TERE BIN Ft. ABHIRA

Chapter 1

Akshara stood on the balcony of her small apartment in Pune, her hand resting gently on her growing belly. The world had turned against her, and she was far from the life she once knew. Abhimanyu, the love of her life, had abandoned her after believing that she was responsible for Neil's death and her miscarriage. Little did he know that one of their twins had survived, and Akshara, now pregnant, was determined to protect her child from the pain and bitterness that had torn their family apart.

As she pondered her next steps, a knock on the door startled her. She wasn't expecting anyone, especially not the person who now stood on the threshold—Dr. Harshvardhan Birla, Abhimanyu's estranged father.

"Papa .... Aap Yahan ??"

"Akshara," Harsh began, his voice softened by an uncharacteristic gentleness. "I know I'm the last person you expected to see, but I'm here to help."

Akshara stared at him, her emotions conflicted. Harsh had never been warm towards her, always maintaining a distance. But now, as she looked into his eyes, she saw something different—remorse, perhaps, or even a desire to make amends.

"Why?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why would you help me after everything?"

Harsh sighed, stepping into the small room. "Because I've made mistakes, Akshara. Many of them. I've lost my family, my son... and now, I'm losing you too. I know I wasn't there when you needed support, and I'm sorry for that. But I don't want to lose my grandchild as well."

Akshara's hand instinctively moved to her stomach. "You know?"

"I do,I saw u at the hospital where u got to know about the baby and before i could reach u, u were gone.... i got the hospital from the doctor" Harsh replied, his gaze softening as he looked at her belly. "I want to be there for you, for this child. I want to do something right, for once in my life."

Tears welled up in Akshara's eyes. She had felt so alone, so betrayed by those she loved. But in that moment, she realized that perhaps, not everyone had abandoned her.

"Papa," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "Thank you papa for being there for me when everyone had abandoned me ...."

The following months were a whirlwind of preparations, all under Harsh's watchful eye. He had arranged for Akshara to stay in a comfortable, secluded home in Shimla which they shifted as Akshara wanted a peaceful environment, away from the prying eyes of the world. He ensured she received the best medical care, even though Akshara was wary of hospitals after everything that had happened.

Harsh visited frequently, bringing her essentials, talking to her, and even sharing stories from his own past. Slowly, Akshara began to see a different side of the man who had always seemed so cold and distant. He was a father who had lost his way, but who was now desperately trying to find redemption.

As the days turned into weeks, Harsh and Akshara grew closer. He became the support system she had longed for, a pillar of strength she never expected. He would often sit with her, discussing the future, the baby, and even Abhimanyu, though those conversations were always bittersweet.

One evening, as they sat on the porch, Harsh looked at Akshara with a seriousness she hadn't seen before.

"Akshara," he began, "I know that you still love Abhimanyu, and I know that he loves you too. He's hurt, confused, but he's not beyond reach. When the time is right, you need to tell him about the baby."

Akshara's heart ached at the thought. "I don't know if I can face him again, Papa. He's been so angry, so... distant."

"Give him time," Harsh said gently. "And when he's ready, he'll understand. But for now, focus on yourself and this little one."

Akshara nodded, grateful for his wisdom. She was still healing, still grappling with the pain of the past, but she knew that Harsh was right. One day, she would have to tell Abhimanyu the truth.

The night of the delivery arrived like a storm. Akshara had been feeling the pains for hours, and as the contractions grew stronger, so did her fear. Harsh was by her side, holding her hand as the doctor prepared for the birth.

"You're going to be alright," Harsh whispered, his voice steady. "Just breathe, Akshara. You're strong, and so is our baby."

Akshara gripped his hand, drawing strength from his presence. She had never imagined that the man she once feared would be the one helping her bring her child into the world.

And once the doctor said it was time for the baby to come, Akshara was taken to the labour room and Harsh was waiting outside praying all the gods he knew to take care of the little one and his daughter ... yes Akshara is his daughter ...

The labor was long and difficult, but Akshara fought through it with every ounce of her strength. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the cries of a newborn filled the room.

"It's a girl," the doctor announced, handing the tiny, wriggling baby to Akshara.

Tears streamed down Akshara's face as she held her daughter for the first time. She was perfect, a tiny miracle with Abhimanyu's eyes and her mother's strength. 

Doctor after keeping the baby on Akshara for the mother's warmth took the baby and cleaned it and took it to Harsh who was waiting anxiously and once he saw the baby , the  tears glistening in his own eyes as he looked at his granddaughter.

"Its a baby girl !!"

He was cooing the beautiful baby girl in his arms and after some time Akshara was shifted to the ward and she was left alone as Harsh was outside since she was feeding the newborn as instructed by the nurse and doctor. After some time, Harsh came inside confirming after Akshara has finished feeding the baby ..... and he sat beside the bed and watched the mother- daughter duo. 

"She's beautiful," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "What are u going to name her?"

Akshara looked down at the baby, her heart swelling with love. "Aaira," she said softly. "Her name is Aaira."

Harsh smiled, his heart filled with a warmth he hadn't felt in years. "Aaira Birla. She's going to change everything, Akshara."

As the sun rose over the mountains, Akshara knew that this was a new beginning—not just for her and Aaira, but for the entire Birla family. With Harsh by her side, she knew she could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

And as she looked into her daughter's eyes, she knew that one day, when the time was right, she would tell Abhimanyu the truth. Until then, she would cherish this moment, this new life, and the hope that one day, they could all be a family again.