Fighting Destiny

Chapter 15 - A Pleasant Routine

As the days passed, Akshara adjusted to the quiet of the Goenka house. It felt strange, almost unsettling, to be in the sprawling home without her family's usual warmth and bustling presence. Even so, the familiarity of her family home brought her comfort, despite missing the usual buzz of activity. Her Bade Papa's laughter, her Mimi's gentle wisdom, and Kairav's steady presence all lingered in her heart as memories, and she knew it wouldn't be long before they'd be back from their trip.

Each morning, she made her way to the Birla Hospital, where she'd recently joined the team as a music therapist. The work was fulfilling in ways she hadn't expected. There, she blended her love for music with a deep-rooted desire to help others heal. Her sessions with patients ranged from soothing lullabies for children to calming melodies for older patients battling chronic conditions. It was work that kept her grounded, and she cherished the small victories that came from witnessing the gentle smiles of those she helped.

Abhimanyu, meanwhile, worked just floors above her, his dedication and skill as a heart surgeon as impressive as always. She loved watching him in his element, his focus and compassion driving him to provide the best care possible. They both had their roles in the hospital, but with Neil overseeing the administration, their professional lives often overlapped in unexpected ways.

Neil was a constant source of entertainment, always appearing with some new story or bit of office gossip that had Akshara and Abhimanyu laughing by the time they got through lunch. The three of them fell into an easy camaraderie that made the long hours fly by. Neil's light-heartedness complemented Abhimanyu's intensity and Akshara's warmth, and their friendship became a staple of Akshara's days at the hospital.

Each evening, once the day's work was done, Akshara and Abhimanyu would leave the hospital behind and head out together. Whether it was a stroll through the park, a cozy café, or simply walking the city streets in comfortable silence, their routine was a balm after the busyness of the hospital. They talked about everything and nothing, sharing dreams, worries, and stories of their day. In these moments, the pressures of their responsibilities seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them and the quiet thrill of falling in love all over again.

The days blurred together in a pleasant rhythm, each day bringing them closer. Akshara found herself anticipating their evenings with Abhimanyu almost as much as her work, savoring each smile and stolen moment. There was a simplicity to it, a slow and steady burn that felt grounding and real.

But, as her family's return drew closer, Akshara felt a stir of anticipation mixed with nervousness. She missed them terribly, but she also wondered how they'd react to seeing her and Abhimanyu. She was still the Akshara they knew and loved, but with so much that had changed within her heart and life, she hoped they would understand her decisions.

Finally, one crisp evening as she and Abhimanyu walked hand in hand back to her house, her phone buzzed with a message from her brother, Kairav.

We're back, Akshu ! Can't wait to see you. We'll be home in about an hour. the message read.

A thrill of excitement surged through her, and she turned to Abhimanyu with a wide smile. "They're back ! Kairav, Mimi, and Bade Papa—they're all home !"

Abhimanyu's smile widened in response, sharing in her excitement. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I know you've been waiting for this. You should go; I'll see you tomorrow at work."

She nodded, grateful for his understanding, and gave him a quick hug before rushing home, her heart pounding with anticipation.

When she arrived, the Goenka house was already alight with familiar warmth. Akshara barely had time to step inside before she was pulled into a fierce embrace by Kairav, who held her tightly, his eyes misting over as he looked at her.

"Akshu !" he said, his voice thick with emotion. "It's been way too long."

She felt her own eyes brimming with tears as she hugged him back, feeling the reassuring presence of her brother's love. "I missed you, Bhaiya. The house was so empty without you all."

Behind him, Mimi and Bade Papa approached, arms open, their faces beaming. Mimi, as warm and lovable as ever, wrapped her in a gentle hug, her hand patting Akshara's cheek tenderly.

"Oh, Akshu," Mimi murmured. "It's good to see you so happy and settled. But why do you look like you've been up to something, hm ?"

Akshara gave a small laugh, feeling warmth rise in her cheeks. "I'll explain soon, Mimi. I've just been... busy. There's a lot to share."

Bade Papa nodded, pulling her into his embrace. "As long as you're alright, beta. You seem different somehow—more at peace."

As they gathered in the living room, the reunion felt complete, the warmth of her family's presence filling every corner of the house. They caught up, they showed her pictures and videos of Arohi's wedding.

She seems happy.

Good.

May this happiness keep her far away from me. From us.

Akshara regaled them with tales of her work at the hospital, carefully omitting the parts about Abhimanyu... for now.

"So," Kairav said, looking at her with a teasing glint in his eye as the night wore on. "You're hiding something from us, aren't you, Akshu ? Come on, out with it. There's a sparkle in your eye that wasn't there before we left."

Her family's knowing smiles made her laugh, and she felt her heart thump in anticipation of what she would share in the days to come. She could already envision their reactions when they met Abhimanyu, the man who had somehow woven himself into the fabric of her heart and life, filling spaces she hadn't even known were empty.

As they settled in for the night, Akshara felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Her family was back, her work gave her purpose. Yet a small thrill of nervousness reminded her that this was only the beginning. Soon, the two parts of her world would meet.

Even though Abhimanyu was loved at first glance by her family in her last life, she is still scared that something like Arohi's drama will happen...

To be continued ...

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