Like a Shadow to You

Chapter 16. Like a Shadow to You

After completing the dinner, Kailash and Akash got seated in the cozy sofa in the living room. Kailash inquired about the recent cases Akash handled for a few minutes. Akash guessed that Kailash wanted to discuss something important with him. But he waited for him to start on his own.

After a brief silence, Kailash spoke in a worried tone.

"Akash, I owe you a lot for being there for my daughter on that day. The rage I had against Aravind is still alive. I sorted out the matter for now through a couple of threats. Yet, I could not peace within me cause my mind is worried that something bad is gonna happen because of him. He is not the one to give up on his motives.

I'm not scared of him. At the same time, I could not stop thinking about his plans to harm Banu. I knew you are good friends by now," he smiled a little making Akash flush before continuing to speak.

"I know what I'm about to ask is big. Please do me this favor so that I can feel relieved about my daughter. All I want in this world is for her to stay happy. Take care of her and protect her at any cost. Can you do that for me?"

Kailash extended his right hand before Akash with a silent plead. Akash closed his  palm in Kailash's hand and patted it using his another hand.

"I will always be there for you, uncle, because you have been a fatherly figure to me for a long time. But apart from my affection for you, I..admire Banu a lot. It was just yesterday that I realized I have feeling for her. And I haven't yet expressed my love to her. If you give your approval, then I can propose to her and ask for her hand in marriage. I can assure you that I will treat her in the best possible way and support her in any hardships we face."

Kailash felt his heart overjoyed by Akash's words.

"Am I fool to be a hurdle in seeking your love? I'm excited to see you two unite and live happily. I wish her mother is alive to watch her daughter make a great choice and lead a peaceful life." When he said the last few words, his voice broke a little.

Akash took the hands of Kaikash and patted it to comfort him. His grip tried to reassure the father that he will take good care of his daughter. On the next day, Kailash went on to arrange for the wedding of Banu and Akash. He made a few prebookings while waiting impatiently for his daughter's return.

On his way to pick Banu from airport, a truck lost its path and crashed his car. Kailash tried every way to fight the fate when carried to the hospital by a passerby. Akash rushed to the hospital as soon the information reached him. The injuries were deep, so he was admitted in the ICU.

Akash couldn't control his rage when he discovered that Aravind was behind the inhumane act. Despite all his prayers and providing him the best treatment, Kailash  passed away that night. Banu's flight was delayed for a day due to climatic conditions. No one picked her call when she tried to reach them. She thought that they were busy with their work without knowing the demise of her father.

Akash completed all the formalities with a heavy heart. Seeing the face of Kailash reminded him of the death of his mother. Meanwhile, Banu began to get anxious of her unanswered calls.
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Hey people,

Thank you reading this chapter. Don't forget to read this chapter so that I stay motivated to write more.