Shadow of redemption

Investigation on Aaravi

After handling Vikram at the warehouse, the matter was resolved. Vikram was no longer a threat, and his betrayal had been dealt with in a manner that would serve as a warning to anyone else in Rakshit’s world. As soon as it was over, Rakshit returned to his penthouse in Delhi, needing rest after the day’s tension. The lavish penthouse was a stark contrast to the darkness he had just left behind—a place where luxury met isolation.

He lay down on the sleek leather couch, his mind buzzing with the events of the day. The betrayal, the violence—it was part of the life he had chosen, yet for some reason, his mind wandered elsewhere. Images of a certain doctor’s smile crept into his thoughts, despite the chaos he commanded. But Rakshit quickly shook the thoughts away, reasserting his focus.

Moments later,   Raj   entered the room. His right-hand man, loyal as always, had more business matters to discuss. Raj’s demeanor was serious; he knew the gravity of the things he had to report.

“  Bhai, there are a few developments I need to update you on,  ” Raj began, standing in front of Rakshit, his voice steady but respectful.

Rakshit nodded, gesturing for him to continue.

“  Virendra Agarwal matters has been settled no more problem in that."

Rakshit’s eyes narrowed.

“  Raj then also keep an eye on him.  ”

Raj nodded, noting the cold ruthlessness in Rakshit’s voice. “  Understood, boss. We’ll keep close eye on him.  ”

“  What else?  ” Rakshit asked, his tone still sharp.

“  There’s some unrest in the South—Bangalore. A smaller gang is trying to make a name for themselves by causing trouble in our circles. It’s minor now, but it could grow if they attract more attention. I’ve already sent a few men to keep an eye on things, but we might need to take action if they get bolder.  ”

“  Take care of it, Raj. I don’t want to hear about them again. If they think they can challenge us, remind them who we are.  ”

Raj nodded again, fully prepared to execute Rakshit’s orders. But just as he was about to turn and leave, Rakshit spoke again, his tone different—softer, but no less authoritative.

“  There’s something else I need you to do, Raj. A personal matter.  ”

Raj looked at Rakshit, curious. He had never heard Rakshit refer to anything as “personal” before.

“  I need you to gather information on someone. A doctor in Bhopal—Dr. Aaravi Kapoor. She works at Hope Hospital. I want to know everything about her. Her family, her background, her education, her interests, her fears…everything.  ”

Raj blinked, momentarily confused. This was the first time Rakshit had ever asked him to investigate someone outside of their world. A doctor? A woman? This was unlike Rakshit, who had built his empire on ruthlessness and power, not personal inquiries about strangers.

“  Everything, Raj. I want to know what makes her…so different. So kind. She treated me like I was just another patient, even though she had no idea who I was. How can someone like that exist? How can she be so warm, so cheerful, even when she doesn’t know the danger she’s in? She’s so gentle, Raj. I need to understand why.  ”

Raj stood there, trying to process what Rakshit was asking. He had known Rakshit for years, ever since Rakshit had saved him from the streets and taken him under his wing. He had seen Rakshit rise to power, become   The Phantom  , and take control of everything he touched with an iron fist. But now…Rakshit was asking about a doctor—someone completely outside their world.