Shadow of redemption

Love

Hello everyone welcome to new chapter ☺️☺️☺️

After a long, intense day, Rakshit and Raj arrived at Aaravi’s apartment, where warmth and love seemed to fill every corner. The moment Aaravi greeted them with her bright smile, Rakshit felt his worries start to dissolve. As she held his hand, her touch was calming, almost as if her love was the antidote to the darkness he carried from his world. She offered them both water, asking sweetly about their day and whether they’d eaten lunch. Rakshit exchanged a glance with Raj, both replying that the day was fine.

As they moved to the dining table, Rakshit was stunned to see an incredible spread. Raj’s favorite chicken biryani was set out with raita, but Rakshit’s eyes widened at the sight of naan, butter chicken, shirka wala onions, and rabdi—all his favorites, prepared just the way he loved them. His heart swelled with amazement and emotion. Without even asking, she knew.

In that moment, he felt the depth of Aaravi’s love—how she had observed his preferences silently, taking mental notes just to surprise him. It was a kind of love he had never experienced, one that was expressed in actions rather than words. Rakshit realized she understood him in ways he hadn’t anticipated. It wasn’t just love; it was her silent devotion, her thoughtfulness, her way of showing that he mattered deeply to her.

After their cozy dinner, Rakshit and Raj tackled the kitchen cleanup, working seamlessly together before preparing a pot of strong coffee. When they returned to the living room with mugs in hand, they found Aaravi laughing heartily at an old Tom and Jerry cartoon. Both couldn’t help but smile as they joined her on the couch. Aaravi accepted her coffee without tearing her gaze from the screen, fully immersed in the antics on TV.

When the episode ended, she finally noticed them staring. She laughed and said, “I love watching this—it’s refreshing!” Rakshit saw her shy smile and gently reassured her, “We’re not judging; you’re safe here.” He then asked, “Did you check out the land options today? Was there one you liked?”

Aaravi nodded, explaining that one site seemed perfect for the hospital, with her family arriving soon to finalize everything. She added, almost casually, “When they arrive, I’ll introduce you as my boyfriend and future husband.”

Rakshit’s face froze. He sprang to his feet, stammering, “What? No way! I’m not prepared! I don’t even know what to wear! What should I bring as gifts?” His usual composed demeanor vanished, and he looked like a nervous teenager.

Raj stifled a laugh, teasing, “The great Rakshit Khanna, panicking over meeting his in-laws—if only the world could see you now!” Aaravi giggled, trying to calm Rakshit’s nerves. "Relax," she assured him, “my family’s super chill.”

Raj added with a grin, “Looks like you’ll need a lot more prep for this mission, boss.”

Rakshit’s nervousness softened, and he sighed, realizing how deeply he wanted to impress her family.

Rakshit sat beside Aaravi, still buzzing with nervous energy. “Just tell me their preferences,” he insisted. “I’ll arrange everything for them in the apartment next door.” Raj chimed in with his usual excitement, “Yes, bhai-bhabhi! Just give the word, and I’ll handle it all!”

Aaravi smiled, her gaze gentle as she reassured them. “You two don’t need to worry. They’ll stay here with me. This is where they’ll feel most at home, and everything here is already suited to their needs.” But Rakshit, not entirely convinced, exchanged a look with Raj. Both said in unison, “But you’ll be uncomfortable with everyone in a smaller space. Let us arrange a villa—something spacious, so everyone can be comfortable.”

Turning to Raj, Rakshit ordered, “Find a suitable villa. I’ll buy it for her.” Aaravi, touched by their thoughtfulness, gently held Rakshit’s hand. “This apartment is big enough, and our family will feel much closer here,” she said. “No need to go through all that hassle.”

But Rakshit was struck by one word: our. He looked at her, his eyes searching. “You said our family.”

Aaravi’s expression softened. “Yes. My family is yours now. My parents are your parents, my brother and sister-in-law are your family too. You and Raj both belong to the Kapoor family now. After all, we’re getting married, aren’t we?”

Rakshit’s heart raced at her words. The weight of his lonely world and the harsh life he had lived seemed to lift. Suddenly, the idea of having parents, a brother, and a sister-in-law as part of his own life stirred something powerful within him. He felt a deep warmth, a promise of belonging he had never known. For the first time, he could see a future filled with family and love, not just power and solitude.

Raj, sitting nearby, looked down, visibly moved. All his life, he had been loyal to Rakshit, his boss and friend, but now he too was part of this family. The idea of having siblings and parents was overwhelming. His eyes glistened with emotion as he realized he was no longer alone; he was part of something bigger.

In that moment, Rakshit and Raj felt their worlds expand. Aaravi had not just opened her heart to Rakshit but had opened her entire family to both men, welcoming them into a life they had never imagined possible.

Raj, overwhelmed by the idea of finally having a family, tried to mask his emotions by abruptly announcing, “I’m feeling sleepy. I’ll head back to my apartment.” Without waiting for a response, he hurried out, leaving Aaravi and Rakshit exchanging glances. Aaravi frowned, worried. “Did I say something wrong? Why did he leave so quickly?”

Rakshit smiled gently, his eyes softening as he gazed at her. “Not at all. He’s just overjoyed—imagine, a family filled with love, all at once. You didn’t just bring light into my life, Aaravi. You’ve given me a bundle of happiness that I never thought I’d have.” His voice softened as he continued, “I can’t thank you enough, but I promise to be the best partner for you.”

He pulled her into a tight embrace, feeling her warmth seep into his heart. Aaravi hugged him even closer, murmuring, “You don’t need to change a thing, Rakshit. I love you just as you are. I’ll always be here, erasing any shadows in your life.”

They stayed like that, wrapped in each other’s arms, until Rakshit reluctantly said, “You’re tired. I should go.” But as he started to rise, Aaravi held his hand, gently pulling him back. She cupped his face tenderly, her eyes full of love, and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. “I’m always with you, right here. Anytime you need anything, come to me,” she whispered.

Rakshit’s heart soared, feeling a warmth he’d never experienced before. Smiling, he nodded. “You rest now,” he said softly and, with one last look, headed back to his apartment, feeling happier than ever before.

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