ABHIRA [ON HOLD]

CHAPTER 8: KYA KHAYAAL H AAP KA-II

After dinner, everyone decided to sit in the lawn of the hotel, eager to enjoy the cool evening breeze and the serene atmosphere. They gathered in a circle around a small fire, its warmth a welcome contrast to the chilly wind that whispered through the night. The sky above was a canvas of stars, twinkling in the vast darkness. Light conversation floated around as they all got to know one another, but one person wasn't entirely present in the moment.

Akshara sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the brightest star that illuminated the night sky. Ever since she learned about her Naira Mamma, her Mimi used to tell her that the brightest star in the sky was her mother, still watching over them, lighting up their darkest moments just like she did when she was alive. The thought brought a sense of calm but also sadness, a longing that tugged at her heart. She missed her mother, and tonight, under the blanket of stars, that feeling seemed stronger than ever.

On the other side of the circle, Abhimanyu's attention wasn't on the conversations either. His eyes were glued to Akshara, who seemed lost in thought. The moonlight danced softly on her face, highlighting her delicate features, but what caught his attention was the sadness lingering in her eyes. It was subtle, but he could see it clearly, and the sight made his heart ache. If he could, he would take away every ounce of pain from her and replace it with his own happiness, just to see her smile again.

"Akshu, tujhe apna guitar lana chahiye tha. Tab aur maza aata," Vansh bhaiya's voice suddenly cut through the quiet, pulling Akshara from her thoughts.

"Haan bhaiya, par main bhool gayi," she replied, her face falling slightly as she remembered the instrument she had left behind.

"Koi baat nahi, guitar nahi toh kya hua? Teri awaaz toh hai," Kairav bhaiya added, trying to lift her spirits.

"Akshara didi, aap gaati ho?" Nishtha asked eagerly before Akshara could say anything.

"Thoda thoda," Akshara replied modestly, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Really? Then sing something for us!" Nishtha urged, her eyes shining with excitement.

Akshara hesitated for a moment before asking, "Okay, but batao kaunsa gaana?"

Suggestions flew around the group, each person calling out a favorite song, but eventually, they settled on one.

"Okay, okay," Akshara laughed, raising her hands in mock surrender. "I can't sing all of them, but let me sing what Neil requested."

Everyone quieted down, eagerly anticipating her song. Neil grinned, nodding encouragingly as she took a deep breath. The night air felt still for a moment, as though the world itself paused to listen.

Akshara began softly, her voice carrying through the cool breeze, ' लग जा गले कि फिर ये हसीं रात हो न हो........' The gentle melody floated around them, weaving through the crackling of the fire and the rustling leaves. Her voice was delicate, like a whisper to the stars, but soon grew stronger, filled with emotion that drew everyone in.

As the song continued, the world seemed to blur for Abhimanyu. It was just her voice and the moonlight illuminating her face. Every note felt like it was meant for him, caressing his heart, soothing something deep within. His chest tightened, yet the warmth that spread through him was undeniable.

Akshara's voice was a balm to everyone, a sound so pure that it hushed the conversations and left only the music. Kairav watched her with pride, Shefali and Nishtha closed their eyes, letting the song take them away, and Parth and Neil smiled softly enjoying the song. But none were more affected than Abhimanyu, who found himself completely entranced, unable to look away from her.