Shadow of redemption

Rituals

Hello everyone welcome to new chapter ☺️☺️☺️

As Aaravi stood by the window, the first glimmer of moonlight filtered into her cabin. Her eyes lit up with excitement as she turned to Rakshit.

Aaravi (grinning):
"Look, Rakshit! The moon is out! Come, we’ll do the rituals together."

Rakshit, still processing everything she had said moments ago, was taken aback by her joy. He didn’t know what to say or how to react, but the warmth of her excitement pulled him in. Aaravi grabbed his hand gently, leading him towards the small terrace room—a quiet, personal space her father had built for her to rest during emergency cases at the hospital. It was a serene little haven above the bustling hospital, a place only a few knew about.

Once inside, Aaravi gave Rakshit a playful push to sit on the chair near the terrace railing. The view of the city lights danced in the background, but Rakshit’s focus was solely on her. She disappeared into the adjoining room, leaving him alone for a few moments. His mind whirled, heart pounding from the earlier confession, but more than anything, he felt a sense of peace—something he hadn’t felt in years.

When Aaravi emerged from the room, Rakshit’s breath caught in his throat.

Draped in the deep red saree he had chosen for her last night, Aaravi looked breathtaking. The soft silk clung to her slender frame, highlighting her delicate curves in all the right places. The red contrasted beautifully against her fair skin, a symbol of love and devotion. Her long, thick hair cascaded over one shoulder in soft waves, framing her radiant face.

Her eyes, outlined with kohl, sparkled like stars—bright and full of life. The soft shimmer of light makeup enhanced her natural beauty, with a gentle flush on her cheeks and a rosy tint to her lips. Her hands were adorned with intricate mehndi designs, symbolizing the sacredness of the occasion. As she walked towards him, the small clinking of her bangles echoed in the silence, and the tiny red bindi on her forehead brought an undeniable grace to her entire appearance.

Rakshit couldn’t take his eyes off her. He had always found her beautiful, but tonight, under the soft moonlight and in that red saree, she looked ethereal, almost as if she had stepped out of a dream. For a moment, he felt like he was floating, as if the weight of his dark world had lifted, leaving him in this magical moment with her.

His heart swelled with happiness, a deep emotion he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in years. His mind raced, trying to make sense of this newfound joy, but all he could think of was how lucky he was to have her by his side. It felt surreal, as if he was on cloud nine, and the fact that she had kept a fast for him, in her quiet yet determined way, made his heart ache with love.

Rakshit (in a low, reverent tone):
"Aaravi... you look... I can’t even find the words. You’re... stunning."

Aaravi blushed, her smile growing wider as she took a deep breath. She handed him the traditional Karwa Chauth thali, decorated with diyas, vermillion, and a chalni (sieve), and then she knelt down beside him, her eyes full of love.

Together, they started the Karwa Chauth rituals. Aaravi looked through the sieve, holding it up to the moon before bringing it down to look at Rakshit through it. The soft moonlight filtered through, casting an ethereal glow on Rakshit’s face. Her heart raced as she saw him through the sieve—her protector, her love, her life.

Aaravi (softly):
"I kept this fast for you, Rakshit... for your long life, for your happiness. You’re the light in my world."

Tears shimmered in Rakshit’s eyes, a rare display of emotion for the mafia boss. His world had been filled with violence, shadows, and betrayal, but Aaravi brought him something he had longed for—love, pure and unconditional. He lifted the chalni from her hands, following the same ritual, looking at her through it before gazing at the moon.

He took a small glass of water from the thali, bringing it to her lips to break her fast. As she drank, their eyes locked, an unspoken bond forming between them—one of trust, love, and a future neither had dared to imagine.

---

Back at the Kapoor mansion, the atmosphere was filled with celebration. On the grand terrace of their home, Riya stood adorned in a deep maroon saree, her mehndi-covered hands trembling with excitement as she performed the Karwa Chauth rituals for her first time as a married woman. Aryan stood beside her, his hand holding the thali as he helped guide her through the steps. The love in his eyes was evident, though he teased her mercilessly between rituals.

Aryan (grinning):
"So, Mrs. Kapoor, is the fast tough? Or are you used to starving for me?"

Riya (laughing):
"It’s nothing compared to what I have to deal with every day with you!"

Priya Kapoor and Rajesh Kapoor stood together, watching their children with pride and love. Priya had kept the fast as well, and as she looked up at her husband, there was a tenderness in her eyes that hadn’t been there for years.

Rajesh Kapoor (smiling):
"Looks like the moon has made us all a little more sentimental tonight."

As Priya performed the final rituals, Rajesh broke her fast, whispering something in her ear that made her laugh softly. The entire Kapoor family basked in the warmth of the festival, a night filled with tradition, love, and togetherness.

---

Back on the hospital terrace, Rakshit and Aaravi completed the rituals in silence, the weight of their emotions hanging in the air. Rakshit leaned down, gently kissing her forehead.

Rakshit (softly, his voice filled with emotion):
"I don’t deserve you, Aaravi. But I swear, I will spend every moment of my life trying to be worthy of you."

Aaravi smiled, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

Aaravi (whispering):
"You already are, Rakshit. You always have been."

As they stood together under the moonlight, their hearts intertwined, Rakshit realized that for the first time in his life, he had something more to fight for—something more than power, more than control. He had Aaravi, and she was his light in the darkness.

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺
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.