It has been 7 days. Nothing changed for Abhira but Abhimanyu was back to himself. He was following his routine.

Abhimanyu Birla, Bhaiyya of Anya, Ajay and Arav was back. He got up early in the morning. He jogged with Anya. He made breakfast for everyone. He was talking to Arav like he does. He was waiting for Ajay to comeback in the night just like he did before 8 months.

But few things were constant. Abhimanyu recalling Akshara every now and then. Him going to park and sit there for half an hour in a silly hope that Akshara might come to him that day. He was trying to show he was moving on. But neither he was moving on nor he had intentions to move on. True. He did not want to move on from Akshara. Akshara was the most beautiful thing that happened to him after his children. He neither wanted to hate her nor forget her. No, scratch that. He just couldn't forget her and hate her. It was not his cup of tea. That was his Akshara. He can never hate her.

Then why was he trying to show he was moving on?

Because 3 more lives and their happiness depended on his happiness. He was not on his own to sit in a room and grieve. He doesn't have that luxury. He couldn't be selfish. And Abhimanyu Birla knew how to put his child's needs before him. Arav was just 18. He didn't deserve to see his brother going through a heart break. Anya was growing up on him. She was trying to handle both Ajay and Arav since last 2 and half months. She didn't have to do that, he was still alive. Anya should concentrate on her career and enjoy her life to the fullest. Ajay has become very very silent. Akshara's loss was very big for him. Not only he gave her his friendship but he also loved her like a mother. No one actually knew it. But he saw. Ajay with Akshara was the Ajay when Manjari was alive. Ajay was blooming under her care. Now, he was becoming just like he became after their mother's death which he couldn't afford neither he would be able to see it.

His family was breaking from inside which he couldn't let happen. So, he need to act like he forgot what happened. And he was doing it.

Abhimanyu was sitting on the bench in park after his jog with Anya. He closed his eyes and leaed back with his neckband earphones blocking out the whole noise.

He couldn't help but go back in memories. The day all this happened. The day Akshara broke their hearts........and hers too.

Abhimanyu Birla and Akshara Singhania are going to get married. All the news channels were making it a big deal. It was for them to be honest. Princess of Udaipur who stayed under the shadows for almost all her life and the most eligible bachelor Abhimanyu Birla, a very private but a ruthless businessman are getting married!!! It was like a Beast getting married to a beauty. Akshara Singhania was an epitome of kindness and gentleness. Abhimanyu Birla was known for his ruthlessness in business. They didn't know how they both are getting married? They didn't even know if it was an arranged or a loved marriage!!

Ever since, Aryan announced about Abhimanyu and Akshara's wedding, they were all over the media. No official dates were announced.

Aryan just wanted the world know that his sister was taken. And Abhimanyu didn't want any rumors to come out before they did anything official. Because he couldn't bear a single scratch on Akshara's image or reputation. She was just not an ordinary girl. She was the princess of Udaipur. She should always walk with her head held high. Not that rumors would make Akshara bend, but he just didn't want that. He didn't want to go to jail on murder charges.

Aryan and Abhimanyu decided to fix the engagement dates. There were 2 dates. 1 in 7 days and another after 6 months. It was so obvious that the couple opted for the nearest one.

Aryan - Tumare dad nahi aayenge Abhimanyu?

All the Birla sibling's faces fell. The mention of mere name of their father dampened Ajay's mood. Anya and Arav were tensed, not because of their father but anticipating their bhaiyyu's reaction.

Abhimanyu calmly - I will inform him Aryan. Let us not put our hopes high.

Akshara - I want this to be private affair, bhaiyya.

Aryan frowned - Private affair? Aise kaise? Ekaluti behen hai meri. Dhoom dham se hogi.

Ajay - Bilkul. Eklauti bhabhi hai meri. It needs to be a grand affair.

Anya and Arav backed him - bilkul.

Abhimanyu shook his head. Those were definitely not his siblings. They were AKshara's chamchas.

Akshara gently - Aisa nahi hai bhaiyya. I just want engagement to be a private affair. Shaadi aapke marzi.

Abhimanyu looked at Akshara - You want this?

Akshara nodded her head. Abhimanyu - Tho phir yahi hoga.

Arav - Are par..

Abhimanyu sternly - Teri bhabhi ne keh diya na unhe kya chahiye. Now learn to respect her wishes, Arav.

Arav flinched. He looked down and nodded. He just couldn't stand against Abhimanyu's raised voice. Aryan sighed and pulled the boy closer. He hated to see him sad. Once he thought, if Abhimanyu ever said no or raised his voice on the boy. But he was absolutely wrong. Abhimanyu was very strict parent when it came to few things.

Akshara looked at Aryan - Bhaiyya???

Aryan sighed. How could he say no to those eyes? - Teek hai. Teri marzi. Lekin Shaadi mein teri kuch nahi chalne wali.

Akshara nodded her head happily - Sirf hum aur immediate family. No media. No business partners. No One. Sirf hum. Media ko bhi engagement ke baad announce karenge. I don't want people to roam behind me. I need to do my shopping in peace.

Aryan chuckled and nodded. His sister could be dramatic. He wouldn't even let an insect come near her without her wish. People following her was an overkill.

Finally the day has come.

Anya stayed in Udaipur all these 7 days giving Akshara company. Abhimanyu was hesitant to leave her alone but then he realised she was staying with Akshara. He had nothing to fear. Arav just couldn't stay away from Abhimanyu, and Ajay had some surgeries and commitments. SO, Ajay, Arav and Abhimanyu moved back to Mumbai for 7 days and came back one day before the engagement.

Abhimanyu was feeling restless all the week. Something was not right. He could feel it in his gut. He felt like not leaving Akshara back for 7 days. Something was very wrong and he just couldn't point it out. Their phone calls minimized. He had to wrap up the work and he was busy. He put aside all his thoughts and put on his shervani. Arav and Ajay moved in. They whistled as soon as they saw their bhaiyya.

Arav - Bhabhi ki tho hosh udjayenge bhaiyya.

Abhimanyu chuckled - Chup kar.

Ajay - Humare bhaiyya ki hosh na ud jaye bhabhi ko dekhe, yahi kafi hai. Kyu bhaiyya?

Abhimanyu rolled his eyes but didn't deny Ajay. He had a feeling Akshara would take his breath away. She looked like an angel even in her night dress. But now he was stressed about something else.

Abhimanyu was waiting sitting on the stage for Akshara. His heart was racing like he was participating in a marathon. He looked around. Arav and Ajay were talking to Om and Akash. Arjun and Aryan were beside him discussing something. Anika and Anya were with Akshara. He didn't know how his Akshara told to Aryan about Anika but they were getting along well. It wasn't like they didn't see each other for 6 years. One thing was very clear, The bond which Anika and Aryan shared was almost same or maybe more than Aryan shared with Akshara. He didn't understand why! He was lost in his thoughts when Akshara walked down with Anika and Anya.

Abhimanyu frowned when his eyes met with Akshara's. Something was amiss. There was a smile on her face but those eyes. They were not same. Usual warmth was missing. Her eyes looked cold and sad and sorry to him. Sorry??!! Why was his Akshara being sorry? He just hated that look on his girl's face. He wanted to talk to her. What the hell happened in those 7 days? Why is she not looking happy. His heart was ready to come out of his chest. His Akshara was not alright.

Aryan walked to his sister and kissed her forehead. He was very close to cry and beg Akshara not to go away from him. He composed himself and smiled that his sister finally found her prince charming.

Akshara smiled for Aryan. She looked at Arav and Ajay. They were looking so happy. And now she was going to break their heart in the worst possible way. Abhimanyu would never forgive her. He would hate her for this. He himself will push her away. That is what she exactly wanted.

Everyone smiled when Abhimanyu and Akshara were asked to exchange rings, except for Abhimanyu and Akshara. Abhimanyu desperately wanted Akshara to drag away and ask her what was wrong. He thought he would ask as soon as the engagement is done. There were few guests who were close to Aryan. He didn't want any kind of drama.

It was Akshara's turn to put the ring first. She took the ring but was hesitating whether to put it or not. Everyone frowned.

Ajay moved to them - Kya hua bhabhi.

Akshara lift her face and looked at Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu knew what was coming. He could just read his girl like a book. He just hoped she wouldn't do more damage.

Akshara saw understanding in Abhimanyu's eyes. That broke her heart more.

Akshara squared herself and firmed her voice. When she spoke, her voice was devoid of any emotion - I have few conditions.

Everyone frowned. Arav smiled - Kaise sharate bhabhi? Aapke liye tho humari jaan bhi hazir hai.

Akshara forced herself not to cry. She is going to break her child's heart. She was the worst possible human being. But she had to it. It was for their best.

Akshara looked at Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu nodded.

Aryan was confused - Kya chahiye tujhe, Akshu? Engagement ke baad bhi ye baate ho sakti hai na?

Akshara shook her head - Ye baate abhi karna zaruri hai bhaiyya.

Anya also felt something wrong - What are your conditions bhabhi?

Akshara looked at Anya. The girl was really turning out to be another Abhimanyu Birla.

Arav - Batayiye na bhabhi.

Akshara - Shadi ke baad mujhe alag hona hai.

Everyone gasped. Asha and Akshay's ears perked up listening to this.

Arav was confused. He didn't understand what Akshara said. Arav - Kya matlab hai aapka bhabhi?

Ajay held Arav's hand in support. Arav was very young and innocent to understand.

Akshara's heart cried but she couldn't back off - Mujhe shadi ke baad Abhimanyu se alag rehna hai.

Abhimanyu closed his eyes in hurt and pain. Arav gasped.

Akshara - I don't want anyone of you staying with us after marriage.

Arav clutched Abhimanyu's bicep tightly unknowingly. The thought of his bhaiyya not living with him was just horrible for him.

Anika pulled back Akshara. What the hell was her sister doing.

Anika - Are you out of your mind, Akshara? Kaisi bakwaas kar rahi ho?

Everyone else were just shocked into silence. Aryan couldn't believe his ears. What is wrong with his sister?

Akshara - I told what I told Anika. Mujhe shaadi ke baad Abhimanyu se alag rehna hai. I want my privacy with my husband.

Anika - Dhimaak kharab hogayi hai kya teri?

Anya hurt - You don't want us in your life, bhabhi?

Akshara looked away. She wished Anya's eyes were not similar to Abhimanyu's.

Ajay - Ye sab kya hai bhabhi?

Arav slowly moved to Akshara and took hold of her hands gently - Kuch hua hai kya bhabhi?

Akshara looked away. Why was he being soft? He should have pushed her by now - Kuch nahi hua hai, Arav.

Aryan pulled her back - Kya hua hai, Akshu? Did something happen?

Akshara pulled back and raised her voice- Aap sabko samaj mein nahi aarahi hai kya? Mujhe shadi ke baad alag rehna hai Abhimanyu ke sath. Is it that hard to understand?

Anya turned Akshara gently - Ye baat aap nazare churake kyu bol rahe hai bhabhi? Why are you even trying to fool us? We know you bhabhi. Just tell us what the hell happened? We will sort it out together.

Akshara looked at Anya startled. Aryan didn't expect so much of understanding from Anya. She was a pampered spoiled princess, was she not?

Akshara firmly - I am not answerable to you, Anya.

Anika pulled back Akshara before she could hurt Anya more - Itna suddenly kyu? You have been staying with them for 1 year. Why now???

Abhimanyu pulled back Anika. She was putting a lot of force on Akshara's hand. This gesture was not missed by anyone. Akshara knew Anika would not back off. There is only one way she would back off - Who are you to question me?

Anika stepped back hurt. Aryan go angry - Akshara!!

Akshara flinched but didn't back off. Arjun side hugged his wife. She really needed it. At that moment he felt immense anger for Akshara.

Akshara saw the hurt in Anika's eyes. One wicket down. Great!

Arav hurt - Please bhabhi! Kyu kar rahe hai aap ye sab?

Akshara knew they wouldn't budge. She needed to do this. She braced herself and faced Arav - Tum sab ki vajah se, Arav.

Arav gasped and stepped back. Akshara looked away. She was doing the worst possible thing any human being could do. She would never forgive herself for this - Tum log humesha Abhimanyu se chipke rehte ho. Itne bade hogaye ho, you still roam around Abhimanyu for every small damn thing.

Arav was crying by now. Ajay and Anya were just shocked to react anything. That was not their bhabhi? Who was she?

Akshara - He is your brother not your baby sitter damn it. And I am not in a mood to become another baby sitter after marrying him. I just don't want any of you to be in his life. I ha...

Abhimanyu roared - BAS!!!!

Everyone in the hall flinched. Akshara flinched too. Abhimanyu never ever raised his voice at her. This was the first time.

Abhimanyu moved to Akshara and looked into her eyes - kyu?

Akshara looked away. She could lie to everyone. But how will she lie to her Abhi. She just couldn't.

Abhimanyu made Akshara look at him gently. He looked into her eyes for answers. Tears were ready to spill out. But those eyes were determined. He saw the determination in her eyes. She was prepared for all of this. She wouldn't stop until she successfully made everyone push her away. She was hurting more hurting his siblings. He looked at Arav. The boy already went into the guilt. He looked back at Akshara. He decided to put end to her misery before she could hurt everyone and then die in that guilt.

Akshara looked into Abhimanyu's eyes. She saw something which shook her. It was like he understood what she was doing. HOW?!

Abhimanyu cupped his Akshara's face and kissed her forehead for 10 seconds. Both of them closed their eyes to feel the moment. Abhimanyu wanted Akshara to understand he would be waiting for her to come back. Akshara savored those last few moments with her Abhi.

Abhimanyu pulled back. He went to Arav and took hold of his hand - Chale?

Everyone looked at him shocked. Ajay - Bhaiyya...

Abhimanyu - Late ho raha hai, Ajay. We need to move. Chal.

Ajay looked at him shocked. Abhimanyu - I said move, Ajay.

Ajay nodded and took Arav's hand and moved out. Anya was also walking behind them but she couldn't stop her self. She went to Akshara and hugged her tightly before moving out. Akshara felt her breaking more even if it is possible.

Abhimanyu looked at Arjun who nodded and moved out with Anika, Akash and Om.

Abhimanyu went to Aryan. Aryan looked away. He couldn't look into Abhimanyu's eyes after what Akshara had done.

Aryan was startled when Abhimanyu hugged him tightly. He didn't expect that.

Abhimanyu pulled back - I don't make promises which I can't keep, Aryan.

Aryan frowned. Abhimanyu gave a sad smile - You are family. Will always be. Just remember that. I am a phone call away. Take care.

Aryan's eyes watered. Even though he was saying it to him, both of them knew he was telling to Akshara too.

Abhimanyu hugged him again and moved back. He walked away without even looking at Akshara. He was afraid he would do something stupid like going on his knees and begging Akshara the reason. He was about to step out of the door but he just couldn't. His heart was telling him his Akshara needed him now. He turned back and moved to Akshara. He gently took Akshara's hand - I will be waiting. Waiting for you to come to me and tell the real reason for doing all this.

Akshara gasped. Her eyes filled. What was this man made of?

Abhimanyu - Take care ok? Stay safe. Arav ko mai samjhadunga. Don't take stress.

Abhimanyu walked away this time. Tears were threatening to come out. But he composed himself. His girl would come back to him. He had nothing to cry.

How is the chapter guys?

Hope I kept upto your expectations!!

Your favourite part??

SATHVIKA!!