Shadow of redemption

Fasting

Hello everyone welcome to new chapter ☺️☺️☺️

The Kapoor household was abuzz with the excitement of Karwa Chauth. As Priya Kapoor lovingly prepared the Sargi for her daughter-in-law, Riya, a sense of warmth filled the room. Little Aaravi, ever curious, joined the festivities, eager to partake in the delicious meal.
Aryan, playfully declared his intention to fast, surprising everyone. However, Aaravi quickly intervened, ensuring her father, Rajesh, didn't compromise his health.
Unbeknownst to her family, Aaravi had a secret plan. She decided to fast for Rakshit, a silent tribute to their unspoken bond. Despite the distance, she felt a connection with him, a feeling that transcended physical boundaries.
As the day progressed, Aaravi managed to go through her hospital duties, ignoring the hunger pangs. She returned home unnoticed, joining her family for the evening rituals. As the moon rose, marking the end of her fast, Aaravi felt a sense of fulfillment, her heart filled with love and longing for Rakshit.
Meanwhile, in Mumbai, Rakshit, unaware of Aaravi's gesture, was engrossed in his work. Yet, a subtle sense of peace washed over him, a silent connection with Aaravi, a bond forged in the depths of their hearts.

Later that day, Rakshit leaned back in his luxurious chair, staring out of the large windows of his penthouse in Mumbai. His mind kept drifting toward Aaravi, and he couldn’t resist the urge to call her. Something was off today, he could sense it. He dialed her number, the phone ringing a couple of times before she answered.

  Aaravi   (cheerfully but with a hint of exhaustion): 
"Hello, Rakshit."

Rakshit furrowed his brow at the sound of her voice. She sounded unusually tired, like she was pushing through something.

  Rakshit   (with concern): 
"What are you doing? How are you feeling right now?"

Aaravi brushed it off casually, not wanting him to worry.

  Aaravi   (lightly): 
"Oh, I’m fine. Just busy with patients. Nothing to worry about."

At that moment, a nurse walked in, interrupting their conversation.

  Nurse  : 
"Mam, you didn’t have lunch today. Aryan sir called to ask if you’ve eaten. Should I tell him you’re skipping meals?"

Aaravi quickly shook her head, replying swiftly.

  Aaravi   (hurriedly): 
"Just inform him I had my lunch. No need for him to worry."

Rakshit, who had been listening on the other end, immediately felt his blood boil. His jaw clenched as he pieced together what was happening. She hadn’t eaten, and by the sound of it, she was keeping a fast.

  Rakshit   (in a serious, commanding tone): 
"Aaravi, you’re fasting? Why? You know you need energy to work the entire day in the hospital! This is not acceptable. Now go and eat something immediately. You’re making me worry a lot, and this is not done."

Aaravi, taken aback by his tone, spoke in her innocent, soft voice.

  Aaravi   (gently): 
"I wanted to keep the fast, so I did. And I’m perfectly fine, Rakshit. There’s no need to worry, okay? I’m strong enough to manage. Now I really need to go, my patients are waiting, and I have to check on them. Talk to you in the evening. Bye, take care."

Before Rakshit could say anything more, she hung up. His frustration peaked as he ran a hand through his hair, pacing the room.

  Rakshit   (muttering to himself): 
"This girl! She keeps putting me on edge every single day. She’s such a child when it comes to taking care of herself. I just can’t understand her."

He was torn between admiration for her strength and exasperation at her stubbornness. The thought of her working a full day without eating while fasting made him uneasy, and he couldn't just sit in Mumbai, knowing she was pushing herself like this.

  Rakshit   (decisively): 
"That’s it. I’m going to Delhi. I need to be there with her."

He grabbed his phone, dialing Raj’s number, his voice stern and to the point.

  Rakshit  : 
"Raj, get the private jet ready. We’re heading to Delhi. It’s unofficial, and no one in Mumbai should know I’m leaving. Not a word to anyone, got it? If our enemies catch wind of this, it could be dangerous."

Raj, always in tune with Rakshit’s moods, grinned on the other end, sensing the urgency in his boss’s tone.

  Raj   (teasingly): 
"Ah, so you’re rushing to accompany  bhabhi  now, huh? She’s got you wrapped around her little finger, bhai. I never thought I’d see the day when the mighty mafia boss Rakshit bows down to someone like this."

Rakshit couldn’t help but roll his eyes, though there was a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Raj’s teasing always had a way of easing his tension.

  Rakshit   (gruffly but with a hint of warmth): 
"Raj, I swear if you keep teasing me, I’ll leave you behind. Just get everything ready."

Raj chuckled, genuinely happy to see this side of Rakshit.

  Raj   (affectionately): 
"I’m just messing with you, bhai. You know I’m happy for you. You deserve this, a life that’s a bit far from the chaos of our world. If anyone deserves peace, it’s you. I’m glad Aaravi is bringing that into your life."

Rakshit didn’t respond right away, but Raj’s words struck a chord deep within him. Peace. It was something Rakshit rarely thought about in his line of work, but somehow, when Aaravi was involved, he felt a pull towards something different—something softer, quieter, and far removed from the world of violence he was so used to.

As Raj hung up, Rakshit took a deep breath, staring out at the Mumbai skyline once again. But this time, his thoughts were clear.

  Rakshit   (determined): 
"I’ll be there soon, Aaravi. You have no idea how much you mean to me."

With that, he headed to the airport, his heart set on being by her side, no matter the cost.

As the sun set behind the sprawling skyline of Delhi, Rakshit stepped out of the crowded terminal at the airport, slipping on a mask and sunglasses to avoid any unwanted recognition. He was used to being surrounded by bodyguards and his closest confidants, but today was different. Raj hadn’t been able to come due to last-minute complications, and Rakshit hadn’t informed anyone in Delhi of his arrival. This was a personal trip, one fueled by an urgency he couldn't explain but only feel.

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺
Thanks everyone for reading my story. I request you please leave your valuable comments to share your views of my story. If you think that this story is worth reading then please vote. And share it with your friends. Thanks so much once again.