned, they held each other closely, savoring every moment until it was time for Akshu to leave, their hearts heavy with the weight of impending separation.

Morning came too soon, marking the dreaded farewell at the airport. The Goenkas stood solemnly, seeing Akshu and Kairav off. Tears brimmed in their eyes as they clung to each other, their embraces a silent testament of love and sorrow. Abhi struggled to maintain his composure, knowing that if he faltered, Akshu might reconsider leaving. With a determined effort, Abhi embraced Akshu tightly before they parted ways, promising daily calls and future visits. 

As Akshu disappeared into the security check, Abhi withdrew into himself, feeling a piece of his soul depart with her. Amidst the bustling crowd, his fingers frantically searched his pockets for something dear—a small, cherished memento: Akshu's bracelet, a serendipitous find from a time before their paths intertwined. Clutching it tightly, he closed his eyes, feeling the weight of her absence wash over him.