Shadow of redemption

Proposal

After dinner, Aaravi settled on her bed and typed a message to Rakshit:

"Thank you for the delicious food! Everyone loved it and thinks it’s from a restaurant. You’re amazing. I’ll be at the hospital by 9 tomorrow; pick me up from there. See you soon!"

Moments later, her phone buzzed with his reply:

"Anything for you, my queen. Glad your family enjoyed it. I’ll be there at 9 sharp. Rest now; you’ve had a long day."

Smiling, Aaravi replied: "Goodnight, Rakshit."

Placing her phone aside, she closed her eyes, excitement blooming for the morning ahead.

As the morning sun painted the city in warm hues, Mr. Rajesh Kapoor prepared for his trip to Bhopal. Standing near the car, he reminded Aaravi, “Don’t forget to visit your patient in Old Delhi after work.”

Aaravi nodded with a playful smile. “I’ll manage, Papa. Don’t worry.”

Aryan, holding the car keys, called from the driver’s seat, “Come on, Aaravi! We’re late.” Riya, seated beside him, waved at Aaravi with a grin.

Settling in the back seat, Aaravi shared her excitement with Riya. “Guess what, bhabhi? The hospital saw great profits this month! Things are finally improving.”

Riya beamed. “That’s amazing! Share the details later; I’ll handle investments. Maybe we can plan for expansion.”

Their conversation bubbled with plans and laughter while Aryan focused on the road. Near Hope Hospital, Aryan glanced at Aaravi through the mirror, his tone serious. “Eat properly today, Aaravi. And no overworking.”

Aaravi teased, “Yes, Dr. Aryan! Orders noted!” before quickly hopping out to escape his lecture. Turning to Riya, she winked. “Take care of him, bhabhi. He needs it more than me.”

Riya laughed, waving goodbye as Aaravi entered the hospital, her heart light and thoughts drifting toward Rakshit. A busy day awaited, but the promise of seeing him kept her spirits high.

After finishing her morning rounds and hospital duties, Aaravi eagerly awaited Rakshit’s arrival. When he finally pulled up in a sleek black BMW, she couldn’t help but smile in admiration. As she settled into the luxurious seat, she teased, “Impressive choice of car, Mr. Rakshit.”

Rakshit smirked, looking at her out of the corner of his eye. “Only the best for you, Dr. Aaravi,” he said, his voice playful yet warm.

They drove through the bustling streets of Delhi, heading to a small restaurant Aaravi had recommended for breakfast. “They have the best puri sabji and rabdi,” Aaravi assured him as they parked. Inside, the place was simple but filled with the aromas of freshly made dishes. They sat down and enjoyed the delicious, traditional breakfast together, laughing and talking about random things, completely absorbed in the moment. Rakshit was relaxed, enjoying her company in a way he rarely allowed himself to experience.

After breakfast, they decided to explore a few places around Delhi. They visited the serene Lodhi Garden, strolling through the lush greenery and ancient tombs. Aaravi admired the history and beauty of the place, while Rakshit silently admired her. Next, they stopped by Humayun’s Tomb, a beautiful piece of Mughal architecture. Aaravi, with her usual curiosity, asked Rakshit about the history, and he shared what he knew, loving how her eyes lit up with every new discovery. Their day felt carefree, like a peaceful escape from their otherwise chaotic worlds.

By lunchtime, Rakshit took Aaravi to a quiet, picturesque location just outside the city. It was a private terrace at a small hilltop cafe, overlooking the Yamuna River. The entire setting was decorated with subtle, elegant touches. Roses lined the terrace, fairy lights softly twinkled, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of jasmine. The table was set for two with a simple but romantic setup, and soft music played in the background.

Aaravi looked around, a little confused but mostly surprised. “What’s all this, Rakshit?” she asked, her heart racing slightly.

Rakshit took a deep breath, his usually steady hands trembling slightly as he stood in front of her. “This,” he said, gesturing to the scene around them, “is because I want to ask you something that’s been on my mind for a long time.”

Aaravi, sensing the seriousness in his tone, felt her heart skip a beat. Rakshit knelt down on one knee, pulling out a small velvet box from his jacket pocket. As he opened it, the sunlight reflected off a stunning diamond ring inside.

He held her gaze, his eyes filled with love, vulnerability, and a hint of fear. “Aaravi,” he began, his voice soft but steady, “from the moment you came into my life, I felt like I could finally see the light again. You’ve been my strength, my peace, and my reason to smile. I never believed that someone like me could deserve love, but you’ve made me want to be better every day. I am not perfect, and I know my world is dangerous… but you are my anchor in the storm.”

Taking a deep breath, he recited the shayari he had written for her, his voice growing more emotional with each word:

"Tere pyaar mein ek nayi roshni hai,
Dil ko sukoon, zindagi ko baat mili hai.
Teri muskurahat mein hai har khushi chhupi,
Teri yaadon mein meri duniya basi hai.
Main jo tha, ab woh main nahi,
Tere saath hoon, toh har gham ki khushi hai."

(“In your love, I’ve found a new light,
Peace for my heart, a reason for life.
In your smile, every joy is hidden,
In your memories, my world is woven.
I am no longer who I was before,
With you by my side, every sorrow becomes a joy.”)

Tears welled up in Aaravi’s eyes as she listened to his heartfelt words. She covered her mouth, overcome with emotion, her heart swelling with love for the man in front of her. She had always known that there was a part of Rakshit he kept hidden, but this moment—this vulnerability—was something she never expected from him.

Rakshit looked up at her, his heart pounding. “Will you be my life partner, Aaravi? Will you share this journey with me, with all its ups and downs? I may not have much to offer except my love, but I promise to protect and cherish you with all that I am.”

Aaravi wiped away her tears and knelt down beside him, taking his hands in hers. “Rakshit,” she whispered, her voice breaking with emotion, “you have already given me more than you know. Your love is all I need. I’ve been waiting to tell you… I love you too. You are my strength, my peace, and the one I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

Rakshit’s breath caught as her words sank in. For a moment, he felt like the weight of the world had lifted off his shoulders. He had always feared his dangerous life would push Aaravi away, but here she was, accepting him completely.

She continued, her voice trembling slightly, “I don’t care about your past or the dangers. All I know is that I can’t imagine my life without you. You’ve become my world.”

Tears filled Rakshit’s eyes, something he had never allowed to happen before. He slipped the ring onto Aaravi’s finger, and they embraced tightly, both feeling the overwhelming love and connection they shared.

As they held each other, the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the terrace. In that moment, everything felt perfect. They knew their journey wouldn’t be easy, but together, they could face anything.

In the midst of their embrace, Aaravi whispered, “You’ve made me the happiest woman today, Rakshit.”

“And you’ve given me a reason to live again, Aaravi,” Rakshit replied, his voice thick with emotion.