My Safe Haven

Chapter : 16: Goenka

Warning:- This story contains: Mature themes, emotional distress, trauma references, violence (physical and emotional abuse), mental health struggles, obsessive behavior, graphic content (gun violence, injury), dark and intense scenes. Readers discretion is advised. ⚠

Please vote and comment ♥
Thoughts are in italic...

Shashin's POV

As soon as Aviraj and Saras left, Shashin turned to Bhavneet, but before he could speak, Rajat intervened. "Who is it, Bhavneet? Who is this Tamas?" Rajat's tone was commanding, his use of Bhavneet's full name catching Shashin's attention. Shashin recognized the undertone of anger in Rajat's voice, bordering on fury. Bhavneet's eyebrows rose momentarily, but his gaze darkened as Rajat's question sank in.

Shashin's eyes narrowed, his heart filled with doubts. Bhavneet and Rajat seemed to share a secret, leaving him in the dark. Just as he was about to voice his question, Gayathri rose and departed without a word, leaving everyone stunned – except Shashin.

"Why did she leave so suddenly?" Bhavneet asked, but Shashin remained silent, his gaze fixed on his wife's retreating figure, uncertain of his emotions.

Maya stood up. "I'll go after her."

Shashin stopped her. "Let her go, Di. She'll come around... eventually." His voice sounded uncertain, even to himself. Maya turned to him sharply. "You're hiding something big, Shashi. I can feel it. We've all seen you pretending when you're with Gayathri. But the Shashin Suryavanshi I know never pretends, not with family." Her tone began sternly but softened as she asked, "What are you trying to hide, Shashi? You won't even tell your Di."

Shashin couldn't meet Maya's gaze, ashamed.

She was right; he was hiding something significant. He thought he'd kept it hidden, but perhaps not.

Maya sighed, "Fine, you don't have to tell me now, but I'll get my answers eventually, Suryavanshi. Mark my words." Shashin nodded once, aware that Maya always got her way. He emerged from his thoughts as Maya spoke up again, her tone still laced with frustration, "Now, Bhavneet, answer Rajat's question." Shashin's interest piqued, grateful that Maya had steered the conversation back on track.

Bhavneet sighed and nodded, "Goenka, Tamas Goenka."

The name hung in the air, freezing everyone except Saatvik, who looked perplexed.

"Papa, what is it? Do you guys know him?" Saatvik asked, caution mingling with confusion, as Shashin's visibly shaken expression worried him. "How... Are you certain?... Why now, after all these years?" Rajat's words trailed off, laced with incredulity.

Shashin's silence stretched, prompting Rajat's concerned call, "Shashi?" but the person in question didn't react. Saatvik echoed, "Papa?" his tone infused with worry and confusion. Shashin straightened, composing himself. "There's something you should know before we proceed, Vicky," he said seriously, yet gently, his paternal instincts kicking in.

He glanced at the others, who nodded subtly, granting their consent to continue.

"As you know, Rajat, Bhavneet, and I have been inseparable since childhood," Shashin began.

Saatvik nodded.

"We weren't always just three, though. We were four. The fourth was Adarsh Goenka." Shashin's voice weighed heavy with emotion. Rajat's supportive grip on his hand steadied him. "Let me continue, Shashi." Shashin hesitated, struggling to contain his emotions, before nodding, allowing Rajat to take over.

"Everything began about 40 years ago," Rajat started, a distant smile on his face. "We met at a park. I was 17, Neet was 12, and Shashi and Adarsh were 15. As the oldest, I naturally took on a protective role. Our age differences didn't matter; we just clicked." Bhavneet continued, chuckling, "Later, we discovered our parents were close friends too. We were ecstatic, thinking that meant we'd never be separated. We celebrated, thrilled by that childish realization."