Closure

19. Future Planning

Abhi and Akshu had adapted to their long-distance relationship, finding comfort in their daily conversations and occasional weekend visits. Despite the miles between them, their bond remained strong.

One day, Kairav received a visit from two young women. They were the same girls Anisha had helped file an FIR. They told Kairav how Anisha had encouraged them to get the man arrested. Once in custody, his numerous crimes, including several murders, were revealed, and he was now behind bars. They expressed their sorrow over Anisha's fate. Kairav felt a wave of relief knowing the man was imprisoned. Curious, he asked how they had located him. The girls explained that they had another friend at the institute who was a victim of abuse. During a visit to see her, they spotted him. Recognizing him from the photograph Anisha had shown them, they immediately knew it was him.

Finally finding the peace he had been searching for, Kairav shared with the Goenka and Birla families what Anisha had revealed to him. He explained how her bravery had helped put a dangerous man behind bars, though it had also cost her life.

On Diwali, Akshu and Kairav decided to visit Udaipur. Kairav, having finally come to terms with Anisha's loss, was discharged from the hospital. After Diwali, he wouldn't return to the institute but would stay and begin a new chapter in his life.

On the evening of the festival, Abhi arrived at the Goenkas' home. Amidst the vibrant festivities, Abhi and Akshu cherished their time together. They lit green crackers and fed each other sweets. Seeking a quiet escape, they found a quiet ledge outside and sat side by side, watching the fireworks illuminate the night sky. Akshu turned to Abhi, her voice soft and sincere.

"Abhi, I've been meaning to talk to you about something, and I think now is the right time. I won't be renewing my contract. Kairav Bhaiya is better, and I've gained the experience I wanted."

Abhi listened patiently, letting her speak her heart out.

Akshu continued, holding his hand tightly, "I love being a music therapist, and it doesn't matter to me whether I work in a big institute in a bustling city or a small hospital in a quiet town. We only get one life, Abhi. And you are the best thing in mine. I want to spend every day with you."

Tears welled up in Abhi's eyes. He slowly pulled out a ring from his pocket, his voice trembling with emotion. "Akshu, I've been carrying this with me for months now. Every time I visited you in Mumbai, I wanted to get down on one knee and ask you to marry me. But somehow, I just couldn't. I thought it might seem selfish of me."

Akshu tenderly touched the ring, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Abhi, it's beautiful. And you wanting to be with me is not selfish."

Abhi then playfully added, "Plus, remember the last time I asked you in the hospital, you said no. I couldn't take another rejection."

Akshu smiled, "Abhi, first, I didn't say I don't want to marry you. And second, you were asking me to elope, not to marry."

Abhi then shifted onto one knee, his eyes locked onto hers. "Akshu, from the first moment your voice reached my ears, you became the melody that fills my days and nights. You are not just a part of my soul; you are its very essence. Every time I see you, I am reminded that with you beside me, I am at my happiest, and nothing else matters. So, I want you to be officially mine, to be with me every second of every day and every night. Ms. Akshara Goenka, will you marry me?"

Akshu, now overcome with emotion, whispered softly, "Yes," and gave Abhi a tight hug, both of them crying tears of joy.

Abhi then placed the ring on her finger, and they shared a kiss, sealing their promise to each other.

After Diwali ended, Akshu returned to the institute in Mumbai. She was still glowing with excitement from Abhi's proposal, envisioning their future together. However, two months before she was due to return home, Akshu received a call that shattered all her plans. Neil's voice conveyed the dreadful news: "Bhai has been in an accident. He's in the hospital."