Second Chance for love

*Chapter-4 Family ties*

Abhimanyu's eyes blazed with suspicion, his brow furrowed in disdain. "Aarohi has manipulated you, hasn't she?" His voice dripped with venom, each word laced with accusation.

Neil's face contorted in frustration, his eyes burning with desperation. His voice trembled, cracking under the weight of emotions. "Leave who manipulated whom, bhai! Just tell me where I was wrong. Why can't you see the truth? Why can't you see that I'm dying inside, watching you question our love?"

Abhimanyu's expression twisted, incredulity etched on his face like a scar. "You really expect me to believe Aarohi loves you for who you are, not for the Birla name? You're blind, Neil. Blind to her games."

Neil's eyes welled up, tears brimming like a stormy sea. His voice cracked, shattered by the weight of Abhimanyu's doubts. "Bhai, why are you so against my relationship with Aarohi? Don't you see? She's the only one who's ever truly accepted me, flaws and all. She's the only one who makes me feel whole."

Abhimanyu's gaze faltered, his voice softening like a whispered secret. "Neil, I just want what's best for you..."

"No, bhai, listen!" Neil's words tumbled out in a rush, a dam breaking under the pressure. "Aarohi was Rajasthan's MBBS topper. She can get a job anywhere. Why would she feign love for me, an illegitimate Birla, when she has everything? She's Goenka's legitimate daughter, with wealth and status. But I'm the one she chose. Why can't you see that?"

Neil's voice shattered, tears streaming down his face like rain. His body shook, wracked with sobs. Abhimanyu's expression crumbled, empathy finally breaking through his defenses.

Abhimanyu's arms enveloped Neil, holding him tight as he surrendered to uncontrollable sobs. Years of pent-up emotions overwhelmed him, and his body shuddered with each ragged breath. His face buried in Abhimanyu's shoulder, Neil's tears soaked into his shirt.

Memories of Aarohi flooded his mind – their secret dates, stolen glances, and whispered promises. Their blissful year together had been the best time of his life. Yet, guilt and anger intensified his sobs. The pain of leaving Aarohi on their sangeet day, accusing her of fake pregnancy, and his cold demeanor haunted him.

Abhimanyu's gentle back rubs offered comfort, but Neil's anguish ran deep. His daughter's hurt eyes and Aarohi's brave smile seared his soul. Every memory, every regret, suffocated him.

Abhimanyu's heart broke, witnessing his brother's shattered dreams. He realized Neil loved Aarohi deeply and vowed to support him, even if it meant welcoming Aarohi into their family.

Neil's outburst had eased Abhimanyu's doubts about Aarohi's intentions. Though a lingering uncertainty remained, fueled by Akshara's accusations, he set aside his doubts for Neil's sake.

Exhausted, Neil fell asleep in Abhimanyu's arms. Abhimanyu gently laid him on the hospital bed, covering him with a blanket. Wiping away his tears, he kissed Neil's forehead lovingly.

Abhimanyu walked out of the room, conflicted emotions swirling within. He yearned to trust Neil's faith in Aarohi, but Akshara's accusations lingered, haunting him. Neil's questions about Akshara's intentions irked him, but he pushed them aside, believing Akshara loved Aarohi.

Unbeknownst to the brothers, Manjiri and Harsh had witnessed their anguish. Manjiri's eyes welled up at Neil's pain, while Harsh felt the weight of guilt for treating Neil like a doormat.

"But Neil loved Aarohi, then what's the problem to get them married? Aarohi is a nice girl," Harsh said to Manjiri, his voice laced with regret, still gazing at Neil through the window.

"But Harsh ji, Akshu and Abhi are getting divorced, and in this condition, how can we talk about Neil and Aarohi's marriage? Goenkas won't agree," Manjiri replied, her voice trembling.

Harsh countered, "When they agreed to marry their one daughter to the same person who left their other daughter at the altar, then why can't they do this? Their divorce is their problem; the world doesn't revolve around them. Go home, prepare to send a proposal to Goenkas; I will be there too," Harsh declared firmly, his eyes burning with determination.

Manjiri left for home, her heart heavy with emotion, prepared the proposal, and accompanied Harsh, Abhimanyu, Shafali, and Parth to the Goenkas'. Manish's instant refusal stung, but Suwarna's agreement ignited a glimmer of hope.

"Half the people are happy, and we shouldn't care about the other half," Harsh said.

Akshara confronted Abhimanyu when the other Birlas left. "What?" he snapped at her; she flinched, but took a deep breath.

"Abhimanyu, why are you letting this happen? You know how Aarohi is. Neil won't be happy with her," Akshara said, concern etched on her face.

"Look, Akshara, it's Neil's life; let him do what he wants, and we can't decide if he will be happy with her or not. If he will be happy with her, then it's good, but if not, it will be their problem, and we shouldn't meddle with it. Let Neil decide his happiness, and for God's sake, don't try to interfere," Abhimanyu said firmly.

Abhimanyu rode his bike to the hospital, leaving Akshara shocked and hurt.

In the hospital, Neil was discharged, and as he returned home, emotions overwhelmed him. Everyone's warm touch and loving hugs were a balm to his weary soul.

He felt happy, being a part of his family again, where everyone could see him, hug him. But amidst the joy, a hollow echoed within. This house, once a sanctuary, now felt empty without Ruhi and Aarohi.

"Okay, I know I've rushed things pretty fast, but actually, I don't want to write boring stuff. I just want to get to the main point of this story as soon as possible."