My Safe Haven

Chapter : 12: Family Time

Warning:- Emotional distress, mental health struggles, trauma References, emotional manipulation, mild Injury, family drama, emotional Intimacy. Reader discretion is advised. ⚠

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Thoughts are in italic

Saras's POV

Saras's eyes widened slowly as the information sank in. "Fiancé?" he asked hesitantly. He pulled his hands out of his father's hold, distancing himself. Shashin's face contorted in distress as he tried to hold on, but Saras backed away again.

What was his father saying? Fiancé? Aviraj was his fiancé?! Had he forgotten his fiancé?!

Saras's breath hitched at the thought; he looked at Aviraj cautiously, tears gathering in his eyes. "I—I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."

Aviraj's face reflected distress. "Why are you sorry, Love? None of this is your fault. Please don't cry... Please." He pleaded, his words making Saras cry more.

The man loved him, but Saras didn't even remember him.

Aviraj stepped closer, pinching Saras's chin to make him look up. "I don't care if you don't remember us being together. You're regaining memories; I know it'll take time. I'll be here, always. If, after remembering everything, you want me to walk away, I will, without hesitation. But please don't cry; it's killing me."

Saras's cries turned heartbreaking. He impulsively hugged Aviraj, sobbing into his neck. Aviraj wrapped his arms around him, holding tight—a silent promise to never let go.

Saras slowly pulled away when he calmed down a little, and Aviraj immediately held his cheeks, wiping his tears with care. "Love, please don't cry. It's hurting me. We'll take it slow, okay? Do you want to go to your room? Are you hungry? Do you want to sit down? You can—?"

Saras burst into a watery laugh, tears mingling with laughter. Aviraj's nonstop rambling was adorable.

The latter looked confused, but Saras found it cute. He pinched Aviraj's cheek, exercising his rights without realizing.

Aviraj was stunned at first, then smiled. "Are you making fun of me?" he asked teasingly. Saras blushed, shaking his head. "No, that wasn't my intention. It was just... you looked so cute while being confused; I couldn't help myself."

Everyone smiled. "You guys are made for each other," Saatvik commented. "That we are," Aviraj agreed, grinning. But Saras's blush intensified as he realized they were still surrounded by his family. His face burned in embarrassment. Did he just have a cute moment with his potential life partner in front of his family?! Saras wanted to dig a hole and jump in.

Just then, "You're absolutely right, Papa." A sweet voice chimed in. He turned towards the speaker, and his gaze fell upon a lovely girl, no more than 16 years old, standing with her arms crossed across her chest, staring at him longingly. Saras's heart skipped a beat; her eyes were strikingly familiar.

"Ridhi, come here," his Bhaiya called, and the girl promptly replied, "Yes, Papa!" before running towards him.

That's when it clicked for Saras—she was his niece, the one he had longed to meet since forever.

However, his excitement was short-lived, replaced by anxiety as he realized he didn't even know—let alone remember—her name.

How was he supposed to face her?

Saras saw Saatvik catch his daughter in a hug, pat her head, and gently turn her toward him. "You wanted to meet your Ru, right? Here you go."

Saatvik gestured toward Saras, and Ridhi's eyes lit up. She approached him, looking at him as if he hung the stars. "Ru, I missed you!" she exclaimed, smiling widely.