2. The Comfort of a Stranger
Shivika's heartbeat quickened as the flight lifted off.
She was leaving behind the city that once felt like home, the family who had once been her world. But one moment had changed everything.
Her thoughts trembled with every word as tears slipped down her cheeks. She was about to drown in her own pain when a voice pulled her out.
"Ma'am, sir has sent your food," the air hostess said politely, pointing toward a seat nearby.
Shivika followed her gesture and froze. There, immersed in his laptop, sat Rakshit. Confused yet remembering the doctor's advice about eating for her baby, she accepted the tray.
She lifted the spoon, but just as she was about to take a bite, a memory hit her.
"Shivi, eat it first. You can work later! I don't know if you even eat when I'm not around," her mother's voice scolded gently in her head.
Her throat tightened at the precious memory. Tears blurred her vision, streaming silently down her face.
Before she could wipe them, a hand extended a tissue. She looked up and found Rakshit standing there, watching her closely. He had seen it all, the way she forced herself to eat, only to break down mid-bite.
Shivika took the tissue with trembling fingers, but Rakshit quietly took the plate from her hand and lifted a spoonful toward her.
"I can eat by myself," Shivika whispered, her voice unsteady.
"I know," Rakshit replied firmly, his tone calm yet steady.
"But I also know you're drowning in flashbacks."
He didn't understand why he was doing this, why he felt compelled to care. But watching her in such pain stirred something inside him. He just wanted to ease her burden, even if only a little.
He gestured for her to eat. Hesitantly, Shivika leaned forward and took the bite.
"So… what do you do for a living?" Rakshit asked casually, preparing the next spoonful, trying to keep her mind occupied.
"I'm… a classical dancer," Shivika said softly between bites.
"Really?" His brows lifted in genuine surprise.
"Yes," she nodded faintly, a small spark flickering in her eyes.
"That's wonderful," Rakshit said with a hint of admiration.
"You're talented." He offered her another bite, and she accepted without hesitation.
"What about you?" Shivika asked, curiosity slipping into her voice.
"I'm the CEO of Mahajan Enterprises," Rakshit said casually, almost like it was of no importance.
Shivika froze mid-sip, her eyes widening.
"Wait… you're The Rakshit Mahajan?" she blurted out, louder than she intended.
Rakshit looked at her, startled, then shrugged lightly.
"Hmm. But it's not something worth making a fuss about." He handed her a glass of water calmly, as if nothing had happened.
Only then did Shivika realize - her plate was empty. She had eaten every bite without even thinking. And Rakshit had simply walked back to his seat as though none of it mattered.
Shivika watched him retreat, stunned.
I just ate from a stranger's hand… like I've known him for years. I trusted him without question.
Why don't I feel even a flicker of doubt around him?
Her gaze drifted out the window, to the endless clouds.
Moments later, Rakshit returned, holding out a phone.
"Talk to her. Tell her what clothes and things you'll need. She'll arrange everything by the time we land."
Shivika blinked at him, confused. "There's no need-"
"Just tell her," he said firmly, pressing the phone into her hand before walking back to his seat.
Left with no choice, Shivika spoke to the woman on the other end, listing the basics she needed. Once the call ended, she sat quietly, clutching the phone.
Why is this man thinking about me this much? she wondered.
If he wanted, he could've left me back in the hospital. Maybe… maybe he understands my pain.
He knows what it's like to be alone, to be an orphan.
Her lips curved into a bitter smile.
The only difference is he truly doesn't have a family, while I… even with parents alive, have become an orphan.
As they stepped out of the airport after landing, Shivika walked a step behind Rakshit, her eyes fixed on the ground.
His coat was wrapped around her-an unspoken protection because her dupatta had gone missing when she was wandering aimlessly on the road earlier.
She felt a little embarrassed, clutching the coat closer to herself, trying to make her presence as small as possible.
Suddenly, Rakshit stopped. Shivika, lost in her own thoughts, crashed straight into his back.
"Ouch…" she hissed softly, stepping back.
Rakshit immediately turned, his brows drawn in concern.
"Are you fine? The baby's fine, right? Where were you even looking? What if it had been something else? You could've hurt yourself badly. You need to be more careful, Shivika."
He spoke so quickly, his worry spilling out without pause.
"I… I'm fine. Nothing happened," Shivika assured him, though she was startled.
His voice carried genuine care, something she hadn't expected.
Why does he care this much? I mean nothing to him… yet he's worrying for me and my baby while the one who should've stood by me slammed the door in my face.
"Just look forward and walk properly," Rakshit instructed firmly, turning back to lead the way.
But he halted again without warning, making Shivika almost bump into him a second time.
She stopped just in time and muttered under her breath, "Bach gayi…"
(Saved)
Rakshit glanced over his shoulder.
"Forget it. Just hold my hand," he said, stretching it out toward her.
Shivika's eyes widened.
"No… no, I'll walk properly now." She shook her head quickly.
"I don't believe you," he countered dryly. "You'll remain clumsy only."
"You-" she began to protest, but he cut her off.
"Hold my hand," he warned, "or I'll carry you in my arms."
Shivika's cheeks flushed hot, and before she could think twice, her hand darted into his.
His lips curved into a smirk at her reaction before he turned and began walking again, her small hand still resting in his.
But the man who usually strode ahead with confidence now slowed his pace so slow it was almost irritating.
Shivika frowned. If he hadn't slowed down this much, they would've already been outside the airport by now.
"Why are you walking so slow?" she asked, exasperated.
Rakshit shot her a sideways glance. "What do you want? That I run? Did you forget you're pregnant."
Shivika narrowed her eyes. "Are you serious right now? Even a tortoise walks faster than this."
"Tortoise don't have to look after you and the baby," he replied evenly, his calm tone only making her patience snap further.
With a huff, she slipped her hand free from his grasp and marched ahead of him.
"Hey! Don't walk so fast," Rakshit called, quickening his steps to catch up. But Shivika ignored him, her frustration carrying her forward.
Rakshit's driver was already waiting outside. The moment they stepped out, he quickly placed Rakshit's luggage in the trunk while the two of them slid into the back seat.
Without a word, Rakshit handed Shivika a chilled water bottle. She was sweating lightly, her face pale from the exhaustion of the journey. He also passed her a tissue, noticing her discomfort without her having to ask.
"Can I… remove this coat?" Shivika asked softly.
The warmth of the thick fabric was suddenly suffocating her.
"You can do anything you feel comfortable with," Rakshit replied, his eyes lingering on her flushed face.
The sweat hadn't stopped, and his concern deepened.
As the driver started the engine, Rakshit instructed calmly, "Turn off the AC."
Before the man could process his boss's unusual request, Rakshit reached forward and rolled down both windows himself, letting the cool morning air flow inside.
Shivika leaned back against the seat, closing her eyes as the breeze brushed her face. Relief washed over her, the suffocation easing.
The driver glanced in the rearview mirror, startled. In all his years working for Rakshit Mahajan, he had never seen him like this.
His boss disliked open windows, hated the air that messed his hair, and never cared for anyone else's comfort over his own. But today… he was different. He was changing small rules he'd lived by just for her.
"Better now?" Rakshit asked quietly, his voice softer than usual.
"Mmm," Shivika hummed, too tired to form words.
Her body felt heavy, her mind drifting into drowsiness.
Rakshit leaned back too, resting his head against the seat. His mind replayed their moments outside the airport.
He wasn't a man of many words, never indulging in small talk, yet with her… he had. He had argued, teased, and even given in to silly bickering, something he had never done in his life. And strangely, it didn't feel wrong. It felt… normal.
The car rolled into the society complex just as dawn broke. The pale sunlight kissed the tall buildings, and the city was waking up. People were already out some going for walks, others rushing toward their routines.
The vehicle came to a halt in front of Rakshit's block. His flat was on the top floor. He could have bought a bungalow if he wanted he had the power, the wealth but he never did.
Living alone in a large place only made loneliness louder.
A smaller space was easier… quieter.
"Shivika," he said gently, turning toward her. "We've reached."
Her eyes fluttered open. She wasn't in deep sleep, but her body was sluggish with fatigue. Slowly, she stepped out. A cold breeze welcomed her, brushing her cheeks, and her lips curved into a faint smile.
The sight outside was ordinary for the world, but extraordinary for the people watching.
Neighbors who had seen Rakshit Mahajan for years always alone, always distant froze in shock.
He was walking into the building… with a woman by his side.
Rakshit pushed the trolley with one hand, his usual purposeful stride steady. Shivika followed quietly, clutching his coat in her arms like a shield.
The two of them so different, yet side by side looked like pieces of a story nobody expected.
Rakshit pushed the door open of his flat and stepped aside.