ABHIRA [SLOW UPDATE]

CHAPTER 6: MUJHE DOR KOI KEECHE TERI OR LIYE JAE- II

As Akshara looked up, her eyes widened in surprise as she recognized the stranger who had saved her yesterday. She didn't know what he was doing here, but her heart raced, and her breath hitched as his intense dark brown eyes locked onto hers. Flustered by his gaze, she felt an unfamiliar warmth spread through her.

He looked handsome, draped in a black and silver mirror-work kurta, his features soft yet commanding as he continued to stare at her. Unable to hold his gaze any longer, Akshara quickly looked away, her pulse quickening.

"Manish ji, aapko last time Abhimanyu se milne ka mauka nahi mila tha na? Aaj milwaata hoon—mera beta, Dr. Abhimanyu Birla, one of the best cardiac surgeon," Harsh uncle announced proudly, patting Abhimanyu on the back. Akshara saw how his expression hardened at his father words. With a forced smile, Abhimanyu took everyone's blessings, greeting them with a polite "Namaste."

"Namaste beta, finally hum mil hi gaye. Bahut suna hai aapke baare mein," Bade Papa said warmly.

Before Abhimanyu could respond, Mimi interrupted. "Oh, the doctor!"

Abhimanyu's eyes widened in recognition as embarrassment washed over him.

"Maa, aap Abhimanyu ko janti hain?" Manish asked, confused.

"Arey, hospital mein Akshara..." Mimi started, causing Akshara to realize that Abhimanyu was the same doctor she had encountered during her panic attack—the one whose heartbeat had inexplicably calmed her. Just how many times have we met without realizing?  Akshara thought, startled by the serendipity of it all.

But before Mimi could reveal too much, Akshara quickly nudged her, reminding her that no one knew about her panic attacks. "Haan, humne bataya tha na? Akshara ne ek aurat ki madad ki thi hospital le jaane mein, tabhi Abhimanyu se mulaqat hui thi," Mimi replied, smoothly covering up.

Abhimanyu, now understanding the connection, felt his heart flutter as everything clicked into place. It was always her. It was always Akshara.

His lips curved into a soft smile, and his eyes found hers again, making her heart skip a beat. She had been caught watching him too, her cheeks flushing under his steady gaze.

Meanwhile, Arohi, wanting to introduce herself to the best doctor, stepped forward. But her eyes suddenly fell on the stranger whose car she had hit the other day. Shocked, she blurted out, "Tum?!" causing everyone to turn toward her.

"Arohi, kya hua?" Bade Papa asked with a frown.

Kabir, recognizing an opportunity to tease, stepped forward. "Hello, Arohi. Nice to meet you again," he said with a mischievous glint.

"Arey, Arohi, tum inko jaanti ho?" Bade Papa asked, still frowning.

Smirking internally, Kabir said, "Namaste, uncle. I'm Kabir, Abhimanyu ka dost. Aur haan, hum kal hi mile the, hain na, Arohi?"

Arohi glared at him, visibly annoyed. "Ji, Bade Papa, kal cafe mein mile the," she began, but Kabir cut her off.

"Ji uncle, kal inhone meri car ki headlight—" Kabir started, only for Arohi to quickly shout over him, "Ko bachaaya tha! Bade Papa, kal inki gaadi bina handbrake ke aage ja rahi thi, toh maine bas bataya ki gadi aage ja rahi hai," she rambled, clearly flustered by her own nonsensical explanation.

Before anyone could probe further, Manjari aunty called out, "Aaye, tilak shuru karte hain," mercifully saving Arohi from further embarrassment.

Kabir chuckled at her wild lie, amused by how she struggled to keep her cool. He glanced at her again, meeting her fiery glare. She's breathing fire now,  he thought, loving the sight.