Second Chance Love

Reading Her Eyes

Akshara could feel the sun rays filtering through the gaps in the curtains but she was in no mood to get up. Usually, she was the first one to wake up in the house. But Avni's midnight birthday celebrations had gone well into the night. Although the party was in the evening, Akshara was already bone tired and wanted to rest for a couple of more hours. Thankfully, the kids had stayed awake for quite a bit and had not woken up during their usual wake up time. Almost all the things for the party were done, and there was no hurry to wake up. But Abhimanyu had awoken at his usual time, despite the fact that he had taken off from work. Akshara did not have to open her eyes to know that Abhimanyu was no longer sleeping next to her.

It had been a few days since they had started sharing a bed. When Abhimanyu suggested it, Akshara had got nervous but excited too, despite knowing that he had done it as a courtesy. Still, she was happy that she could observe his handsome face closely while he was sleeping. He had also suggested to divide the bed with pillows if she didn't trust him. But Akshara did trust Abhimanyu, although she didn't trust herself. So, she made sure to sleep while hugging a pillow so that she doesn't end up in his arms at night like last time. However, even though they never touched each other while sleeping together, she always knew when he was no longer on the bed.

Because Akshara was aware of everything about Abhimanyu, even with her eyes closed. She had been extremely upset when he had ignored her two weeks ago. But right from the time she was in Bangalore, Abhimanyu had been extra attentive. And the birthday surprise that was awaiting back at home was the best birthday gift of her life. Although he was busy the next few days, he did take out time to talk to her, which made her forget about the days he had ignored her. She was just happy that he was back to being her friend. However, keeping her feelings for him in check was getting difficult, as she found herself falling in love with him more and more with each passing day.

Akshara could not get over the fact that Abhimanyu took her studies and career seriously. He would not only encourage her to do the best but would also adjust his schedule so that she did not have to compromise on her studies. It was something that she had never expected and would always surprise her. Of course, her family had encouraged her to study but her bad experiences in her previous marriage had made her wary. But Abhimanyu had been nothing but supportive.

But not everything was like before. Something had changed. She could feel it from the way he looked at her and the way he would casually touch her hand in the midst of conversation. Even a slight touch, sometimes unknowingly, would make her pulse quicken. And there were the things he did for her like renovating the balcony like the way she liked it. Last night, he had surprised her again.

They had retired to their bedroom just after 2 in the morning, last night. After the midnight cake cutting, which was more for the kids than Avni, the family had sat together sharing jokes and anecdotes. Once Avni and the kids had slept, Neil had sat down Abhimanyu and Akshara to tell them the extra things he had done for the party like mood lights, photo booth, and a trampoline for the little guests. 

"Mood lights? What's the use of that?" has asked Abhimanyu.

"Arre Bhai, it will be nice. You will surely appreciate me when you see it," said Neil. 

Abhimanyu just shook his head. "And what is the need for a trampoline?"

"So that we don't have to entertain Abhir, Roohi, and their friends. We can focus on Ma and her friends."

"Yes, that's a great idea," said Akshara

"Thank you, Bhabhi for appreciating because some people have a problem with everything," he said taunting Abhimanyu.

"I have no problem. But you guys have been doing so much. I feel I haven't contributed anything for the party," said Abhimanyu a bit sad.

"Bhai, dont be sad. If it upsets you so much, you can pay for everything. That would be a good contribution," said Neil as Akshara laughed out loud and Abhimanyu threw a cushion at him.