Closure

18. In Touch

One month had passed since Akshu left. Both Abhi and Akshu were gradually getting accustomed to living in different cities. Akshu and Kairav had settled into the bustling metro city, making a home in the housing provided by the institute on campus. Akshu had an apartment in the therapists' block, while Kairav stayed in the block designated for trauma patients.

Abhi, meanwhile, had thrown himself into his work, using it as a distraction from the gnawing absence of Akshu. Every night, they would video call before bed, sharing the details of their day. These calls became their lifeline, a nightly ritual that tethered them to each other despite the physical distance.

In her new apartment, Akshu had brought along one of Abhi's white shirts. On days when she missed him terribly, she would wear it, close her eyes, and let his familiar scent wrap around her, creating an illusion of his presence. Abhi, on the other hand, found solace in music. He would put on his headphones and play Akshu's songs on a loop, letting her voice fill the emptiness she had left behind.

Though miles apart, they clung to these small comforts, navigating the loneliness with the hope that their love would bridge the distance between them.

They never mentioned how hard it was for them individually as they didn't want the other to worry or be sad, but deep down, they knew they both missed each other terribly. On the second Friday evening, Abhi took a flight to Mumbai to see Akshu. The flight was only an hour and a half from Udaipur, but the airport check-in, wait, and Mumbai traffic added an extra five to six hours. Akshu was overjoyed that Abhi was coming for the weekend. They had only been apart for two weeks, but it felt like forever.

Akshu decided to make his favorite kheer. Then she picked out a beautiful dress—a long yellow floral top paired with jeans and pretty jhumkas—and went to the airport to pick him up. When Abhi saw her, he picked her up and gave her a twirl. He wore a red checkered shirt with black pants. Abhi buried his face in her open hair, whispering, "Oh Akshu, I've missed you terribly."

"Me too," Akshu replied, her voice trembling with emotion.

They returned to Akshu's apartment. Abhi freshened up and enjoyed the kheer she had made with so much love. As he savored each spoonful, he pulled out a box of sweets from Akshu's favorite confectionery in Udaipur. Akshu's face lit up with delight at the thoughtful gesture.

Tired from work and the trip, Abhi dozed off soon. Akshu watched him sleep, her heart full. She gently brushed a lock of hair from his forehead, marveling at how even in sleep, his presence brought her peace. 

The following day, they went to see Kairav. He showed significant improvement and had found solace in forming friendships with other trauma patients coping with loss. All three had lunch together, and by the evening, Akshu and Abhi were at the beach.

They sat close together on a mat, Abhi enveloping Akshu in a tender embrace, her head nestled against his shoulder. They looked like a scene straight out of a movie—Akshu in her white frock and Abhi in a light blue shirt and denim shorts. They watched the sunset together, with Abhi occasionally planting small kisses on Akshu.

As night descended, they strolled hand in hand along the beach. The cool breeze enveloped them, creating a tranquil atmosphere. The once bustling area had now quieted, leaving them almost alone in serene surroundings. Moonlight cascaded over the gentle waves, casting a silvery enchantment around them. Abhi glanced at Akshu, seeing her face illuminated by the moonlight. His heart skipped a beat, and he stopped.

Akshu asked, "What happened?"

"You did," he said, turning to her and looking deeply into her eyes.

"What?"

"I was lost in the beauty of the ocean and the moon, not realizing the most beautiful sight was right beside me all along. I should be looking at her and her only," Abhi said, his fingers tracing the delicate curve of her earlobe and the glimmering earrings that adorned her ears. Akshu's breath quickened.

Abhi cupped her face gently in his hands. The tension between them crackled with unspoken desire, anticipation palpable as Akshu gripped her frock, her breath catching in the electrifying moment.

But a mischievous idea ran through Abhi's mind, and he pulled back and said, "Okay, so is it time to go home?"

Akshu realized what had happened. She had just been teased. Determined to get back at him, she playfully pushed him away and started walking ahead.

"Oh, so that's how it's going to be?" Abhi called out, catching up to her and gently pulling her back.

"Maybe," Akshu said, turning around and looking up at him with a teasing smile. She leaned in close, her lips just a breath away from his, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Or maybe not," she whispered, then quickly moved away, giggling.

Abhi's eyes darkened with desire. He grabbed her by the waist, pulling her close. "You're going to pay for that," he murmured, his voice husky. Before Akshu could react, his lips crashed onto hers in a passionate kiss. She melted into him, her hands tangling in his hair as they both gave in to the longing that had built up over their weeks apart.

When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless. Abhi rested his forehead against hers. "Don't tease me like that," he whispered.

"Only if you promise not to tease me first," Akshu replied, her voice equally breathless.

"I can't promise that," Abhi admitted, a teasing smile quirking his lips.

"Then neither can I," Akshu countered, their laughter mingling with the ocean breeze.

The following day, Abhi's flight was scheduled for the afternoon. They spent the morning on the balcony, enjoying each other's company and unwinding. Saying goodbye at the airport was difficult once more, yet they found solace in knowing they would reunite soon. They had planned to meet at least one weekend every month.