ABHIRA [ON HOLD]

CHAPTER 1: TUJHSE NAARAZ NHI ZINDAGI HAIRAN HOON MEIN

Akshara couldn't stop her smile as she collected her bags and guitar case from the baggage counter. She was finally back in her city, Udaipur. Excitement bubbled within her at the thought of seeing her family again, wrapping them in tight hugs, and finally being able to breathe in the familiar warmth she'd missed for so long.

Her smile faltered slightly as she exited the airport and noticed that no one had come to receive her. She tried to push the disappointment aside. 'They must be busy, Akshara. Don't overthink it,' she reassured herself, taking a cab towards home.

As the cab started, she inhaled deeply, the cool air filling her lungs and instantly soothing her. It felt so good to be back. Back to her city, back to her family. The cab pulled to a stop in front of her home, and Akshara's heart swelled with joy as she stepped out, paying the driver.

Entering the house, she was immediately greeted by the delicious aroma of freshly made kachoris. The smell wrapped her in a blanket of nostalgia, reminding her of all the things she'd missed over the last five years. In the living room, everyone was gathered around Arohi, who was focused on her laptop.

With excitement bubbling over, Akshara beamed and called out, "Hello, everyone!"

Every face lit up with happiness as they turned to see her. The first person to rush forward was her Mimi, tears already forming in her eyes. "Akshu, tu kitni badi ho gayi, meri bacchi!"

Akshara blinked rapidly, determined not to cry. She put on a bright smile and teased, "Oh ho, Mimi, aap to aise baat kar rahe ho jaise mein 20 saal baad aa rahi hoon! Sirf 5 saal ke liye gayi thi!"

"Toh 5 saal kam hote hain kya?" her Bade Papa chimed in, pulling her into a warm embrace. Akshara hugged him tightly, soaking in the comfort she had longed for.

"Ab tujhe kahin nahi jaane denge, Akshu," her brother Kairav said, gently caressing her head.

Akshara smiled softly, feeling the familiar sense of security she always felt around her brother, a warmth that reminded her of her father. "Bhaiya, aap chinta mat karo. Ab kahin nahi jaungi, aap kahege tab bhi nahi!" she joked, hugging him tightly.

After reuniting with the rest of the family, her gaze fell on Arohi, who stood a little away from the group. Akshara's heart ached to hug her, but she knew Arohi hated her hugs. Instead, she smiled warmly and asked, "Kaisi hai, Aru?"

"I'm fine. Tu bata," Arohi replied, her tone polite but distant.

Even though Akshara knew it was just politeness, her heart fluttered at the fact that Arohi had asked about her. Maybe things could be different between us now... "Main bilkul badiya," she responded with a soft smile.

Everyone gathered around the dining table, where Akshara's favorite kachoris were served. Her mouth watered as the warm, crispy snacks were placed in front of her.

Before she could dig in, Arohi spoke up, "Bade Papa, bas 5-minute baaki hain," and everyone seemed to drift back to the living room, their attention returning to her laptop.

Akshara, confused, asked, "Kis liye 5 minute?"

"Arey, Akshu! Aaj Aru ka final result aane wala hai MBBS ka!" Kairav explained.

"Sach mein?" Akshara's excitement doubled as she glanced at her sister. "Dekhna, tu hamesha ki tarah first aayegi, Aru!" she said with a bright, encouraging smile.

Arohi simply nodded, her eyes still glued to the screen. She typed a few things and pressed enter. Everyone waited with bated breath.

"First," Arohi finally said, exhaling in relief.