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The morning began as Ruhanika opened her eyes, a constant smile on her face. She quickly freshened up and took a bath. Something within her had changed. It had been three days since she realized her feelings, and since then, the smile never left her face.
Today was her school’s annual day, and after the function, there would be a farewell party for the seniors.
She chose a beautiful maroon Anarkali dress, but when it came to picking earrings, she couldn’t decide between two pairs.
“Which one looks better?” she muttered, looking at herself in the mirror.
She was making extra effort to look good because she would be meeting him today.
Ruhanika went to her brother’s room, holding the earrings in each hand. “Bhai, which one looks better?” she asked.
Her brother, Kunal, who had just been startled by her sudden appearance, blinked in confusion. “I don’t know, you look beautiful whatever you wear,” he replied, unsure between the two choices.
“I really want to look good, Bhai,” she insisted.
Kunal raised an eyebrow at her antics, then thought for a moment. “The left one,” he said.
“Okay, then I’ll go with the right one,” Ruhanika said with a grin, choosing the other pair.
“Then why did you ask in the first place?” Kunal asked, rolling his eyes.
“Bas aise hi,” she answered, running back to her room before he could start a long rant.
Ruhanika quickly put on her earrings, did a little makeup, applied some lip gloss, and left her hair loose. She picked up her dupatta, packed her essentials in her bag, and went downstairs.
As she walked down, everyone’s gaze was drawn to her.
“Damn, my little sister looks gorgeous witch,” Kunal dramatically complimented, earning an eye roll from her.
“Ruhii, you look beautiful,” her dad said with a warm smile.
“Looks like this color was made for you,” her mom added, gently caressing her head.
After having breakfast, she prepared to leave for school, but doubts crept in.
“Bhai, do you think I look okay? Is this dress really good on me, or are you all just saying that to make me feel better? Is my hair fine?” Ruhanika nervously asked.
“Ruhii, calm down. You’re looking amazing, trust me,” Kunal said, patting her head reassuringly.
She felt a little relieved, but a shy smile appeared on her face.
“I’ll drop you and Vihaan. You don’t want to walk to school in that dress,” Kunal said, and she nodded.
As she stepped outside, she saw Vihaan standing against the wall of his house.
She walked toward him, tucking her hair behind her ear.
Their gazes met, and he couldn’t help but notice the details-her open hair, the way she had clipped a few strands, the subtle oxidized bangles, and the pink tint on her cheeks from the light makeup.
She noticed him too.
He was wearing a black kurta with the top three buttons undone and sleeves rolled up. His hair was a bit messy, and Ruhanika found herself staring at the mole on his collarbone, which she had always found irresistible.
He caught her gaze, and neither of them blinked, lost in each other’s eyes.
Kunal cleared his throat, breaking their trance. Both of them quickly looked away, embarrassed.
“Done with your staring session?” Kunal glared at Vihaan as they climbed into the car.
Vihaan grinned playfully and responded, “Well, don’t you think beautiful people deserve a little appreciation ? I mean, how else will they know they’re making the world a better place just by existing?”
He winked, adding, “I’m just doing my part to admire the beautiful creation in front of me.”
Meanwhile Ruhanika blushed hearing his response.
Kunal held the steering wheel firmly, taking slow, deep breaths to steady himself.
He didn’t dislike Vihaan, he was simply worried about his little sister and the thought of her getting hurt. Little did he know that Vihaan will never hurt her.
The drive was silent.
Vihaan sat in the backseat, trying to sneak glances at Ruhanika, whose hazel eyes were drawing him in. His heart raced with every stolen look.
But Kunal, noticing Vihaan’s gaze in the rearview mirror, turned it to face the front with a stern look.
Vihaan quickly looked away, a shiver running down his spine. He feared Kunal, even if he wouldn’t admit it.
When they arrived at school, Ruhanika met Tanya, and they went to the classroom where the participants were gathering.
Vihaan searched for Yash and Siddharth, but his mother, who had arrived early for the preparations, called him to help her.
After completing the task, Vihaan returned to his mission-finding his Ruh.
Meanwhile, Ruhanika was practicing, and when she finished, Siddharth and Yash clapped for her.
“You’re still nervous, huh?” Yash asked, Ruhanika nodded hesitantly.
“Don’t worry, we’ll be with you on stage. No need to stress,” Yash assured her.
“I know, but if I mess up, people will judge me,” she said, her nerves taking over.
Ruhanika didn’t like being the center of attention. She was fine with winning educational competitions, but performing on stage made her feel exposed, and mostly she is afraid of judging looks of the audience.
“Stop overthinking, Ruhii. People who criticize others are just insecure. The genuine ones will appreciate you, even if you make mistakes. They’ll understand the real you,” Siddharth comforted her, giving her a side hug.
“And we know you will rock it,” Yash cheered for her making her laugh.
“Btw where is Vihaan, stupid guy, he should have reached here by the time…”, Sid was murmuring as the door opened.
Vihaan entered the room, his eyes immediately searching for Ruhanika.
He needed to talk to her, but he couldn’t stop feeling nervous whenever she was around.
Today, seeing her made him even more anxious, because he was about to confess his feelings to her, which is why he was so nervous.
Meanwhile, Siddharth was watching them when Yash approached, grabbed his collar, and pulled him out of the room.
Siddharth, confused, asked, “What’s going on?”
Yash frowned and said, “Why are you interrupting? Let them have their moment.”
Siddharth nodded, understanding, “ohh correct correct!”
As Vihaan approached, he couldn’t resist a mischievous grin.
Ruhanika took a step back, flustered, but Vihaan closed the distance. He leaned toward her with a loving gaze, causing her heart to race.
“Vihaan…” she stuttered, feeling her nerves catch up with her.
“My name sounds so good when you say it,” he whispered, his voice low and soft.
Ruhanika took a deep breath, feeling the closeness between them. It made her shiver with nervousness.
“You look breathtaking Ruh,” he said, his voice husky as he got even closer, checking to make sure she was comfortable.
Once she makes sure she wasn’t uncomfortable at all. He leaned in, Ruhanika reached up to steady herself, holding his kurta.
She felt different today, more aware of his presence, more responsive to him.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her hand gripping his sleeve tightly.
But in a bold moment, she leaned closer to his ear and whispered playfully, “But you look sizzling hot in this black kurta. Totally my type.”
Vihaan froze for a second, then blushed as he was seeing his Ruh’s different versions day by day.
“Ruh, are you sure you haven’t switched your Ruh with someone else?” he asked, teasing her as she blushed and hit his shoulder.
They both burst into laughter, enjoying the moment.
β’β’β’β’β’
Tanya was busy checking the list for the seniors’ farewell, happening right after the annual function.
She wore a light weighted navy blue colour lehenga as she was participating in a cultural dance.
Her performance would be last, so she was helping her teammates with preparations.
Yash, as usual, searching for his saviour or to be precise Tanya.
As he had lost his anchoring speech and now is panicking.
As Tanya worked, Yash came running, accidentally bumped into her.
“Ouch!” Tanya winced, holding her head.
Yash holds her waist gently to keep her away from falling.
Tanya muttered as her eyes were still close, “Is it me, or did this wall just get harder?”
Yash chuckled, but as he looked down at her, he couldn’t help but notice how gorgeous she looked in her lehenga.
Her hand reached for support to his shoulder to steady herself as they locked eyes, something seemed to shift between them.
Tanya couldn’t help but feel a little flustered under his gaze.
“Am I not looking good?” she stuttered as a shiver ran down through the spine by his touch.
“No way,” Yash replied with a teasing grin.
“You could wear a potato sack, and I’d still say you look like you just stepped out of a magazine.”
Tanya frowned at him and said, “potato sack, seriously?”
“I mean yeah” yash said shrugging his shoulders.
She glared at him and tried to pull back, but her earring got stuck in his kurta.
“This earring, Hadd hoti hai yrr,” she muttered, struggling to pull it free.
“Hang on,” Yash said, his voice tender as he gently held her still.
“Let me fix this.”
He carefully freed the earring from his kurta, and their faces were so close that Tanya could feel her heartbeat in her throat. She could smell his cologne, and it made everything feel a little too intense.
“Thank you,” Tanya said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I really need to go.”
She turned to leave quickly, wanting to escape the sudden wave of emotions that had flooded her.
Yash stood there for a moment, his chest tightening.
“Wait…” he called out, and Tanya froze.
She looked back, her heart racing.
Yash scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.
“You look……really beautiful today, Tanya. And I am serious right now.”
Tanya’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly tried to cover her feelings with a smile, “Thank you. That means, the lehnga is absolutely working.”
Yash raised an eyebrow.
“Not just the lehenga,” he said, stepping a little closer.
“It’s you. You always make everything look beautiful, even when you don’t try.”
Tanya’s pulse quickened, and for a split second, she felt like she was drowning in his gaze.
But then a wave of doubt hit her. She took a step back, her voice shaky, “I……I have to go”
She quickly turned away, her heart pounding in her chest.
‘Control your damn feelings Tanya,’ she thought, her mind a whirlwind of emotions.
Yash watched her walk away, a strange knot forming in his stomach. ‘What’s happening to me? Why does she make me feel this way?’
He ran his hand through his hair, trying to shake off the feelings that were creeping up on him.
He always saw Tanya as his best friend.
He took a deep breath, trying to clear his head. “She’s just my best friend. That’s it. Nothing more,” he told himself.
But the way his heart had reacted to her smile, her touch, it wasn’t that simple.
Tanya, walking down the hall, tried to shake off the fluttering in her chest.
‘Why did he say that?, I am almost trying to get over this feeling but then here I am back again at the same spot.’
But the fear crept in again. She couldn’t risk it. Not with him. Not with her best friend. She pushed the thoughts away, but deep inside, she couldn’t ignore all those feelings for him.
Meanwhile, Yash was left standing there, fighting his own feelings. He replayed the moment over and over in his head, wondering if she’d noticed how close they had been, how his heart had raced when they stood there together.
‘Get it together, Yash,’ he thought.
‘She’s your best friend. You can’t think of her like that.’
But his heart didn’t listen. It couldn’t
‘Oh no, in all this chaos of my emotions I forgot to ask her about anchoring speech, Ragini Ma’am will kill me if I messed up the speech’ he thought as he tried to run as much faster to save his life.
β’β’β’β’β’
Siddharth was heading to the music room for his rehearsal.
Just as he was about to walk forward, someone suddenly blocked his way.
Vani stood before him, her gaze sweeping over him from head to toe, a playful yet intense look in her eyes. “Oh ho, kya gazab ke maal lag rhe ho yrr,” she exclaimed, playfully hitting his arms which led him to stumble a little bit but she held his hand.
Siddharth, slightly caught off guard, adjusted his glasses.
“Areyy akela ladka dekha nhi aur shuru ho gyi, i should definitely call Purush Helpline for this,” he said, dramatically covering himself with his arms, trying to back away.
But Vani had other plans. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she stepped forward, blocking his path completely. Before he could react, she pushed him gently into the music classroom, trapping him against the wall.
“What are you doing?” Siddharth asked, his voice shaky as he felt his heart race uncontrollably.
Vani leaned closer, her gaze never wavering, “what do you think I will do with you?”
She looked at as his neck turning into pink she smirked seeing her effect on him, but he tried to pull off her hands to get away from her.
“Why do you always try to run away from me, Siddharth?” she asked softly, her voice laced with something that made his heart skip a beat.
Siddharth took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing pulse.
“I’m not running,” he whispered, his words barely audible.
Vani stepped even closer, her breath warm against his ear.
“Hmm, so you won’t avoid me from now on, will you?” she asked, her voice low and alluring, sending shivers down his spine.
Siddharth nodded, his mind spinning.
“I have to rehearse my violin performance,” he stammered, his attempt to regain control of the situation barely working.
But Vani’s gaze was fixed on him, and she leaned in closer, her voice soft yet demanding.
“I have one request, Siddharth,” she whispered, her lips almost brushing his ear.
“Can I be your personal audience today? Just me. Before your actual performance. Let me watch you, only you, as you play.”
Her words were so intimate, so full of longing, that Siddharth felt his breath hitch. His heart was pounding in his chest, and before he knew it, he nodded, unable to say no to her.
Vani softly smiled at him as he picked up his violin, and she sat on the chair, crossing her legs, her eyes never leaving him.
As Siddharth reached for his glasses, he hesitated for a moment. The blurry vision gave him confidence, hiding the weight of anyone’s judgment.
But before he could remove them, Vani’s voice cut through the silence, “Don’t.”
He looked at her with a confusing look.
“Don’t take off your glasses,” she said, as her tone was commanded and filled with intensity, her eyes locking onto his.
“Please,” she added, her voice softer now but no less powerful.
Siddharth froze, his breath caught in his throat. There was no way he could deny her now.
With a shaky breath, he began to play. The music filled the room, a beautiful, soulful melody that seemed to bridge the space between them. Vani’s gaze was intense, her eyes fixed on him, captivated by the way his fingers worked on the musical instrument. She was lost in the music, but more than that, she was lost in him.
She couldn’t stop smiling as she watched him, her breath catching with each delicate movement he made.
The world outside seemed to disappear as she leaned in closer, drawn to him, her heart racing in perfect harmony with the music.
Each note, each moment, felt like it was made just for them.
The one thing I am doing since I entered into the ground where the farewell for our seniors held, i am just admiring her.
If I have something to do, I’ll just keep looking at her because my eyes are so accustomed to seeing her every few seconds.
Ruh looked absolutely stunning.
My eyes just couldn’t leave her. I knew it wasn’t healthy to stare like that, but my mind couldn’t help it.
Of course, my brain was telling me to stop being so creepy, but I couldn’t listen to it.
I was too busy watching her and admiring how effortlessly she worked with Vani on the decorations.
Meanwhile, Yash and Tanya were off doing their own thing, busy with the annual function.
I kept pumping up balloons, but my attention was completely focused on her.
Then, some guy walked up to her. I didn’t like the way he was looking at her.
Why was he staring at her like that?
I could see her giving him instructions, but he kept looking at her like she was the only person in the room.
That feeling, that knot in my stomach, only grew tighter as I watched them.
Popped.
I heard a loud sound because the balloon I was inflating burst in my hand.
Siddharth, who had been watching me, smirked, “Apni jalan in bechare balloons par kyun nikal raha hai?”
I just rolled my eyes and handed the task over to him.
I couldn’t keep my distance anymore. I walked over to her, my mind in a mess.
She was still talking to that guy, and I didn’t like the way he was looking at her.
I stepped between them, pretending like I was helping her, just so that guy would get the hint. He looked confused for a second but eventually backed off, and I finally had her all to myself.
I tried to act casual, but my heart was racing. I stood there, watching as she climbed onto a stool to hang the board.
I couldn’t help but imagine one of those Bollywood moments. She’d slip, and I’d catch her. We’d have one of those perfect, romantic scenes.
But of course, my delusional mind always gets a hard reality check.
Ruh snapped her fingers at me and i realised the board is already hung up and she jumped off from the stool.
Of course I forgot my Ruh is anti-romantic.
“Why are you here?” she asked, as if she didn’t already know.
“I’m here to help you,” I replied while shamelessly staring at her.
“Really, then help me cut these papers,” she said banding over the task.
Cutting the papers. Another boring task after filling the water bottles.
As I worked with the papers, I noticed that guy was still glancing at her.
It made my protective instincts kick in, so without thinking, I stood in front of Ruh and glared at him. If looks could do damage, he’d be put off this planet. He quickly looked away.
I know Ruh looks absolutely beautiful, but can’t they see that staring at someone like this isn’t good?
I mean, even though I can’t help it – every time she smiles or laughs, I get completely lost in her.
But seeing other guys look at her, especially in another way, it gets under my skin.
Ahh Vihaan Raichand you are gone.
I’m glad I’m finally going to confess to her, but I can’t help feeling nervous.
My heart is racing, and I keep asking myself, ‘Am I really ready for this?’
I saw Yash and Siddharth walking towards me, both raising an eyebrow. I nodded, signaling that I was ready, but deep down, I wasn’t so sure.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Yash asked, his tone playful, though I could hear the concern beneath it.
“Yeah, I think so,” I said, but my voice stuttered slightly.
What if I mess this up? What if she doesn’t feel the same way?
“Just don’t get nervous and be honest with her,” Siddharth said, giving me a friendly pat on the shoulder.
“Yeah, and I have a feeling she likes you too,” Yash added, his grin almost too confident.
But what if she doesn’t? What if I’m just imagining things?
I stared at the ground, my mind racing.
“I don’t know,” I muttered, avoiding their eyes. “What if she doesn’t feel the same way? I don’t know if I would be able to handle her rejection”
Siddharth gave me a sharp look. “You won’t know unless you try. You can’t keep overthinking it forever.”
But what if it all falls apart? What if this ruins everything between us?
I could feel my palms getting sweaty.
“But what if Ruh says no?” I whispered to myself, barely able to control the panic rising in my chest.
What if she thinks I’m not good enough for her?
I ran a hand through my hair, trying to push the thoughts away, but they just kept circling in my head, each one making me feel anxious.
I need to do this, but I’m scared.
What if I lose her before I even get a chance to tell her how I feel?
β’β’β’β’β’
The farewell function had started.
I saw Varun walking towards me, and as soon as I reached him, I gave him a hug.
“Happy farewell, senior,” I said, and he hugged me back.
No matter what I felt, I couldn’t deny that Varun is my friend. He had always been there for me, motivating me, and I genuinely wanted the best for him.
“Thank you, junior,” he smiled.
I stayed at the back, arranging arrangements as the farewell function began.
But while I was working, I realized I hadn’t seen Ruh for a while. It had been 45 minutes, and I couldn’t find her anywhere. The farewell was in full swing, and everyone was getting ready, but where is Ruh.
She went with Tanya to help her.
I saw Tanya is already there, where is Ruh?
My mind was not wanting but still my gaze went over at Varun’s seat, but it was empty.
I felt a weird feeling in my chest.
I tried to shake it off.
“Stop overthinking, Vihaan,” I told myself.
But I couldn’t help it. I decided to go check the school, maybe she is there.
Just then, a girl bumped into me and spilled juice on my clothes.
“Oh, sorry! I’m so sorry!” she said quickly.
“No problem,” I replied, brushing it off.
I walked to the washroom to clean up, but the uneasy feeling in my chest wouldn’t go away. After washing off the stain, I went to check for Ruh.
As I stepped out of the washroom, the corridor felt unusually quiet, almost like a ghost town. The silence made me uneasy, but then I saw Ruh at the end of the corridor.
A sense of relief flooded through me, but that relief quickly turned into anxiety when I saw Varun standing there with her. They were talking.
My feet froze.
‘Vihaan, don’t overthink this. It’s not what you think.’
But my heart wasn’t listening.
I heard Ruh’s voice clearly.
No Vihaan don’t listen.
But my heart is not listening
“You’re a nice guy, Varun,” she said, patting his shoulder.
Then Varun spoke, and I felt my stomach drop.
“Ruhii, don’t make me wait. I’ve been waiting for this since childhood,” he said, desperation in his voice.
I couldn’t move. I wanted to walk away, but my feet wouldn’t cooperate. My heart started racing.
No, this isn’t happening. Not like this.
I turned as I didn’t want to listen to further conversation and my mind avoided their voices but eventually a minute after I turned back as I could hear them completely.
Then I heard Ruh’s voice again, soft but clear.
“_______________Varun, your feelings are pure and genuine. How could anyone not fall for you?”
Varun eyes sparkle with shine, “Ruhii, don’t play riddles, just say Yes or No. I can’t wait any longer. These feelings… I have been holding them for so long, and now I don’t have patience.”
He took a deep breath, his eyes filled with hope.
Ruh smiled at him, and I felt my heart shatter, “hmm then guess what? Your wish is fulfilled… it’s a Yes,” she said, and I saw Varun’s face light up.
Varun immediately pulled her into another hug, and I stood there frozen, watching them.
“You don’t know, Ruhii,” Varun said with joy.
“You’ve made me the happiest guy today. I’ve been waiting for this moment since childhood.”
Ruh looked genuinely happy.
I stood there, watching them, a lump in my throat. My mind was racing with questions.
Was it always Varun for her?
Of course Vihaan. As reality hits me harder.
A sad chuckle escaped my throat.
I’ve been so delusional. How could I not see it? She talks about him, and they’ve known each other since childhood. Of course, he holds a special place in her heart. I’m just someone she met a few months ago.
It was never Vihaan. It was always Varun.
As I watched them, a tear slipped down my cheek.
I’ve been so delusional. How could I not see it? She talks about him all the time, and they’ve known each other since childhood. Of course, he holds a special place in her heart. I’m just someone she met a few months ago.
It hit me like a ton of bricks.
Why would she ever choose me over him?
Of course they share all these memories I can’t even compete with.
Am I just another guy hoping for something I don’t deserve.
She doesn’t even see me that way.
She’s known him forever, and I’m just…me.
Maybe, I was only temporary in her world.
Apart from hearing the sound of her smile i could hear one more sound which is shattering of my heart into pieces.
————————————
Finally Chapter 40…!!
So how was the chapter…!!
Guess what? Even I wasn’t ready for this chapter. ππ
Like trust me I cried while writing the last partπ€§
And what do you think about Ruhii and Varun? Is it actually the way it looks like?
And since I love you all so much I don’t want you all to overthink.
So, guys remember the Chapter 39π
I read every single comment of the last chapter trust me you guys made my day.
After reading your comments about the last chapter, I don’t want to write this chapter but it was necessary π
To all my readers, You guys don’t know you actually hold a special part in my heart, whenever I feel low or stressed i just came here and read your comments. The way you guys gave me comfort without even being with me, i am just grateful to have you all beside me. πβ¨
Enjoy Reading β₯οΈ
Stay Tuned for further updates…!!!
Bye Cutiepies….!!π
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