Shadow of redemption

Departure

Hello everyone welcome to the new chapter ☺️☺️☺️

The moonlight bathed the balcony as Rakshit and Aaravi sat together, wrapped in a warm blanket, her head resting on his chest. The silence between them spoke louder than words, their heartbeats synchronizing in the quiet night. Aaravi had spent the day carefully packing every little thing Rakshit might need, and now she just wanted to cherish their last moments before his departure.

Rakshit broke the silence, brushing his lips lightly against her forehead. “How do you do it, Aaravi? You think of everything before I even realize I need it.”

Aaravi smiled faintly, her eyes shimmering. “Because I know you better than you know yourself, Rakshit. When you’re far away, I want you to feel like I’m still taking care of you.”

He held her closer, his voice thick with emotion. “How will I breathe without you by my side for two months?”

She placed her hand over his heart. “I’ll be here, Rakshit. Always. Close your eyes, and you’ll feel me.”

He looked into her eyes, reciting softly:
“Teri yaadon ka sahara kaafi hai,
Meri tanhaaiyon ka sitara kaafi hai.
Door jaake bhi paas rahunga main,
Tere ishq ka junoon deewana kaafi hai.”

Their love was an unspoken promise, an eternal connection that distance could never break.

The airport lobby buzzed with activity, but for Rakshit, everything felt still as he looked at Aaravi. She stood beside him, her calm demeanour masking the ache of separation. Raj stood nearby, sensing the tension and trying to lighten the mood.

"Don’t worry, Bhai," Raj said with a grin. "I’ll take proper care of Bhabhi. She’ll eat on time, take her medicines, and I’ll update you about everything."

Rakshit gave a weak smile before turning to Aaravi, his hands cupping her face. "Aaravi, promise me you’ll take care of yourself. Don’t skip meals, and get enough sleep. No late nights at the hospital, okay?"

Aaravi placed her hands over his, her eyes soft and reassuring. "I promise, Rakshit. But you have to promise me something too."

"What?" he asked, his voice thick with emotion.

"That you’ll give your best at the conference and make the world see the genius Rakshit Khanna is," she said, her smile breaking through her seriousness. "And don’t you dare miss me too much because I’ll be right here, cheering for you every step of the way."

He pulled her into a tight embrace, whispering, "How can I not miss you? You’re my anchor, Aaravi."

She chuckled softly, resting her head on his chest. "And you’re my sky, Rakshit. Go and conquer the world so I can proudly say I’m Aaravi Rakshit Khanna."

Raj interrupted playfully, "Alright, lovebirds, we don’t have all day. Bhai, your flight is boarding."

Rakshit reluctantly let go, his fingers lingering on hers. “Take care of her, Raj. I’m counting on you.”

"Of course, Bhai. Now go and make history."

As Rakshit walked towards the gate, he turned back one last time, locking eyes with Aaravi, her silent strength giving him the courage to take the next step.

As Rakshit boarded his flight, Aaravi and Raj stood by the glass window, watching the plane taxi on the runway. Aaravi’s eyes glistened, her heart heavy yet proud. She placed her hand on the cold glass, whispering, “Go make the world yours, Rakshit.”