Closure

32. In Safe Arms

By Friday evening, both families had gathered at the hotel, bustling with the anticipation of the upcoming events. Abhi and Akshu were caught up in the whirlwind of preparations, each immersed in finalizing details with their families—from selecting the perfect outfits to choosing accessories, ensuring everything was ready for the next two days of celebrations. Dinner passed in a blur, and it was only afterward that Abhi found a moment to himself. He immediately tried calling Akshu, eager to steal some time alone with her, but she didn't pick up. After several unanswered calls, he decided to check her room, only to find it empty.

A pang of worry shot through him as he began searching for her frantically, his heart racing with each empty corridor and vacant room. Finally, he found her on the terrace, sitting quietly with her head resting on her knees. The sight of her alone under the vast night sky made his heart ache. He approached her gently, his voice soft with concern, "Akshu, are you okay?"

Akshu lifted her head slowly, revealing eyes red from crying. "I'm fine," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I just... miss them a little bit more right before big moments like this. It's the same way I felt before I graduated, before I chose to become a music therapist... and now, with our wedding just around the corner."

It was then that Abhi noticed the photo frame in her hands—a picture of her parents. Understanding washed over him, and without a word, he sat down beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder, finding comfort in his presence.

"And Abhi, don't judge me," she continued with a small, bittersweet smile, "but I also talk to their picture at times like these."

Abhi smiled softly, his heart swelling with love for her. "Never," he assured her. "So, what were you telling them?"

"I told them that I'm really happy," she began, her voice filled with emotion. "I don't think I've ever been this happy in my life. And I told them that you're the best gift they've ever given me." Her voice cracked as she added, "And that I miss them... and I know they would've loved to see me get married."

Abhi's heart clenched at her words. He gently took the photo frame from her hands, holding it with reverence. "May I?" he asked, and Akshu nodded, handing it over to him.

He held the frame close, his gaze tender as he looked at the image. Taking Akshu's hand in his, he kissed her fingers gently before beginning, "Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Goenka. I'm Dr. Abhimanyu Birla, your daughter's fiancé. I'm sure she's already told you all about me, but I just want to add that I love your daughter with all my heart. I love her more than anything or anyone in this world. I promise to love her, protect her, cherish her, and respect her every single day of my life."

Akshu's eyes filled with tears as she looked at him, her heart overflowing with emotion. "Abhi..." she whispered, before pulling him into a tight hug, holding him as if she'd never let go.

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's warmth, before Akshu rested her head back on his shoulder. They talked softly, sharing the little details of their day and basking in the simplicity of being together. After a while, Akshu grew quiet, and Abhi soon realized she had fallen asleep.

With utmost care, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to her room. He gently laid her down on the bed, tucking her in with a blanket. Leaning down, he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead before quietly leaving the room.

Returning to his own quarters, Abhi felt a wave of emotions wash over him. He found his mother, Manjiri, and without saying a word, he laid his head in her lap, seeking the comfort only a mother could provide.

"What's wrong?" Manjiri asked softly, her fingers brushing through his hair.

"Nothing," Abhi murmured, though his voice held a weight that spoke volumes.

"You went to see Akshu, didn't you?" Manjiri guessed, a knowing smile tugging at her lips.

Abhi nodded, his voice tinged with emotion. "Maa... she's so pure, so innocent. I love her so much. I want to give her everything she could ever wish for, but... there's one thing I can't do. I can't bring her parents back."

Manjiri's expression softened with understanding. "No, you can't bring them back. But know this—Akshu will have all the affection and care from me that a parent would give. She's already like a daughter to me, and when she becomes my daughter-in-law, I'll spoil her every day. I've always wanted a daughter, and now, I'm finally getting one."

Abhi smiled, a sense of peace settling over him. "Thanks, Maa."

Manjiri chuckled, brushing off his gratitude. "There's no need to thank me. I'm not doing you a favor—this is just how it is going to be."

They shared a quiet laugh, the tension easing away. Abhi then touched his mother's feet, as a sign of respect, before heading to his room, where he finally drifted off to sleep.