BEDIL SHERGILL || ✔ ||

[28]: Her Saviour

A/N: A chapter dedicated to Akshit and Divya (Akya) as there are people who need more of them. Happy reading, enjoy! <3

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Drishti stirred awake, her eyes slowly adjusting to the light. She glanced over to see Rakshit already awake, his expression as unreadable as ever. The tension between them was palpable, a silent acknowledgment of the complicated emotions swirling beneath the surface.

Both of them rose from bed without a word, each lost in their thoughts. The quiet rustle of clothes and the soft clinking of Rakshit's watch as he fastened it around his wrist filled the room. Drishti, now dressed, took a deep breath and smoothed her sari, her hands trembling ever so slightly as she tried to shake off the lingering doubts and fears.

As they moved towards the dining table for breakfast, the tension followed them like a shadow. The clatter of cutlery and the low murmur of conversation filled the air as the family gathered around the table.

Drishti moved around the dining table with practiced ease, carefully placing dishes in front of everyone with a soft smile on her face. The aroma of freshly prepared parathas and chai filled the room, creating a cozy atmosphere that contrasted with the usual tension in the house.

As she approached Mahima, Drishti offered a gentle smile and served her with respect. "Good morning" she said softly, her tone warm and polite.

Mahima, taken slightly by surprise by the tenderness in Drishti's voice, looked up from her cup of tea. Her usual stern expression softened as she took in Drishti's demeanor. "Good morning, beta" she replied, her voice unusually warm.

Without a second thought, Drishti bent down to touch Mahima's feet, seeking her blessings as she had always been taught to do with elders. Mahima, momentarily caught off guard, felt a wave of unexpected affection. She gently placed her hand on Drishti's head, blessing her with a smile that reached her eyes.

"Jeeti rho" Mahima said, her voice filled with genuine warmth. As Drishti straightened up, Mahima looked at her with a rare softness. "Sit with us, Drishti. Have breakfast."

Drishti nodded with a smile and served herself, sitting with them for breakfast.

Akshit was already seated, munching on his toast with his usual cheerful demeanor. He looked up, flashing a bright smile at Drishti and Rakshit as they took their seats.

But before anyone could engage in the usual morning pleasantries, Divya entered the dining room, looking poised and polished. She was dressed in a sleek outfit that screamed professionalism, and in her hand, she carried a small suitcase. Her eyes flicked around the table, landing on each family member before settling on Mahima, who raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Divya, where are you off to this early?" Mahima asked, a hint of concern lacing her voice.

Divya offered a polite smile. "I have a client meeting in Indonesia. It's a last-minute trip, and I'll be gone for three days."

The announcement was met with a mix of reactions. Mahima nodded approvingly, impressed by Divya's dedication to her work, while Rakshit offered a curt nod, his mind already preoccupied. Drishti, always observant, noticed a flicker of something in Akshit's expression-a shadow of disappointment that quickly disappeared as he tried to mask it with a smile.

Akshit set down his toast, his earlier cheerfulness dimming as he looked at Divya. "Three days, huh?" His voice was light, but there was an undercurrent of something more.

Divya, busy making sure she had everything she needed, didn't catch the subtle shift in his tone. She finished her coffee and stood up, addressing the family with a bright smile. "I should get going. I don't want to miss my flight." She went around the table, hugging Mahima, Tejashri, Rakshit, and Drishti in turn. The hugs were warm and affectionate, but when she reached Akshit, she simply offered a casual, "Bye, Akshit."