Shadow of redemption

Karwa chauth

As days passed, Rakshit and Aaravi’s bond deepened, marked by playful teasing and heartfelt conversations. Rakshit, despite his dangerous mafia life, always found time for Aaravi. He cherished her innocence, her laughter, and the light she brought into his dark world. Aaravi, oblivious to his secret, enjoyed every moment, often smiling at her phone, much to her brother Aryan’s suspicion.

One evening, Aaravi sat on her balcony, her voice soft as she spoke to Rakshit.

Rakshit: "You’ve been ignoring me, Doctor. Two whole hours without a call?"

Aaravi (laughing): "I’m busy saving lives! Not everyone has time to sit and chat all day."

Rakshit (teasing): "Ah, but my life depends on hearing your voice."

Their banter was interrupted by Aryan and Riya’s suspicious gazes.

Aryan: "Who were you talking to?"

Aaravi (grinning): "A friend."

Aryan (serious): "A friend? You’re always smiling these days. Who is he?"

Aaravi (blushing): "Just someone who makes me happy. Stop overreacting."

Later, Aaravi laughed as she relayed the incident to Rakshit.

Aaravi: "Aryan’s convinced I’m hiding something."

Rakshit (serious, possessive): "He doesn’t need to know. I don’t want anyone interfering."

Aaravi (teasing): "Aw, are you jealous?"

Rakshit: "Not jealous. Protective of what’s mine."

Aaravi’s heart skipped a beat. "Yours?" she asked softly.

Rakshit (firmly): "Always."

Though their bond grew stronger, Rakshit’s secret loomed over him. How could he tell Aaravi he was The Phantom? For now, he chose to savor their sweet moments, dreading the day when his truth might shatter their fragile happiness.

The morning buzzed with Mr. Rajesh Kapoor’s call for Aaravi to hurry. Rushing with her files, Aaravi was stopped by Riya, who caught her wrist firmly.

Riya (playfully):
“No breakfast, no leaving! You even skipped dinner last night.”

Before Aaravi could protest, Mrs. Priya Kapoor and Aryan entered, their concerned faces silencing her.

Priya Kapoor (sternly):
“We notice, Aaravi. Skipping meals isn’t okay.”

Aryan (scolding):
“You’re a doctor! You should know better.”

Aaravi’s sheepish grin faltered as Mr. Rajesh Kapoor joined in, his tone fatherly yet firm.

Rajesh Kapoor:
“Your patients need you healthy too, Aaravi.”

Realizing their worry, Aaravi let Riya lead her to the dining table, where hot parathas awaited. Aryan sat beside her, monitoring every bite, while Priya smiled softly.

Priya Kapoor:
“You’re brilliant at saving others but hopeless at self-care.”

As laughter erupted over Aryan’s threat to monitor her meals personally, Aaravi’s heart swelled with love for her family.

Aaravi (teasing):
“Why not hire a dietitian, Aryan?”

Aryan (grinning):
“You have me—cheaper and annoying.”

Their shared warmth and banter grounded Aaravi, reminding her of the unyielding love and unity of the Kapoor family.

As Dr. Rajesh Kapoor and Aaravi prepared to leave for the hospital, Aryan burst in, phone in hand, exclaiming, “Drop me at the office. My car’s down.”