A light in the flame

Epilogue

Years had passed, the seasons coming and going like gentle waves on the shore. The once-lively Birla house had quieted in some ways but had become full in others—its walls adorned with new faces, tiny hands, and laughter that carried on the spirit of family. Today, the house was bathed in sunlight, with the smell of warm chai and laughter filling the air.

Akshara and Abhimanyu sat in the garden, Akshara is Abhimanyu's arms, both sporting a few more silver hairs and laugh lines, each a testament to a lifetime well-lived. Akshara looked up, watching Abhimanyu as he leaned back in his chair, letting out a contented sigh as he soaked up the sun. His face, though aged, still bore the same beauty, warmth and strength she'd fallen in love with so many years ago.

Just then, a bright voice interrupted their reverie.

"Nani ! Nana ! We're here !"

Naira's youngest daughter, Anya, came running across the garden, her small arms outstretched as she leaped into Abhimanyu's lap. He laughed heartily, embracing her as Akshara joined them, taking Anya's little hand into hers.

"Ira's here too," Abhimanyu murmured, nodding toward the entrance, where Naira stood with her older son, Aryan, by her side. She smiled, watching her mother and father with the same love and admiration she'd always felt.

Naira led her kids over to her parents, sitting down beside them as Anya and Aryan began chatting animatedly about their school projects and soccer practice. As they settled in, Naira took her daughter's hand, looking at her parents with a warm smile.

"Did you know," Naira said softly to her children, "that your Nana was the first person I saw every morning when I was a little girl? I would wake up, run to him, and we'd make pancakes together."

Anya's eyes lit up. "Really? That's why you make pancakes for us every Saturday, isn't it?"

Naira nodded, smiling at her father. "Yes, sweetheart. It's our tradition—started by Nana himself."

Abhimanyu chuckled, a glint of nostalgia in his eyes. "I remember those mornings. You'd come running to me, even before brushing your teeth."

Anya giggled, looking at her grandfather with adoring eyes. "Can we make pancakes tomorrow morning too, Nana?"

Abhimanyu hugged her close. "Of course, Anya. Just like old times."

Naira looked at her mother, taking her hand. "And Mama was the one who taught me that no matter what, love is what keeps us together."

Akshara reached up, brushing her daughter's hair back with a gentle hand. "And you and your brother are our greatest joys, Naira."

Just as she said this, a figure appeared at the entrance to the garden. It was Abhir, his frame taller and more athletic now, though his bright eyes and boyish grin still held the spark of youth. He had become a successful soccer player, his face now familiar on billboards and magazines. Yet here, at home, he was still just Abhir, their son, their pride.

"Naira, don't be hogging all of Ma and Pa's attention now," he teased, dropping a kiss on his mother's head as he sat beside his parents.

Naira rolled her eyes with a playful smirk. "You were always the star, Abhir. I'm just here to keep you grounded."

Abhir laughed, and Akshara and Abhimanyu looked at their children, hearts full. Seeing them together, watching them continue their legacy with love and laughter, was the greatest reward of their lives.

_

As the afternoon drifted into evening, Naira's children gathered around her, eager to hear more stories about their grandparents. Aryan piped up, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Mom, tell us more about Nana and Nani. What were they like when they were younger?"

Naira looked over at her parents with a fond smile. "Oh, they were something special. They loved each other at first glance. They are the definition of true soulmates. No matter what life throws at them they always find the way back to each other. They teached us to love unapologetically."

Anya leaned against her mother, looking at her grandparents with wonder. "I want to be like Nani when I grow up."

Akshara's eyes misted as she reached out to hold her granddaughter's hand. "You already are, Anya. And one day, you'll grow into someone even more amazing."

As night began to settle over the garden, the family sat together, laughter and stories flowing freely. Akshara leaned her head on Abhimanyu's shoulder, their hands entwined just as they had been through all of life's seasons. She looked up at him, her gaze soft.

"We did it, didn't we?" she murmured, her voice barely a whisper.

He looked back at her, his eyes full of love. "Yes, we did. And I'd do it all over again with you, Akshara."

They stayed that way, surrounded by their children and grandchildren, the garden bathed in the soft glow of evening. Naira watched her parents, feeling a surge of gratitude and love so profound it brought tears to her eyes. She held her children close, passing on the warmth and love that had always filled their home.

In that quiet moment, Naira knew the legacy of love her parents had created would carry on, living through each story, each embrace, and every gentle moment shared.

And so, under the blanket of stars, Akshara and Abhimanyu sat surrounded by the love they'd built—a love crafted into the hearts of their family forever.

The End.

Hey guys !

I can't believe this story has come to an end. The very first fanfiction that i tried writing is this one. It all started with the trauma i got from the show and honestly writing helped me a lot !!

It has been such a beautiful journey, and sharing it with all of you made it even more special. Thank you for every comment, every laugh, and every moment of support—it's meant the world to me.

A light in the flame has officialy ended, but i still have two ongoing fanfictions : 

Fighting Destiny 

and 

Waiting for the Sun

Always Always AbhiRa centric :) 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here. Here's to new stories together ! <3 

FZ - PillowBooksTime