Shadow of redemption

UPSET

Hello everyone welcome to new chapter ☺️☺️☺️

As Aaravi stepped out of the seminar hall, her phone buzzed. Seeing her father’s name, she smiled, already guessing why he was calling.

Aaravi: "Hi, Papa!"

Rajesh Kapoor: "Aaravi, beta, we’ve been flooded with calls. Everyone’s praising your presentation! And being ranked Asia’s second-best neurologist and psychologist—what an achievement. We’re so proud of you."

Her mother’s voice followed, brimming with pride.

Priya Kapoor: "Aaravi, you’ve brought so much honor to us and the Kapoor name. I can’t even express how proud I am."

Tears welled in Aaravi’s eyes as she smiled.

Aaravi: "Thank you, Mom, Papa. It means everything to hear this from you."

Aryan’s teasing voice chimed in next.

Aryan Kapoor: "Well, Dr. Asia’s second-best, should I bow down to you now?"

Aaravi laughed. "Oh, bhai, you’ll never stop teasing me, will you?"

Aryan: "Never. But seriously, I knew you’d shine. You’ve made us all proud."

Her voice softened. "I wish my biological parents could see me today. I hope I’ve made them proud too."

A brief silence followed, then Rajesh’s soothing voice returned.

Rajesh Kapoor: "Aaravi, they are watching over you, and they’re so proud. You carry their legacy beautifully."

Priya added warmly. "You’ve been loved by two families, beta. You inspire us all."

Aaravi felt a surge of gratitude. "I couldn’t have done it without you. I promise to keep making you proud."

Aryan quipped. "Just remember to rest. Someone has to keep you in check."

Aaravi chuckled. "I’ll try, bhai. Thank you all for everything."

Ending the call, Aaravi reflected on her journey. With love and purpose filling her heart, she resolved to keep honoring both her families and making a difference in the world.

As the sun dipped below Mumbai’s horizon, painting the city in golden hues, Aaravi’s thoughts wandered to Rakshit. Despite the seminar's accolades and her family’s pride, a void lingered. Without overthinking, she dialed his number.

Rakshit answered on the first ring. "Aaravi, everything okay?" he asked, sensing her hesitation.

"Yeah… I just wanted to talk. I’m returning home tomorrow and thought we could meet," she said softly.

Recognizing the melancholy in her tone, Rakshit ended his meeting abruptly, his focus now solely on her. Minutes later, he arrived at her hotel and whisked her away to Madh Island Beach, a serene escape from the city's chaos.

Under the moonlit sky, they walked along the shoreline in silence, the waves their only soundtrack. Settling near the water, Aaravi finally let her emotions spill.

"Today was amazing—everyone was so proud. But I miss my biological parents, Rakshit," she said, her voice trembling. "No matter how much I achieve, I feel this emptiness. I wish they could see me now."

Her vulnerability struck something deep within him. Rakshit, usually guarded, placed his hand over hers. "Aaravi, you’re extraordinary. I know they’re proud of you, wherever they are," he said, his voice uncharacteristically tender.

Aaravi leaned her head on his shoulder, comforted. "Thank you. You make me feel safe, Rakshit."

Those words melted his defenses. In his world of danger and darkness, being her source of safety was a rare gift. As the cool breeze wrapped around them, Rakshit silently grappled with his fears—of losing her if she knew his truth.