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THUD.
I blinked.
Did the Earth just shake?
Wait. No. Vihaan.
Did he just fainted? Because of injection. But I didn’t let the needle get close to him
“What the heck-” I gasped, leaning forward.
“Mamu ko kya hua?” Atharv’s tiny feet pattered as he ran towards the unconscious 6 foot man-child lying dramatically on the floor.
This man.
My poor nephew shook his mamu’s hand.
I leaned in and tried to make him sit up. Holy hell, this man is heavy.
What is he made of? Bricks?
Thank God my little tornado is smarter than he looks.
He ran outside of the room and yelled, “Guard uncle.”
Soon, Guard Uncle walked in, confused but helped me gently lift Vihaan onto the bed.
“Thanks, uncle,” I said, checking Vihaan’s pulse.
He was fine. Of course he was fine.
He fainted at the mere sight of a needle.
A needle.
One tiny injection.
This man.
Atharv tugged on my coat, looking like a lost puppy. I scooped him up in my arms.
“Bua….mamu ko kya hua?” he asked, his lips trembling like he was about to cry.
Aww. My little tornado is worried.
“Don’t worry,” I said, rubbing his back, “Your mamu is just being a drama queen.”
He sniffed and nodded.
“But why did he faint?” he asked, peeking over my shoulder at the now-snoring Vihaan.
“Because your mamu is scared of needles,” I told him, smirking.
Atharv gasped like I had just told him there are small letters also along with capital letters.
“It is true, bua.”
“Yes, baby.”
Then he giggled.
A slow, mischievous giggle escaped from his mouth as he said, “When he wakes up, I will tease him.”
“Oh, we are both going to tease him,” I grinned.
We high-fived like weβd just won a toy from a claw machine on the very first try.
Suddenly, my phone rang.
Bhai.
“Atharv, sit here on the chair. And don’t….i repeat…..don’t go outside this room. Got it?” I warned him.
He nodded.
I stepped out and picked up the call.
“Ruhii, where are you? I am waiting in the parking lot,” Bhai’s voice was already in strict mode.
I glanced at my watch. My shift had ended.
“Bhai, I will be a little late. Emergency patient,” I said as I glanced over the room.
Yeah. Emergency. More like one grown chimpanzee who saw a needle and passed out.
“Fine,” he said. I hung up and sighed.
And just then, another call.
I looked at the screen and rolled my eyes. Ugh. Not again. My mood yelled to block the number but I couldn’t. It may be an emergency.
But when I didn’t pick up, I got a message.
And as I read it, my blood boiled, right as my phone started ringing again.
I silenced it and took a deep breath.
Calm down. Ruhanika.
I stepped back inside the room.
And there he was.
Sleeping Beauty finally decided to open his eyes.
I stood by the door, arms crossed, watching him blink back to life.
His white shirt was half unbuttoned, sleeves rolled up, and hair messed up completely.
And then his eyes. Those same annoying, stupidly handsome dark brown eyes.
Why does this man still manage to look good after fainting.
“Are you okay, Mamu?” Atharv asked, standing beside him.
Vihaan blinked, as he tried to sit.
“I am fine, my little tornado,” he said, picking Atharv up.
“Where is your bua?” he asked.
Atharv shrugged, “She went outside.”
“Oh really?” I heard Vihaan’s dramatic voice.
And of course, the drama resumed.
“Your bua is bad. She left me alone here,” he pouted. I rolled my eyes so hard.
Atharv, my little tornado said, “Bua is not bad. She just went out for some work.”
That’s my little tornado, smart and sweet.
“Ohh really?” Vihaan raised an eyebrow and smirked, the corner of his lips twitching with amusement.
“So now you are a full-time supporter of Bua?” he teased, reaching out to mess up Atharv’s hair playfully.
“Your poor mamu fainted, and Bua didn’t even care. She left me all alone. And still, you like her more than me?” His voice was dramatic.
Atharv frowned deeply, his little brows furrowing as if he were trying to solve a high-level math equation.
After a moment of serious thought, he looked up at Vihaan with wide, innocent eyes and said, “Mamu, I like you more… but don’t tell Bua. She will feel sad.”
Excuse me?
“You little traitor!” I jumped in, pointing a finger at him. “You told me earlier that you like me more!”
Atharv’s eyes widened in panic.
The same way he always did when bhai caught him red-handed sneaking brownies at midnight, he leaped into Vihaan’s lap for protection, wrapping his arms around him like I was the evil witch in a fairy tale.
“Don’t blame him,” Vihaan said, laughing.
“At least he is honest. And clearly, he likes me better. You just make him study all the time. Honestly, you’re kind of a boring person always making my tornado study and study.”
I shot them both a deadly glare, crossing my arms. “You two are absolutely stupid.”
Atharv giggled, then gently kissed the back of my hand.
“I only said that because Mamu was sick. I wanted him to feel better,” he said softly, blinking up at me like a little angel.
Correct. He is truly a little angel.
But wait.
Vihaan and I exchanged a glance, completely thrown off by how good this kid was at playing both sides.
“Okay, okay! Stop looking at me like that. Let’s just go home now ” Atharv huffed, puffing his cheeks out.
“Wait a min baby,” i told him and he sat picking the Vihaan’s phone and started playing games.
I sighed, then walked over to Vihaan and checked his vitals one more time, pulse, blood pressure, temperature. Everything was normal. He was fine. Just tired. And being a third-class actor.
I gave him a teasing smile.
“Mr. Raichand, do you still need any treatment?” I asked, raising a brow as a mischievous grin tugged at my lips.
Vihaan glanced at Atharv, who was too focused on the game on his phone to notice anything, then looked at me.
He stepped a little closer, lowering his voice.
“Will your kisses help?” he whispered, eyes twinkling with mischief as he leaned in just slightly.
I leaned in too, my gaze lingering on the tiny mole near his collarbone. I traced it lightly with my finger and whispered back, “Later.”
Vihaan’s cheeks instantly turned bright red. He looked away, coughing awkwardly, trying to hide his blush.
I bit my lower lip, stifling a laugh.
Vihaan picked up Atharv, who didn’t even look up from his game.
“Let’s go,” I said, adjusting my bag.
“Yes,” Vihaan replied.
We three of us walked out of the hospital together.
I smiled as Atharv settled into the seat behind us, already bursting with energy. He leaned forward slightly, eyes wide with excitement and began sharing stories from his school.
My mind wandered through old memories. I missed him-missed him with every single breath. He might not be physically with me, but in my heart, he never left.
These years we spent together weren’t just about love. They were about understanding each other, growing together and becoming so comfortable that even hearing each other’s heartbeat over a phone call was enough.
We have been together for seven years now. Together.
But last year was different. I don’t know exactly what changed.
He was busy and I never told him to come back soon. But somewhere, we started drifting apart.
That’s how relationships are, right?
They have ups and downs, arguments, and misunderstandings.
We tried talking. We cleared things up.
But the distance still stayed.
I tried to close the gap, and so did he but all we got in return was silence. Maybe that’s how relationships are tested.
But the one thing that stayed the same, we never left each other.
Even if we didn’t talk much, we were always there for one another, silently supporting each other. And deep down, I wanted to tell him how much I missed him. How badly I wanted him to come back.
But I never did.
Because that was his dream, and I never wanted to become a reason for him to stop chasing it.
And honestly, I am proud of him. He made me a part of every one of his achievements whether it was celebrating a bug-free code or getting his first big project.
He became a part of me that no one else can replace.
I tried not to think about him too much, because I didn’t want to seem clingy.
But the truth is, if there was any glue in the world strong enough-I would choose to be stuck with him forever.
I chuckled at my own silly thought as it lingered in my mind.
While Atharv was talking nonstop just moments ago. He had slowly drifted off to sleep. His little head rested gently against the seatbelt,Β fingers still loosely holding his water bottle.
I took a water bottle from him, putting it inside my bag.
The car ride grew quiet.
Vihaan glanced at the mirror, then turned his eyes toward me, “What is going on inside the pretty brain of yours?”
I looked at him and whispered, “You.”
He blinked and then a soft smile plastered in his face. I let out a quiet breath, finally allowing myself to relax as I turned my gaze toward the road ahead.
Then, without a word, I felt Vihaan’s hand gently rest on my thigh. His touch was warm and steady. He slowly began to rub soft, calming circles with his thumb.
I didn’t look at him. I didn’t need to.
My body responded instinctively, easing into the moment.
My shoulders dropped, the tension slipping away as I leaned back into the seat.
I didn’t want to talk. I didn’t want to overthink. I didn’t want to ruin the calm that wrapped itself around us like a warm blanket.
He is here. With me. Beside me. And for me that was enough. That’s all I needed.
Once we reached back, he parked the car and I carried Atharv to his room and tucked him into bed.
When I came out, I found Vihaan still waiting for me.
Evening had already set in.
“Can you come with me for a few minutes?” he asked softly.
Without hesitation, I walked toward him.
“Where?” I asked.
A warm, familiar smile spread across his face.
“To the park-like old times,” he said, scratching the back of his neck shyly.
I smiled back.
We walked together and slowly, I slipped my hand into his. He gave a small, contented smile.
The park was quiet as the sun began to set. The soft light painted the sky in shades of orange and purple.
The only sounds were the chirping of birds, horns and people wandering around, but my focus was only on the quiet rhythm of our hearts, beating gently in sync.
We sat on a slightly broken wooden bench, close but still feeling like there was a wall between us.
I glanced at him.
I reached out slowly and held his hand. His fingers wrapped around mine. Like he had been waiting for this moment too. He looked at me, eyes searching.
Then, slowly, he got up and knelt in front of me.
“Ruh,” he whispered, his voice low, almost afraid. “I… I am sorry.”
I stayed quiet, letting him speak. His hands held mine tightly, like he was scared I’d disappear. So I squeezed back just as firmly, silently telling him I am right here and I am not going anywhere.
“I messed up,” he continued.
“I thought I was doing the right thing, focusing on work, trying to finish early so I could be with you sooner. But in trying to get back to you. I ended up leaving you behind.”
“Vihaan…it’s not your fault….you don’t need to say sorry….” I whispered, but he gently shook his head.
“Let me finish,” he said, his voice cracking.
“I didn’t even notice when the calls got shorter. When our texts turned into just, ‘Did you eat?’ or ‘I am busy, will call later.’ I didn’t tell you how low I was feeling, how badly I wanted to talk to you. I felt like I was drowning in work and all I wanted was you beside me.”
He looked down, voice low and a little shaky, “And when you asked for space, I got scared. I didnβt stand up for us the way I should have. I lost myself and in my anger, I ended up hurting everything, me, you and our relationship.”
I reached up gently and cupped his face with my hands, feeling his warmth.
My heart ached, “I didn’t ask for space because I wanted to push you away. I asked because every time we talked, it ended in small arguments. I didn’t want us to get tense, especially when you were already busy with your project.”
He held my hands tighter and asked quietly, “Didn’t you feel bad about that? About us?”
“I felt lonely,” I admitted, my voice barely audible.
I looked into his eyes, “Even when we talked, I felt like I was the only one trying to keep the conversation alive. You were there but not really present. I also didn’t try to make things better. It’s my fault too. I am sorry but somewhere i stepped back
because I don’t want to be a barrier in between you and your dream.”
We sat quietly for a moment, just listening to the soft rustling of leaves and the gentle wind around us. It felt like the world paused with us.
He gave me a small smile, “You never were a barrier in my life, Ruh. You were the reason I kept going, even when things got tough.”
My heart squeezed at his words.
“I didn’t want to sound clingy,” I whispered, “but I missed you so much. The last few months were a mess for us.”
I thought back-how everything had started to fall apart slowly, how small conversation turned into arguments. I was scared. Really scared of losing him. We were already far apart, and I didn’t want to lose what we had over little fights.
So I stepped back and asked for space.
That’s how relationships sometimes are, I guess.
But we didn’t give up.
We started calling each other again. Sometimes we just chatted, sometimes we didn’t say much, but it was something. When I asked, we talked openly. We tried to work through our problems. And then things were slowly getting better but not completely. The distance was still there, but we were taking baby steps trying to mend what we had both broken. I had said so many things in anger and so did he.
He looked at me with honest eyes and said, “I miss you every single day. I just forgot how to say it. I stopped telling you how much I needed you and cared.”
I felt tears well up. It hurt, but also felt like a weight lifting.
“We both messed up,” I said softly.
“We both stayed quiet when we should have spoken,” he continued.
“But now we are here, together,” I said, a small smile breaking through my tears.
He chuckled, wiping his eyes, “I missed your voice. Your smile. And even the way you scold me for skipping lunch. Honestly, I don’t want to live a single day without you, Ruh.”
I laughed, tears still slipping down, “And I missed you calling me at 2 AM just to tell me you cracked a bug in your game.”
He grinned, “Yeah, I cracked the code after 17 failed tries. I almost threw my laptop out the window, but then I remembered you would scold me.”
“I definitely would,” I said, as a soft chuckle escaped from my mouth.
He looked serious now, his eyes locked on mine, “Let’s try again, Ruh. Really. No more pretending everything is okay when it’s not. No more silence. We will be together and I will be with you.”
My heart fluttered and felt so full.
Will he be with me? Won’t he go back…stop…Ruhanika stop. Don’t think about this at this moment.
I nodded, feeling hopeful, “Even if it’s messy, we will talk. No matter how badly we fight, we will always find our way back to each other.”
He pulled me into a soft, warm hug.
“I will keep choosing you. Over and over again,” he whispered.
“And I will choose you, even when we are imperfect” I promised.
We stayed like that, holding each other close, while the sky darkened and stars began to sparkle above us.
Maybe love isn’t about big, dramatic moments all the time. Maybe it’s about showing up, holding on, and choosing each other….especially when things get tough.
“So, am I forgiven now?” he asked, giving me that usual mischievous smile, looking way too pleased with himself-like he just won a medal in being annoying.
I looked around like I was thinking hard, then suddenly leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.
“I already accepted your apology when I met you yesterday. By the way I was never really angry,” I said with a small grin.
His eyes went wide like I just dropped a huge surprise, “Wait, what? Then why didn’t you tell me before? I could have made a dramatic return a few months later…. You know, like the Bollywood airport scene…”
I rolled my eyes and gave his shoulder a light smack, “Stop being so dramatic.”
“Ouch!” he said, pretending to be hurt.
“I have been suffering, you know. Got actual murder threats. I deserve sympathy,” he said casually.
“Murder threats?” I raised my eyebrow, curious.
He nodded seriously and dropped down beside me, “Vani, your scary witch best friend threatened to break my bones. Then said she would crush those broken bones into powder, if I make you cry. Who even talks like that? I saw my life flash before my eyes.”
I giggled, trying not to laugh, but honestly it was too funny.
“And Tanya?” he added dramatically.
“She said she would send you on a blind date with some random guy if I didn’t fix things soon. Like, what the heck?” He said the last line in slight anger.
At that point, I lost it. I burst into full-on laughter. My stomach actually started hurting.
“This is not funny” he raised his eyebrows. “I was almost sacrificed by your personal army of witches. I should be getting a hefty amount of pay for dating you.”
I wiped my tears, still giggling, “Sorry, sorry. But you have to admit, Tanya’s idea wasn’t bad. I mean…..a blind date can be exciting…..”
Before I could finish my sentence, he pulled me closer. Way too close. His arms wrapped tightly around my waist, his face inches from mine.
“Ruh,” he murmured, voice low and steady, like a warning wrapped in warmth, “don’t ever say that again…not even as a joke. The idea of someone else beside you, touching you, knowing your heart….that’s not happening anytime.”
His possessiveness gave me butterflies and made my brain short-circuit at the same time.
I nodded, speechless.
“Hmm,” was all I could manage.
He looked into my eyes for a second and gently tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear, like I was something precious that he didnβt want to hurt. And everything else faded because he was right there in front of me.
After all the misunderstandings, the cold silences, and the distance between us, we were finally here together.
It felt unreal.
Like I was in a dream I never wanted to wake up from.
He leaned in slowly, one hand brushing my jaw. I closed my eyes as our lips touched lightly-just a soft brush-
Bzzz. Bzzz.
My phone rang.
Of course. Of course.
I opened one eye to realise my surroundings and pulled back.
Vihaan groaned and dropped his head onto my shoulder dramatically, “I swear, this phone has the worst timing.”
I looked at the screen.
It was my brother.
“This man won’t ever let me have my kiss in peace,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair and I couldn’t help but giggle.
I picked it up quickly and talked to him.
“He is asking me to come home,” I told Vihaan after ending the call.
He looked at me for a second, then leaned in and gently kissed the corner of my lips.
My heart skipped a beat, but just as things started to feel sweet, his phone rang.
He again got annoyed as he picked up his phone.
I noticed the caller ID flash….Adhya mam-i mean Aunty.
He stood up as he talked with his mother.
Vihaan gave me a small nod after answering, “Mumma is calling us for dinner. She invited your family too,” he said softly.
I nodded.
“Toh phir chalein?” I asked, holding out my hand.
He smiled and took it in his, gently raising his other hand in a formal gesture, “Chaliye”
I laughed quietly, and we walked together toward home, fingers intertwined like it was always meant to be this way.
When I reached home, I learned that Adhya aunty had arranged a family dinner-it was Saturday night, after all, and Sunday meant a relaxed day ahead. Thank God. Maybe I would finally get a break.
I went to my room and immediately video called Tanya and Vani.
“Ooooh, someone seems too happy,” Tanya teased as soon as she saw me.
I felt my cheeks heat up.
“So… he is back, huh?” Tanya added with a knowing smile.
I nodded, still smiling like an idiot.
“Milne toh do mujhe us jhingur se, ek baar. Phir batati hoon usko….kitna rulaya hai meri Ruhii ko,” Vani jumped in, all fired up.
This girl is always ready for a war.
I laughed, “calm down, Vani.”
“I don’t know how to explain it, but I feel so happy. Like, really happy,” I said, and then went on to tell them everything. Every little detail. They listened to everything.
“By the way, when are you coming back, Vani?” I asked her.
“This week. Hopefully,” she replied with a sigh.
“I’ll tell you once it’s confirmed.”
My eyebrows shot up, “What happened? Did you get into trouble again?”
Tanya straightened up, “Don’t tell me you actually murdered someone this time.”
I blinked, shocked asking, “What happened, Vani?”
Vani looked offended, as she flipped her hair, “No, not that extreme. Just a little bit of a fracture.”
“What? Are you okay?” I asked, both shocked and curious.
“Uhmm not mine….i am talking about my client,” she said casually, rolling her eyes.
Tanya and I sighed but soon we realised what she said.
The heck!
“I mean, don’t look at me like that,” Vani defended herself.
“The guy was irritating me and tried touching me without my permission. I warned him, but he didn’t listen. So….I broke his hand and leg. End of story.”
“And now his family filed a case against you?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
She grinned, “See? You know me too well.”
Tanya and I sighed again, this time with a little smile. Typical Vani.
“Well, good job though. No one has the right to touch someone without consent, you should also have broken his head,” Tanya said firmly.
I nodded in agreement.
“Correct but anyway,” Vani added, “once I am done dealing with this mess, I will be back. Promise.”
We ended up chatting for a while, catching up and laughing like old times.
My heart felt full.
Just then, Mumma knocked and peeked in, “Ruhanika, you are still not ready? Adhya is waiting. We are all going. You will come after getting ready and make sure to lock the door properly.”
I nodded quickly and stood up to get ready.
I stepped into the shower, letting the warm water hit my skin washing away the long day.
After drying off, I stood in front of my wardrobe and I picked a lavender kurti and paired it with crisp white pants and a matching white dupatta.
I added a peachy tint on my lips, a little blush on my cheeks, some mascara, and the perfume he once said made his brain stop working.
Perfect.
I left my hair open….because he always had this thing about running his fingers through it. And it’s not like i don’t like it…I love it when he runs his fingers into my hair.
Just as I reached for my jhumkas, my phone pinged.
Vihaan: When are you coming? Everyone is already here.
I smirked and typed back slowly, taking my time just to annoy him.
Me: Why? Getting impatient, Mr. Raichand?
I took my sweet time because honestly? Making him wait was fun.
Vihaan: For you, I am always impatient.
Desperate Raichand.
Me: Tch tch. Patience, sweetheart. I am worth the wait.
Vihaan: If I had any less patience, I would have you trapped beneath me, kissing you until you forgot your own name.
I blinked, as I sucked a deep breath, trying to steady myself.
Calm down, Ruhanika.
Nasty chimpanzee. Always having one way thoughts. My cheeks were heating up like crazy and I am blushing like a complete fool.
He is making me go insane.
My heart was doing this weird little flip, and somewhere deep inside, I was loving every second of it-even if I tried not to show it.
I bit the inside of my cheek to hold back a grin and a smirk plastered on my face as i typed:
Me: Save that energy for tonight.
Okay, I blushed. And grinned.
Vihaan: Then just come here, and I will show you how much energy I have got…..to make you go insane.
This man was a flirt with no off switch.
I slipped into my footwear, added the jhumka, did a little twirl in the mirror, and whispered to myself-Pretty.
β’β’β’β’β’
I rang the doorbell, but the front door was already open.
Honestly, it has become a bit of a tradition now….one dinner together at our house, the next at Adhya mam’s. I mean…Adhya aunty.
Atharv, that little tornado, absolutely loved these dinners. If it were up to him, he would have both families living under one roof and holding video game parties with matching outfits and brownies, because of course.
I stepped inside, trying to be subtle as I scanned the room. Dad and Uncle were comfortably settled on the sofa, chatting away, I am pretty sure discussion was about any political gossip.
On the opposite side, Kunal bhaiya and Prisha bhabhi were talking quietly.
I know she started to not like noisy places, so she quietly sat in a corner. Kunal bhai was with her, gently massaging her arms and sometimes her feet. Her hands rested softly on her baby bump the entire time.
And Atharv? He was being Atharv. Spinning around the living room with the speed of flash.
But….he wasn’t here.
I tried not to look too upstairs as everyone is sitting here.
Where is Vihaan? Shouldn’t he be here by now? I sighed dramatically and walked into the kitchen.
As expected, Mumma and Adhya aunty were there, deep in conversation.
“Arey, Ruhanika! Come, do you want something?” Adhya aunty asked, flashing me her warm smile.
I shook my head, “No no, just came to meet you.”
The three of us stood together, chatting like we hadn’t met in a long time.
Mumma’s phone rang, and she stepped out to take the call.
“Let me help, if there is something to do,” I offered.
She waved her hand with a small smile, “No need, it’s almost done.”
“Please,” I pleaded battling my eyelashes.
I mean i should help her. What will she think about me? That I came and didn’t even ask to help her. It won’t look good. Right.
She finally gave in with a small chuckle, “Fine, stir that for a bit.”
I walked over to the stove and began stirring like a good chef. I mean I am pretty decent at cooking. So there’s no lie.
“What are you making?” I asked, already guessing from the delicious smell.
“Rajma Chawal,” she said with a fond sigh.
“Yuvraaj ji had made something else for dinner too, but my dramatic son insisted on this. Apparently, he has been eating too much packed food and missed home-cooked food.
“Although I am not a very good cook, rajma chawal is something I can make well. And Vihu actually likes it when I cook it otherwise, he won’t eat it unless it’s made by his father,” She rolled her eyes but the affection was obvious.
“Can you teach me?” I asked after a minute.
She raised a playful eyebrow at me. I kept stirring.
“I mean… I know how to cook it, just not the way you do,” i tried to make an excuse.
That was a good excuse? Right?
I didn’t sound weird.
Whatever. Now, I have already said it.
She beamed, clearly pleased, “Come, I will show you then.”
Wow. It was easy.
Just like that, She showed me her way of adding spices, how long to let the rajma simmer, even her little ‘tadka‘ twist. I followed along like an obedient student, soaking up every detail.
Mumma returned, helped us a bit, but was promptly dismissed by Adhya aunty with a laugh, “Everything’s done. Go, sit, and enjoy being a guest.”
I was about to head out too when I heard her call my name.
“Ruhanika.”
I turned around. She had that suspiciously teasing smile on her face.
“Yes, aunty?”
She walked to the corner of the kitchen, where a rack full of recipe books stood. She placed another book there but it didn’t look like a recipe book at all.
“Tell me which one looks better,” She handed me a catalog filled with room design living rooms and bedrooms.
I blinked, “Uh… why?”
She smiled like she had a secret. “We are planning to renovate the living room and Vihaan’s room. So I wanted to know your choice.”
“Me?” I frowned.
“It’s your house and Vihaan’s room. I don’t think I should-“
She laughed gently, then said in a perfectly casual tone that almost gave me a heart attack, “Of course you should. You will be living here soon, so it should be according to your choice, na?”
I swear I felt the ground tilt.
I blinked, “Sorry. what?”
She coughed, hiding her smirk like a pro, “I mean, I don’t know how to pick these things and prisha also left renovation things on me because of her health. And Vihaan isn’t interested. But he likes your choices, so I thought-“
She wiggled her eyebrows.
What is happening?
Why is she behaving like this?
I managed to pull myself together, or at least pretend I had, “Um…this one looks nice. Classy and elegant.”
She nodded, pleased, “Your choice is always on point.”
As we stood there talking more, my brain was still back on that sentence-You will be living here soon.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to faint, blush, or run back into the kitchen and hide inside the fridge.
Did she know?
Oh gosh. If this is how it’s going to be, then someone please tell the ground to swallow me whole.
Right here. Right now.
This is embarrassing. So embarrassing. I mean awkward too.
What if she does not like my choice?
Do I even come off as decent?
Ugh…shut up, Ruhanika. Just. Shut. Up.
“Ruhanika,” I heard Adhya ma’am’s voice again. I turned around, and she started a conversation as I helped her clean the kitchen.
I huffed and slammed the laptop shut.
“Ares, I am busy right now. I already sent you the edited version,” I said into my phone, trying to stay calm.
This guy acts like I am a coding machine with no life.
He laughed like he was enjoying my misery, “Okay, sir. And what about your replacement?”
I let out a sigh.
“I will inform you soon,” I said and ended the call.
I took a deep breath and leaned back. Time to meet her. Ruh. My Ruh.
Every time I try to spend time with her, something crazy happens like we are living in a bollywood dramatic thriller instead of a love story.
I stood up, glanced in the mirror, adjusted my hair and sprayed an extra dose of perfume. I mean I am looking handsome right now.
But Ruh was nowhere to be found.
Instead, I saw Kunal Bhai feeding Prisha Di. Honestly, she behaves like a stubborn toddler when it comes to eating, throws full-on tantrums unless Kunal Bhai bribes her with something sweet or dramatic.
Today, Mumma insisted she eat before all of us because she had to take her medicines. But of course, Di wasn’t making it easy. She kept pouting and turning her face away like a 5-year-old.
But I think she is a little scared of Kunal Bhai’s anger. Not that he ever yells at her, never even raises his voice. But when she refuses to eat, he just gives her that grumpy robot glare. And somehow, my brave, fearless Di, who doesn’t get scared of anyone, instantly becomes the most obedient human alive.
One look from him and she is chewing her food quietly like a scolded kitten.
In between all this, Kunal Bhai was also feeding Atharv. Multitasking.
I should take notes for the future.
And just like that, the calm shattered.
Because then came the tornado.
“Mamu, video games,” he shouted, jumping into my arms like a bird.
“Yes, yes, little tornado. But first, I have to find your bua,” I said.
He nodded like a serious soldier on a mission and ran off. Probably to trouble mom.
As I turned, my eyes accidentally met Akshat Uncle’s. My heart stuttered. Instinctively, I looked away and walked past him like he wasn’t even there, like he was just another shadow in the room.
I don’t know how long I can keep doing this….pretending not to see him, avoiding the weight in his eyes, the questions he doesn’t ask. But I can’t look at him. Not yet.
Still, deep down, I know…One day, I will have to. I will have to face him. I will have to talk to him.
I sighed.
I stepped into the kitchen and froze.
There she was.
My Ruh.
My Ruh is wearing a lavender-colored kurti today, paired with white pants and a matching dupatta. Her hair was clipped back, a few strands falling messily around her face, and tiny jhumka danced every time she moved. The dupatta had slipped slightly, hanging across her shoulder with a loose knot on one side of her waist as she focused on cooking.
I think it’s the first time I have seen her in lavender. Yeah… I remember now, once, during a video call, I showed her a lavender flower garden. She fell in love with it instantly. Not completely, of course, nothing ever replaces orchids for her, but I remember telling her this color would look good on her.
And look at her now.
She looks like someone sent straight from heaven…just for me.
But what was she doing?
Gossiping with my mom. Not just any gossip-because I am the target.
What the heck! They both are gossiping???
Mom was laughing, “And then Vihu fell into the muddy water because he saw a cockroach”
What is happening here??
And why is she telling this to Ruh??? Urghh it’s embarrassing.
‘Let me grab some popcorn…looks like the drama is just getting started,’ my brain muttered like it was watching a soap opera.
‘You are supposed to be on my side,’ I muttered internally.
But of course, my brain only snorted back,’Oh please, I am just here for the entertainment.’
Ruh giggled, clapping her hands, “Aunty. You know in the biology lab, when we had to examine little specimens, he nearly fainted. They were such cute specimens.”
Excuse me?? Cute? Those creepy crawlies still haunt my nightmares.
That was the day I regretted choosing that subject.
Well, I always knew my Ruh wasn’t from Earth. Who actually likes insects? Who?????
“And the same day, he bunked class, And guess what? He got punished,” Ruh continued proudly, like she was revealing a major plot twist.
Mom gasped, “He did? Every time I found out he skipped classes, I punished him.”
Ruh nodded like an obedient student in front of a teacher, “Yes…and poor Siddharth got punished too…just because he refused to leave his partners-in-crime, Yash and Vihaan.”
“And they had to run fifteen laps around the school ground. Want to know a secret?” Ruh leaned in. “I was the one who told the PE teacher.”
What the Heck!!!!
“But I didn’t know Sid would also get punished. I didn’t want Yash to get punished either, so I kept my mouth shut. But alas! Sir found out anyway. Poor guy…he was actually sweet, but thanks to that one-of-a-kind species of chimpanzee, he got dragged into it too,” she told everything so innocently.
And just like that, I had a flashback to that horrible day. My legs were dead from all that running.
And now I find out it was her who complained about me?
This girl…
Fine, Ruh. I will get my revenge.
“You were the one who complained?” Mom asked, straightening up, clearly enjoying this drama.
I smirked.
Because damn… Ruh looked so freaking hot-that lavender kurti hugged her just right, her dupatta tucked to the side in that effortless knot.
And here I was, standing ten steps away, thinking of how badly I wanted to untie that knot, grip her by the waist, pull her against me and…..
Shut up. Hit the brakes, Vihaan Raichand.
Your mother is literally here.
This is not a time to think this.
I leaned casually against the wall, watching the two women I adored
gossiping about me like I was some villain in their saas-bahu drama.
Cute. Really cute.
I pulled out my phone and clicked their picture.
And then, without even thinking, I zoomed in slightly… and clicked one of Ruh, just her.
Ruh didn’t even hesitate, “Your son was being super annoying that day. He made me so angry that I went straight to the teacher.”
Mom burst into laughter and patted her on the back, “Good job, Ruhanika.”
I looked at them both. Wow. Just… wow.
“And you know he used to be so rude,” Ruh added with fake sadness.
She should win an Oscar for this.
Mom blinked, “Why?”
Clearly thinking of me to punish me, because I made her sad. But the good thing is she can’t give me an organic chemistry worksheet now.
Ahhh what a relief!!!!
“You know Adhya mam, he yelled at me in front of the whole class just because the English teacher gave us the same speech topic. We got into an argument, and he lost his temper. I seriously wanted to smash his head and feed him to a cockroach.”
I gulped.
Okay, one…..I didn’t yell. I raised my voice, slightly.
Two….she started it.
And three….she was winning the argument, so obviously I panicked! I couldn’t let my academic rival win like that.
I cleared my throat loudly and stepped into the kitchen.
“Is my complaint session going well?” I asked as my voice was laced with a mischievous tone.
Mom and Ruh turned to me.
“Vihuu, we were just….” My mom tried to act innocent.
“Gossiping about me,” I interrupted.
Ruh gave me her most innocent look and batted her eyelashes, “We were just talking. Casual stuff.”
“Really?” I raised an eyebrow, walking closer, squinting at both of them suspiciously as they tried their best to look innocent.
Keyword: tried.
Ruh smirked and replied sweetly, “Yes, we were just talking about how you fainted because you got second rank.”
I choked on air.
What the hell.
“What? Vihu, you really fainted because of that?” Mumma turned to me, trying her best not to laugh but failing miserably.
“No” I said quickly, flailing my hands in panic.
“It was… it was hot that day! I was dehydrated…yeah”
But the damage was already done.
Ruh laughed, like she just heard the best joke of the century.
“Oh my gosh! Let me go and tell this breaking news to everyone. It’s so funny and cute,” mumma said as she laughed.
I watched in horror as she stood up, ready to walk out with my dignity in her hands.
“Mom…NO” I whined, chasing after her, but she was already halfway out the door, probably planning to tell Kunal bhaiya, Atharv, street cat and dogs and even the whole neighbourhood.
“Oh my God, aunty…Please do it” Ruh said, laughing, as Mom walked out of the kitchen giggling with this brand-new breaking news….that I fainted for coming second.
Seriously, what even is my life?
Ruh was still standing there, clearly proud of her little roast session. I walked toward her, slowly.
And just like magic, her smirk vanished.
She suddenly looked a little nervous.
Obviously. Because now no one was around.
I took a step closer. Then another. She leaned back till she bumped into the kitchen slab.
I folded my arms, “So….laughing at my second-rank with my mom? Really, Miss Ex-Academic Rival?”
She blinked at me all innocently, “Don’t you think it’s funny?”
I leaned in, eyes wide like I was shocked.
“Yeah, joke of the century,” i muttered as I rolled my eyes at her.
She raised an eyebrow proudly, “exactly”
I sighed as i tried to clean my already tarnished reputation, “And for your kind information, I fainted because I was dehydrated.”
She grinned, all smug, “Really? Then what about the part where you drank two full bottles of water and went back to refill a third one from the ground floor water tank?”
I stepped closer, voice dropping, “Ahnnn….so someone was stalking me.”
Her smile disappeared, as she stuttered, “No! I wasn’t stalking….. I just….you came, and I happened to see you….by chance”
I touched her cheek gently, and her words stumbled. She went quiet.
I leaned in more, my fingers slowly untying the side knot of her dupatta.
It slipped a little off her shoulder. She froze, eyes wide.
“So don’t you think you shouldn’t be gossiping about your boyfriend with his mom?” I asked, hand sliding to her waist.
Her breath hitched.
“I was just trying to bond with Adhya mam,” she said casually.
“Yeah, by making me the target of your bonding,” I teased, grin tugging at my lips.
She cleared her throat, eyes flickering up to mine.
Then i leaned in close to her, our lips almost brushing, then she squinted at me, eyes sharp.
“Bhai” she squeaked, pointing behind me.
No way!
I pulled back from her and my heart beat raised into fear.
I cursed mentally as I turned to check but there was no one.
She tricked me.
And before I could react, she pushed me aside and ran off into the hall like a scared rabbit who just rang someone’s doorbell for a prank.
“RUH” I called after her, but she was already gone.
Ugh. Fine. I will deal with her later.
β’β’β’β’β’
Guess what?
Mom told everyone about my fainting incident like it was some kind of family legacy.
Now the whole table was laughing.
I pouted and glared at Ruh.
She? She was sitting there, chewing slowly, smirking at me like the villain she is.
So much fun, huh?
Wait.
After dinner, I went to my room. I flopped on the bed, stretched out, and smirked.
Time for payback.
I picked up my phone and typed: “Come upstairs to my room, no excuse, otherwise I’ll come downstairs and you know I can do it very easily.”
I knew she would come.
Almost a minute later…knock.
See. I was right.
“Vihaan?” Her voice came from the door.
I got up and opened the door, pulled her inside quickly like a spy on a mission, and locked the door behind her.
She blinked.
“What the heck?” she gasped as I slid my arms around her waist, pulling her close.
I grinned at her, smug and unapologetic.
“What now?” she asked, trying to act all innocent-but the way her eyes widened slightly gave her away.
“What? I am just showing that energy which i save up to make you go insane….” I said, my voice low and teasing, a mischievous smile playing on my lips.
Before she could reply, I pulled her closer. Her body fit perfectly against mine.
I lowered my face, brushing it gently against the side of her neck. Her breath hitched immediately.
“Do you think I was annoying?” I asked, nuzzling into her neck.
“Yes,” she said in a heavy voice, breathing fast.
“Hmm, what do you think of me now?” I whispered against her skin, placing a soft kiss there. My lips moved gently, slowly, kissing the spot where her pulse beat fastest.
She exhaled shakily, her fingers sliding into my hair, playing with it like she always did when she was nervous but didn’t want to admit it.
“You are still annoying,” she whispered, trying to sound strong.
But her voice shook just a little.
I smiled against her neck, then nipped her skin gently. She gasped, her hand tightening in my hair.
I kissed the spot again, softer this time, then traced kisses up along her jawline, slow and lingering. Her chest rose and fell quickly, her breathing uneven as her eyes fluttered shut.
I watched her. God, those hazel brown eyes. They always looked at me like I was her whole world, even when she pretended to be mad.
I leaned in, brushing my lips near the corner of her lips, right where that tiny mole sat.
That spot had become my new favorite obsession.
I kissed it, slow and sensual.
She opened her eyes and met mine, and that one look was enough to burn through every last bit of patience I had left.
“I have been patient since the day I came back,” I murmured, my voice low and rough.
“But you…you make it really hard to stay patient. And now?” I leaned in, brushing my lips near her ear.
“The last strings of my patience just broke.”
She didn’t say a word. She just pulled me closer, eyes locked on mine, lips parted like she was daring me.
I leaned in to kiss her.
I gently kissed her lips, slow and deep, letting the moment stretch between us. My hand gripped her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between us. Her hands were tangled in my hair, holding on like she didn’t want to let go.
My other hand slowly slid up her arm, tracing her skin gently as we kissed again, softer and more intense. Like we were both afraid to let the moment slip away.
She pulled back slightly, breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling as she looked up at me with those hazel brown eyes.
That look.
It always did something to me. I was gone again-completely lost in her.
I leaned in again, my lips just barely touching hers-slow and serious.
This time, she didn’t hold back.
She kissed me back with fire, strong and full of need. There was nothing soft about it. It wasnβt gentle or hesitant like all the feelings we had been holding in finally spilled out at once.
I brushed my thumbs gently against her cheeks. I deepened the kiss, pouring every emotion into it. She clutched my t-shirt, gripping tightly.
Her lips moved with mine, matching the pace, the heat, the longing. Our bodies pressed together, and the heat building between us.
My hands slid around her waist, pulling her tight against me, feeling every curve, every breath.
The kiss was fierce, like fire consuming everything in its path.
I traced my hand down her neck, feeling the pulse racing beneath my skin. She shivered, breath catching as I nipped softly at her bottom lip. A soft moan escaped from her mouth.
I backed her gently until she hit the edge of the bed.
She sat down, pulling me with her.
Still kissing. Still close.
She leaned back onto the bed just a little, her fingers fisting the fabric of my t-shirt as if trying to keep herself grounded. Her hand trailed slowly down my chest, stopping right above my heart.
I whispered, “Feel that?”
She looked up, and I said, “That’s what you do to my poor heart every time…make it race like it is trying to run straight to you.”
She chuckled, but I could see the way her own breath was hitching.
I leaned in, brushing my lips along her jaw, taking my sweet time. Then I dipped lower to her neck, kissing, teasing, sucking gently on her warm skin.
I missed her like crazy….I wanted to taste every inch of her skin, to explore every inch of her body and soul where my lips hadn’t yet wandered, leaving no part untouched.
She sank fully into the bed, her hair spread around her. Her fingers found their way back into my hair again, and I swear I could melt on the spot.
My lips moved down to her neck, kissing, sucking, tasting the soft skin there. Her scent-sweet… making me intoxicated for her. I felt her breath catch when I bit down lightly, and she hissed.
I pulled back slightly to soothe it with gentle kisses. My hand came up to cradle the side of her face while the other held her wrist pinned beside her head.
“You are addictive, Ruh,” I whispered, my lips trailing along her collarbone.
“Maybe I will need rehab after this.”
I pressed my mouth to the delicate skin of her neck, my teeth grazing it just enough to make her shiver. Slowly, I rolled my tongue over the spot, teasing and tasting, leaving a trail of heat that made her arch her back giving me more access.
“The sweetest intoxicating addiction. I swear, the more I taste, the more I crave and I will never get enough of you.”
She looked up at me, her hazel eyes full of something that made everything inside me still for a second.
“You always do this,” she whispered, voice shaky.
“Do what?” I asked against her skin, still not stopping.
“Make me forget how to think after saying something I can’t even respond to,” she whispered her voice barely audible.
I gave a soft laugh, trailing my tongue over the spot I’d just kissed, “then don’t stress your pretty brain and let me do my job.”
She giggled, even as her fingers tugged on my hair again. I groaned quietly, it was pure torture, the good kind.
I peppered soft kisses on her neck and shoulder, like I had all the time in the world to worship her.
But just when things were getting intense-
“Mamu?”
We froze.
Her eyes widened like a deer caught in headlights and she quickly pushed me away.
Leading me to fall from bed.
“Ouch, Ruh!” I winced, rubbing my shoulder.
“Sorry sorry. I panicked.” she whispered, glancing toward the door.
“Well yeah, your panic just dislocated my shoulder,” I muttered.
She gave me a sheepish look, cheeks flushed, hair a mess and lips a little swollen.
God, she looked beautiful.
She stood up and corrected her appearance as she muttered, “Thank God there is no mark. I am safe.”
I watched her glare at me with those serious eyes, said, “What are you even doing here? Go and open the door.”
I heard a little voice shout, again, “Mamuuuuu!”
Like father, like son.
I muttered under my breath, “Both of them are the enemies of my romance,” and stood up to open the gate.
There stood a little tornado, sheepishly smiling at me.
“What do you want?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
He looked all shy but then sneaked a glance at Ruh with a suspicious gaze, like a mini detective.
“Why did you open the gate so late? Kya kar rahe the aap dono,” he asked, squinting at us like he was solving a crime.
Yess, exactly like his father.
I glanced at Ruh and smirked when I saw her cheeks turn bright pink as she bit her lip, trying to hide her embarrassment.
“I was teaching your bua something,” I said, smirking at her but Ruh immediately gave me a sharp pinch.
“What?” Atharv asked, looking at Ruh.
“Video games, baby,” she said, trying to keep a straight face. “So I can play with you.”
The little guy’s face lit up like he’d won the lottery, “Yayy….Now you won’t make me study”
I shook my head. Kids these days.
“By the way, what are you doing here?” Ruh asked, watching me carefully.
“Papa was calling you. We are going back now,” atharv announced like a tiny, serious bodyguard of her bua.
Ruh nodded and adjusted her hair in the mirror, trying to look flawless. Meanwhile, Atharv grabbed her hand tightly.
I leaned in quickly and kissed her cheek before my little detective could notice.
I chuckled and flopped down on my bed.
β’β’β’β’β’
Later that night, well, actually at midnight, I quietly closed the main gate and made my way to Veena aunty’s house.
I grabbed the ladder….the new one.
The old ladder? Yeah, that one broke because of me.
See, I tried to surprise Ruh on her 21st birthday by sneaking in through the balcony but on the way back, I slipped and fell, smashing the ladder to bits.
The whole neighborhood thought there was a thief because of the noise and chaos. People even started patrolling. I couldn’t meet Ruh at all.
Finally, things calmed down, and Veena aunty bought a new ladder.
I swear, the ladder carries the story of our love.
I climbed carefully and slowly opened her balcony door with the spare key i have.
There she was sleeping in one spot. Even in sleep, she looked so disciplined, her blanket was perfectly tucked.
Mine? Always thrown on the floor like a cyclone hit it.
I tiptoed towards her when suddenly something caught my eye.
What the hell was that?
A giant skeleton stood there in her room.
Before I could scream, I bumped into her table, and a box slipped off it with a loud crash.
I panicked.
“WHAT THE HECK?”
Ruh suddenly sat up and switched on the lights. Her sharp eyes landed on me.
“Vihaan” she exclaimed, hopping out of bed to help me up. “Are you okay?”
I nodded quickly but still stared wide-eyed at the skeleton.
“Who the hell keeps a bloody monster skeleton in their room? I almost had a heart attack. My soul literally left my body,” I complained, still shaken.
“First of all, it’s not a monster,” she scolded, pointing at the skeleton.
“He is my second baby. Don’t call him weird names.”
“Second baby?” I blinked, confused.
She nodded seriously, “First is my little tornado.”
I sighed.
“Fine, your monstrous baby,” I grumbled, still eyeing the skeleton suspiciously.
“Don’t call him that! He has a name,” she said, caressing the skeleton’s bones like it was her kid.
“Really? What’s his name?” I asked, glaring at a monstrous baby.
“Skully Oberoi, it’s cute right?” she said lovingly, patting the skeleton as if it would respond.
Skully…weird. cute my foot.
But i didn’t let my inner thoughts come outside as i don’t want to get beaten.
Meanwhile, her boyfriend I mean me lying on the floor. I looked around her room. The medical books were arranged neatly, moved from one shelf to another.
She leaned down and kissed me, and only then remembered I was actually there.
Finally she remembered.
I looked at that monster who was looking at me, it’s creepy….gosh I am having a bad feeling.
I stood up quickly.
And out that skeleton into the side.
What’s with doctors and their obsession with monstrous skeletons? They treat them like they are raising their own kids.
“So, why are you here?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I couldn’t sleep, so I came here,” I said, pulling her close.
She smiled, but her eyes landed on the box that had fallen earlier.
I picked it up and noticed something inside that made both of us smile-a paper ring.
I chuckled softly.
She smiled back, and I shifted onto the bed, pulling her with me.
She placed the box back and turned off the lights.
I wrapped my arms around her. “I treasure my ring too,” I whispered.
She smiled as snuggled closer.
“I always mess things up,” she murmured, her voice trembling like a leaf in the wind.
I turned to her, my brows furrowing in surprise. Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears.
“Don’t be stupid,” I said firmly, yet gently.
“Why do you think like that?”
She looked away, her voice barely above a whisper, “If you hadn’t come back…to me….we wouldn’t be like this-together…..and I would be alone…”
A single tear escaped the corner of her eye and slid down her cheek. My heart clenched at the sight.
I leaned in and kissed her forehead softly, holding her face between my palms.
“Remember, I told you We are like stars in the universe-meant to find each other,” I said, my voice full of quiet certainty.
“No matter how far apart, we were always going to meet.”
Her eyes closed for a second as she leaned into my touch. I wrapped my arms around her, and she snuggled closer, her body fitting perfectly against mine.
“I would never leave your side, no matter how much you wanted me to leave you,” I whispered into her hair.
She stayed quiet for a moment, then her voice broke the silence-small, guilty, and heavy.
“I am sorry,” she said, her voice cracking.
“I still feel guilty. My decision…it literally hurt you so much that day.”
I pulled her even closer, as if I could hold all the broken pieces of her heart together just by being near.
“It’s okay. Don’t feel guilty, and don’t say sorry. Forget all of this, hmm? I am here with you and you are with me. That’s what matters. Now sleep,” I said softly, brushing her hair back from her face.
She gave a tiny nod, eyes heavy, her fingers curled around my shirt like she was scared I might disappear again.
I gently pulled the duvet over us, tucking her in like something precious.
She nestled deeper into my arms. I could feel the tension slowly melt out of her body.
I ran my fingers through her hair, stroking it gently until she drifted off to sleep.
As her steady breaths filled the silence, my mind wandered back to the past-to the time we had spent apart, to the pain, the longing, the waiting.
But all of that led us here.
I could never live without my Ruh. She is my breath, my heartbeat, my soul and my everything.
I kissed her forehead again, a small smile spreading across my face as memories flooded in with the incident seven years back-
————————————
Finally Chapter 61…!!!
So how was the chapter???
Your favourite scene ???
Mine when she was gossiping with his mother….it’s freaking cuteππ
And Vihaan being shameless is my favourite thing π€§ππ»
And I am sorry for the late update…I got busy with some work i didn’t get time to write for 3-4 days and it took me a lot of time to write and then edit. And maybe upcoming chp might get delayedπ€§
I always try to update within 4-5 days but agar late ho jaaye 2-3 aur wait kr lia kro kr dungi updateπ₯Ί
Ab acche se vote and comment krna.
I am waiting for your commentsππ₯Ή
Enjoy Reading β€οΈ
Stay tuned for further updates…..!!!
Bye Cutiepies….!!!π
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