It was finally time for Abhimanyu's birthday party.

Abhimanyu had worked a night shift the previous night, and Neil had managed to keep Abhimanyu away from home by inviting some of his medical school 'friends' at a nearby cafe.

So, agreeing with Akshara, Abhimanyu was going to come home in the evening, completely dressed for the party. The theme colour of the party was blue, but Abhimanyu (and Akshu) were going to dress up in black.

Arohi had been a great help to Akshara. And because of this party, Akshu had gotten to spend time with Aaru who had ended up 'over sharing' during the car ride to the 'mehendi' shop, and the way back. Well, it wasn't overhearing, but if you know Arohi, it was oversharing, and it did make Akshu happy.

Akshara was clad in a black georgette saree with a golden coloured lace which had beads on the boarder. She had paired it with a black blouse, large golden jhumkas, the heart locket given to her by Abhimanyu with her mangalsutra. Her arms were covered in brown mehendi. In the centre of her palm, she had gotten 'Abhira' written in devnagari script.

🍁

Arohi looked into the mirror, she was wearing a royal blue dress, which reached her ankles. She had tied her hair in a bun and had worn diamond earrings with a necklace.

Neil had worn a simple light blue shirt and black trousers. He was a bit nervous, but he knew he had to talk to Aarohi the next day. Neil simply hated how his heart continually cling on the fear of losing his loved ones. He hated how he had to mentally prepare himself for a day or two for such conversations.

His wife did notice that something was off with Neil, but she was well aware of the fact that Neil needs time to talk. And she was smart enough to give it to him.

🍁

Akshara's excitement knew no bounds.

Her family had witnessed quite a few shocking deaths, which led to Akshara loving the entire concept of birthdays. A day to celebrate life. A day to not mourn death.

It was funny how she had run away from her mom's death anniversary and Abhimanyu had run away from his birthday when they had met each other for the first time.

One hated birthdays and the other one loved them. They were the polar opposites. The polar opposites with an extremely strong magnetic force. And today they were here, each other's pillars of strength, Akshara attended her Naira mumma's death anniversary, while Abhimanyu was happy to celebrate his birthday after years.

Akshara wanted to make sure that everything was perfect for her Abhi. She headed downstairs to check on the preparations.

Arohi and Neil were already downstairs chatting with some of their family members. Shivu was busy running around while Parth was trying to catch up with his little boy. Shefali was clicking pictures of Mahima and Anand. After months, the Birla house was radiating joy.

He kanhaji, iss ghar aur parivar ko humesha khush rakhiye...please (O Lord Kanha, please keep the house and this family always happy) Akshara sent a prayer. As Akshara was passing, she heard some commotion from Manjiri and Harshwardhan's room.

Instead of going in, Akshara just decided to call Manjiri out, not wanting her to be in a bad mood for a day she has been waiting for a long time.

"Maa! Maaaaa!"

"Aayi Akshu" (Coming, Akshu!) she yelled back and came out running.

"Akshu, Harsh ji ko samjhao na, he said he's not going to come outside his room for Abhi's birthday" (Akshu, please try and make Harsh understand, he said he's not going to come outside his room for Abhi's birthday)

"Maa, if he doesn't want to participate, let him be"

"Akshu, he's saying that because he feels that if Abhimanyu sees him, he would cancel the party"

"Abhimanyu won't do anything like that. I'll talk to him" Akshara replied, surprised by Harshwardhan's reason.

"Papa?" She called him as she went in.

"Yes Akshara?" He asked as he had started reading a book.

"Abhi will be happy to see you in his birthday party" Akshara said, smiling.

"Akshara, let's face the truth. I have been a bad father, I can't change the past. Let Abhimanyu have his day."

"But"

"Akshara, he's ready to celebrate his birthday after a long time. Manjiri has been waiting for this day, let's not try and ruin it. I am sure that even you are very excited"

Akshara simply nodded and walked out of the room.

Dr. Harshvardhan Birla, caring about other people? Who would've thought?

Abhimanyu had just arrived and was surprised to see the pretty decorations. He was wearing a black shirt with black trousers. Simple, but very Abhimanyu-like.

He was shocked to see Akshara walk out of his parents' room as no one generally entered Harshwardhan and Manjiri's room in the Birla house. Not even Anand and Mahima.

"Akshu, what were you doing in their room?" He asked her.

"Um..Abhi, actually, your Dad isn't joining us today. He feels that your day will be ruined by his presence." Akshara said.

"So he's not coming to a party which will have our board members and many others businesspeople, just so my day won't be ruined?" Abhimanyu asked and Akshara nodded.

"Wow" he muttered under his breath.

"I'll be back in five" he mumbled, pressing a kiss on Akshara's temple.

Akshara turned back to see Abhimanyu go in his parents' room. Is he going to ask Papa to come for his party? Akshara wondered and it made her happy. Harshwardhan couldn't undo his actions of the past, but he could surely try and become a better father to his kids, but for that Abhimanyu, and even Neil had to take a step towards him.

"Dad?" Abhi called his father and Harsh was surprised to see his son.

"Happy birthday Abhi-Abhimanyu" he wished him. He knew he had lost his right to call him 'Abhi' long ago.

"Thanks, Dad"

"I would like if you're at the party today. But the rest's your choice" Abhimanyu said, without beating around the bush.

"Are you sure?" Harshwardhan questioned, his happiness knowing no bounds.

"I don't lie to make others happy" Abhimanyu replied and Harshwardhan nodded.

"Okay"

Abhi turned on his heels, exiting the room, unknowingly he had taken the first step towards mending the relationship of the father and son.

I'm too late, and I won't list excuses ToT

A small writer's block, exams and my favourite festival.

Anyway, drop your thoughts on this part! Also, the story does focus on Akshara and Arohi and mending their relationship, but all the other characters will also have their own arcs and stories.

Also, I hope your Ganeshotsav was filled with love and prosperity! ❤️