Shadow of redemption

Concern

Hello everyone welcome to new chapter ☺️☺️☺️

As Aaravi finished her nightly routine, she felt a tug at her heart. Though she knew Rakshit had retired to his apartment, sleep wouldn’t come until she was certain he was resting peacefully. Her mind lingered on his well-being—his habits, his burdens, the weight he carried. She worried about him in ways words couldn’t capture, always attuned to his every shift, every sign of unrest. Quietly, she took the key he’d given her, tiptoeing over to his place just to check if he was okay. For Aaravi, Rakshit’s peace was her own, and she’d do anything to bring light into his life.

Aaravi slipped quietly into Rakshit’s dark apartment, her worry deepening as she found his bedroom empty. She finally spotted him on the balcony, looking pale and distant, with tired eyes that seemed haunted. The sight of whisky bottles and crushed cigarettes surrounding him made her heart ache, yet anger stirred within her too. She couldn’t bear to see him like this—caught in his struggles and silently hurting himself. Steeling herself, she approached, determined to confront his pain.

Aaravi marched onto the balcony, snatching the cigarette from Rakshit’s hand and crushing it in the ashtray. She grabbed his glass of whisky and set it on the table with a loud thud, her eyes flashing with anger. Rakshit stared at her, wide-eyed, his mouth opening to speak but finding no words.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Aaravi demanded, her voice firm yet tinged with concern. “Do you realize how much harm you’re doing to yourself?”

Rakshit looked down, fiddling with his fingers like a child caught misbehaving. “Aaravi, I just… I needed to clear my mind,” he mumbled, his tone soft, almost pleading.

Aaravi sighed, crossing her arms. “And this is how you clear it? By drinking and smoking like there’s no tomorrow?”

Rakshit’s eyes met hers, full of remorse. “I didn’t want you to see me like this. It’s… a habit, but I’ll stop. For you,” he said with a slight, puppy-eyed look.

Aaravi’s expression softened, but she still held her ground. “Good. Because I can’t watch you hurt yourself,” she whispered, placing a hand on his cheek gently. Rakshit gave a small nod, the warmth of her touch calming him.

Aaravi took Rakshit’s hand gently, leading him toward the bed. When he paused, she turned back, her gaze soft and filled with concern. Seeing the hesitation in his eyes, she asked, “What’s wrong?”

Rakshit looked down slightly, almost shy. “I… want to take a bath first.”

Aaravi smiled warmly. “Of course,” she replied. “Go ahead. I’ll be right here to help you rest afterward.” Her patience and love enveloped him, easing his heart.

Aaravi settled on the sofa, flipping through a magazine absentmindedly. She glanced toward the bathroom door now and then, her heart beating faster in anticipation. A few minutes later, the door creaked open, and Rakshit emerged, dressed in simple, full-black loungewear — a snug T-shirt and matching track pants that hugged his tall, lean frame perfectly. His wet hair glistened under the soft lights, a towel casually draped over his shoulders as he dried his hair with effortless charm.

Aaravi’s breath hitched for a moment. Her eyes softened as she thought, He’s mine — the most handsome man in the world. Her gaze lingered on his every movement, from the way his long fingers tousled his damp hair to the confident ease in his stride.

Rakshit glanced at her, slightly raising an eyebrow. “Why are you staring?”

Aaravi smiled to herself “No reason,” she muttered, though her cheeks turned a light shade of pink, her heart unable to contain the overwhelming pride and love she felt in that moment.

Aaravi guided Rakshit to the sofa, a soft smile playing on her lips as she reached for the hair dryer. As she turned it on, a warm breeze filled the air, washing over Rakshit like the sun in spring. He settled back, feeling cocooned in a moment that felt both ordinary and extraordinary, heart swelling with affection for the girl in front of him.

While she dried his hair with meticulous care, Rakshit watched Aaravi’s focused expression. Her brows furrowed slightly, and her lip curved into a gentle smile when she caught him gazing at her. Each pass of the dryer was more than just drying hair; it was a silent declaration of her love, a reminder of the little things that made their bond stronger.

Rakshit felt a flutter in his chest, realizing how deeply he adored her. Her tenderness was palpable, a language all its own that spoke of devotion and warmth.

In this simple act, surrounded by the warmth of the dryer and the comfort of their connection, they shared an unspoken promise—a moment of pure intimacy that would linger long after the dryer was turned off, as both of their hearts whispered, "I love you."

Aaravi gently walked toward the bed, determined to make Rakshit sleep peacefully. "Let me make you sleep, or you’ll start drinking again," she said with a hint of concern, her eyes locked on him. Rakshit, moved by her care, stood up and pulled her into a hug from behind. His voice soft, yet filled with affection, he murmured, "You go and sleep. I’ll sleep by myself."

Aaravi raised an eyebrow and turned around, "You’ve had the chance to sleep on your own, but you were drinking and smoking. So now, be quiet and sleep." She held his hand firmly yet gently, her eyes unwavering.

Both sat on the bed, and Aaravi tapped her lap. "Lay down," she ordered, a playful yet loving tone in her voice. Rakshit hesitated and replied, "No, you didn’t sleep last night because of me. Not today. You go to sleep first."

Aaravi smiled, knowing his nature. "Okay, let's do this. You sleep first. When I’m sure you’ve slept, I’ll go to my apartment. Promise?" Rakshit, knowing well that she’d be stubborn, gave in and lay down on her lap, his heart swelling with warmth. Rakshit said to her while laying on her lap, "Fine, I’ll sleep, but you must go to your apartment afterward. Promise me you’ll sleep too."He planned to close his eyes and pretend to sleep so that she could rest.

As soon as his head settled on her lap, Aaravi’s soft voice broke the silence. She began to sing, her melody gentle and soothing. Her voice was like a lullaby, weaving its way into Rakshit’s mind, easing away the weight of the day. His eyes grew heavier, and before he knew it, the calming rhythm of her song lulled him into a deep sleep. The last thought that crossed his mind was how lucky he was to have her.

Aaravi, noticing Rakshit had finally fallen asleep, carefully moved his head onto the pillow without disturbing him. She stood up, gazing down at him with a smile that reflected both love and a quiet sense of contentment. "Sweet dreams, my heart," she whispered softly and kissed his forehead very gently without distributing his sleep. Then, she left his apartment, feeling a warmth in her chest as she walked back to hers, her thoughts full of him and the life they would share together.

As she lay down to sleep, Aaravi couldn’t help but smile. Her heart fluttered at the thought of their future, her mind filled with dreams of love, laughter, and the beautiful journey ahead.

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