THE PICTURES USED IN THIS STORY IS NOT MINE SO, THE CREDIT GOES TO RIGHTFUL OWNER.

RECAP :- Akshu, abhi ,vikram got ready and went to her college for the ceremony.

let's get back to the story...........

________At conference hall

AUTHOR POV

** Three of them were sitting on the chairs of third row, the anchor was announcing the top ten students list officially, now she was going to announce the first gold medalist.**

Akshu : hey akka I don't know why but I'm feeling somewhat nervous.( she said while holding her palms into fist, while digging her nails into her palm, before she could hurt her palms abhi held her hands )

Abhi : see here akshu ma don't get nervous, just take a deep breath me your mama, we both are here with you ok.( she said with a assuring smile )

Anchor : so let's welcome our college gold medalist of this year '' Ms.Akshitha'' with a great round of applause.( everyone cheered for her )

Abhi : goo akshu it's your day to shine, you deserve this.( she said with a smile )

**Akshu got up and went to the stage, the college chairman made her wore the gold medal and gave her the certificate with a shield to akshu and akshu's eyes were filled with happy tears.**

Anchor : Ms.Akshitha please share your words with everyone, the stage is yours.( the anchor gave the mic to akshu and stood near the podium )

Akshu : Good afternoon, everyone. Honestly, I’m at a loss for words right now, overwhelmed by so many emotions. Standing here on this stage today wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of my teachers, my Akka, my Mama, and my own dedication. From the very beginning to this moment, they’ve been my pillars of strength. I’ll forever cherish the memories I’ve made in this college and the incredible people I’ve met along the way. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Thank you all so much.( As she finished her speech, her Akka and Mama proudly captured the moment on video, their faces glowing with pride and adoration. Overcome with emotion, she walked towards her sister, tears of joy streaming down her face, and hugged her tightly, crying in happiness )

Abhi : hey Akshu why are you crying huh!!.( she asked her while breaking the hug and wiped her tears )

akshu : akka I did it I'm soo happy today.( she while crying in happiness )

Abhi : Yes you did it you are my strong sister right!!( She said with a smile and kissed akshu's forehead )so don't cry see now your makeup is spoiled and you are looking like a ghost.( she said in a teasy tone to light up her mood for while akshu smiled a little )

Vikram : Akshu maa congratulations da sweety, you will get more and more medals like this in future for that your mama's advance congratulations.( he said and hugged her )

Akshu : Thank you soo much mama.( she said with a big smile )

Abhi : ok if your both drama is over then can we take your photos now.( she said in a playful tone )

Akshu : Oo yes we can take for sure.

** They took many photos and went to akshu's favourite restaurant for dinner as a treat, they dropped akshu near her house gate.**

_________At akshu's house

**Akshu came to home with a happy face and was going directly to her room she was about to climb the stairs but her mom stopped her.**

Kavitha : Akshitha why you come late, today is your graduation day right why are you late even today.( she asked in a stern tone )

Akshu : maa i have already told you that I'll be late today then why are you asking me questions.

Kavitha : yes you told but our neighbour's daughter kavya is also studying in the same college as yours right she came home at evening 4 itself. Then what took you so much time to come home huh!!did you even see the time it's already 8:30 at night.( she asked while raising her voice )

Akshu : today akka and mama came with me for my graduation so, after the graduation mama took me to a restaurant as a treate me as I got good ranks that's all nothing else.

Kavitha : ( she glared at akshu and went to wash the vessels while making loud noice showing her anger towards the vessels )

Akshu : maa why are you showing your anger on the vessels now.

Darsha : "Why can’t you just listen to Mom? If you did, she wouldn’t get so angry in the first place!"

Akshu : Darsha you just be silent, I'm not talking to you.( she said with a cold and stern tone )

Darsha : Akka, Mom told you this morning to come home early, didn’t she? Then why did you roam around with people she doesn’t like ? That’s exactly why she’s so upset right now,( she said in a sarcastic tone )

Akshu : Darsha you just know your limits and stay there itself never cross it, if you did then I won't be silent that's it.( She said more like a warning but darsha again spoke )

Darsha : yeah if you would have kept them in their limits then, you would have understood what I'm telling now.( she said in a sarcastic way which angered akshu more that she was about to slap her but her mom came in between and held akshu's hand )

Kavitha : hey akshitha why are you raising hand on your little sister now huh!!! she that b**ch that important to you that you are raising hand on your own sister( with that kavitha slapped akshu )

Akshu : Yes, Maa. Just like your little daughter is everything to you, they mean the world to me. They’re the ones who give me the love and support I’ve always longed for.( Her voice trembled as tears welled up in her eyes. She gently touched her cheek where her mother had slapped her, the bright smile she had when she enter the house is now replaced with the pain which was clearly visible in her expression. Meanwhile, Darsha stood in the corner, watching the scene unfold with a wicked smile.

Kavitha : Is that it? After everything we’ve done for you—raising you, giving you an education—you think the people who’ve done nothing for you are more important than us?.( she asked in angry tone )

Akshu : Maa, I’m not saying you’re not important to me. But have you ever tried to understand me? Can you even see what I’m going through? Today was my graduation, and you didn’t even ask about it. You know what? When I got the gold medal, I thought if you heard about it, you’d come and hug me, or at least congratulate me. But instead, it feels like it doesn’t matter to you. You’re still arguing with me about going with Akka and Mama.( She wiped her tears, her voice trembling, and turned to leave for her room )

Kavitha : Look at how she's talking to me! I don't know what that troublemaker has told my daughter, that now she's speaking against me like this!.( she said, her voice filled with anger )

Darsha : Don’t worry, Maa. I’m here, aren’t I? I’ll talk to Akka and sort everything out.( she said, trying to calm her down )

Kavitha : There’s no need to talk to her, dear. Just go and get some rest. Your grandma is coming this Monday; she’ll handle her.( With that, they both went to their rooms and drifted off to sleep. Meanwhile, Akshu sat alone, tears streaming down her face as she cried her heart out until exhaustion finally took over, and she fell asleep without even realizing it )

_________On Sunday morning

** Akshu was sleeping peacefully as she was fully exhuasted by the graduation and the argument, but her peaceful sleep was disturbed by her mom's shout.**

Kavitha : Akshitha! It’s already morning! How long are you planning to sleep? Are you getting up, or should I come there and drag you out myself?! ( she yelled from the kitchen, her voice carrying frustation )

Akshu : Ugh, even on a Sunday, they won’t let me sleep in peacefully! Can’t I get one day of rest?.( she grumbled, sitting up and rubbing her sleepy eyes. Just then, her phone buzzed, breaking the brief silence.

ON CALL

Hema : hey akshu what are you doing ?

Soumya : hey she must have woke up now.

Akshu : Will you both just stop it already? You called me first thing in the morning just to argue about whether I’m awake or not!.( she said, her tone dripping with annoyance )

Hema : no akshu we called you to ask whether you have plans with akka or not.

Akshu : no di akka and mama would have already gone somewhere as it is sunday.

Soumya : ok then you just ready we will go somewhere.

Hema : Let’s meet at our usual spot first, and then we can decide where to go from there.

Akshu : I was just sitting here, planning my escape from this house, and then you two saved me by calling!.( she said with a playful giggle )

Hema : Yeah, we already know how things are with your family, don’t we?"

Soumya : Exactly! Now hurry up and get ready, okay? We’ll meet soon. Bye, di!

Akshu : Bye, di! Love you both so much!

Soumya : Exactly! Now hurry up and get ready, okay? We’ll meet soon. Bye, di!

Akshu : Bye, di! Love you both so much!

Hema/Soumya : we too love you akshu.

** She went to get ready, choosing a sleeveless kurti paired with small earrings that added a touch of elegance. Her hair was left loose, spreading softly over her shoulders, while a small bindi and a hint of lip balm completed her simple yet charming look.Once satisfied, she headed downstairs.

Where her mom was busy serving breakfast to Darsha. Without a word, Akshu helped herself to a plate and quietly ate her meal. Just as she was about to step out, her mom’s voice stopped her. **

Kavitha : Isn’t today Sunday? Where do you think you’re going dressed like this? And what’s with that sleeveless top? Where’s your dupatta?( she asked in a stern voice, her eyes narrowing with disapproval )

Akshu : I'm going to meet my friends. And there is nothing wrong in my dressing I'll be back soon.

Kavitha : Can't you just stay at home and spend a day with us.

akshu : For that, it should at least feel like a home. But it doesn’t, so how can you expect me to stay?.( she said in a sarcastic way and went out )

kavitha : Fine, go ahead. But wait until my mom arrives tomorrow, she’ll handle you her way.( she said, glaring at Akshu's disappearing figure, her voice laced with frustration )

___________Time skip at beach

Author's POV

Hema and Soumya stood on the beach, their eyes scanning the horizon as they eagerly waiting for Akshu. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore seemed to echo their anticipation. As soon as Akshu appeared, they rushed toward each other, and without a second thought, she enveloped them in a tight, heartfelt hug. The trio stood there, their eyes filling with tears, emotions flooding over them as they reunited after a long year apart. The years of distance melted away in that embrace, and for a moment, nothing else mattered but the warmth of their connection.

Akshu : I missed you both soo much you.( she said with a smile while parting the hug )

Hema/Soumya : we too missed you soo much akshu maa.

Akshu : Hey, you both joined the same college and forgot all about me, huh?! ( she teased with a playful grin )

Hema : No, no, Akshu! It's not like that. We’ve just been busy with assignments and exam stress. That’s all. But now we have our study holiday, so here we are!

Soumya : Yeah, if we didn’t meet now, it would’ve been even harder to find time with exams coming up. We had to make this happen!

Hema : Enough about that! You had your graduation yesterday, right? So, what about your result?

Akshu : Guess what? I’m the gold medalist this year!.( she said with a smile they both came and hugged you with happiness )

Hema : amazing di I'm so happy for you.

Soumya : congrats di akshu, I'm so proud of you.

Akshu : Thanks, di! And guess what? Today’s treat is on me! You both decide where we’re going.

Hema : Oh, wow! Then we’ll just empty your wallet! You better be ready!.( she said in a playful smirk and grin )

Akshu : You wait, Hema....( She took a step forward as if to chase her, but Soumya quickly spoke )

Soumya : Okay, okay, enough with the chase! Let’s just plan this, alright? First, we’re heading to XYZ Mall. After that, we’ll grab lunch and figure out the rest.

Akshu/Hema : "Aye, aye, Captain!" ( they both exclaimed in unison, giving a playful salute and giggling. Watching their antics, soumya couldn’t help but laugh at their playfulness )

** the trio went to the metro station near and left for the mall **

________Meanwhile here on the same day morning

Author's POV

**A couple strolled along the shoreline, their footsteps sinking into the soft sand as the waves kissed their feet. The rhythmic sound of the ocean blended perfectly with the silence around them, soothing both their minds and hearts. As they walked, laughter echoed between them, the air was thick with a playful energy while the girl pushed him and start to run from there.**

Vishnu: Ammu, stop diii! Where do you think you're running off to?( he called out with a grin, chasing after her )

??: No way! Catch me if you can! ( she laughed, her voice light and carefree as she ran ahead )

Vishnu: Oh, it's a challenge now! Let's see what happens once I catch you!.( His voice was playful, but determination sparkled in his eyes )

After a few moments of chasing, he finally caught her by the wrist, pulling her gently from behind. With a teasing laugh, he leaned in and whispered.

Vishnu : What are you going to do now, my dear baby girl?( he asked her with a teasy laugh )

His hands held her wrists lightly, his gaze dropping to her delicate hand, where a bracelet glinted in the sunlight. Before she could turn around, he caught a glimpse of her face, but it was blurred, hidden by the way her hair fell. The moment seemed frozen, suspended in time.But just as he was about to reach for her face, something interrupted him—a noise in the distance.

Startled, he opened his eyes, breathing heavily, his heart racing. The sound of the ocean, the gentle warmth of the air—all of it faded. He was back in his room, drenched in sweat. His gaze darted around, confused, the remnants of the dream clinging to him. He blinked rapidly, the images from the dream still vivid, especially the bracelet, the feeling of her presence… yet, her face remained elusive. What was that dream? He couldn’t shake off the thought, a strange mix of longing and curiosity filling him. And more than that, he couldn't forget the sudden sense of incompleteness, as though the answer to something important was just out of reach.( he came out of his thoughts when some was shaking him while shouting )

Yuvraj : Dei, Annathe! Get up, da! Why are you still sleeping? Come on, get up! ( He shook Vishnu, who sat up abruptly )

Vishnu : Ugh... that was just a dream.( he muttered, still lost in thought about what he had just experienced )

Yuvraj : Dei, what’s with you? You look like you’ve seen a ghost! What happened?( He nudged Vishnu’s shoulder with a grin )

Vishnu : Nothing, da... I saw a girl in my dream.( He hesitated but then spilled everything about the dream )

Yuvraj : WHAT? You saw a GIRL? In your dreams?! Oh my god, who is she?!.( His voice rose in surprise, his eyes wide with excitement )

Vishnu : Before I could even see her face, you woke me up, so how would I know? ( He groaned in annoyance )

Yuvraj : Aha! My brother is dreaming about marriage! Oh my god, this is impossible!( He laughed, clearly thrilled by the thought )

Vishnu : Dei, stop talking like a madman! Just shut up and go do something useful!( He pushed Yuvraj out of his room, trying to escape the teasing )

As he lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling, one question lingered in his mind—who was she? The dream felt too real, too meaningful, and now, he couldn’t help but wonder… Would he ever find out the girl ? he just shook his thoughts and went to take a shower.

** Vishnu came downstairs still unable to come out of the dream he as seen he came and sat on the dining his mom was serving breakfast for everyone with talking and laughing. **

Soundharya : dei vishnu what are you thinking about ??

Yuvraj : ohh that!! maa anna is thinking about that girl maa.( he said this while giving a teasy look to his elder brother )

Soundharya : deii who is that girl ? you didn't even tell me!!( she asked with a fake grumpiness )

Vishnu : maa he is blabbering nonsense, you give me another dosa.( he said while glaring at his brother )

Soundharya : hmm wait I'll bring it.

Suresh : deii yuvi who is that girls huh!!( he asked while whispering to yuvi )

Yuvi : ohh that!! anna has seen some girl in his dream today, I said that only nothing else hehehe...( yuvi whispered back to his dad while vishnu's phone buzzed )

Anu : anna your friend rahul anna has called you.( she said while handing phone to him )

ON CALL

Vishnu : hello tell da.

Rahul : hey buddy be ready ok.

Vishnu : why are you telling me to get ready da.

Ashok : huh!! we are going to XYZ mall da.

Vishnu : dei at least today I thought I would be free from you both, you both don't even tolerate that huh!!!( he said while sulking )

Rahul : we don't know that and all you are coming that's all.

Vishnu : please da I'm not coming you both go.

Rahul : we know that you would give us reasons that's the reason we came directly here to get you see at your back.( vishnu turned to look at door saw rahul and ashok both were entering )

Soundharya : Oh, welcome, welcome, you big shots! Looks like you’re so busy that you’re only showing up now, huh? ( she asked them in a sarcastic way with fake anger )

Rahul : no no maa it's not like that we have been busy nothing else.

Ashok : yeah maa exams are over for the students we have been stuck in the paper evaluating and invigilation.

yuvi : deii annas how are you both doing?

ashok : we are good da

yuvi : ok you all enjoy I'm going with my friends maa bye..( he said and left )

Soundharya : ok ok you both sit let me bring you dosa.

Ashok : maa we have already ate our breakfast.

Rahul : this king will not come with us it seems, that's why we came here to pick him up.

Suresh : deii vishnu with them da.

Vishnu : ok paa ...deii prince charmings can we go now .( he said in a annoyed tone )

Ashok/Rahul : ohh yes we can goo.( they both said in sync )

Soundharya : deii you both should eat dinner here only ok now go and enjoy yourself ok bye.

Rahul : sure maa we will be going now bye ma and bye paa.

** these trio went out of the house after bidding bye to them and started their bikes to reach the mall **

_______

who was that girl in his dream?

will he be able to find her ?

let's see what happens in the next chapter

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