Shadow of redemption

Delhi visit

Hello everyone welcome to new chapter ☺️☺️☺️

In the quiet hum of the evening, he flagged down a taxi and directed it to Hope Hospital. His heart raced as the cab sped through the streets, though his face betrayed nothing behind the mask. The usually composed and calculating mafia boss felt something different today—a vulnerability he hadn’t known existed.

As he arrived at the hospital, Rakshit adjusted his mask and sunglasses one last time before walking inside. The bustling atmosphere of the hospital didn’t faze him, but as he approached the receptionist, he felt a surge of nervousness he had never experienced before.

Receptionist:
"How can I help you, sir?"

Rakshit (in a quiet, gruff tone):
"I’m here to meet Dr. Aaravi Kapoor."

The receptionist glanced up, then looked at her computer.

Receptionist:
"And your name, sir?"

Rakshit (after a pause):
"Rakshit."

She quickly picked up the intercom and dialed Aaravi’s office.

Receptionist (into the phone):
"Mam, Mr. Rakshit is here to meet you. Should I confirm the appointment?"

There was a pause, then Aaravi’s surprised voice came through.

Aaravi:
"Yes, send him in."

Rakshit could hear the slight shock in her voice, but there was something else too—warmth, maybe even excitement. The receptionist nodded toward the direction of Aaravi’s cabin, and without another word, Rakshit walked swiftly through the hospital corridors.

The moment he opened the door to her cabin, Rakshit’s eyes locked onto Aaravi, who stood by her desk. The world around him seemed to blur as he quickly closed the distance between them, pulling her into a tight embrace. His arms enveloped her with a tenderness that took her by surprise, but she couldn’t deny the comfort she felt being held by him. Her heart raced, but there was also a profound sense of peace.

Aaravi (softly, with a smile):
"Rakshit… what are you doing here?"

He pulled back slightly, looking at her with a mix of frustration and care, his voice barely above a whisper.

Rakshit (his tone serious yet filled with concern):
"How are you, Aaravi? Why are you keeping this fast? You know how much you need energy to work. This is not right."

Aaravi looked down, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve, her voice low and sincere.

Aaravi (gently):
"I’m keeping this fast… for you."

Rakshit’s eyes widened in disbelief. He had sensed something, but hearing it confirmed was different. Aaravi glanced up, her eyes soft but determined as she continued.

Aaravi:
"Rakshit, I kept this fast because… I love you. I didn’t tell you before because I wasn’t sure how you’d feel. But I know now. I love you. I want you to be happy, to live a long, healthy life. That’s why I kept this fast. For your well-being. You’ve become such an important part of my life, Rakshit, and I… I miss you every day."

Her words hit Rakshit like a tidal wave. He was taken aback, not because he didn’t feel something for her—he did, more than he could ever express—but because he felt utterly unworthy of her love. The darkness of his world, the violence, the enemies—it all seemed too dangerous for someone like Aaravi, someone so pure and full of light.

He took a step back, rubbing his temples, trying to gather his thoughts. His voice was rough, as if he was struggling with something deep within.

Rakshit (in a strained voice):
"Aaravi, you don’t know the real me. I’m not… I’m not worthy of your love. I’m not a good person. There are things about me, things I’ve done, that would make you hate me."

Aaravi stepped closer to him, her voice unwavering.

Aaravi:
"Rakshit, I don’t care about your past. I care about the person you are now. I’ve seen how much you’ve changed. You’re protective, caring, and though you hide it, you have a good heart. I see the man who is gentle when he doesn’t have to be, the man who worries about me even when he has his own battles. That’s the Rakshit I love."

She placed her hand gently on his chest, feeling the fast beat of his heart under her palm.

Aaravi (with conviction):
"I don’t know what you’ve been through, and I know you think you’re dangerous. But don’t you see? I feel safe with you. I don’t care about the danger, Rakshit, because to me, you’re worth it. You’ve become my world, and I can’t imagine my life without you."

Rakshit stared at her, his heart torn between the joy of hearing those words and the fear of dragging her into his chaotic life. His eyes softened, but the worry was still there.

Rakshit (in a low voice):
"Aaravi, my life is filled with enemies. I’m not who you think I am. It’s not just dangerous—it’s deadly."

Aaravi shook her head, her gaze never wavering from his.

Aaravi (firmly):
"I don’t care. You’re worth every risk. I love you, Rakshit, and nothing will change that."

Rakshit felt something inside him break—a wall, a defense he had put up for so long. He pulled her into his arms again, holding her tight, as if afraid to let her go.

Rakshit (whispering, with emotion):
"You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into."

Aaravi (softly, with a smile):
"I know enough. And I’m not going anywhere."

For the first time in a long while, Rakshit felt a sense of calm. He had always believed his life was too dark, too dangerous for someone like Aaravi. But maybe, just maybe, her love was the light he needed to find his way out of the shadows.

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