Shadow of redemption

Kapoor families worry

Hello everyone welcome to new chapter ☺️☺️☺️

As Aaravi settled into her bed after an eventful day, her phone buzzed with a call from her family. She smiled, knowing exactly who it was—her protective brother, Aryan. She answered the call, her voice soft with exhaustion but laced with happiness.

  Aaravi:   “Hello?”

On the other side, Aryan’s voice immediately shot through, full of concern.

  Aryan:   “Aaravi! Finally! Where have you been all day? I’ve been trying to call you!”

Aaravi laughed lightly, pulling the blanket over herself. “Relax, bhai! I was just out, enjoying the city. You know, Mumbai darshan.”

There was a pause. Aaravi could almost feel Aryan’s worry through the phone.

  Aryan:   “Mumbai darshan? Alone? Are you out of your mind, Aaravi? Do you know how dangerous this city can be? Why didn’t you tell me before going anywhere?”

His voice was full of protective frustration, and Aaravi sighed, already sensing the oncoming argument.

  Aaravi (playfully):   “Bhai, I’m not a child anymore! I can handle myself. Plus, I just wanted to explore for a bit before the seminar.”

  Aryan:   “Explore? In Mumbai? Do you have any idea how unsafe it is for a girl to roam around alone here?”

Before Aaravi could respond, her mother, Mrs. Priya Kapoor, chimed in on the call. “Beta, Aryan’s right. You should’ve at least informed us where you were going. You know how worried we get.”

Aaravi sighed, but her voice softened at her mother’s concern. “Maa, I’m fine. Nothing happened. I just visited some famous places, had some street food, and came back. It was all perfectly safe.”

  Aryan (interrupting):   “Which places? Where did you go exactly? You should’ve told me, Aaravi! What if something had happened to you? And street food? Really? Do you even know if it was hygienic?”

  Aaravi (teasingly):   “Oh my God, bhai! I’m not going to get food poisoning just because I had some vada pav! You’re so dramatic.”

  Aryan:   “I’m not being dramatic! I’m being realistic. Mumbai’s streets aren’t safe. You’re too trusting, Aaravi.”

Their little bickering continued, with Aryan’s protectiveness clashing against Aaravi’s carefree attitude. But beneath the teasing and frustration, there was an unspoken love that ran deep between them.

Their father, Mr. Rajesh Kapoor, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, finally spoke up.

  Mr. Kapoor:   “Aaravi, we all know how capable you are. But it’s your brother’s job to worry, just like it’s ours. We trust you, but you should also trust us with your whereabouts. Just so we don’t lose our peace of mind.”

Aaravi nodded, even though they couldn’t see her. “I’m sorry, Papa. I didn’t mean to make you all worry. It’s just that I got excited about exploring the city.”

  Aryan (still concerned):   “Next time, Aaravi, tell me before you decide to do anything. I want to know you’re safe. Call me if you need anything. You have to keep me updated.”

Aaravi rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but smile.   Aaravi (sarcastically):   “Okay, okay, Mr. Bodyguard. I’ll keep you updated every five minutes.”

  Aryan (seriously):   “Good. And don’t joke about this.”

Aaravi shook her head, laughing. “You’re impossible, bhai. But fine, I’ll message you every time I step out of the hotel room. Happy?”

Their little banter made her feel warm inside. She knew Aryan’s concern came from a place of deep love, even if it sometimes made him overbearing.

Then Riya, Aryan’s fiancée, chimed in from the background with her soft voice.   Riya:   “Aaravi, don’t mind him too much. He’s just being the overprotective brother he’s always been.”

Aaravi laughed again.   Aaravi:   “I know, Riya bhabhi. But sometimes I wonder who’s the elder sibling here.”

There was a small pause, and Aaravi heard Aryan huff in mock indignation.   Aryan:   “If you’d just listen to me for once, we wouldn’t have these arguments!”

  Aaravi (teasing):   “Well, where’s the fun in that?”

The family laughed together, lightening the mood. Despite the concern and the scolding, Aaravi knew how much they all adored her. Even Aryan’s over-the-top protectiveness came from the love he had nurtured for her since childhood. She couldn’t imagine her life without these small fights that showed how much he cared.

As the conversation wound down, Mrs. Kapoor reminded Aaravi to take care of herself.   Mrs. Kapoor:   “Beta, just be careful tomorrow at the seminar, alright? We trust you, but it’s good to stay cautious.”

  Aaravi (gently):   “I will, Maa. Don’t worry. I’m safe, and I’ll be back in just a couple of days.”

Aryan still wasn’t entirely satisfied.   Aryan:   “And call me. Anytime. If something feels off, call me immediately.”

  Aaravi (smiling):   “I will, bhai. Promise.”

Finally, they exchanged goodbyes, and the call ended. Aaravi lay back on her pillow, staring at the ceiling. A small smile played on her lips, thinking about how much her family cared for her, especially Aryan. He might be overprotective and possessive, but she knew he only wanted the best for her.

As her eyelids grew heavy, she thought about Rakshit, about the magical day they had spent together, and how she had kept his involvement a secret from her family. There was something thrilling about having a piece of her life just for herself—a secret that even Aryan didn’t know.
Before she drifted off to sleep, she whispered into the quiet room, “Thank you, bhai. I know you’ll always be there for me.”

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