𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐫 - Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Akshara POV :
I stepped out of the cab and onto the familiar driveway of my home, my heart feeling a little lighter than it had in months.
Shubman's words lingered in my mind like a soft echo, gently brushing away the layers of doubt and loneliness I had carried for so long. For the first time, I allowed myself to entertain the possibility that things might change, that he might truly want to give us a chance.
As I entered the house, the warmth of my family's chatter greeted me. My dad was in the living room, reading the newspaper, while maa bustled about in the kitchen. Rohan Bhai, was sitting on the couch with Meera bhabhi, their soft laughter filling the room. And, as always, Anika was perched nearby, her phone in hand, undoubtedly scouring for the latest scoop on social media.
"Akshara!" Maa called from the kitchen, her tone delighted. "You're home earlier than expected!"
"Haan, Ma," I replied, slipping off my shoes and walking into the living room. My eyes brightened when I saw the way everyone turned toward me, their faces lighting up with affection.
Meera bhabhi was the first to notice the subtle shift in my demeanor. "You look... happy," she said, her voice gentle but observant.
I smiled, a genuine one that surprised even me. "It's been a good day."
Bhai raised an eyebrow, setting down the magazine he was reading. "A good day, huh? Does this have anything to do with Shubman?"
I hesitated, unsure how much to share. Before I could respond, Anika piped up, her curiosity as sharp as ever.
"Of course, it's about Shubman jiju!" Anika teased, scooting closer. "What happened? Did he finally say something romantic? Did he-"
"Anika," I interrupted, rolling my eyes but unable to hide my amusement. "Can you not make it sound so dramatic?"
"Come on, Di," Anika pressed, grinning mischievously. "I have to live vicariously through you. Spill it!"
Bhai leaned back, his gaze softening as he studied my expressions, "Let her breathe, Anika," he said, though there was a glimmer of curiosity in his own eyes. "But... she does look happier."
I felt a rush of gratitude for bhai's protective nature. He had always been my anchor, especially during the more challenging moments of my engagement. I met his gaze, my voice steady but sincere. "He... said he wants to try, Rohan. To give this a real chance."
A brief silence fell over the room as my words sank in. Meera bhabhi's expression softened, her hand resting on bhai's arm as she looked at him knowingly. She had always been my quiet supporter, offering reassurance when doubts had crept in.
"Yeh toh acchi baat hai, hai na?" Meera bhabhi asked, her tone gentle but cautious.
I nodded. "Haan, it's not still perfect. Par mujhe pata hai, abhi bohot lamba safar Tay karna hai. Lekin.. yeh ek accha shuruvat hai. I needed this assurance."
Bhai's jaw tightened slightly, but he nodded. "If he's serious about this, Akshara, then I'm happy for you. Just... don't let him hurt you."
"I won't," I promised, my voice firm.
Anika, however, wasn't one to let the moment stay serious for long. "Well, if Shubman jiju is finally coming around, maybe I can start planning the sangeet playlist," she quipped, her eyes sparkling.
Everyone laughed, the tension in the room dissipating. I felt a wave of warmth as I looked around at their support wrapping around me like a comforting embrace.
🍂
Later that evening, as I sat in my room, I found myself replaying the events of the day. I thought about the way Shubman had looked at me, his vulnerability breaking through the walls he had so carefully built. It wasn't a grand gesture, but it was honest, and that meant more to me than anything else.
My phone buzzed, pulling me out of my thoughts. It was a text from Meera bhabhi.
Bhabhi 💖:
"You've been so strong, Akshara. Whatever happens, remember you deserve to be happy. And we're always here for you."
I smiled, my eyes misting slightly. I replied with a quick thank-you before setting my phone aside.
For the first time in months, I allowed myself to imagine a future where I wasn't walking this path alone. Where Shubman's walls came down, and we could build something real together. It was just a flicker of hope, but it was enough to keep me going.
And as I drifted off to sleep, surrounded by the love of my family, I felt a sense of calm I hadn't known in a long time.
🍂
The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of my room as I wrapped my long hair into a loose bun and sipped my tea. My morning routine was always the same-calming, predictable, and grounding.
But today, as I got ready for work at Sweet Bite, I felt a renewed sense of purpose.
The trip had been a whirlwind, filled with highs and lows, but it had also left me with clarity. There was still a lingering ache when I thought about Shubman, but the moments we had shared-the unspoken glances, his quiet but growing attentiveness-had given me a faint glimmer of hope. Perhaps things could change.
By the time I reached the café, the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods welcomed me like an old friend.
The cheerful chatter of customers filled the air, mingling with the clatter of cups and the hum of the espresso machine.
"Akshu!" Aditi's voice rang out from behind the counter. She came rushing out, pulling me into a tight hug. "Finally! It's been ages! I've missed you so much, and don't even get me started on your vague replies to my texts."
I laughed softly, returning the hug. "Sirf kuch din hue hai, Aditi. You're acting like I was gone for a month!"
"That's because it felt like a month!" Aditi pouted, pulling back to study my face. "Par tum toh acchi lag rahi ho, bohot acchi, kuch hua hai kya?"
Before I could respond, Nitya and Nikhil appeared from the kitchen, both grinning from ear to ear.
"Welcome back, boss!" Nikhil said, offering me a high five. "We survived without you, but just barely."
"Barely?" Nitya rolled her eyes, smacking his arm lightly. "We managed just fine. Though, I have to admit, aapke bina kuch accha nhi lag raha tha."
I smiled warmly at them. "I missed you all too. But enough about me-how's everything been? Sab accha toh chal raha tha, koi gadbad?"
"None," Nitya said proudly. "Sab accha chala, smooth like butter. Par coustomer's aapko bohot puch rahe the"
As the day went on, I slipped seamlessly back into my routine. I worked alongside my team, checking inventory, chatting with regulars, and even sneaking a taste of the new chocolate hazelnut tart Nikhil had perfected in my absence.
🍂
By evening, the café had quieted down, the rush of customers dwindling to a soft trickle. Me and Aditi sat in our favorite corner table, a steaming pot of chamomile tea between us.
Aditi leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Okay, spill. You've been weirdly quiet over text, and I know something happened. Was it Shubman? Did you guys actually talk? Or are you still playing the 'awkward strangers' game?"
I sighed, wrapping my hands around my teacup. "It wasn't exactly a conversation, but... there was something different about him this time. He wants to give it chance."
"Different how?" Aditi raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching with a knowing smile.
"He..." I hesitated, searching for the right words. "He was quieter, but not in a bad way. It felt like he was... observing me, maybe even trying to understand me. There was this moment on the plane-he didn't say anything, but I caught him looking at me. And for the first time, it didn't feel like indifference."
Aditi let out a dramatic gasp. "Oh my God, is Mr. Stone Cold finally melting? Is there hope for the poor soul who's been pining away for him?"
"Aditi, stop." I couldn't help but laugh, though a faint blush crept up my cheeks. "It's not like that. I don't even know if he wants to make this work. It's just... I felt something shift, even if it was small."
Aditi's teasing grin softened into something more sincere. "Akshara, you've been so patient with him. If he's finally starting to open up, then that's a big deal. But don't forget-you deserve someone who meets you halfway. Don't let him make you do all the work."
"I know," I said quietly. "But I also know how hard it is for him. He's been hurt before, and I can't just expect him to change overnight."
Aditi reached across the table, squeezing my hand. "And that's why you're amazing. You see the best in people, even when they don't see it in themselves. But promise me you'll take care of yourself too, okay?"
I smiled, nodding. "I promise."
Aditi leaned back, a mischievous glint returning to her eyes. "Good. Now, tell me more. Did he at least compliment you? Or did he stay in his brooding 'I'm too cool for feelings' mode the whole time?"
I chuckled, shaking my head. "He didn't say much, but... I think he's trying. And for now, that's enough."
Aditi smirked, raising her teacup in a mock toast. "To trying. And to the day when Shubman finally realizes what a gem he's got."
"To trying," I echoed, clinking my cup against Aditi's. For the first time in weeks, I felt a sliver of hope-fragile, but real.
As I and Aditi continued our conversation, the soft chime of the café's doorbell interrupted our moment of quiet.
We both turned toward the sound just as the door swung open, and to my surprise, Shubman and Ishan walked in.
Shubman's eyes immediately met mine, and for a split second, the world around me seemed to slow down. His expression was unreadable, but there was something different in his gaze-something more deliberate, perhaps.
Ishan, ever the playful one, was scanning the room, his usual grin plastered on his face as he waved at Nikhil behind the counter.
Aditi, sensing the shift in the air, shot me a teasing look before standing up. "Shaitan ka naam liya aur Shaitan hazir" Aditi mumbled, I shot glare at her making her shut.
"Well, well, if it isn't the elusive Shubman. Looks like I'm about to be outdone by Mr. Brooding and Handsome."
I couldn't suppress the flutter of nerves in my stomach. I wasn't sure if it was because of Shubman's unexpected arrival or because, for the first time, I felt a curious hope that maybe, just maybe, things were about to change.
Shubman and Ishan made their way to the counter, but Shubman's eyes stayed on me, and for that brief moment, everything around me seemed to vanish.
This time, he wasn't just walking in as another customer. This time, he had a purpose.
As the door clicked shut behind them, I found myself holding my breath.