BEDIL SHERGILL || ✔ ||

[20] : Resting Hearts

2 weeks later

The car ride back to the Shergill mansion was quiet, save for the hum of the engine. Rakshit leaned against the window, his face pale but composed, his thoughts a swirl of exhaustion and unresolved emotions. Drishti sat beside him, her posture straight, hands clasped in her lap as she glanced sideways at him from time to time.

As the car pulled up to the mansion, the heavy wooden doors swung open, and Mahima stepped out, her heart racing with anticipation. Her son was finally coming home.

“Rakshit” she called softly, her voice thick with emotion as she hurried to his side.

Rakshit stepped out of the car, his movements slow and careful. Mahima immediately enveloped him in a gentle hug, her arms trembling slightly as she held him close. “Thank God you’re home, beta...” she whispered, tears brimming in her eyes.

Rakshit returned the embrace, though his own movements were more restrained. “I’m fine, Maa” he replied, his voice hoarse. “There’s no need to worry.”

Mahima pulled back, her hands still gripping his arms as she looked him over, her gaze searching for any signs of discomfort. “You need rest. We’ve arranged everything in your room. Just focus on getting better.”

Before Rakshit could respond, Drishti stepped forward, her tone laced with light sarcasm. “Yes, you’re under strict orders to do nothing but rest and recover. So no arguments, Mr. Shergill.”

Rakshit turned his gaze towards her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, he simply stared at her, as if trying to gauge her intentions. But Drishti merely raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to protest.

“Fine” he muttered, too tired to engage in another round of banter. He looked back at his mother. “I’ll go up to my room.”

Mahima nodded, brushing a hand through his hair affectionately. “I’ll be up to check on you later.”

Without another word, Rakshit began to make his way toward the stairs, but before he could take more than a few steps, Drishti moved to his side, gently slipping her arm under his to offer support.

“I can manage on my own” Rakshit insisted, though he didn’t pull away.

“Of course you can” Drishti replied, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. “But why should you when you’ve got someone as capable as me to help?”

Rakshit sighed but allowed her to guide him up the stairs and into his room.

ROOM

As they entered the room, Drishti guided Rakshit towards the bed, her touch surprisingly gentle despite the sarcastic front she had been putting up. “Lie down...” she instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Rakshit glanced at her, a hint of amusement in his tired eyes. “Bossy, aren’t you?”

“Always,” Drishti shot back, not missing a beat.

"You should be in control. This will end right after I'm well." He spoke, a slight smirk lingering on his face.

“Yeah yeah sure CEO Mr. Rakshit Shergill, but you need rest. Now, down you go.”

Rakshit complied, easing himself onto the bed with a weary sigh. As soon as his head hit the pillow, he closed his eyes, the weight of exhaustion pulling at him.

Drishti adjusted the pillows behind him, ensuring he was comfortable before stepping back. “I’m going to get some water and do the puja. You just rest. And no sneaking out of bed,” she added, pointing a finger at him sternly.