Shadow of redemption

lunch

Hello everyone welcome to new chapter ☺️☺️☺️

After the heartfelt proposal, Aaravi and Rakshit sat down at the beautifully set table to enjoy lunch. Rakshit had gone out of his way to prepare all of Aaravi's favorite dishes. There were paneer tikka, dal makhani, jeera rice, butter naan, and her absolute favorite, gulab jamun for dessert. Aaravi was touched by the effort he had put into making sure the meal was tailored to her tastes.

As she took her first bite of paneer tikka, Aaravi smiled softly, her eyes meeting Rakshit’s. "You remembered everything I love... I can’t believe you did all this for me."

Rakshit smiled, his heart swelling with pride. “Anything for you. Your happiness means the world to me.”

They enjoyed their meal together, talking about their day, sharing small jokes, and savoring the flavors. Aaravi couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by how thoughtful Rakshit had been, not just in proposing to her but in every small detail he had planned to make her day special.

Later, as the sun began its descent, Rakshit took Aaravi’s hand, and they walked to a quiet spot to watch the sunset. The sky turned shades of orange, pink, and purple as they stood there hand in hand, feeling the warmth of each other’s presence.

Rakshit’s mind, however, was filled with conflicting emotions. His love for Aaravi had grown so deep that the thought of losing her now was unbearable. Yet, he knew the truth about his dangerous life—the world of crime and power that he ruled—could ruin everything between them. Every time he was with her, he could forget about that darkness, but the reality of who he was haunted him.

As the sun dipped lower into the horizon, Rakshit turned to Aaravi, his expression slightly troubled. “Aaravi,” he began, his voice soft, “there’s something I need to tell you. I... I have to return to Mumbai tonight.”

Aaravi looked at him with surprise. “So soon? I thought we’d have more time together.”

“There’s an emergency at my office. I have to be there,” Rakshit said, feeling the weight of his words. The emergency wasn’t just work; it was the underworld calling him back, demanding his attention. But how could he tell her that? How could he tell her the man she loved was one of the most feared mafia bosses in Asia?

Aaravi felt a pang of disappointment but quickly masked it with understanding. She knew how dedicated Rakshit was to his responsibilities. “It’s okay,” she said with a gentle smile, though her heart felt heavy. “We’ll be in touch. Whoever is free first will come visit the other. We have forever ahead of us, right?”

Her optimism, her unconditional trust, struck Rakshit deeply. She was so innocent, unaware of the danger that followed him. He feared what would happen when she eventually learned the truth. Could she love him after that? Would she still see him the same way?

He cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing across her cheek. “You’re incredible, Aaravi. I don’t deserve you, but I’m selfish enough to want you in my life, no matter what.”

Aaravi tilted her head slightly, her brows furrowing. “You deserve every bit of happiness, Rakshit. Don’t ever think otherwise.”

He forced a smile, though inside, his heart ached with fear and uncertainty. He wanted to shield her from the darkness that lurked in his world. He had to, or he would lose her, the light of his life.

Aaravi rested her head on his shoulder as they watched the last rays of the sun fade away. She was happy, unaware of the storm that brewed in Rakshit’s mind. Her love for him was pure, and she believed in their future together. Rakshit, on the other hand, felt a growing sense of dread. He had to protect her at all costs, even if it meant keeping his true life hidden a little longer.

As they shared one last tender moment before parting ways for the night, Rakshit held her tightly, afraid that each embrace could be the last if his world ever caught up to her.

For now, they were together, but Rakshit knew the clock was ticking. One day, he would have to make a choice—between the life he built and the love he found in Aaravi. And that thought terrified him more than anything else.

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