Once upon a Time akshnavir

Stand by me

It had been nine long and agonizing days since young Abhir had been taken in by the Birla family. Despite their best efforts, Dogman and Manjulika struggled to connect with the little boy, who seemed to have built an emotional wall around himself. Abhir, just seven years old, had become withdrawn and sullen, refusing to engage in conversations or activities. He missed his parents, Abhinav and Akshara, with an intensity that left him feeling hollow.

Finally, the weekend arrived, and with it came the promise of seeing his beloved parents. Abhir's heart fluttered with excitement at the thought of reuniting with Abhinav and Akshara. However, a dark cloud loomed over his joy when he overheard a conversation between Manjari, his so-called Dida, and some relatives. They were plotting to separate him from his family, convinced that it was for his own good. The realization sent a jolt of fear through Abhir. He couldn't let that happen.

In a moment of desperation, he confided in his younger sister, Ruhi. "Ruhi, I have to run away. I can't let them take me from Papa!"

Ruhi, a brave six-year-old with a fierce loyalty to her brother, nodded determinedly. "I'll help you, Abhir! We'll find your Mama and Papa!" They quickly gathered Abhir's small backpack, filling it with his favorite toys and essentials. With hearts racing, they prepared for their adventure.

Under the cover of night, Abhir slipped out of the Birla house, encouraging Ruhi to stay behind. "You'll be safer here, Ruhi. I can do this."

"Good luck, Abhir! I believe in you!" she called after him, her voice filled with both pride and worry.

With determination propelling him forward, Abhir ran through the quiet streets, calling out for his parents. "Papa! Mama!" he shouted, his small voice echoing against the walls of the empty houses. But as he navigated the unfamiliar neighborhood, panic began to set in. He turned down a street that felt strangely foreign, and soon he realized he was lost.

"Papa!" he cried out again, desperation clawing at his throat. The world around him felt vast and frightening, and he longed for the comforting presence of Abhinav, who he considered his true father despite Abhimanyu's biological ties.

Meanwhile, Abhimanyu had been searching frantically for Abhir. After hearing the news of his son's disappearance, he combed through every corner of the Birla household and the surrounding area. His heart raced with worry as he imagined the worst. In a fit of frustration, he confronted Ruhi when he found her alone. "Where is Abhir? You were supposed to watch him!"

Ruhi, feeling the weight of his anger, could only shake her head, tears filling her eyes. "I tried! He just wanted to see Mama and Papa!"

Realizing he needed help, Abhimanyu enlisted the police and headed to the Goenka family, hoping they could assist in the search. He was beside himself with panic, convinced that something terrible had happened to Abhir.

Back in the streets, Abhir continued to wander, feeling the weight of despair settle over him. Just when he thought hope was lost, he spotted a police officer in the distance. "Excuse me! Have you seen my Papa?" he shouted, waving his arms.

But the officer had no answers for him. Meanwhile, Abhimanyu, driven by fear, had arrived at the Goenka household, where he encountered Abhinav. "Where is my son?" he demanded, his voice trembling with anger and worry. "You've taken him away from me!"

"Kidnapped? Abhir is my son too!" Abhinav protested, confusion and hurt etched on his face. But Abhimanyu's accusations were relentless, and the police took Abhinav into custody, believing him to be a suspect in Abhir's disappearance.

Akshara rushed to the scene, her heart pounding with disbelief. "What's happening?" she asked, panic rising in her chest as she saw her husband being handcuffed.