Closure

25. Believe in Yourself

It had been a few weeks since Abhi's memory had returned, and life had gradually settled back into its familiar rhythm. With Akshu now working as a music therapist at Birla Hospital, they had more time to spend together, often talking about their future. One day, after a leisurely lunch, Akshu found herself gazing at the ring Abhi had given her on Diwali when he proposed. "Abhi, when should we get married?" she asked softly.

Abhi smiled, his eyes sparkling with love. "Right now."

Akshu laughed, shaking her head. "Abhi, I'm serious."

Taking her hand in both of his, he replied earnestly, "Akshu, I've been ready to marry you for longer than I can remember. I'm only waiting for you—to be ready, to express your desire to be married. After the wedding, I'll stay at my house, but the biggest change will be for you, moving in with me. I don't want to rush you. If you're ready now, let's tell our families."

Akshu, touched by his sincerity, kissed his forehead. "You're so sweet. And yes, I am ready."

That day, they shared their desire to marry with their families, and soon, preparations were in full swing. The engagement ceremony was the first event on the horizon.

All the Goenkas were thrilled for Akshu, except Arohi. She pretended to be fine but was struggling inside. One day, needing to discuss a patient's file with Abhi, she knocked on his office door.

The door was ajar, and Akshu saw her. "Aru... Abhi is in surgery. He'll be back soon. Come in."

Seeing Akshu there, Arohi's facade crumbled. "This isn't your office. Yes, he'll be your husband soon, but that doesn't mean you can just be in his cabin without him. It won't belong to you, even after you marry him."

Akshu, surprised, stammered, "Aru..."

Arohi continued, her voice rising with emotion, "But wait, isn't that what you do best? Taking things from others? You took my mother, and now you've taken the man I wanted to marry. May God never give anyone a sister like you." With that, she stormed out.

Akshu was taken aback, her breathing becoming erratic as a panic attack set in. Just then, Abhi returned from surgery and saw her struggling. He rushed to her side, adopting his tried-and-true method to calm her.

He began humming 'Lag Jaa Gale', his voice soft and soothing. "Akshu, please breathe and try to hum along with me," he gently pleaded. Akshu tried to follow Abhi's lead, and gradually, her breathing steadied, the calming melody working its magic. Once she looked more at ease, Abhi handed her some water. "Are you okay?" he asked tenderly.

Tears welled up in Akshu's eyes. "Abhi, I... I didn't kill Sirat Maa. I loved her as much as Aru did." She buried her face in Abhi's chest, her sobs wracking her body. "Why does Aru keep saying that I did? I can't take it."

Abhi wrapped his arms around her, holding her as if he could shield her from all the pain. "Shh... What she says doesn't matter. Everyone who truly knows you understands that you could never do such a thing. Take me, for instance—I know it in my heart, Akshu. Even if the entire world turned against you, I would never believe it."

He gently lifted her chin, wiping away her tears with his thumbs. "You are the kindest, most compassionate person I know. Don't let anyone's cruel words make you doubt that." He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her nose, which was red from crying. "Now please, stop crying. Your nose looks like a cherry tomato."

Akshu managed a small smile and decided to rest on Abhi's sofa. While she rested, Abhi prepared a surprise to lift her spirits: a candlelit dinner in the park. That evening, he guided her to the park, blindfolded, to add an element of surprise.

When they arrived, a circle of candles lit up the area, with a table in the center featuring a grand candelabra. But just as Abhi removed the blindfold, the sky decided to make its own dramatic entrance. Rain began to pour, quickly snuffing out the candles and soaking the romantic setup.

Abhi hurried to protect the candelabra, but the rain had its own ideas. Despite his best efforts, the downpour quickly drenched everything, leaving him with a look of bewildered frustration. When Akshu saw his comically earnest attempts to protect the candles and the overall soggy scene, she couldn't help but laugh. Her mood lifted immediately.

Abhi then waved her over to take cover under a nearby tree, but Akshu remained where she was, twirling with her eyes closed and a wide grin, dancing joyfully in the rain. Seeing her so carefree and happy, Abhi's heart swelled with affection. Although his elaborate dinner plan had been swept away, he had managed to brighten her spirits. With a playful smile, he walked over, scooped her up in his arms, and spun her around. Akshu spread her arms wide, welcoming the rain and the moment, her laughter blending with the gentle rhythm of the raindrops.