Blessing in Disguise

Chapter 125: Sins and Virtues

Rajdeep Oberoi aka Rocky was stunned. When his boss had called him to Delhi because Seher was in India, he had expected to see the beautiful, brown-haired girl he had left at the airport all those years ago-the one so lovely yet so scared. He hadn't wanted to let her go back then. He tried to keep her right there in Chandigarh. But he knew she was not safe because the demons chasing her were unknown, like ghosts, bigger thanks what he could fight. He could protect her against humans; he could defend her against monsters, but his power was limited. So he had to let her go-her and the little bundle she had saved.

The courage Rajdeep witnessed in Seher was unlike anything he had seen before. As a hardened man with a past filled with inexcusable actions that haunted him, he was taken aback by the bravery of such a young person. When Seher first approached him for help, and later when she returned, covered in blood and gore, a blubbering mess with a baby in hand, resembling a fierce Maa Durga, her courage was extraordinary. It was beautiful, breathtaking, and powerful, earning Rajdeep's deep respect for the 22-year-old girl.

But standing in front of him now was a woman. She was very beautiful. The fear that had been in the girl's eyes was no longer present. This woman was strong, lethal, and had mettle. She had survived. He had left her with all the means he could, but there were limitations to what he could do. She and that little baby girl had remained in his thoughts for the past few years.

Seeing her survive, seeing her healthy, seeing her happy-it was like a punch to the gut, a reminder among all the inexcusable things that did not let Rajdeep Oberoi sleep at night, at least this one thing he had done right. He had helped this beautiful woman flourish and somehow reach a place in her life where she had it all.

He hadn't seen the little girl yet, but his anticipation grew stronger. He remembered catching a glimpse of her beautiful green eyes when she was just a few weeks old. That night, he held her in his arms while her new mother recovered. During those precious hours, he fed her, burped her, soothed her, and cradled her to sleep, not letting anyone else take her. He knew there was a chance he might never see her again if life went well for them, as they would never return to India. But if things went poorly, he feared for her survival. This thought had haunted him for years.

Seeing the mother happy and healthy today, he knew that if Seher was this joyful, the little girl must be thriving even more. He couldn't wait to see her, to hold her again. She wouldn't be a baby anymore, probably around three years old and talking. He knew her name was Meher, having arranged all the fake documents. Just looking at Seher, he wanted to learn more about the mother and daughter, to assure his heart that after all these years, they were safe, happy, flourishing, and healthy.

Seher returned his greeting with a vibrant smile as she moved towards him. She was so happy to see him, and he smiled back at her. Once again, she was taken aback by his magnificent presence. Rajdeep was a big man-tall and broad. She remembered their first meeting during Shiva Abhishek puja, where he looked magnificent in a white dhoti. He had spoken gentle words to her and was the first person in her life to show her gentleness, humanity, and respect. He had soothed her worries and promised to help her.
(The Shiva Abhishek puja is a Hindu ritual where devotees pour water, milk, or other sacred substances over the Shiva Linga (a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva) as an act of reverence and purification.)

Maximilian had been the center of Seher's world. He was her rock, her closest ally, her confidant, her life partner-at least until a few weeks ago. She had encountered other remarkable men in her life. Despite his faults, Daniel had been an incredible friend-respectful, kind, and loving. Then there was Richard, who had filled the role of a true father figure for her. Robert had played an important brotherly role in her life. Even Victor, a carefree man she cherished, had brought her joy. But all these remarkable men had entered her life because of the man standing in front of her-Rajdeep. He had set the tone of goodness in her life, introducing her to people who valued, supported, and uplifted her. He took a chance on her and provided her and her daughter with a new lease on life. She would be forever grateful to him.