Morning Shock ~ An AbhiRa FF

Mukti:Myra, come quickly! Run with the bucket.
Myra rushes out, squinting at the buckets lined up near the tap. Each one has a name scratched in blue marker.
Myra:Why are there names on these?
Mukti:Everyone has limited utensils here. The names stop things getting mixed up, and if anyone loses theirs, it finds its way back home.
Myra nods and sprints to fill her bucket, cutting past a group of women waiting in line.
Woman 1:She broke the queue! No shame?
Mukti folds her hands, pulling Myra back gently.
Mukti:Sorry, sister, she’s young and still learning. You are so understanding.
She nudges Myra, and together they sweet-talk the women, managing to fill both buckets while the irritated grumbles turn into reluctant smiles.

A few lanes away, Arman stirs on a thin mattress. The morning light cuts through a dusty window. He sits up, rubbing his face.
Arman says in his mind — "Work stress... Myra, Mukti's future... and Rishab. Everything is spinning in my head."
Abhira walks in, carrying a steel glass of water.
Abhira:From today, I'll handle everything. You rest, Arman.
Arman:Abhira, why will you do all the work alone? Because of me you are already...
Abhira cuts him off, a small smile on her face.
Abhira:First tell me, seeing you in a tracksuit is making me laugh. You look like a total schoolboy.
Arman raises an eyebrow, pulling her wrist lightly.
Arman:Schoolboy? I’m your hero, have you forgotten?
Abhira:Hero sir, take your medicine first.
They share a quiet laugh, foreheads touching, forgetting the world for a breath. It’s a small moment of peace in the AbhiRa FF Episode 1 morning chaos.

Laughter from outside breaks the spell. Myra and Mukti tumble in, water drops flying from their fingers. Arman and Abhira join the game, chasing them around the tiny room until all four collapse, giggling.
Myra catches her breath and pulls out a crumpled newspaper clipping.
Myra:Bhai, is this true? Dadiji printed in the newspaper that she has disowned you? A public announcement?
Mukti’s smile vanishes.
Mukti:Really, Bhai?
Silence. Arman’s jaw tightens. He looks at Abhira.
Arman:Myra, that...
Abhira:You two are getting late for school. Please go get ready.

At the Poddar mansion, Kaveri’s voice cuts like ice.
Kaveri:Sanjay, why did you get this printed in the paper?
Sanjay:I did exactly what Damyanti wanted. You gave her a guarantee that Arman and Abhira would never return.
Kaveri recalls Damyanti’s words. "If Vidya comes back and demands to bring Arman home, what will you do?" Damyanti had demanded printed proof. Sanjay overheard and acted.
Manisha:Arman pushed Disha, that should have been printed. Why this?
Kajal:No care for the family's reputation?
Aryan:This is wrong, Sanjay bhai.
Sanjay:Aryan, keep quiet. Question Disha and Damyanti, not me.

Damyanti sits in her room, a cold smile on her lips.
Damyanti says in her mind — "Arman thought he would destroy Rishab. Now he’s suffering on the streets. Perfect."
Disha walks in, uneasy.
Disha:Mother, all this isn't right. I want to talk to Arman and Abhira.
Damyanti:Disha, the responsibility of the house is now yours. With Arman and Abhira gone, your position can become strong. Don't be weak.
Disha looks torn, but the doubt settles deep.

Back in the small home, Myra crosses her arms.
Myra:If you both won't tell me, I will go and ask Dadiji myself.
Abhira kneels to her level.
Abhira:Myra, your studies are most important right now. These are grown-up issues, not a part of your childhood. Please go to school.
Mukti tugs Myra’s sleeve, pulling her out. The door clicks shut.
Arman sinks onto the mattress, face buried in his hands.
Arman:Abhira, lying to them doesn’t feel right. They love us, and we...
Abhira:I know. But if we tell them the truth, their happiness will end. Rishab’s case, this insult... they won't be able to bear it. A little time, Arman. Just a little time.
She sits beside him, their fingers locking quietly. The AbhiRa FF bond trembles, holding on against all odds.

Precap: Abhira tells Arman to rest while she handles Kulkarni's case. Arman refuses, hiding his fever. Peter later informs Abhira that Arman went to court despite being unwell. Another storm awaits the AbhiRa FF Episode 2.
Episode 2 coming soon! Stay tuned 🤍