Akshara: i never thought  that way.. I can't tell you not to worry about us..bcoz that would be a lie.. you will worry no matter what.. i would do that too.. but I promise, we wont do anything to increase it... I promise you, i will never switch off my phone no matter what..

Abhimanyu  placed his hands on her waist and  pulled her closer.. he hugged her and held her in his arms.. and after few mins akshara placed her hands around him too .. for her it was a little insecurely  but then she relaxed  when Abhimanyu  kissed her hair.. they both closed their eyes and felt each others warmth

Both didn't know how much time had passed.. both drowned  in this peaceful moment.. It felt serene.. It felt home

After few mins akshara slowly opened her eyes...she was able to feel the wind blowing softly while able to feel Abhimanyu  soothing heartbeats playing softly in her ears...a warm smiled spread though her face...she didn't want to break this moment this time but she knew she had to as it was quiet late too

Akshara: Abhi, its quiet late let's go to sleep. she said looking at him while he still had his hand around her waist

Abhimanyu :ok he said as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ears.

He moved away from her but his hand moved down to hers and intertwined their fingers...akshara looked down at their fingers this wasnt new as Abhimanyu  held her hands like this before but something rolled in her stomach thinking what would have it felt like if Abhimanyu  had actually held her hand with love and not friendship wala love...she ignored those thoughts happy that at least she has Abhimanyu  be it as a friend

Been lost in her thoughts she didnt even realise how and when they reached to the bedroom

Abhimanyu : I'll be back he said going to the washroom 

akshara got to her side of the bed facing the other way... as Abhimanyu  came he saw akshara laying down and smiled...he got on to his side of the bed  facing akshara

Abhimanyu : akshu

Akshara: hmmm she said turning to look at him

Abhimanyu :goodnight

Akshara:good night she said smiling warmly and turned back closing her eyes while Abhimanyu  also closed his eyes....

They may have slept a little far from each other but later on their body found its way close to each other with Abhimanyu 's hand on akshara stomach  and face near her neck while akshara hands on top of his...the moon shined brightly on to their face as they slept peacefully in each other arms.

Next morning

Abhimanyu  woke up and saw how his face was close to akshara while the sun was falling on to half of her face making her look even more beautiful...he rested on his elbow as he continued watching her when his gaze moved to his other hand which was on her stomach while hers on top clutching his hand tightly... a smile crept on his face making his stomach roll and his heart beating fast as if it's doing a happy dance inside...Abhimanyu  bent down slowly and kissed her forehead and was about to stroke her hair when his phone rang...

He moved his hand away from akshara stomach making sure not to disturb her and got of the bed grabbing his phone from the side table and answered it.

As he turned while  on the phone he noticed akshara waking up due to quick movement not aware of how their sleeping position was before she woke up

Akshara smiled back at Abhimanyu  while he smiled at her  being on the phone with vidyut

Akshara got up and gestured Abhimanyu  she is going to take a shower while he gave a thumbs up

15 mins later akshara got ready and came out to see Abhimanyu  on the phone engrossed with a file...she didn't disturb him and got ready and then headed down to see if any help was needed

5 mins later Abhimanyu  finally was done and he went to the washroom after smiling as he knew how he had controlled himself from watching akshara getting ready at the dressing table

After some time Akshara had walked back into The room to see Abhimanyu  getting ready and went to get her phone

Abhimanyu : shit he said

Akshara: what happened she asked walking to him

Abhimanyu : this he said showing the broken button

Akshara: dont worry I'll sew it for u.

Abhimanyu : it's ok I'll wear another shirt dont worry

Akshara:Abhi it will take 1 min dw she said opening the drawer , grabbing the  container  she got a needle and thread out.

She walked to Abhimanyu  as she put the thread into the needle hole

Akshara: come here she said.

Abhimanyu  walked up to her and stood in front of her

Akshara started to attach his button to his shirt

As akshara was doing her work Abhimanyu  was doing his work which was watching her closely ... he saw how her hair was moving about due to the slight breeze as the window was open...he saw how she bit her lower lips as she was working keenly in sorting his button out..... Abhimanyu  controlled his smile when his eyes moved to the sewing container on the table next to him.... he looked at akshara and then at the sewing box and sneakily took the scissor from the box and hid it in his pant pocket so that akshara doesnt use the scissors to cut the thread

As akshara was done she was looking for the scissors in the sewing box

Akshara: where did the scissors go she mumbled...Abhimanyu  heard her and tried to control his laugh

Abhimanyu : where was it ?

Akshara:in this box...where did it go suddenly she said looking here and there

Abhimanyu : then it should be In the box. who will take a scissor?

Akshara: arien it was here only..or did I imagine ?

Abhimanyu : now what shall we do ? I guess I just have to wear another shirt as the thread cant stay hanging like this right he said pretending

Akshara: no dw I will use my teeth she said...Abhimanyu  nodded

Akshara moved forward slowly coming more closer to Abhimanyu ... both their breathing was uneven.

Abhimanyu  was looking at akshara lovingly wheras akshara was looking at Abhimanyu  button trying to control her emotion...she bent her head and placed her teeth on the thread while Abhimanyu  clutched his hand able to feel her breath on his skin...both were close but one thing that was the same was that both of their heart was beating fast... akshara then broke the thread with her teeth

Akshara:all done she said not noticing Abhimanyu 's expression as she was busy removing the left over thread from the needle

Abhimanyu  was about to lift his hand up to cup her cheeks lost in trance when he heard akshara gasp in pain brining him back to reality

As he moved closer he realised she was bleeding on her finger as she hurt herself with the needle

Abhimanyu :akshu what did u do he said taking her hand in his and looking at it

Akshara: arien Abhi  its noth....she suddenly stopped speaking as she felt Abhimanyu  put her finger in his mouth to stop it from bleeding even more .. a smile came on her face...she titled her head to the side and looked at Abhimanyu  lovingly ...she was slowly lifting her hand to touch his cheeks

Abhimanyu : is it hurting he asked looking at her for a sec and then at her fingers as he had removed it  from his mouth

Akshara stopped her hand midway as she came back to the present ...she clutched her hands brining it down and kept her head straight

Akshara: it's ok Abhi  its not hurting she said removing her hand from his

Abhimanyu : r u sure? Let me put Plaster

Akshara: Abhi it's a small wound dont worry   u get ready and come down for breakfast she said giving a quick smile and headed out of the room

As she reached outside she rested her back against the wall and titled her head up

Akshara's Pov

What was that, Akshara? Bad very bad!! You know that you still have feelings for him but you swore not to let it show ever!! You promised. But the moment he showed a little concern over you, you melted like wax. You seriously are mad, Akshara. Why do you keep hoping that Abhimanyu  will feel same for you one day?? Surely, He is your best friend....but he will always only be a bestfriend, with whom you are tied-up to an unwanted(for him) marriage. That's the truth of your marriage. He is a caring person and he cares about you. Please don't romanticise his caring gesture into something impossible. You will only get yourself hurt. I still love him and I always will. I can't help it. But I can't let myself keep hoping that he will love me back. I can't have more heart ache. I can't mix his feelings and mine otherwise it will become complicated  which is what nobody wants.

Akshara took a deep breath as if assuring herself in her head  and went down

At the dining table all had come and sat down for breakfast with causal talking going on

Manjari  : oh god I forgot to mention something she said .as all were nearly done with their breakfast

Mahima: manjari personal reminder has stopped working...seems like it needs a check up she said teasingly

Manjari  :jijiiii

Mahima:chal bol ab

Manjari  : goenka family has invited everyone for dinner

Abhimanyu  sat up...he didnt mind going but sahil and akshara spending time there didn't give him good vibes

Harshvardan :any special occasion

Manjari: not really just a get  together with akshara and Abhimanyu s friends been there too

Mahima: that's good

Anand: me and parth will be a little late if that's OK

Manjari  : haan bhaisaab dw we will let them know.   Harsh and Abhi please make sure to come on time... we ladies will be home only and good thing is akshara will be with us too as she dosnt need to go for work

Abhimanyu : haan mom he said and looked at akshara who was smiling happily while collecting the plates and went to the kitchen.  Abhimanyu  was glad that at least akshara wont be going to the orphanage today

After breakfast the men left for the hospital while akshara, mahima and Manjari  decided to go for some shopping

Later on in the evening all had come back early except parth and anand.. mahima , Manjari  and akshara were ready and were waiting for Abhimanyu  and Harshvardan to come Down... Harshvardan  came down first  followed by Abhimanyu.

Harshvardan : i was actually thinking lets go in one car it will be easier If that is not an issue

Akshara: come on  that surely isnt an issue we have no problem

Abhimanyu : akshara is right dad

Mahima:let's get going then. Anand and parth will leave in 20 mins and meet us directly there and nishtha and neil already have reached there.

All nodded and headed to the car Harshvardan  sat in the front with Abhimanyu  who was going to drive while the rest sat at the back...Abhimanyu  had adjusted the rear view mirror and then soon drove away

30 mins later they had finally reached to goenka mansion with constant Manjari  and mahima cute argument  with the rest enjoying

all got out of the car ...Abhimanyu  took a deep breath as he was not looking forward to meeting sahil .....as birla family r walking akshara stopped ... Abhimanyu  realised as he didnt find akshara walking beside and turned around  to see her standing while fidgeting with her eyes

Abhimanyu :akshara  what happened he asked walking back to her whiile the birla family reached to the main door

Akshara: Abhimanyu  something is in my eye she said trying to open it which was annoying her

Abhimanyu : wait let me help you he said as he moved closer to her and tried to open her eyes as he blew on it while  akshara was fidgeting now and then

Akshara looked at Abhimanyu  with her other eye which she kept open while Abhimanyu  was  blowing to remove whatever was in her eye but even with her one eye fully open she couldnt stop herself from adoring him.

Abhimanyu : look it was a small eye lash which was annoying u he said taking it and showing her

Akshara came back to present she felt her cheeks slightly go red

Akshara:thanks she said slowly but Abhimanyu  heard her.

Swarna : Abhimanyu, akshara what r u doing there? she asked as she opened The door to welcome the Birla family

Abhimanyu  turned to look at birla family and swarna looking at them

Abhimanyu  :lets go he said and started walking

Abhimanyu  suddenly stopped again and turned around

Akshara had stood their with her eyes closed in stupidity

Abhimanyu : akshu u coming ?

Akshara looked at Abhimanyu

Akshara:yup I'm coming u go as I just forgot something

Abhimanyu  nodded and started walking

Akshara: shit she said under her breath as she massaged her forehead taking a deep breath

Once she felt she calmed down she started to follow Abhimanyu  who was near the main door as he waited for her when he saw her come

As they were entering inside his hand went behind her back allowing her to walk in first and  followed by him making butterflies run in her stomach....she clutched her hand into a fist and kept a normal expression.

As all entered inside abhira  saw their gang present too who was playing carem with ranveer

Akshara: Ranveer where is sahil she said not noticing him around 

Ranveer: cooking in the kitchen with sirat and gayu he said and cheered as he won the game

Abhimanyu  watched as akshara went to the kitchen

Neil: sahil seems to be cooking something delicious he said due to the smell

Vidyut : let's check he said while arohi and juhi followed and Abhimanyu  took a long deep breath and followed the rest

Sirat looked up as she saw akshara walking in followed by the gang and all saw sahil  in a chef attire cutting few other things to add in his food

Sirat: I'm surprised to see u all in the kitchen at once she said chuckling

Neil: well the food smelt amazing and we also finished the game so thought y not check in the kitchen

Vidyut: damn sahil u cooking reminds me of college days  ...what say guys  he said looking at his friends

Sahil saw Abhimanyu  standing behind looking at him seriously

Neil: best days vidyut ...especially us cooking with our masterchef abhi bhai right he said making Abhimanyu  give a proud smile and look at sahil

Akshara:I agree but u guys also need to try sahil's food. It's amazing

The smile from Abhimanyu  face disappeared while sahil smiled widely giving Abhimanyu  a look.

Abhimanyu : come on akshu u useto say nobody can match up to our food and it was the best.

Arohi : I agree

Akshara: haan I did but sahil food is also good i mean i like both.

Vidyut:na na na u have to choose one he said teasingly.

Akshara: vidyutttt.

Neil:he is right I agree u cant change sides

Akshara:but there is no sides.

Neil:oh yes there is.

Akshara: noo there isn't.

Sahil: well then akshara is on my side as she loves my food and I'm confident she will choose my food over anyone else .. I mean neighbours loved to have my food along with the people at the orphanage in London .... I dont think Abhimanyu  can match up to me

Abhimanyu  raised his eyebrows

Sirat:hello hello hello before this yes and no game starts again why dont u just have a food competition..on one side sahil will present his food and on the other side Abhimanyu  as u all say he is your masterchef.

Akshara: sirat maa what r u sa..but akshara couldnt continue as Abhimanyu  spoke

Abhimanyu :I'm up for it he said looking at the rest and then at sahil

Sahil: so am I he said shrugging his shoulder

Akshara shook her head

Sirat:ok then u both actually know where things r in the kitchen so we all will leave and u can make 2 dishes and the 2nd dish will be something sweet.

Juhi: but sirat aunty there shouldn't be any time limit as sahil already started cooking and Abhimanyu  hasn't

Sirat:of course there wont be any time limit...they can take as much as time as they want now chalo get going she said pushing all out

Akshara turned to look at Abhimanyu  who was looking at sahil...she then moved her gaze to sahil while at that time Abhimanyu  looked at her to see her looking at sahil before leaving ..  his jaws tightened

Sahil: though I know I will win but good luck for the sake of it.

Abhimanyu  ignored him and went to his side and checked in the fridge to see what to make

Sahil and Abhimanyu  got started with making their dishes...sahil was half  already done with his first dish

Sahil looked at the way Abhimanyu  was cutting the capsicum so fast along with the onions and tomatoes which seemed like a professional was cutting

Sahil:not bad at least your hand moves fast.

Abhimanyu : just like your tounge he said not looking at him

Abhimanyu  got his pan heated up and started making his chilli paneer...once his vegetables were cooked he added the spice and went to the cupboard to get some soya sauce to add...sahil quickly used that chance and added few extra spoons of chilli powder and mixed it quickly and then pretended to check his own dish

Abhimanyu  came back and added the soya sauce and was done as the same time as sahil

They both then got ready to make their sweet dish...Abhimanyu  was taking measured ingredients out in few bowl.... as he went to the fridge to get the milk sahil took out 1/4  sugar from Abhimanyu 's bowl.

Before Abhimanyu  could realise his sugar was less sahil got Abhimanyu  attention

Sahil: Abhimanyu ... make whatever u want but I will win this competition for sure

Abhimanyu  turned to sahil

Abhimanyu : too much over confidence is not good... food is made with love not confidence ok he said and turned to make his sweet dish

Sahil had finished first and Abhimanyu  finished 10 mins later and both took their food out in two sets of big bowl and placed it on their respective tray heading outside by that time anand and parth also had arrived

Manish:lo here comes the boys he said grabbing everyone's attention

Sirat had told the elders about the compeition thing

Akhilesh: sahil what have u made

Sahil: I have made rajma chawal and rasgula

Neil:- my mouth is watery already he said making everyone chuckle

Manish:Abhimanyu  what about u

Abhimanyu : chilli panner and kheer he said.

Vidyut: oh boy I'm excited to try all of the food

All sat down at the dining table ...Abhimanyu  sat next to akshara and Manjari  while sahil sat opposite them along with the rest

The staff started to add bit of rajma chawal and chilli panner on everyone plate

At first they tried Abhimanyu 's chilli panner and at once everyone's eyes widened as their mouth was on fire

Akshara: spicy she said as her eyes were watery as she moved her hands in the air... she gulped down some water while Abhimanyu  was confused as to how it became spicy as he had added less chilli powder

Abhimanyu :spicy?

Harshvardan : Abhi looks like you forgot how much chilli to add by being lost in your dreamland  regarding your work he said teasingly

Sahil looked on with a smirk

Surekha: koi nahi we will eat with naan so it will be less spicy

Sirat: chachi is right...madhavi get some naan for everyone

Madhavi nodded while Abhimanyu  was disappointed

They all then tasted sahils  rajma

Vidyut:damn sahil this is amazing... but hey that doesnt mean I'll say Abhimanyu  is a bad cook he is the best still he said

Abhimanyu  smiled

Akshara : I told u he is amazing she said as she ate some more rajma chawal

Abhimanyu  saw all praising sahil food but he was looking at akshara who was eating sahil rajma

Abhimanyu  didnt touch the rajma on his plate and ate the chilli panner 

Manjari : Abhi...beta it's too spicy dont eat it otherwise have some naan with it 

Abhimanyu :I prefer having it alone maa he said eating his paneer which was spicy and his mouth was burning but he wssnt going to show it... his eyes had teared up a bit

Akshara looked at Abhimanyu  confusingly as to y he is eating something so spicy.

Next it was desserts turn and for the dessert everyone tasted sahil first this time and they loved his rasgula too 

While tasting Abhimanyu 's dish all liked it but found it less sweet 

Manjari :Abhi  u added less sugar in your kheer but the texture is nice and it is well presentable she said 

Abhimanyu  frowned as to how both his food have not been up to the mark as he clearly remembers adding the right measurement 

Swarna:its fine Manjari besides it's good for maaji who has diabetes she said winking at suhasini who rolled her eyes. 

All got up while the staff had cleared all the plates and food.

The rest went to sit while sahil walked up to Abhimanyu  

Sahil:confidence is always needed while cooking too not just love only 

Abhimanyu  glared at him and looked away 

After some time all decided to leave as they had work the next day and all were saying bye to each other...sahil walked up to Abhimanyu  and hugged him and Abhimanyu  had no choice but to hug him back 

Akshara had quickly gone to the kitchen and came back with a small container which she placed in a small plastic bag 

Sahil:while cooking u should make sure to taste your food  and also see if your measurements r correct as anyone can add or lessen the ingredients for our food he said 

Abhimanyu  was taken back while as sahil moved away he smirked giving a thumbs down and Abhimanyu  understood now as to y his food came out that way 

Abhimanyu : I had full faith on my food been good but maybe u must have thought. oh sorry known that my food will be better than yours which made u mess with my food he said and walked to the car not turning to look back at him 

The Birla family continued talking about the food while akshara would tell about college incidents be it with the gang or sahil as all listened and laugh but Abhimanyu  would become serious when akshara would talk about sahil 

As all reached to the birla mansion...they all said goodnight and headed to their room. 

Akshara told Abhimanyu  to go while she will give Mahima her medicine and then come 

Abhimanyu  nodded and left while akshara went to the kitchen to warm up milk and then to  Mahima room 

Mahima:alshu u didnt sleep she asked seen akshara walk into her room with milk and medicine wheras anand who was reading a book smiled at akshara as she got him milk too

Anand: thanks beta.

Akshara: no taiji I came to give u your milk and medicine. 

Mahima: It was not needed beta ja go and sleep now 

Akshara nodded and went back to the kitchen and got herself her spoon and took the container out of the plastic back and headed up to the room 

As she entered she saw the lights dimmed and Abhimanyu  already laying on the bed with his eyes closed 

Akshara sat down on the couch and opened the container and started to eat the kheer Abhimanyu  made...even though it had less sugar she still ate it as she knows how much effort Abhimanyu  puts into his food that he cooks...plus kheer was her fav too so she couldn't resist having it and on top of that it smelt good too... 

Abhimanyu  who was awake but had his eyes closed...he slowly opened it....he had known akshara had entered the room as the door opened and closed but not able to feel her on the bed next to him for a while made him curious since the bathroom door didnt make a sound 

He opened his eyes slowly  and sat up carefully  to see her back facing him sitting sideways...

Abhimanyu  ( in his head) : what is akshara doing on the couch ? 

He was about to get up when he saw her lift the container up a little making the kheer visible 

Abhimanyu  was surprised for a second... he saw akshara changing her position a little making her side face visible and was able to see that smile on her face while eating the kheer he made 

He wondered as to how he hadn't noticed her taking the container and felt happy knowing she is eating his kheer.A small blush crept on Abhimanyu 's cheeks.. seeing Akshara eating his 'not so good' kheer made his heart flutter. Losing a competition to Sahil, did not seem so bad now. He  ruffled his hair and pulled the duvet over his face, only his eyes were visible. Fighting a huge grin and kept secretly looking at his love, when the sleep came , he himself did not know. He felt at peace..

Precrap: none 

Thank you so much for the love for this story
I'm happy that you all want it to continue and i will do that.

I have a promo written but I will upload... just trust me on this please... Will you a trust me? I promise abbira will soon become one just trust me on this please please pleaseeeee.

OK mak chali baad mai padh lungi comments and votes so keep them coming

Lots of love