My Safe Haven

Chapter: 20: CEO in Action

Warning:- Mature themes, Emotional distress, Mental health struggles, Possible triggers for trauma or anxiety. ⚠

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Thoughts are in italic...

Aviraj's POV

It had been six months since that life-changing conversation. Saras's father had contacted the interior designer, and the Co-CEOs finalized the design of the new company. In the blink of an eye, six months flew by, and now they were planning the press conference and opening ceremony. It was surreal how these events, which had once seemed like a distant dream, were now a reality.

But amidst all these developments, the most significant thing for Aviraj was Saras's recovery. Dr. Adarsh's entry into their lives was a godsend. Saras felt at ease around him, but initially, Aviraj accompanied Saras to therapy sessions at his request. Saras wasn't comfortable attending alone, and Dr. Adarsh was more than accommodating.

As time passed, Saras slowly began to open up, eventually transitioning to single therapy sessions. However, it wasn't easy. Aviraj witnessed the earlier sessions taking a toll on Saras's mental health. Those moments made him realize they had only scratched the surface of Saras's suffering.

When they first got Saras back, he was hesitant and painfully shy, but he seemed happy. Yet, as the therapy sessions progressed and he started opening up, everything began to unravel.

As soon as Saras began therapy and started opening up to Dr. Adarsh, it was as if the Pandora's box of dark secrets he'd suppressed burst open. Nightmares, loss of appetite, and uncontrollable tears at random times became his reality. One moment he'd crave closeness, and the next, he couldn't even make eye contact without cowering. Aviraj witnessed it all, helpless as Saras grew paler by the day.

At one point, Aviraj doubted the therapy's effectiveness, but Saras remained convinced it was necessary. Dr. Adarsh reassured them that this was a crucial part of the healing process. Aviraj's heart ached seeing Saras like this. One day, he broke down in tears in his brother's arms. Aarsh, more than 10 years his junior, gathered him in a tight hug, shielding his tears as best he could. Despite struggling with his own emotions, Aarsh had become Aviraj's safe haven, a refuge from the pain of watching Saras suffer.

However, after about two months of therapy, the tide began to turn. Saras's condition slowly started to improve, bringing a glimmer of hope.

After six months of therapy, the nightmares had decreased significantly. Saras's smiles became more frequent, and his happiness seemed genuine, a welcome change from the preceding months of horror. However, the transformation wasn't drastic; Saras had always been a positive person, albeit shy and introverted. Now, his positivity remained, but he had become more guarded. Therapy had helped him open up more, and he was no longer apprehensive around strangers, although he still got a little jumpy. Physical touch remained a challenge, with Aviraj being the sole exception.

Aviraj's thoughts drifted to Saras, and he let out a soft sigh. He could feel his Saras, his angel, slowly coming back to him. A sense of determination washed over him. He would have his angel back; he would definitely get him back.

The good news was that Saras's father had announced their engagement ceremony would take place after the opening of their new company. A wide smile spread across Aviraj's face as the thought crossed his mind. He felt like a giddy puppy, and his excitement was palpable, even as he signed an important document. He knew he should compose himself – after all, he was a 28-year-old man – but he couldn't help it. His man was officially going to be his, and he could finally call Saras his.

However, his PA, Aarsh, didn't seem to appreciate the sight of his boss acting like a lovesick fool. The 18-year-old stood beside him, his expression almost bored. Finally, Aarsh had had enough and called out, "Sir... Sir!" Aviraj snapped out of his reverie and composed himself before turning to reply, but Aarsh beat him to it.