Shaurya stepped outside the café, his eyes scanning the street for Adhiraj. He spotted him leaning casually against a black SUV, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression calm but alert.
The moment their eyes met, a small smile tugged at the corners of Adhiraj’s mouth, a rare sight for someone as reserved as him.
Adhiraj was a man of few words but countless actions. He had always been there for Shaurya, no matter how dark things got.
Now, standing just a few feet away, he was the same man who had once fought alongside Shaurya to break free from their dangerous pasts.
Shaurya walked up to him, extending his hand. “Adhiraj, thank you for coming.”
Adhiraj shook his hand firmly, a hint of amusement in his voice. “You’ve always known how to find trouble, Shaurya.”
Shaurya chuckled lightly. “Some things never change, huh?”
Adhiraj’s expression softened. “I’m here for you, whatever you need. This world we’re dealing with—it’s not going to be easy to navigate.”
Shaurya nodded in agreement. “I know. That’s why I called you. We’ll need all the help we can get.”
As they turned to walk back into the café, Adhiraj’s sharp eyes caught sight of Anokhi and Aradhya through the window. His gaze lingered on her for a moment, assessing, before he turned to Shaurya.
“So that’s her?” Adhiraj asked quietly.
Shaurya nodded, his eyes softening as he looked at Anokhi. “That’s her. She’s been through more than most people could handle. And yet, she’s stronger than ever.”
Adhiraj:- and Aradhya
Shaurya:- usse tu baad mein baat kr lena akele mein okk
Adhiraj gave a slow nod of approval. “She’s going to need that strength. Especially with Veerendra involved bhaut gusse wala hai woh usse shayd pasand na aaya hoga
Shaurya’s jaw tightened. “I won’t let her get caught up in this any more than she already is.”
Adhiraj’s voice was steady. “We’ll keep her safe. But you need to trust her too, Shaurya. She’s not the kind of woman who’ll sit on the sidelines.”
Shaurya knew he was right. Anokhi wasn’t one to back down from a fight, no matter how dangerous it was.
It was one of the many reasons he admired her. She had proven time and again that she could stand on her own, and yet, here he was, constantly trying to protect her.
“I know,” Shaurya admitted. “But it doesn’t make it any easier.”
Adhiraj gave him a firm pat on the back. “It never is.”
As they walked into the café, Anokhi looked up and smiled warmly at Shaurya. Her eyes then shifted to Adhiraj, curiosity mixed with a bit of wariness.
“Anokhi,” Shaurya said, taking her hand gently, “this is Adhiraj. He’s been my friend for a long time and someone I trust completely.”
Anokhi extended her hand toward Adhiraj, offering him a kind smile. “It’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Adhiraj shook her hand firmly, his gaze steady. “Likewise.”
Kartik, always the one
to break the tension, leaned in with a grin. “So, is this the cavalry?”
Adhiraj raised an eyebrow, his usual stoic demeanor softening a little. “Something like that.”
They all took their seats, and the conversation flowed easily again, but there was a new weight in the air now. With Adhiraj here, they all knew the stakes had risen.
---
Meanwhile, back in his office, Veerendra leaned back in his chair, the file on Anokhi still on his desk. He had spent hours pouring over every detail, and the more he learned, the more impressed he became.
Anokhi had built Phoenix Enterprises with nothing but sheer willpower and determination. She had taken risks, made tough decisions, and emerged as a successful entrepreneur. Her company wasn’t just profitable; it had made a significant mark in the business world.
“She’s even more formidable than I expected,” Veerendra murmured, admiration gleaming in his eyes.
As he skimmed through more documents, his heart clenched when he found one particular detail—a mention of Adira, his younger sister, who had passed away years ago.
The resemblance between Anokhi and Adira was eerie. Not just in looks, but in spirit. Both strong-willed, driven by passion, and willing to fight for what they believed in.
The regret that had been festering in Veerendra’s heart for years resurfaced. He had failed to protect Adira when she needed him the most. She had been his everything, and losing her had broken something deep inside him.
But now, with Anokhi in his life, he saw a second chance. A chance to protect someone like her, to make sure she didn’t suffer the same fate as his sister. He wouldn’t let history repeat itself.
Veerendra’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Vikram stepped in, his expression neutral but serious.
“Sir, the file is complete. We’ve gathered everything there is to know about Anokhi and her company. She’s more than capable of handling herself.”
Veerendra’s eyes flickered with a mix of pride and protectiveness. “Good. Keep a close watch on her movements. I need to make sure she’s safe.”
Vikram hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “There’s one more thing, sir. She’s been spending time with Shaurya and his old friend, Adhiraj. It seems they’re preparing for something.”
Veerendra nodded thoughtfully. “I expected as much. But whatever they’re planning, I want to make sure Anokhi doesn’t get caught in the crossfire. I’ll handle the rest.”
As Vikram left the room, Veerendra turned back to the file on his desk. His fingers traced over Anokhi’s name one more time.
“This time,” he whispered to himself, “I won’t fail.”
---
Back at the café, the conversation had taken a lighter turn, and everyone seemed more relaxed. Adhiraj was quietly observing, his sharp mind already calculating the next steps. Shaurya and Anokhi exchanged smiles, both of them relieved that the introductions had gone smoothly.
But as they stood to leave, Adhiraj pulled Shaurya aside, his expression serious.
“Veerendra’s watching her,” Adhiraj said quietly. “He knows everything.”
Shaurya’s jaw clenched, his protective instincts flaring. “I expected as much.”
Adhiraj’s eyes softened slightly. “He’s not our enemy, Shaurya. Not yet. But we need to be careful.”
Shaurya nodded, his mind already spinning with plans and strategies. They had come this far, and now, with both Adhiraj and Anokhi by his side, he knew they could face whatever came next.
Together, they would find a way to navigate the storm that was coming. And this time, they wouldn’t let the shadows of the past consume them.
As they walked out of the café, hand in hand, Anokhi looked at Shaurya, her eyes filled with determination.
“We’re ready for this,” she whispered.
Shaurya squeezed her hand gently. “We’ll face it. Together.”
And somewhere, in the shadows, Veerendra watched closely, determined to protect them both—even if it meant facing his own demons.
_________
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Fanfiction"Shaurya Raisinghania, the DM with a secret. Anokhi Sharma, the college student with a crush. What happens when their worlds collide? Sunshine in the Dark, a tale of love, courage, and revelation, takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. From...
