Shadow of redemption

calmness

Hello everyone welcome to new chapter ☺️☺️☺️

Rakshit carried Aaravi in his arms, stepping into the lift with a calm yet serious expression. Aaravi shifted in his hold, her hands lightly pressing against his chest. “Rakshit, I’m fine. Put me down; I can walk on my own,” she protested softly, her voice laced with embarrassment.

His response was firm, yet his tone held undeniable affection. “No. You’re injured, and I’m not taking any chances. Just stay still.”

Realizing he wouldn’t relent, Aaravi sighed and leaned into him, hiding her reddened face in his chest. The gentle act made Rakshit’s lips curve into a rare smile. After the day’s overwhelming emotions, her shy surrender brought him a sense of calm he hadn’t felt in hours.

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Reaching her apartment, Raj arrived shortly after with a bowl of soup. “Bhabhi, this is for you,” he said, but Rakshit intervened, taking the bowl.

“I’ll do it,” he said firmly, his focus solely on Aaravi. Sitting beside her, he carefully blew on each spoonful before bringing it to her lips, ensuring it wasn’t too hot. Aaravi watched him with a soft smile, her heart warming at his tenderness. His every movement seemed deliberate, as if she were a fragile treasure he was determined to protect.

Once she finished, he helped her lie down. “Now rest,” he said gently, adjusting the blanket over her.

Aaravi, however, had other plans. She turned her head toward Raj. “Raj,” she called softly, “do you or your brother have any urgent work?”

Raj frowned slightly, confused by the question. “No, bhabhi. Why?”

“Good,” she said with a knowing smile. “Then go and rest. I need to talk to your brother now.”

Raj chuckled, understanding her intentions, and excused himself. Rakshit turned to Aaravi, his brows knitting together. “What’s this about? What do you want to talk about?”

Aaravi patted the empty side of the bed and said simply, “Come here. Lie down beside me.”

“What?” Rakshit asked, his voice tinged with surprise. His eyes widened as if he hadn’t heard her correctly.

She stretched her arm toward him and repeated firmly, “Come here, Rakshit.”

For a moment, he hesitated, unsure, but the determination in her gaze left no room for argument. With a quiet sigh, he made his way to the other side of the bed and lay down beside her, his body stiff with residual tension. Aaravi turned to face him, placing a gentle hand over his chest. “Your heart is still racing,” she murmured softly. “Relax, Rakshit. I’m fine now. You need to calm down.”

He exhaled sharply, his eyes glistening with raw emotion. “Aaravi, I can’t... What if—” His voice broke, his worst fears surfacing. “What if I had lost you today? The thought of something happening to you—it’s unbearable.”

She silenced him by placing her finger on his lips. “Shh,” she whispered soothingly. “I’m here. I’m safe. You didn’t lose me, Rakshit. And you never will.”

Her words, laced with quiet strength, began to chip away at the wall of fear surrounding him. Slowly, she shifted closer, her warmth grounding him. “You’re my strength, Rakshit,” she continued softly. “And I’m yours. Let me be your calm. Close your eyes and rest.”

For a moment, he simply stared at her, his dark eyes searching hers for reassurance. Then, as if surrendering to her comfort, he wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. “You’re my peace, Aaravi,” he whispered, his voice heavy with gratitude and love.