Chapter 28: 24. Missing lovers

Owned by YouWords: 19682

The night is thick with tension as Darshil, Daksh, and their elite team of mafia soldiers make their way through the ancient ruins near Pompeii. The ruins, usually a site of historic wonder, now serve as a battleground for power, wealth, and survival. The air is cool, the silence only broken by the distant rustle of leaves and the faint hum of machinery in the background.

Darshil, dressed in all black, leads the way. His face is calm, but his sharp eyes flick across the surroundings, taking in every detail. Behind him, Daksh walks with purpose, his face set in determination. Luca and Enzo, Darshil’s trusted lieutenants, follow closely with the rest of the team, their hands on their weapons, ready for anything.

We need to move quickly. The gold is buried beneath the ruins, but the authorities are closing in. No mistakes. We retrieve the shipment and get out. Understood? Darshil said in a low commanding voice.

As long as the Rossi family and Vittorio doesn’t show up to spoil our fun. Daksh said grinning slightly.

If they do, they won’t leave these ruins alive. Darshil said

They continue moving through the crumbling pathways until they reach the hidden entrance. Luca checks his watch, then turns to Darshil.

The extraction point is clear. We have exactly 15 minutes before the authorities sweep the area. Luca said

Good. Let's not waste time. Get the equipment ready. Darshil said

The team sets to work, pulling out heavy-duty drills and excavation tools. The ground beneath them is solid, but they know exactly where the gold is hidden—a stash worth millions, concealed beneath layers of rock and soil. Darshil stands back, overseeing the operation with a watchful eye.

As the drilling begins, the sound echoes through the ruins, and Darshil’s mind races. He knows they’re working against the clock, but his instincts tell him there’s something more to worry about. The Rossi family has been too quiet.

You think they’re going to show up? Daksh asked

They will. And when they do, we’ll be ready. Darshil said

After 10 minutes, the drilling stops as Luca signals that they’ve hit the stash. The team begins pulling up the crates, their faces glistening with sweat but their movements efficient. They’ve done this before, and they know what’s at stake.

But just as the last crate is lifted from the ground, the sound of distant footsteps reaches Darshil’s ears. His body tenses, his hand instinctively moving to the gun holstered at his side.

They're here. Darshil mumbles

Out of the shadows, men dressed in dark suits appear—armed and dangerous. The Rossi family. Their leader, Marco Rossi, steps forward with a confident smirk on his face, his men flanking him on both sides.

Darshil, my friend! You didn’t think you could take all the gold without sharing, did you? Marco Rossi said

This isn’t a negotiation, Marco. You’re on my turf. Darshil said coldly.

The tension between the two groups is palpable, the air thick with the possibility of violence. Daksh steps forward, his hand on his weapon, ready for a fight. Daksh smirks

Looks like we’re about to have some fun after all. Daksh said

Marco chuckles, but his eyes are dangerous.

This gold belongs to Italy. You think you can just waltz in and take it? Marco Rossi said

I’m not taking anything. This was ours from the start. If you want a war, Marco, I’ll give you one. But you won’t like how it ends. Darshil said in a calm but deadly voice

The air is electric with tension, and for a moment, it seems as if both sides are about to draw their weapons. Darshil stands tall, his gaze never leaving Marco’s. The men behind him shift, ready to act on Darshil’s command.

But Marco knows better than to push too far. The Rossi family may have power, but Darshil is not a man to be crossed lightly.

This isn’t over, Darshil. One day, you’ll slip up. And when you do, I’ll be there. Marco Rossi said

Darshil’s eyes harden, but he says nothing. With a flick of his hand, Marco and his men retreat into the shadows, disappearing as quickly as they came. The threat is still looming, but for now, the Rossi family has backed down.

Well, that was close. Thought we were going to have to spill some blood tonight. Daksh said

They know better than to pick a fight they can’t win. Darshil said

With the gold secured, the team quickly packs up the crates and moves toward the extraction point. The plan is executed flawlessly—Darshil’s men know what they’re doing, and the entire operation runs like a well-oiled machine.

As they reach the getaway vehicles, Darshil casts one last glance at the ruins. His thoughts briefly flicker to Aarvi, the image of her soft smile a stark contrast to the dangerous life he leads here. But he pushes the thoughts away, refocusing on the mission at hand.

The gold is ours. First Mission complete. Darshil said

Never doubted it for a second. Daksh said grinning

Darshil smirks, his mind already racing with the next steps. The mission may be over, but the game is far from finished. The Rossi family is still a threat, and Darshil knows that their paths will cross again.

But for now, the gold is secure, and the mission is a success. He’s proven once again why he’s the leader—why no one in Italy, or anywhere else, can challenge his power.

Time skips......

It's been more than 3 weeks since Darshil left for Italy.

The evening sun is setting, casting a warm, orange glow across the city. Inside 'Rajvanshi House' , the atmosphere is quieter than usual. Aarvi sits by the window in their bedroom, staring out at the garden below. The flowers sway gently in the breeze, but the peaceful scene does little to soothe the unease in her heart.

Aarvi's thoughts are a tangled mess of emotions she can't quite untangle. She had always been conflicted about her feelings for Darshil -resentment for the way he had forced her into this marriage, mixed with an undeniable attraction that she fought to ignore. But now, with him gone, she feels something else something she hadn't expected.

She misses him.

Aarvi's mind drifts back to the last morning they spent together. The way he had announced his departure with that calm, composed demeanor, as if it was just another business trip. The memory of his gaze lingering on her, as if he was searching for something, makes her heart ache.

She wraps her arms around herself, trying to ward off the chill that seems to have settled in the room. It's confusing, this mix of emotions. Aarvi had thought that Darshil's absence would bring her relief, a chance to breathe without his constant presence. But instead, she feels more alone than ever.

Downstairs, she can hear Nandini and Poorva talking softly, the familiar hum of their voices a comforting background noise. But it's not enough to fill the void that Darshil's absence has left. Aarvi stands up and walks over to the bed, where she sits down and picks up a photo frame from the nightstand. It's a picture of Darshil with Ruhi, taken during a family outing. His expression is softer, which she has noticed that he always show with her but not with everyone.

Why did he treated me so well after all the mess he created? He should have not cared for me, he should have never showed any efforts, maybe then..... I would have not missed him this much. Aarvi thinks.

Aarvi's fingers trace the outline of his face in the photo, and she sighs deeply, her heart heavy with confusion and longing. She hates him for the control he has over her life, for the way he dominates every aspect of her existence. But she can't deny that there's something about him that draws her in, something she can't quite explain.

The room feels too quiet, too still. Aarvi stands up and walks to the wardrobe, pulling out one of Darshil's shirts. She holds it to her face, inhaling his scent. It's a foolish, sentimental thing to do, but she can't help herself. The familiar smell of him, a mix of cologne and something uniquely Darshil, brings tears to her eyes.

She sits back down on the bed, clutching the shirt tightly as she stares out the window again. The sun has almost set, and the sky is a deep shade of blue, dotted with the first stars of the night.

For the first time since their marriage, Aarvi feels the full weight of her emotions. She's angry, confused, and scared all at once. She had always been so sure of her hatred for Darshil, but now, with him gone, she realizes that there's more to what she feels for him than just anger. There's a connection between them, one that she can't simply ignore, no matter how much she tries.

But what does it mean? Does she care for him? Or is it just the loneliness playing tricks on her mind?

As the night deepens, Aarvi feels an overwhelming sense of sadness. She doesn't want to miss him. She doesn't want to care. But as she lies down on the bed, clutching his shirt close, she can't stop the tears from falling. The emptiness in the room mirrors the emptiness in her heart, and for the first time, she realizes that Darshil's absence has left a hole in her life that she doesn't know how to fill.

What if he falls for another woman in Italy?..... I don't care. I hate you, Darshil..... but I wish you were here. Aarvi said

ITALY :

Darshil and Daksh were invited to a business party by one of their business partners in Italy.

Daksh was getting ready in a black tuxedo, setting his hair, and Darshil has been staring at him for the past thirty minutes. He got irritated by his best friend's drama.

You have been setting your hair for the last fifteen minutes, are you crazy? We are not going to fix your wedding. Darshil said

Are you getting jealous of me because I am much more handsome and dashing than you? Daksh said with a mischievous smile.

As if you are the last man in this world, who is handsome. Darshil said

I am not last, but I will be the most attractive man at the party. Daksh said with a shy smile and a lot of tantrums.

That's all, I am not going to wait any longer for you. Darshil said before leaving the room.

Daksh also rushes towards him; they both settled into the car and left for the party venue.

The party hall is adorned with chandeliers and polished marble floors, filled with Italy's most influential businessmen, investors, and mafiosos. The air hums with low conversations, clinking glasses, and the scent of expensive cigars. Darshil and Daksh enter, their presence commanding attention. Both dressed in sleek black suits, they move through the crowd with purpose, but Darshil's mind is elsewhere.

He puts on a mask of calm indifference, but inside, thoughts of Aarvi weigh heavily. It's been days since he's heard her voice, and the distance is eating away at him. Still, he pushes it aside, focusing on the task at hand. He can't afford any distractions.

Every girls' eyes are on Darshil and Daksh as they both looked so handsome and dashing. Daksh is overjoyed because he sees they are both capturing everyone's attention.

See, every girl is staring at me. Daksh said, leaning close to Darshil's ear.

Darshil merely shook his head at his talk without saying anything.

They both met their Italian client, Mr. Cassano. After sometime, they both headed towards the bar and took a seat.

Daksh looks at him and grins slightly.

You look like you're ready to punch someone, directly on face. What's going on in your head? Daksh said

Nothing.... Just work. Darshil said

Daksh once again grins.

Yes work. Or is it Aarvi you're thinking about? Daksh said

Darshil doesn't respond, but his silence says it all. Daksh chuckles, giving him a friendly nudge.

Man, you're missing her more than you're willing to admit. It's all over your face. Daksh said

Darshil gritted his teeth.

I'm fine, Daksh. Focus on the party. Darshil said

Before Daksh can reply, a young lady, draped in an elegant red gown, approaches them. Her eyes are fixed on Darshil, a playful smile dancing on her lips. She's clearly interested, and her intentions are anything but subtle.

Darshil Rajvanshi, isn't it? I've heard a lot about you. The mysterious and powerful man from India. Lady said

Darshil barely spared her a glance, his expression cold and unreadable. He wasn’t in the mood for idle conversation, especially not from someone he didn’t care to know.

I am not in a mood for any small talk. Go find someone else to bother. Darshil said looking at his his glass of whisky.  The lady takes a step closer to him.

You look like a man who could use my company tonight. Why don't you let me keep you entertained? Lady said in a seductive tone and brushes her hand against Darshil's.

Darshil's eyes darkens instantly. His body goes rigid and a dangerous edge sharpens his in his voice and his jaw clenched.

STOP. IT. NOW.!! Darshil said in a dangerous tone.

Dakhs understood his warning and also he knew what Darshil can do if she doesn't stop. As the lady tries to get close to him once again, Daksh stoop up and slightly pulls her back.

O didi, Back off, he is already married. Daksh said

The lady looks back at Darshil.

Married? So what? A man like you, isn't meant to be tied down to one woman. Come on, we could have a lot of fun together. My bedroom is just..... upstairs. Lady said and kept her hand on Darshil's and he jerked off her hand and glared at her.

Darshil..... Let me handle it. Daksh said and takes the lady in another side.

What the hell? Lady said

Look stay away from him. He really loves his wife and will never allow any girl to come close to him. Don't test his patience. Daksh said.

However the lady was too unyielding, she ignored Daksh's advice.

Don't worry. Just wait and watch, how I attract him towards me. Lady said and walks towards Darshil. Daksh holds his head as he watched her.

Ye ladkiya kabhi kisi ki sunti kyu nahi hai? Khud sher ke muh me apni gala dalne ja rhi hai. Daksh said as he watched the lady sitting beside Darshil's seat.

The lady keeps her hand on Darshil's thigh and gets closer to him and starts trailing her fingers on his chest.

The boldness inher touch and approach ignites something dark in Darshil. She smirks.

Come on Darshil. No need to be shy, no one needs to know. I can make you forget all about that wife of yours. Lady said

That's the final straw......

Ab to is didi ko bhagwan bhi nhi bacha sakte. Daksh said, widening his eyes.

Darshil's grips tightened on his glass.

Then with a swift, he splashed the glass of whisky in her face,the woman letting out a gasp of surprise and disgust. She sputtered and stumbled back blinking in disbelief as the alcohol stung in her eyes.

Don't ever mention my wife..... Again. Darshil said, his eyes flashes in anger.

Then, he pulled out a lighter, the small flame flickering in the dim light, casting an ominous glow on his face. He brought the lighter closer to the woman.

Do you still think, you can handle me? Darshil said his voice low and cold.

The lady's confident demeanor cracking as she realizes the danger she's in. But before she can react, Darshil shoves her away with such force that she stumbles back, nearly falling. The room around them falls silent, as the violent scene unfolds.

Daksh steps in, grabbing Darshil's arm to calm him, though he too glares at the girl.

You're messing with the wrong man. He warned you. He's married, and he's not interested. Leave now before you regret it. Daksh said in a serious tone.

You..... The lady utters.

Darshil steps forward again, his voice cutting through the air like a blade.

Get out of my sight before I make you disappear. You don't know who you're dealing with. Darshil said

The coldness in his tone is enough to chill anyone to the bone. The girl's face pales as she finally realizes just how dangerous the man in front of her is. Without another word, she turns and flees, disappearing into the crowd.

Daksh lets out a low whistle, shaking his head and he grins.

That was close. You were about to destroy her, man. Waise mujhe nahi pata tha, Italy me ladko ke sath bhi cherkhani hoti hai. Daksh said with a grin

She has no right on me. No one can touch me accept my Hazel and also she can't say a word about my wife. Darshil said

I understand, but you need to calm yourself. Daksh said

I miss her. Darshil said looking at her photo, on his wallpaper.

Daksh puts his hand around his shoulder.

Let's go back. Daksh said and Darshil nods.

At the Villa, Darshil was sitting on the couch looking out from the huge window.

The door to the living room opens, and Daksh walks in, holding two glasses of whiskey. He notices the faraway look in Darshil’s eyes as he hands him a glass.

Still thinking about her? Daksh asked

Darshil doesn’t answer right away, taking a sip of the whiskey and staring out at the city below.

Yeah. I didn’t think it would be this hard, Daksh. Darshil said

Never thought I'd see the day when Darshil Rajvanshi , the mafia boss, would be lovesick. Daksh said with a teasing smile.

Darshil chuckles.

I’ve always been in control of everything in my life—business, power, even danger. But with Hazel… it’s different. I can’t control how much I think about her. How much I miss her. Darshil said

You love her, Darshil. That’s what happens when you let someone into your heart. You can’t stop thinking about them, no matter how far away they are. Daksh said

Darshil looks away, the memory of Aarvi sitting close to him in the dark, their accidental kiss replaying in his mind. She had kissed him in a moment of weakness, and although she regretted it afterward, he had seen something in her eyes—a glimpse of the same longing he felt.

She kissed me… but she regretted it. Darshil said in a very low voice.

Daksh raises an eyebrow.

She kissed you? And you’re still here, moping around? Daksh said

It wasn’t like that. It was a mistake. She didn’t mean to. Darshil said

Daksh laughs off.

A mistake or not, it happened. And that’s something. You know her better than anyone. She’s tough, independent, but maybe… just maybe, she’s starting to let her guard down. Daksh said

Darshil sighs.

Maybe but after all happened, I just don’t know if she’ll ever really forgive me for how we started. For forcing her into this. Darshil said

Daksh places a hand on Darshil’s shoulder, his expression serious for once.

Give her time. Trust doesn’t come easy, especially after what you did. But from everything you’ve told me, she’s starting to care about you, even if she doesn’t realize it yet. You just have to be patient. Until, why don't you call her? Daksh said

I want to give her some space.... Maybe she will also miss me. Darshil said

The two men stand in silence for a while, the weight of the conversation settling between them. After a few moments, Daksh breaks the silence.

You know, this isn’t good for the mafia image. The cold, ruthless boss missing his wife while plotting dangerous missions. Daksh said

Darshil laughs, shaking his head.

Maybe, but you and I both know that the image was never real. What’s the point of all this power if there’s no one to share it with? Darshil said

Daksh raises his glass in agreement, and the two clink their glasses together.

To the one person who can bring the mafia boss to his knees. Daksh said

To Aarvi. Darshil said with a smile.

As they drink, Darshil knows that no matter how dangerous his life gets, no matter how far away he is, his heart will always be with her. For now, though, he has to wait—and hope that when he returns to Mumbai, things between them will be different. Better. More than they ever imagined.

********

So guys, that's all for today.

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As English is not my first language so there can be some grammatical mistakes, I just request to please ignore it.

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