Shadow of redemption

meeting

Hello everyone welcome to new chapter ☺️☺️☺️

The Kapoor family finally reached Aaravi’s apartment after a long, tiring flight. As Aaravi unlocked the door, it opened from the inside, revealing Rakshit standing there, dressed impeccably in a casual yet elegant outfit. His calm demeanor and commanding presence instantly drew attention. The air became thick with surprise and tension.

Aryan was the first to react, stepping forward protectively. “Who is this?” he demanded, his sharp gaze scanning Rakshit. His tone carried suspicion, his protective instincts ignited.

Mrs. Kapoor, still holding her handbag, looked at Aaravi in confusion. “Aaravi, who is this young man?”

Aaravi hesitated, her heart racing. She glanced nervously at Rakshit, who gave her a reassuring nod. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward. “Mom, Dad, Bhai, Riya… this is Rakshit Khanna. He’s…” Her voice faltered, but she pushed herself to continue. “He’s the man I love.”

The room fell silent. Mrs. Kapoor’s expression turned to one of shock, while Mr. Kapoor’s brows furrowed deeply. Aryan’s reaction was more immediate. He clenched his fists, his face contorting in disbelief and anger. “You’re in love with him? Aaravi, how could you hide this from us?”

“I wasn’t hiding,” Aaravi defended herself, her voice shaking. “I was waiting for the right time to tell you.”

“And this is your ‘right time’?!” Aryan exclaimed, his voice rising. “In front of a stranger in home? You’ve lost your mind!”

Rakshit took a step forward, his calm and steady tone cutting through the tension. “Mr. Kapoor, Mrs. Kapoor, Aryan… I understand your concerns. Let me introduce myself properly. I’m Rakshit Khanna, the owner of R&R Realty, a real estate company. Aaravi and I have been seeing each other for some time now.”

Aryan’s laugh was cold and humorless. “A real estate tycoon? That’s supposed to impress us? How do we know you’re even trustworthy?”

“Aryan, stop it!” Aaravi snapped, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Rakshit has been my strength, my peace, and my reason to smile. I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d react like this!”

Aryan shook his head in disbelief. “You’re being reckless. You don’t know him like you think you do.”

Unable to contain his frustration, Aryan stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him. Aaravi immediately ran after him, catching him in the hallway.

“Bhai, please, don’t do this,” she begged, clutching his arm. “I need you to understand.”

Aryan turned to face her, his expression torn between anger and concern. “Aaravi, you’re my sister. I can’t stand the thought of someone taking advantage of you. I just don’t trust him.”

“Please,” Aaravi whispered, her voice breaking. “Just give him a chance. Talk to him. For me.”

After a tense moment, Aryan sighed heavily. “Fine. But I’m doing this for you.”

They returned to the apartment, where Rakshit stood waiting, his expression unreadable. Aryan approached him, his posture stiff. “If you care about Aaravi, you’ll prove it. I won’t let anyone hurt her.”

Rakshit met his gaze without flinching. “I understand your concern, Aryan. Aaravi means the world to me, and I promise to protect her with everything I have.”

Aryan’s eyes narrowed. “Words are easy. Actions matter. If you ever give me a reason to doubt you, you’ll answer to me.”

Rakshit nodded solemnly. “And I’ll accept that. Aaravi’s happiness and safety are my priorities.”