**Darkness Of Ligh**

part 2 - THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

Shrishti Bhalerao twirled gracefully across the dance studio, her movements a fluid blend of strength and elegance. Her vibrant smile lit up the room, radiating joy and passion. She was in her element, surrounded by music and motion. For Shrishti, dance was more than just an art form; it was her sanctuary, her escape from the world’s harsh realities.

As the final notes of the music faded, she struck a pose, breathing heavily but feeling exhilarated. Her students, a group of young girls, clapped enthusiastically. Shrishti’s heart swelled with pride as she looked at their eager faces.

"Great job, everyone!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands. "Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep working on those moves, and we'll perfect our routine for the recital."

The girls giggled and chattered as they collected their belongings, their excitement infectious. Shrishti loved this part of her day, teaching dance to these bright young minds. It reminded her of the simple joys of life, far removed from the dark corners of her past.

As the students filed out, Shrishti’s best friend and fellow dance instructor, Meera, approached her. "You were amazing as always, Shrishti. You have such a gift."

Shrishti laughed, brushing off the compliment with a wave of her hand. "Oh, stop it, Meera. You’re just as talented. These kids are lucky to have us."

Meera smiled, but her expression turned serious. "You know, I still can't believe how far you've come. After everything you've been through, you’re such a beacon of light."

Shrishti’s smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "Thanks, Meera. Dance has always been my way of coping. It’s where I find my peace."

Meera nodded, understanding the unspoken depth behind Shrishti’s words. "And your work at the clinic? How's that going?"

Shrishti’s other passion was psychology. She worked as a psychologist at a local clinic, helping others navigate their emotional and mental struggles. "It’s going well. It’s challenging, but rewarding. I feel like I’m making a difference."

"Of course you are," Meera said warmly. "You always do."

Shrishti glanced at the clock. "I have a session in an hour. I should get going."

"Take care, Shrishti," Meera called as Shrishti grabbed her bag and headed out.

The clinic was a short walk from the dance studio, and Shrishti enjoyed the brief respite the walk provided. The streets of Moscow were busy, but she found comfort in the hustle and bustle. It reminded her that life was full of energy and movement, much like her dance routines.

At the clinic, she was greeted by Dr. Ivanov, the head psychologist. "Good afternoon, Shrishti. Ready for another day of saving the world?"

Shrishti chuckled. "One patient at a time, Dr. Ivanov."

"That’s the spirit," he said, handing her a file. "Your 2 PM appointment. A new patient, seems to be dealing with severe anxiety."

Shrishti nodded, scanning the details. "I’ll see what I can do."

As she settled into her office, her first patient of the day, a young woman named Elena, walked in. Elena looked nervous, her eyes darting around the room. Shrishti greeted her with a warm smile.

"Hello, Elena. I’m Shrishti. Please, have a seat."

Elena sat down, her hands fidgeting in her lap. "Thank you for seeing me, Dr. Bhalerao."

"Call me Shrishti," she said gently. "Tell me, what’s been troubling you?"

Elena took a deep breath, tears welling in her eyes as she began to speak. Shrishti listened intently, her heart going out to the young woman. She knew all too well the weight of emotional scars. Her own fears, the darkness and blood that haunted her, had taken years to manage.

"Take your time," Shrishti said softly, offering Elena a tissue. "You’re safe here."

Elena’s story unfolded, a tale of trauma and fear. Shrishti guided her through the session, offering support and techniques to manage her anxiety. By the end, Elena looked a little lighter, a small smile on her lips.

"Thank you, Shrishti," she said, her voice steadier. "I feel like there’s hope."

"There is always hope," Shrishti replied, squeezing her hand. "We’ll work through this together."

As the day progressed, Shrishti saw several more patients, each with their own struggles. Her sessions were intense, but she found solace in the progress her patients made. Helping others heal was her way of healing herself.

By the time she finished her last session, the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the city. Shrishti decided to walk home, enjoying the cool evening air. Her apartment was a cozy sanctuary filled with memories of her mother, whose passion for dance had inspired Shrishti’s own.

After a quick shower, she settled onto her couch with a cup of tea, reflecting on the day. Her thoughts drifted to her past, the dark moments that had shaped her. She had come a long way, but the shadows still lingered.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Meera. "Hey, how about a girls’ night out tomorrow? We deserve some fun!"

Shrishti smiled. A night out with Meera was just what she needed. "Sounds perfect. Let’s do it."

As she put down her phone, Shrishti felt a sense of contentment. Despite the darkness she had faced, she had carved out a life filled with light and love. She was determined to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Little did she know, her path was about to cross with someone who would turn her world upside down. Someone who lived in the shadows she had fought so hard to escape. But for now, she was blissfully unaware, lost in the warmth of her cozy apartment and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.