Shadow of redemption

Rakshit feels different emotions

Hello everyone welcome to new chapter ☺️☺️☺️

As Rakshit was about to leave, he hesitated for a moment before speaking. “I’m returning to Mumbai tomorrow for business,” he said, his voice steady but carrying an undertone of seriousness. “I have a request. Please... take care of my men. All the compensation, all the hospital bills—they will be cleared soon. I will handle that. But in the meantime, please ensure they’re well cared for.”

Aaravi nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. “Don’t worry, Rakshit. There’s no need for any bills. Everything will be taken care of. I’ll make sure they get the best treatment possible. You don’t need to worry about anything.”

Rakshit’s gaze softened. Her kindness, her selflessness—it was unlike anything he had ever known. Then, his voice dropped, almost hesitant. “Could you... leave me your contact information? I’d like to get updates on their condition. Just to make sure everything is fine.”

Aaravi smiled, taking out her phone and exchanging contact details with him. “Of course. But Rakshit, don’t just call me about your men. Stay in contact with me. Not for any business or duty—just as a friend.”

Rakshit looked at her, slightly taken aback by her request. “A friend?”

Aaravi nodded, her tone gentle but earnest. “Yes, a friend. I know you’re busy, and you have a lot on your shoulders. But if you ever need someone to talk to, to share your thoughts or your burdens, I’d like to be that person. I’d like to be your friend.”

For a moment, Rakshit didn’t know how to respond. No one had ever asked to be his friend before—at least, not without ulterior motives. But with Aaravi, it was different. She wanted nothing from him, only to be there for him.

He looked at her, his heart unexpectedly heavy. “I’ll... try,” he said quietly. “I don’t make promises, but I’ll try.”

Aaravi smiled softly. “That’s all I ask. Just take care of yourself, Rakshit. I know you’re strong, but everyone needs someone sometimes.”

Rakshit nodded, the weight of her words sinking in. He wasn’t used to relying on anyone, but Aaravi had a way of making him feel that, for once, it might be okay.

As he turned to leave, a rare feeling washed over him—something resembling hope. And for the first time in years, he wasn’t entirely alone.

As Aaravi watched Rakshit walk away, her mind lingered on the complex man before her. Beneath his cold, arrogant exterior, she sensed a deep loneliness. His silent worry for his men today had shown her glimpses of the heart he hid so well. Yet, alongside that warmth, there was always an undeniable aura of danger around him.

  "Who are you, Rakshit?"   Aaravi wondered, her concern growing.   "Why do you always carry this weight, like you're walking through a storm?" 

His sharp appearance and the tension that surrounded him hinted at something darker—a world she couldn’t fully understand. The way he spoke about his "business," always secretive, always guarded, made her uneasy. It wasn’t hard to sense that whatever he was involved in wasn’t safe.

Yet, despite everything, she felt drawn to him. His loneliness called out to her, making her want to help, even though he never asked. Staring at his number saved in her phone, she whispered to herself,   "Maybe someday you’ll let me in and trust me with the truth." 

But deep down, she wondered—how dangerous was that truth?

Rakshit entered his penthouse, exhausted from the day. Raj, waiting anxiously, stood up as soon as he saw him. His worry was evident, but more than that, it was the unspoken bond between them that filled the room.

Raj wasn’t just another subordinate; he was family. They had grown up together, forged by the same hardships. Raj was only 7 when Rakshit, at 12, had taken him under his wing. Over the years, they’d built their empire together, sacrificing innocence, dreams, and much of themselves along the way.

Rakshit trusted no one the way he trusted Raj. In Raj, he found the rare space to be himself, away from the cold, calculating world they ruled.

Raj, looking at Rakshit with concern, broke the silence,   “Bhai, you’re pushing yourself too hard. You need to rest.” 

Rakshit sighed, knowing Raj’s words came from a place of love, not just duty.   “I’m fine, Raj. Just... a long day.” 

For Raj, Rakshit wasn’t just his boss. He was his savior, his guide. He would willingly lay down his life for him, no questions asked. And Rakshit knew that—Raj was the one constant in his chaotic world.

  "You’ve always had my back, Raj,"   Rakshit said quietly, looking at him with a rare softness in his eyes.

Raj smiled faintly.   "And I always will, bhai. You know that." 

In that moment, no words were needed. They had faced every storm together, and they knew they always would.

Rakshit gave Raj a firm order,   “We’re leaving for Mumbai tomorrow. Make sure everything here is wrapped up today.”   Raj nodded,   “It’ll be done, bhai.” 

Later, Rakshit lay on his bed, his mind drifting to the day’s events. The warmth of the NGO, the innocent smiles of the children, and most of all, Aaravi’s presence. It was unsettling yet comforting, and for the first time, he allowed himself to feel that warmth, even if just for a moment.

Next day, as Raj and Rakshit boarded their private jet to Mumbai, Rakshit’s frustration was palpable. Leaving Delhi—leaving Aaravi behind—was gnawing at him. Upon landing, their subordinates informed them of an attack on the Mumbai warehouse, where the latest weapons from Delhi were stored. Hearing this, Rakshit’s anger erupted. The peaceful, lenient side he had shown near Aaravi disappeared instantly, replaced by the cold, merciless mafia king.

Armed with his newly developed weapon,   the Night Fang  , Rakshit stormed the warehouse himself, annihilating the rival gang within minutes. Raj stood stunned, unable to believe how swiftly Rakshit turned into a monster, wiping out the threat with sheer brutality. But even after the destruction, there was no satisfaction. The thrill he once felt from power and violence had faded. His mind drifted back to the quiet serenity of the NGO, to the calm presence of Aaravi.

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