Second Chance Love

Moving Ahead Together!

Once he was sure the kids were in deep sleep, Abhimanyu entangled himself from Roohi and got up from the bed. He knew that he would not be able to sleep, so decided to start with his day. He kept a pillow next to Roohi and kissed the foreheads of all three of his babies before getting into the washroom. Abhimanyu changed into his exercise clothes and headed down to the gym. He put in all his anger, despair, and frustration into an intense workout. When he reached his home after an hour, his mother was at the door picking up the morning newspaper.

"Abhi, you are early today? I thought you would sleep in a bit today," said Avni who knew that her son didn't have to go to the hospital till late in the afternoon.

Abhimanyu did not reply. Instead he just closed the door and hugged his mother tight. "Abhi, what's wrong?" asked a worried Avni. She gently pried him away from the hug and was shocked to see that his eyes were red rimmed. "Beta, Kya hua? You are worrying me," she asked agitated.

Abhimanyu hugged his mother again, "Ma, last night Akshara told me about her previous marriage." Avni sighed. Now she understood. She held him tight and stroked his back for a few minutes. "Come with me, Abhi," she said, as she took him to her bedroom. Avni sat on the bed and Abhimanyu immediately laid down with his head on his mother's lap.

"How can people be so cruel, Ma? And that too with Akshara! She is so gentle, so kind," Abhimanyu said, his voice hoarse.

"I know, beta. But such is life."

"It is not fair."

"I know."

They were silent as Avni stroked Abhimanyu's hair. "Ma, I promised Akshara that I would be with her every step. But I do not know what to do. I don't want to hurt her in any way. I am feeling so clueless."

"I understand, Abhi. Akshu has gone through a lot but she has thrived because of love. Her family's, then Abhir and Roohi's, and now yours. People say time heals everything, but it doesn't. I mean it may lessen it a bit but the remnants of the pain are always present under the surface. But love, unconditional love heals everything, so much that sometimes you may not even remember the pain. So, shower her with love, Abhi, and that's all you have to do."

Abhimanyu got up and sat in front of his mother. "Would it be enough?"

"Yes, beta. It would be. But another thing you need to remember is not to treat her like a glass doll. She is one of the strongest people I know. She does not need your pity or sympathy. Love her, respect her like you already do." Abhimanyu nodded his head and smiled. "Thank you, Ma. I love you"

"I love you too, beta." She caressed his head. "But still, you stink and need to take a shower immediately," she said in a teasing tone, making Abhimanyu groan, which made Avni laugh out loud. Abhimanyu left his mother's room and headed it to his own only to be awed by the scene in front of him. In an hour or so, Abhir had managed to climb over Akshara while Roohi had scooted closer, and Akshara was holding them with both her arms. Abhimanyu opened his phone camera and took some shots of the adorable trio. After taking numerous photos of his wife and kids, he went to the bathroom for a quick shower.

When he exited the bathroom, he noticed Akshara moving uncomfortably although she was still asleep. He knew that her back would be hurting with Abhir sleeping over her. He gently picked Abhir from her hold and cradled him close so that he didn't wake up. But Akshara slowly opened her eyes when she felt the weight shifting from her body. She looked around and noticed the kids. "When did they come here?" she asked, her voice groggy. 

"Around 5. Roohi had a bad dream and was crying. So Abhir brought her here," said Abhimanyu while placing Abhir next to Roohi. Akshara turned to Roohi and caressed her face, "My poor baby," she said and pecked her forehead. She turned around when she felt Abhimanyu sit next to her.