My Safe Haven

Chapter : 11: Long Awaited Meeting

Warning:- Past trauma, anxiety, emotional vulnerability, violence (implied), romantic relationships, traumatic memory loss, mental health, complex family dynamics. Reader discretion is advised. ⚠

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Thoughts are in italic...

Aviraj's POV

Aviraj's heart raced as he drove to the Suryavanshi mansion, eager to reunite with his angel. He snapped out of his trance when he arrived at the front gate, which opened automatically due to the sensor on his car.

He parked and rushed to the door, ringing the bell impatiently. If his office staff had seen him at that time, they would have questioned their existence because of his uncharacteristic behavior.

Saatvik opened the door, and Aviraj burst in, greeting the elders before asking, "Where is he?" He looked at Bhavneet, who was supposed to be with Saras, but the latter was nowhere to be found.

The silence from Bhavneet only fueled Aviraj's fear.

Bhavneet noticed his distress and patted his back to calm him down. "Avi beta, calm down. Suru is okay. He fainted due to stress, but the doctor said he'll be fine." Aviraj's anxiety eased slightly, but the thought of Saras fainting still unsettled him.

Just then, he felt a tingling sensation and turned to see Saras stumbling down the stairs. Oh no. Aviraj rushed to catch him, holding him securely.

He could feel the latter shaking a bit and tightened his hold but not too tight, as he didn't want to make him feel trapped. Saras was weak, too weak, for his liking. Aviraj's mind wandered to their past encounters. Saras didn't use to be weak; he could take down Aviraj before if he wanted to, but now... He shook off those thoughts and focused on reassuring Saras, asking if he was okay and receiving a comforting affirmative answer.

Aviraj helped him get down from the stairs; he was very patient, as the poor boy's legs were shaking.

As he helped Saras down the stairs, he felt the latter's eyes on him but didn't acknowledge them, prioritizing Saras's well-being.

They finally got down, he turned to check on him but Saras called, more like whispered, his name and he froze. Finally, Aviraj was able to hear the angelic voice; he missed it so much. He slowly cupped Saras's cheeks and joined their foreheads, and they shared a shuddering breath, as if reconnecting with their life source.

They stayed like that until Aviraj remembered something. As far as he remembered, his Shashi Uncle had told him Saras didn't remember much from his past; hell, he couldn't even recognize his own family. Then how on earth did he remember Aviraj? It was not like he was not happy; he was ecstatic, but he had to be practical, for Saras, for both of them.

Aviraj turned to Shashin, still gently holding Saras's face. The others wore matching dumbfounded expressions, except Bhavneet, whose understanding gaze caught Aviraj's attention.

Ok, this is getting confusing.

Releasing Saras's face, Aviraj held his shoulders. "You remember me?" he asked hopefully.

Saras hesitated, uncertainty etched on his face. "I don't know... I really don't know. Gauri di said my dreams might be past memories, and since I remembered you first, you must be important to me." He paused.

"What is it, love?" Aviraj encouraged, cupping Saras's cheeks.

Saras nodded, his smile faint. Aviraj marveled at the sight.

"I found a photo album, and when I looked at it, my head hurt badly." Aviraj's concern grew, but he stayed silent, letting Saras continue.

"I got flashbacks... We were together. You said you loved me, and I replied positively. Were we dating?" Saras asked innocently.

Aviraj blinked back tears, anger rising. What have they done to my angel?!

Composing himself, Aviraj held Saras's hands. "Let's sit and talk, love. Take it slow, yeah?"

Saras nodded hesitantly.

Aviraj noticed Saras's blush at the nickname and internally celebrated but forced himself to calm down. Not the time or place to be a simp; pull yourself together, Aviraj!! He scolded himself.

They sat on the couch, surrounded by Saras's family, who respectfully kept their distance. Aviraj turned to Saras. "Love, now tell me how much you remember, okay?"

Saras hesitated at first but then began. "I only remembered my Bhaiya's face and nothing else significant before Uncle Neet found me," He explained. "Gauri di said it's because Bhaiya tried to save me when 'he'..." Saras wavered and bit his lip hard, his hands trembling slightly.

Aviraj frowned and gently squeezed his hand. "Shh... Calm down. He's not here; he can't harm you. You're safe." He whispered softly.

Whoever this 'he' was would regret his life. Aviraj gritted his teeth to control his temper. He subtly turned his head towards Saras's father; his Uncle Shashi, who nodded slightly, seeming to read his thoughts. Aviraj's eyes glinted, thinking about the things he'd do. That bastard had provoked the wrong person.

But he immediately softened his gaze when he heard a familiar whimper...

It took a while for Saras to calm down.

"Do you want to continue?" Aviraj checked, ensuring he wasn't misreading the situation. Saras, though shaken, nodded determinedly. Aviraj's eyes sparkled with pride.

"He...he shot Bhaiya when he tried to save me," Saras explained. "Gauri di said this incident impacted my memory, and that's why I only remember Bhaiya's face, not his name." Everyone nodded in understanding.

Saras mentioned finding an album in his room and discovering he had a niece. "Can I meet her?" Everyone smiled at his suppressed excitement and nervousness. "Of course, Suru, whenever you feel like," Saatvik assured his little brother.

Saras blushed from the attention.

So precious. Aviraj cooed inside but snapped out of his daydream when the object of his infatuation called for his attention.

"Yes, Love?"

"You didn't answer my previous question," Saras asked hesitantly. Aviraj's confusion gave way to realization. Saras had asked if they were dating; how was he supposed to answer that?!

"Well, about that, yes and no, I mean—" He was gently cut off by Saras's father, Shashin.

"Suru," The elder said, taking his son's hands in his. "He was not only your lover; he was—no, he is your fiancé."

Aviraj witnessed the information sinking in as Saras's eyes widened.

"Fiancé?"

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