Abhira- Painfully Beautiful

Chapter 55-Love, Guilt, and Sacrifice

The Birla house is unusually quiet, the air thick with tension. All the family members are gathered in the spacious hall, seated on the plush sofas. Abhimanyu enters through the main door, his steps heavy with an unspoken burden. His eyes dart briefly to the family, but his mind is elsewhere—still caught in the whirlwind of emotions from the hospital and his feelings for Akshara.

Manjari rises from her seat, a soft yet apprehensive smile on her face as she approaches her son.

Manjari-Abhi, Geetha ji just called. She said Pandit ji has finalized the date for the wedding. It's next week.

Abhimanyu's head snaps toward his mother, his expression momentarily frozen in shock. He doesn't respond immediately, his thoughts racing. He doesn't want this marriage, not with Aanchal. But his guilt over everything that happened with Akshara keeps him from voicing his true feelings.

Abhi (hesitant, frowning)-Next week? 

Manjari nods but hesitates before continuing.

Manjari-Aanchal... She seems to be asking for time because of Akshara's situation. She's worried about Akshara's recovery and feels it's not the right moment for celebrations.

Hearing this, Abhimanyu feels even more conflicted. Aanchal's hesitation makes him feel like an even bigger coward for not addressing the truth himself. His jaw tightens as he suppresses the urge to speak up.

Abhi-Okay

Without another word, he turns and starts walking toward the stairs. His retreating figure radiates unease, and the family watches him leave in silence.

After a long pause, Harshvardhan, who had been watching Abhimanyu intently, speaks up. His voice is steady but filled with concern.

Harshvardhan-Manjari, I don't think Abhimanyu is ready for this marriage. We've all seen how he was at the hospital. That boy still loves Akshara.

The room falls into an even deeper silence. Mahima nods in agreement, leaning slightly forward in her seat.

Mahima-It's true. You weren't there, Manjari, but I saw it with my own eyes. The way he took care of Akshara during the surgery, the way he stayed by her side, holding her hand, talking to her... That wasn't the behavior of someone who's moved on.

Manjari sits down slowly, her face pale and her hands trembling slightly as she processes their words. She closes her eyes, guilt overwhelming her.

Manjari (whispering to herself)-This is all my fault. I pushed him into this. I thought this was the best way for him to heal, to start afresh. But I didn't see... I didn't see his pain.

Harshvardhan, his expression firm but tinged with frustration, leans back in his chair and crosses his arms.

Harshvardhan-Yes, Manjari. This is your doing. You were so focused on finding someone 'suitable' for Abhimanyu that you didn't stop to consider his feelings. And now, what will we do when the Iyers find out? If they learn the truth about Abhimanyu's lingering feelings for Akshara, it'll be chaos.

Anand-I'm scared now if Raghavji gets to know the truth what tamasha will he create??

Manjari lowers her head, tears slipping down her cheeks. She feels the weight of her choices pressing down on her shoulders.

Manjari (sobbing softly)-I didn't want this... I just wanted him to be happy. I thought... I thought he could move on, that Aanchal could bring peace to his life.

Mahima places a comforting hand on Manjari's shoulder, her tone softer but still laced with realism. The gravity of the situation weighing on everyone, Nishtha looks at Arohi her expression conflicted while Shefali keeps her gaze on the ground, avoiding the rising tension.