Shadow of redemption

video call

Hello everyone welcome to new chapter ☺️☺️☺️

As the video call connected, Aaravi’s bright smile immediately caught Rakshit’s attention, soothing the frustration that had weighed him down moments earlier.

“Hi, dear,” he said, his voice warm as his expression softened. “How are you? Everything going well? Have you had dinner yet? How was your day at the hospital?” The questions poured out of him, one after another, barely giving her a chance to respond.

Aaravi laughed softly. “Rakshit, breathe! You’re going too fast.”

He gave a slight chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. “I just…worry about you, you know that.”

“I know,” she replied gently, her voice filled with warmth. “But you care so much for me that you forget to take care of yourself.” She tilted her head, giving him a mock scolding look. “Now, have you had your dinner?”

Rakshit smiled, feeling a wave of calm wash over him. “Yes, yes. I ate earlier. I’m just here, in my study, waiting for your call and trying to finish up some work.” He leaned back, his gaze softening as he took in her happy expression. “You look really happy today, Aaravi. Did something special happen?”

Aaravi’s eyes sparkled as she replied, “I knew you’d notice right away.” She took a deep breath, her excitement bubbling to the surface. “I have some big news to share with you.”

Rakshit leaned forward, sensing her excitement. “I’m listening. What’s this big news?”

“Today, Papa discussed an idea with us,” she began, her eyes bright with anticipation.

He raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. “An idea? Anything serious?”

Aaravi shook her head. “No, no, not serious – something exciting, actually. We’re going to open a new branch of Hope Hospital. The largest one yet.”

Rakshit’s face lit up with genuine pride. “A new branch? That’s incredible! I can’t think of a better person to lead such an expansion.”

She smiled shyly. “There’s more – it’s going to be in Mumbai.”

For a moment, the excitement in Rakshit’s eyes dimmed slightly, and a hint of tension crossed his face. Mumbai? He thought, feeling a pang of unease. The city he ruled in shadows, where every corner held reminders of his double life.

“That’s… that’s amazing, Aaravi,” he said, his voice steady, though his mind was racing. He couldn’t let her see his concern. “But… won’t it be difficult, setting up such a large project in Mumbai? It’s a busy city, and you’ll have a lot on your plate.”

Aaravi noticed the hesitation in his voice. “Rakshit, you sound worried. Are you… okay with this?” She searched his face, her eyes gentle but perceptive.

Forcing a reassuring smile, he replied, “I’m more than okay with it. In fact, I’m so proud of you, Aaravi. You’ve dreamed of expanding Hope Hospital, and now it’s becoming a reality.” He paused, struggling to keep his protective instincts in check. “But you know… Mumbai isn’t always a kind place. It has its own… challenges.”

She nodded thoughtfully. “I know it has risks. But that’s what excites me, Rakshit. I want to make a difference, to reach more people, and Mumbai offers us the platform to do that.”