Closure

35. Start of Forever

As the evening fell, a soft glow bathed the suites where Akshu and Abhi prepared for the night that would change everything. Both of them were riding a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, nerves, and the weight of the moment hanging in the air. The event they'd both dreamed of was finally here. By the time the sun rose, they would embark on a lifelong journey together.

Akshu had just finished dressing up when a knock shattered the quiet hum of her thoughts. She frowned in confusion; the stylist wasn't expected for another hour. Intrigued, she walked over to the door and pulled it open. To her surprise, standing there, with the weight of a thousand unspoken words etched across her face, was Arohi—the last person Akshu thought would appear.

Ever since Neil had given Arohi a piece of his mind, she had faded into the background, attending the ceremonies in a shadow of silence. She was present, but absent in spirit, her presence barely a ripple in the family's celebration.

"Do you have five minutes?" Arohi's voice was soft but firm, a tone Akshu wasn't used to hearing from her.

Akshu blinked. "Of course. What's going on?"

Arohi gestured toward the nearby sofa, her hand trembling slightly. "Can we sit?"

Once seated, Arohi reached into her purse and withdrew two gold bangles. Without a word, she placed them in Akshu's hands.

"These belonged to my... I mean, our mother. I think she would have loved for you to have them." Her voice wavered slightly.

Akshu stared at the bangles, her throat tightening as emotions surged. She had never expected this—this gesture, this vulnerability from Arohi. "Aru..." she began, but words failed her.

Arohi took a deep breath. "Akshu, I need to confess something. I had decided to leave. To not be part of your wedding, or your life, for that matter. But someone... someone stopped me. And I've been thinking, really thinking, ever since."

She looked up, meeting Akshu's eyes. "I'm sorry, Akshu. I'm sorry for blaming you... for our mother's death. You were never responsible. I don't want you to carry that burden anymore. Especially now, as you start this new chapter of your life—I don't want you to take that weight with you."

Before Akshu could respond, Arohi's phone buzzed. It was Manish. "I have to go. Bade Papa asked me to help welcome the guests today," Arohi said, standing abruptly. She paused at the door, glanced back at Akshu for a moment, then quietly left.

Akshu sat motionless, the bangles still warm in her hands. Could it be that Arohi had finally grown up and let go of the bitterness that had defined so much of their relationship? Akshu had waited so long for this moment, for Arohi to stop being selfish and immature. But over time, she had lost hope.

Tears welled up, spilling onto her cheeks as she stared at the bangles. She'd carried the weight of blame for so long, and now, on the eve of her wedding, that burden was lifted. The happiness she felt was so profound it almost hurt. She had the sudden urge to rush to Abhi, to hug him tight. But it's alright, she told herself. A lifetime of hugs awaited her after tonight.

Meanwhile, in his own suite, Abhi stood before the mirror, adjusting his sherwani, though his mind was elsewhere. His mother, Manjiri, noticed his fidgeting and stepped closer, her eyes soft with concern.

"Abhi, what's bothering you?" she asked gently.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Ma, I'm just thinking about Akshu. It's a big step, you know? Moving into a new house and being surrounded by new people. She's so loved in her own home, and I just... I want her to feel that same warmth when she comes to our house. But..."

"But?" Manjiri prompted.

He hesitated. "Take Sir, for example. He's here, but it's clear he's still cold towards Akshu. He's been that way since day one."

Manjiri smiled sadly. "Abhi, your father is not the best man in this universe. I never said that, and I never will. But if there's one thing I know, it's that he loves you deeply. Seeing you happy means everything to him. He may not show it well, but believe me, he's not here half-heartedly. And as for Akshu—she has a way of winning hearts. You, of all people, know that better than anyone. Just give it time."

Her words calmed him, but a new restlessness brewed. "Maa, I miss Akshu. I want to see her. Can I go?"

Manjiri laughed. "Are you crazy?"

"Call me crazy, then. I am crazy about her and anything that has to do with her," Abhi replied, his tone light but underscored by seriousness. "So, can I?"

Before she could respond, Neil appeared at the door. "It's time."

Abhi pressed a hand to his heart, smiled to himself, and followed them out.

The evening unfolded like a dream. Akshu and Abhi, dressed in their royal attire, looked nothing short of breathtaking. The guests couldn't stop talking about how radiant they were, how their love story seemed like something out of a fairytale.

As Akshu appeared, Abhi's eyes filled with unshed tears, his heart swelling with emotion. They completed the rituals, their vows exchanged with eyes locked in a promise that words could never fully capture. By the time the ceremony concluded, it was past midnight, and exhaustion weighed heavily on everyone.

Everyone retreated to their rooms to catch some sleep before heading back the next morning. Abhi walked into his and Akshu's room, which was beautifully decorated for the newlyweds. As he entered, he saw Akshu, clearly exhausted, dozing off on the sofa, her delicate frame curled up in the soft cushions.

Smiling, he crossed the room and gently lifted her into his arms, laying her down on the bed. One by one, he removed her heavy jewelry—the earrings, the necklace, and the bangles that weighed down her slender wrists. He tucked her under the blanket, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

After changing into more comfortable clothes, he slid into bed beside her, his heart full. As he watched her sleeping face, serene and beautiful, he felt the weight of the day lift. They had overcome so much, and now they were finally husband and wife.

With that thought, Abhi drifted into a peaceful sleep, the quiet rhythm of their breathing filling the room as the first night of their forever began.