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I had just clicked a few pictures of Varun and Aashika, capturing their laughter, their glowing faces, the subtle way Aashi clung to his arm as he whispered something in her ear.
Seeing my sister happy filled something inside me. For a moment, it felt like everything in the world was just… perfect.
I turned to look at Vihaan. He was standing nearby, arms loosely folded, a soft smile playing on his lips as he quietly observed everyone. His eyes moved around the crowd, calm and alert, like they always did.
Leaning closer to him, I whispered near his ear, “I’ll be back in five. Behave.”
He gave a small nod and got busy chatting with Yash and Sid.
I walked towards Mumma, who was surrounded by a group of guests, in conversation. She looked radiant and confident-as always.
“Mumma,” I whispered, gently tapping her arm.
But she shot me a slight glare that clearly said “I am busy right now.”
I smiled awkwardly and leaned in again, slowly whispered, “Where is the gift I told you to keep for Varun and Aashika?”
She looked at me distractedly, then quickly turned to one of the ladies beside her and said, “Ahh, this is my daughter, Ruhanika.”
The guest gave me a warm smile, and I greeted her politely.
And just like that-I am trapped.
Mumma began introducing me to every other guest in a ten-foot radius. My cheeks hurt from smiling.
“Mumma,” I whispered again, fidgeting with the edge of my saree.
“Offo, Ruhii,” she murmured through her smile, raising a brow.
I pouted dramatically. Finally, after what felt like ages, she gave in. She gently pulled me aside by the wrist.
“Okay, okay. Tell me. What happened?” she asked.
“Mumma, the gift. For Varun and Aashika. I asked you to keep it safe. Where is it?” I said quickly, my eyes lighting up just thinking about all the effort I’d put into it.
She sighed, “I told you, Ruhii-you have to become more responsible. You should keep important things safe yourself. I won’t always be around to handle everything.”
I threw my head back in frustration, already sensing the start of a lecture.
“Before you start preaching-just look at me. I am in a saree! I can barely walk straight in this, let alone carry important things safely. I am responsible…..well, at least I try to be. I even gave my handbag to Dad to keep it safe,” I said with a pout and widened eyes.
She let out a soft chuckle and shook her head, “First floor. Room 107. I kept all the extra stuff there. Kunal has the key. And be careful-some baskets aren’t packed yet, and a few are for the groom’s family. Don’t break anything. Lock the door properly when you leave, okay?”
“Got it, got it. Bye!” I said, already rushing off.
I stepped out of the bustling hall. The air in the corridor felt cooler and quieter from the noise and laughter inside.
I spotted Kunal Bhai trying to feed Atharv, who seemed more interested in turning his spoon into an airplane.
“Bhai, I need the key to Room 107,” I said, ruffling Atharv’s hair as he giggled.
Without hesitation, Bhai handed me the key.
“Where is Bhabhi?” I asked curiously, tilting my head.
“She was feeling tired, so I asked her to rest. Don’t worry, Adhya Mumma is with her,” he replied.
I nodded. Kunal Bhai was always so careful with her, especially now that she was in her eighth month.
That’s why he had booked rooms for all of us to rest whenever needed.
“She loves these wedding functions, but with her mood swings and backaches, I didn’t want her to get too tired,” he added.
I nodded.
“Atharv, chew your food properly,” he scolded gently, as I knew my little tornado had a habit of swallowing quickly and getting it stuck.
“Eat properly, baby,” I said sweetly. He nodded with puffed cheeks, trying to be obedient.
I smiled and walked toward the other end of the hall, then entered the quiet corridor where the rooms were located.
I reached the room and slipped the key into the lock. The door clicked open, and I stepped in.
The room was dim, with curtains drawn and a soft golden light peeking through a narrow slit. Neatly stacked baskets and colorful gift boxes filled the room. I scanned the space until I spotted my brown bag in a corner.
Bending down, I dug through the pile, gently brushing aside silk ribbons, wrapping sheets, and small decor items. One of the baskets looked half-open, so I carefully repacked it to avoid any mess.
And then, finally…I found it.
The handmade, custom photo frame for Varun and Aashika.
My heart did a little happy dance.
I made it.
And now, I can’t wait to give it to them.
They deserved this moment after everything they had been through.
“I wish they stay happy forever,” I whispered softly to myself.
Smiling, I pick the bag carefully adjusting the gift inside and turned toward the door.
As I stepped out and reached behind me to lock the room-
Suddenly, someone pushed me inside.
Click.
The door slammed shut. My heart jumped into my throat.
I stumbled, almost losing my balance.
My pulse quickened as a familiar scent strong cologne seeped into my skin. And this is what I hate.
I turned slowly and there he was.
Dr. Samar.
Leaning against the door, his arms hung loosely at his sides, his coat open, shirt sleeves casually rolled up. But his eyes-his eyes scanned me like I was laid out on a silver platter.
His gaze paused at my neckline.
Then dipped lower.
I glared at him.
“I have always seen you in scrubs…or casuals,” he murmured, voice like silk dragged over a blade. His eyes lingered not with admiration, but possession.
“But this…” His gaze slithered over her, slow and unblinking. “In a saree, Ruhanika…you look tempting.”
His words slithered around me like smoke-poisonous and unwanted.
I could feel my skin crawl under his gaze.
That wasn’t an attraction in his eyes. It was ownership.
I straightened my spine, letting the fury inside me rise with every breath.
I didn’t blink. Didn’t react.
But inside? My thoughts spun like a hurricane. I took a quiet step back-measured, cautious.
I turned toward the door, my anger loud enough to burn the walls.
But before I could take another step he moved again.
And this time, he stood in front of the only exit.
Trapped.
I clenched my jaw, tightening my grip on the gift bag.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” I asked, low and sharp.
He chuckled softly. That same eerie laugh that always slithered down my spine.
He stepped closer.
I took another step back, only to feel the edge of the side table press against my back.
My hand reached behind me, wrapping instinctively around the lamp base.
One step closer and I swear I would smash his skull open and do an autopsy myself.
“Don’t push me away….from yourself,” he said, tilting his head.
There was something unhinged in the way he said it.
“That’s the problem,” I said, my voice rising with disgust. “You don’t know when to stop. You keep doing these creepy things. What are you even doing here?”
He smirked, “Why are you pretending not to know?”
I rolled my eyes at him.
His eyes flickered with something darker. His jaw tightened.
“You know what I have done for you,” he snapped. “Everything-for this hospital, the building plans, the board politics, the deals that went to hell…it was all for you. Not for them. For you.”
He stepped forward again, “I don’t care about this place. I care about you.”
Before I could move, his hand shot out and grabbed my wrist.
Not gentle but tighter like I was an object.
“Can’t you just see me the way I see you?” he gritted, eyes wild.
Pain shot up my arm. My skin burned beneath his grip.
Rage exploded in my chest.
I pressed my heel on his shoe and pushed down harder.
He hissed in pain and looked at me with an angry glare.
But I didn’t move. In fact, I pressed even more.
He let out a sharp hiss, stumbling back as he clutched his foot.
That smug expression finally cracked.
I yanked my arm away, grabbed a tissue side table, and wiped the spot where his skin had touched mine, with eyes locked on him.
Then I tossed the tissue into the bin. Like it was filth.
His jaw locked, his nostrils flared. But then….he smiled again. He inhaled deeply, closing his eyes like he was savoring my hate.
“I swear…. the way your eyes burn when you’re angry-it drives me mad. I want you, Ruhanika. I crave you. Every breath and every inch.”
I tightened my grip on the lamp.
“Get. Out,” I snapped, each word like a blade. “Before I fracture your skull.”
He threw his head back and laughed.
Then he paused.
“Tell me your favorite color. I will use it for our wedding theme.”
I stared at him. Like he was insane.
Correction-he is insane.
“White,” I smirked. “Perfect for your funeral. I’ll wear it with diamonds.”
His expression cracked, just for a second.
Then it darkened again.
He leaned in slightly, voice low and terrifying, “You shouldn’t talk like that. You’ll have to get used to me. My presence. My touch. My love.”
I tilted my head mockingly, “Seriously…..did your last two brain cells get into a fight and fall off a cliff? Because the delusion is getting embarrassing now.”
His voice had that twisted pride, “You don’t even know what I have done for you. How many people I have thrown out of your life.”
I blinked, silently horrified.
Has he lost his mind?
He definitely.
“And that senior who scolded you in front of everyone last month?” he added a cruel smirk. “I made sure he got blacklisted. No hospital will take him now.”
My lips parted in shock.
“I watched everything. Every person who stood between us-I removed them. All I did for you….You belong to me.”
This man really needs mental asylum.
I shook my head, “You really need treatment.”
But my mind was racing.
Does he know about me and Vihaan too. My chest tightened.
No…he didn’t mention Vihaan.
He didn’t know.
Maybe.
But he will, sooner or later, someone will tell him. Or worse, he will find out himself.
I can’t wait for him to strike again.
What I need now is evidence.
Something that could pin him down and rip off that mask he hides behind.
It was time to act before Samar did something I couldn’t undo.
“It’s okay, sweetheart… One day, you’ll love me back,” he said, calmly, almost like a promise. “Just wait. The board meeting is in three weeks… then everything will be ours.”
My hands shook-not from fear-but from pure disgust.
I stepped back, my breath sharp, chest rising with anger.
My fingers instinctively gripped the lamp beside me.
“You are really sick,” I snapped, eyes locked on his twisted smirk.
But my mind clicked at something.
The way he keeps talking about the board meeting…..something feels off. He knows very well that the meeting will go in his favor. He’s not scared but too confident. And that’s what worries me.
Once the board supports him, he will change everything, the hospital staff, the system, even the people my dad trusted. He will turn the place into something I won’t even recognize.
And then it hit me –
Dad once mentioned Samar joined the hospital only three years ago. That’s not a long time. But somehow, in just three years, he climbed so high.
How?
Where did all that money come from? No big family name and no major backing.
So how did he invest so much?
Was it fraud? Or is there someone else behind him pulling the strings?
He did fraud but the money was real that’s for sure. But how the hell he got it? That’s the part that doesn’t add up.
I feel like something is still missing. A piece of the puzzle I haven’t found yet.
“Thinking about me, darling?” He muttered casually sitting in bed.
I ignored him like a plague in my life.
I stepped forward, moving past him.
But he stuck his leg out.
I tripped.
“Bloody hell,” I muttered in anger, stumbling.
Before I could hit the floor, he caught me…hands gripping mine, yanking me forward to him.
I stepped backwards but his eyes locked on my lips. He smirked and started leaning in.
I raised my hand, ready to slap him-
But then….
The door flew open.
“Oh! Samar, you are already here?”
The voice was too loud.
Bua Ji.
And standing beside her…Vihaan.
The world stopped. My entire body stiffened. I stepped back instantly, my breath hitching.
My eyes met Vihaan’s.
And what I saw broke me.
Shock. Confusion. Then-rage.
I quickly wiped my palm against the edge of my saree, shaking slightly.
Samar turned to them casually smiling, like nothing had happened. The monster inside him vanished behind that perfect mask.
“Offo! I know you two are getting married soon, but at least have some patience!” Bua Ji teased with a laugh.
My heart dropped to my stomach.
What the hell?
Marriage?
With him?
Has she completely lost her mind and started making stories?
I opened my mouth to speak, to deny, but I was frozen.
More than Bua Ji’s words, it was Vihaan’s face that silenced me.
My throat closed. My hands trembled.
What if he thinks that I…? No. No, no. I don’t want that.
“Ji Aunty, I just came here,” Samar said with a casual smile, strolling over to Bua Ji like they were old family friends.
“Ab sharmao bhi mat. Hone wali biwi se mil hi sakte ho,” she chuckled, picking up the gift baskets from the corner.
I blinked, still rooted to the floor.
What is she even talking about?
Why is she saying these things?
How does she know him?
Why is she uttering this nonsense?
My mind was spiraling.
But my eyes….they stayed locked on him.
Vihaan.
He hadn’t moved, just stood there.
Like someone had knocked the breath out of him.
And then-he took a single, shaky step back.
That’s when my heart cracked open.
No.
Please no. Don’t let him think…
He didn’t look at Samar. Didn’t glance at Bua Ji. He only looked at me.
And the expression in his eyes-Gosh, it hurts to see.
A strange, tingling fear crawled up my spine. My hands went cold.
What if he misunderstood?
What if I lose him….just like that?
No. Shut up, Ruhanika. I felt my anxiety again kicked in me and suddenly my chest tightened. My breath fastened.
I opened my mouth to explain, but the words didn’t come.
Not when I saw the storm on his face. The hurt in his eyes.
The way he was holding himself together, barely.
“Sweetheart, I will wait for you downstairs. Okay?” Samar’s voice came from behind, too soft, too fake.
I gritted my teeth, pretending I didn’t hear him, muttering, “I am not your sweetheart.”
He looked at me but ignored andΒ walked out with Bua Ji.
But Vihaan’s eyes still unmoved.
Still locked on mine.
The second their voices faded into the hallway, I took a trembling step forward.
“Vi-“
I was worried, my heart was holding onto so many fears.
But then….his gaze softened.
And when I looked at him, there it was…worry filling his eyes.
He moved first.
His eyes softened as he reached me, cupping my cheeks gently.
“What did he do?” he asked, voice low, rough around the edges-like it was holding back a storm.
“Did he say something to you?
Did he touch you?”
He stepped closer almost close enough that I could feel the heat radiating off him. His hands hovered, trembling near my shoulders, carefully.
“Ruh…..look at me. Tell me….Did he hurt you?”
That was it.
The dam broke.
Tears welled up in my eyes, spilling faster than I could catch them.
I crashed into his chest, clinging to him like I would drown if I let go.
And he caught me….like he always did.
Arms tight around me, chin resting on my head, holding me like I was his whole world. The anxiety hit me hard, and my chest felt tight. My breath came in short. He rubbed my back gently. I leaned into him trying to take deep breathes to calm myself.
“Shhh, it’s okay. I am here…” he murmured. But I couldn’t stop.
I pressed my face into him, my words tumbling out in broken gasps.
“Vihaan, I got scared….not of him. I got scared of you…..That you’d think I was doing….something…..That you would see that moment….and believe it…..The way you stepped back, I thought…..,” I stuttered trying to hold him tight.
“Stop,” he said firmly, pulling back just enough to cup my face again.
His eyes were red-not from tears, but from the anger burning behind them.
Not for me. For him.
“Ruh, listen to me. Not for a single moment did I think that. Not for a breath. I saw you. And yes….I got scared. Because I was angry. Confused. Jealous. All of it. But not once did I doubt you. I know you. I know your heart. I trust you,” He cupped my face gently, his thumbs brushing away the tears I hadn’t even realized were still falling.
He paused, his voice gentle, “But seeing some other man looking at you like that, it nearly broke something in me.”
I shook my head, wiping my face clumsily, “I am sorry… I never wanted you to feel that way.”
My voice trembled, “It felt like something inside me cracked the moment I saw your face change. Like I almost lost you….again.”
“Don’t,” He hugged me again, tighter now.
“You never have to prove anything to me. You are my Ruh.”
We stayed like that for a long moment. His arms hold me. My breaths evening out slowly in his warmth.
Then gently, he led me to the bed and helped me sit down. He crouched in front of me, still holding both my hands.
“Do you want water?”
I shook my head, “I just need you.”
He nodded. But the tension in his jaw hadn’t left.
He caressed my hair while I leaned into him.
“Tell me. What was that?” he asked, his voice low but firm, his brows pulled together in concern.
I took a shaky breath, my fingers tightening around the edge of my saree.
“I came here to get the gift baskets for Aashi and Varun. That’s all. I didn’t know he would be here. I didn’t even know Bua Ji knew him. But the moment I stepped in he locked the door behind me.”
Vihaan’s jaw clenched. His knuckles turned white as he gripped his own knee, muscles tense like he was holding himself back.
“He is Dr. Samar…” I said slowly, my throat tightening. “Our hospital’s half-owner.”
Vihaan’s brows pulled together sharply, probably in confusion.
“He joined three years back… right after Dadu’s death,” I continued, my voice lowering.
“That’s where everything started going wrong.”
I could see his grip tighten slightly, the weight of my words sinking in.
I took a breath and began to explain.
“At first, no one noticed. He came in using fake recommendations, fake credentials and fraud. But no one caught it. Within weeks, he manipulated the board, made connections. And then just like that he owned nearly half of the hospital.”
He listened to each and every word, carefully.
“After that, everything changed. Slowly, the staff started shifting. Dad was too tied up in work to see it coming. I met him about a year ago. He didn’t say much. Didn’t act out. But these last few months…”
I swallowed, my hands curling slightly.
“He has been messing with me. Changing my duty timings without any reason, showing up wherever I go…..weird comments, and today-“
I trailed off, unable to finish.
He closed his eyes for a second, inhaled sharply, then opened them again calmer now, but deadly serious.
But one thought still clung to me. I looked at him, desperate.
“Vihaan…I swear, I don’t know what she is talking about all that marriage thing. I didn’t even know she knew him….and trust me i wasn’t doing anything with him…I just….” I muttered quickly, but couldn’t complete, as my chest tight with anxiety.
A sudden weird feeling tightened in my chest. That old, familiar weight I hadn’t felt in years. A rush of anxiety hit me-what if he thought…?
He looked at me, eyes softening as he pulled me closer and gently rubbed my back.
“I believe you,” he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion.
“Calm down, Ruh.”
I nodded slowly, the guilt sinking deeper.
“But Ruh….you should have told me earlier,” he said quietly, his tone softer now but disappointed.
I looked down, guilt crawling all over me. My voice came out low.
“I didn’t mean to hide it. I just… I thought it was hospital stuff. Dad didn’t want anyone else involved. And when samar started this… I wanted to tell you. But you had just come back. We had just fixed everything between us. Then you have to join the office. I didn’t want you to get worried….”
He stared at me, his eyes heavy, lips pressed into a thin line.
“And since last week, you were still worried and you still didn’t tell me?” he asked, the voice was quieter but laced with hurt.
“It wasn’t about Samar,” I whispered, trying to make him understand.
“I was worried about Dad too. He’s not well. The board meeting pressure. Dad’s health was deteriorating. I thought maybe he was just trying to mess with me before the meeting. I didn’t think he would go this far…”
Vihaan exhaled sharply, running his fingers through his hair. His hands balled into fists for a second before he slowly let them loosen, calming himself with effort.
“We promised each other we would share everything, remember? Why did you try to handle this alone?” he asked, his voice still steady, but I could feel the disappointment sitting underneath.
“I wanted to tell you…It’s just… Dad didn’t want anyone else involved. He didn’t even let Kunal bhai know what happened.”
“Bhai is already worried about Bhabhi’s health, and Samar didn’t do anything last week, so I thought… maybe he would stop,” I looked down, my fingers twisting the edge of my saree.
He shook his head slowly, his eyes not leaving mine.
“Ruh. How many times do I have to tell you, whatever your pretty brain is thinking, just say it out loud. I want to know. I need to know,” he said, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand.
He looked at me pointedly, voice quieter now, “You always scribble things on paper when you are angry. I saw them in your room. I knew something was off. I was just waiting for you to open up.”
I bit my lip, blinking away tears.
“Sorry I didn’t tell you sooner,” I added in a low voice, barely able to meet his eyes.
He cupped my face again, his hands warm and gentle.
“Calm down,” he said softly, brushing a loose strand of hair away from my forehead.
I nodded slowly, but guilt still clawed at me from the inside. It sat like a weight on my chest.
He sat down again, letting out a deep breath, his shoulders heavy. And this time, I stood up stepped between his knees and wrapped my arms around his shoulders without saying a word.
He relaxed into me instantly, like his body had been waiting for that closeness. His head rested gently against my chest, and I felt his breath warm through the fabric of my saree.
I kissed his hair softly, my fingers sliding into it with slow, tender care.
“Vihaan…” I whispered against his temple.
“I love you. No one else could ever hold my heart the way you do. I’ll never let any third person come between us. Never.”
His arms wrapped around my waist tighter now, grounding himself in me like he needed the reassurance just as much as I did.
“I know,” he whispered, his voice husky.
“I just… hate the idea of anyone even trying to take you from me. It drives me mad.”
I leaned back slightly and gently cupped his face, tilting his chin up until his eyes met mine.
“Look at me,” I murmured, my thumbs brushing across his cheekbones.
His eyes finally were soft now.
The fury had faded, replaced by something fragile.
I dipped my head and kissed his forehead-slow and deep, lingering like a silent vow.
Then I shifted closer, brushing my lips across the corner of his mouth.
“You have me,” I whispered, letting my lips trail down to his jaw for a second. “Completely. In every way. No one else even exists in my world, Vihaan. Just you.”
His hands gripped my waist tighter, fingers pressing slightly into my skin.
My hand slid down to his chest, feeling the way his heart was thudding loud, fast, scared but full of love.
I leaned in closer, our foreheads touching, noses brushing.
“I don’t care who tries,” I whispered, lips ghosting over his, “No one can ever come between us.”
He closed the small space between us. My fingers slid behind his neck, holding him close, melting into him.
When we finally parted, his gaze lingered on my face like he was memorizing me again.
Then he stood, brushing his hands down his shirt, adjusting my saree.
“Let’s go downstairs. We will deal with this properly, later. But from now on, you are not going near him again,” he said, his voice calm but firm.
His eyes burned with quiet, final resolve.
He leaned in and kissed my temple.
But even as we stepped toward the door.
One question still echoed in my mind.
How does Bua Ji know Samar?
And what exactly did she mean by this marriage?
Because whatever this is….It’s not just a misunderstanding anymore.
Vihaan didn’t leave my side. His presence was like a silent shield as we descended the stairs together.
My hands trembled slightly, still carrying the weight of everything that happened upstairs, but Vihaan never let go.
As I approached Aashi and Varun to hand them the gift, Varun was quick to notice.
“What happened, Ruhii? Are you okay?” he asked gently.
I nodded, forcing a small smile, “I am fine, really.”
But his gaze lingered, “If there’s something, anything….you can tell me.”
I shook my head again, “No, nothing is there. I am just tired.”
Aashi raised a suspicious brow at me. I gave a subtle shake of my head, silently pleading her to let it go for now. She read me perfectly and stayed quiet, though her concern was clear.
Meanwhile, Vihaan’s gaze was stuck on Samar, who was casually chatting across the hall. If looks could kill, Samar wouldn’t have made it past the staircase.
“He is looking like an unwanted pest,” He tilted his head slightly, still watching Samar with eerie focus.
I faintly chuckled to which he looked at me and then held my hand tightly.
“Come, have dinner,” Varun offered.
I nodded, and we all gathered around the large round dining table.
Atharv skipped over and took the seat beside me.
“Atharv, let someone else sit. You already had dinner, come to me,” Yuvraj uncle called.
“Nanu, but I want to eat brownies. Papa said I can,” he smiled sheepishly.
Little tornado grinned at me.
I laughed, “It’s okay, uncle. Let him sit.”
As we settled in, the family atmosphere buzzed with warmth and laughter.
Tanya messaged me from across the table. I read it and murmured, “Later.” She nodded, sensing my mood.
My right side was still empty.
“You both look so adorable. I think we should start planning their marriage,” Varun’s mother said cheerfully, gesturing toward Varun and Aashi.
I smiled, grateful for the distraction.
“You know, when Varun was a kid, I always wondered why he insisted on visiting Ruhanika’s house. But now I know……” she laughed.
I jumped in, teasing, “Aunty, you know whenever he came over, he never even played with me. It was always…..’Where is Aashi? What is she doing? Will she play with me?’ I have stories for days. Should I start?”
Varun glared at me and I raised my eyebrows at him in a mock challenge. Aashi turned red, hiding her face.
For a moment, my mood lifted.
But then Bua Ji’s voice rang out, “I think we should ask Aashi’s grandmother about the marriage. She’s the one who decides everything.”
“Ahh can’t the kids decide?” Varun’s mother asked politely.
“She still isn’t happy about the engagement. She’s concerned because Varun isn’t from… well, you know, our type of people,” Bua Ji said with a dramatic sigh.
“She’s just worried he won’t be able to keep Aashi happy.”
Oh god, not this again.
“Besides,” she added with a smirk, “Aashi deserves a grand wedding. But with their kind of budget… who knows.”
Aashi gripped her mother’s hand under the table and muttered sharply, “Mumma, please stop.”
The silence that followed was deafening as Varun’s mother smile faltered.
I stood up to speak…until Vani leaned forward, her smile poised like a dagger.
“Oh dear Aunty ji….Varun is more than capable of taking care of his family and his future wife. He built something from nothing…on his own.”
She tilted her head, her tone still sweet, but sharpened like a blade.
“And unlike those who live off generational wealth without ever earning a thing, he doesn’t need to tear others down to feel relevant.”
“And It must be exhausting….sitting on a throne made of inheritance and still finding time to look down on people doing real work,” Tanya added rolling her eyes.
Silence fell.
Just as the tension started choking the air, Kunal Bhai walked in, pulled the chair beside Aashi, and sat down with the calm of a man who knew exactly what storm he was about to cause.
He glanced at Bua Ji with a half-smile-polite, but lethal.
“Also, Bua Ji,” he said smoothly, “why are you here? you weren’t even invited to the engagement?”
“You practically begged to attend. So maybe,” he added, leaning back in his chair, “you could also politely step back from giving unsolicited opinions about my sister’s life.”
Bua Ji fumbled, clearly taken aback and stopped her mouth from uttering nonsense.
“Ouch, that slap didn’t even need a hand,” I whispered under my breath, eyes wide with barely contained amusement.
Vihaan, sitting beside me, caught it instantly. He smirked, not even trying to hide it.
“Kuch bhi kaho…..your grumpy robot brother doesn’t speak much…but whenever he does, damn-he crashes other people’s systems without even trying,” he muttered, leaning closer with a smirk.
I elbowed him, biting back a laugh, “Stop calling him a robot.”
Vihaan grinned, eyes glinting with mischief, “Fine. Emotionally encrypted human with a glaring button-who only seems to press it when I am around.”
I rolled my eyes.
Dinner resumed in silence the moment Atharv kicked into stubborn mode.
Kunal Bhai tried to calm him down, but Atharv had entered full stubborn mode, arms crossed, pouting, and ready for battle.
“Baby, we’ll go soon, okay? Won’t you eat brownies?” I asked him gently.
Atharv nodded slowly, sniffling.
“But I need Mumma…I am missing her,” he murmured, rubbing his eyes with his tiny fists.
“Looks like he is sleepy, that’s why he is being stubborn. Atharv, come here,” Kunal Bhai said as little tornado ran to him.
Atharv looked at him, then mumbled, “Brownie also…”
I chuckled softly.
“Vihaan, can you bring him the brownie? Till then bhai will take him to Prisha bhabhi,” I said.
Before anyone else could move, Vihaan stood up with a sigh and walked toward the food court.
Atharv clung bhai, his little head resting on his shoulder, as he slowly walked out.
It’s been a few minutes I am waiting for him.
And then I felt a presence.
Before I could turn fully, I heard,
“Samar, come sit beside Ruhanika. There is space,” Bua Ji chirped.
He started walking toward me, but I stood and spoke clearly, “Sorry. That seat is reserved for someone special.”
Bua ji blinked, “Arey, Ruhanika-“
Before I could say anything, Vihaan came and sat beside me. Everyone looked at me and Vihaan. Guess they did understand whom I was talking about.
His presence was grounding, but the look in his eyes? That was a storm waiting to explode.
Samar’s eyes narrowed, clearly not expecting that. Without a word, went to other side.
Just then, my dad walked in, his brows instantly furrowing at the sight of Samar.
“Oh, he is Samar, my friend’s son,” Bua Ji said sweetly.
Her friend’s son?
At this point my mind will burst.
Vihaan didn’t even look at her.
He muttered, low enough for only me to hear, “Didn’t know Miss Witch had friends.”
I sighed, hiding it with my hand, “That’s what I was thinking.”
My thoughts were screaming though.
“Come, Dr. Samar,” she added, gesturing for him to sit beside my dad.
He obeyed instantly.
Bua Ji smiled again, her sugary-sweet voice thick with something darker, “Don’t be shy. You’re sitting with your future father-in-law, after all.”
What The Actual Hell?
Vihaan’s jaw twitched beside me. His fingers curled into a tight fist on his lap, knuckles turning white.
Dad turned toward Bua Ji sharply.
The whole table went quiet.
Aashi’s whisper cut through the tension, “Mumma, what are you even saying?”
But Bua Ji just giggled, so fake.
“Oh, he’s going to marry Ruhanika soon, right Akshat?” she said to my dad, faking her smile.
I felt Vihaan’s hand slip into mine under the table.
His grip?
Furious. Possessive.
Vihaan muttered under his breath,
“She is making announcements like an old lady without brain cells….just deployed a wedding program without user input, without consent, and full of bugs.”
Then he looked at Samar and raised an eyebrow, “And look at this error in my life code. I swear, even my compiler would reject him.”
I rubbed his knuckles gently with my thumb, hoping it would calm the wildfire I could feel rising in him.
Dad opened his mouth to speak, but a distant relative interrupted instead.
“I think they would make a lovely couple. Both doctors. Makes sense.”
Lovely couple?
My blood boiled hearing it.
Before anyone could respond, I felt Vihaan shift beside me. Slowly.
He gave the fakest smile I have ever seen and said, with the kind of sugary-sweetness that tasted like poison, “Chii, is chimte jaisi shakal ke ladke se shaadi karegi meri Ruh?”
(Eww!!! You really think my Ruh would marry someone with a face like kitchen tongs?)
The table went silent, spoons stopped midair. I nearly choked on my own tongue.
You don’t just call a guy a chimta-a literal kitchen tong-in front of half the family but …Then again, Accurate.
I bit the inside of my cheek, trying not to laugh.
Vihaan just sat there cool as ever, sipping water like he didn’t just drop a nuclear roast in the middle of a dinner table.
Meanwhile, Samar’s jaw ticked.
Vihaan tilted his head slightly, with a smirk, “Next time someone suggests this match, I will send them a screenshot of Samar’s face with the caption: System crashed-invalid husband detected. Please check your standards and try again.”
I laughed internally.
Actually….that was the perfect way to describe Samar.
But before Vihaan got more involved with this irritating mosquito and ended up burning the whole dinner table down, I gave his hand a light nudge under the table.
He didn’t look at me immediately. But then he leaned closer, “They can announce whatever they want… but we both know whose name your heart is already signed under.”
“Vihaan Raichand is the only name my heart ever responds to,” I leaned in and whispered with a soft smile.
Forget everyone here-I just wanted to kiss the hell out of My Man.
Wait…I am literally becoming like him.
I leaned in as he subtly slipped his hand around my waist-hidden perfectly under the drape of my saree.
He held me with quiet protectiveness.
And I could feel Samar’s eyes on me.
He definitely sensed something….but stayed silent.
“Excuse me?” Samar said, glaring at Vihaan.
“She is our friend, mister. She won’t marry old people and you look like a senior citizen,” Yash added with a smirk, jumping in before Vihaan could say anything worse.
Samar gritted his teeth. I am sure he muttered some curses too.
But Samar’s eyes were still on me.
And this man was tracing his fingers lightly over my waist, completely hidden under my saree.
Since I had leaned forward a bit, my waist was tucked behind the tablecloth and clearly, Vihaan had no plans of wasting that advantage. I felt a tingling sensation.
His fingers moved softly, teasing, almost like he was drawing lazy circles on my skin. And my body? Fully betraying me-because I found myself leaning subtly more into his touch.
Focus, Ruhanika. Focus.
“I am not that old,” Samar muttered. “Besides, I am very compatible with Ruhanika.”
I rolled my eyes so hard I almost saw the past…of course with Vihaan.
Compatible? With me? In what universe?
Hell, even the universe would glitch trying to process this mosquito.
“They will look good together. It’s guaranteed,” Bua Ji chirped, desperate to keep her fantasy alive.
Vani choked on her drink, then laughed.
Everyone looked at her.
“Kya? Hasna nahi tha kya? I thought it was a joke,” Vani muttered dramatically.
But Bua Ji just wouldn’t shut up.
“Actually, their marriage was fixed long ago. Ruhanika’s grandfather arranged it, right Akshat?”
I froze.
Vihaan’s hand gripped my waist tighter, his fingers curling slightly, and my heart skipped a beat.
Wait…what? My dadu?
It’s impossible.
And dad knows?
A sudden wave of confusion crashed into me. Why didn’t I know about this? Why didn’t he ever tell me?
My mind was spiraling-thoughts colliding like a storm. Was this real? Was Samar speaking the truth? Or was this just another sick game?
I glanced at Vihaan.
He looked like he was on the verge of choking Samar with his bare hands.
His jaw was clenched, eyes narrowed like a ticking bomb about to explode. But instead of lashing out, he slowly rubbed his thumb along my waist-trying to ground himself. Trying to stop the fury building inside.
And that touch was soft, protective and possessive.
But I knew that calm was only temporary. I knew him.
But Dad’s voice was cold. Final, “I don’t remember anything like that. Besides, my daughter has standards.”
I heard my dad’s words… and for a second, the chaos in my head finally paused.
Vihaan’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk, like he’d been waiting for that moment all along.
And me?
I finally breathed.
But beneath that relief, a knot of questions tightened in my chest.
I had to talk to Dad because something about all this still didn’t feel right.
Bua Ji tried to add more fuel, “But it was all decided years back?”
That’s when Samar leaned in with a dark smirk, “Don’t worry, uncle. You may not remember now, but you will soon…..”
His voice made my stomach flip in the worst way.
Samar stood up and left the dining table.
Dinner ended in chaos. I barely touched my plate. Samar’s gaze made every bite feel like gravel.
Vihaan forced me to eat a few bites but the moment I whispered that I felt nauseous, he let it go.
But his silence?
It was louder than any scream.
As we stood to leave, I grabbed his hand.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“Just some important work,” he said, his voice low flat but I knew what that meant.
And walked away. I froze, helpless. I just don’t want him to burst out his anger all alone.
Vihaan isn’t the kind of man who gets angry easily. He is calm always smiling, always soft. Sunshine in human form.
But even the sun can burn.
He has control. Limits. But when he crosses that line….it’s like watching a storm that’s been held back for years finally break loose.
He is never been angry at me. Not once. But I have seen it before, just once and it was enough to haunt me.
That day, I realized what it means when quiet people explode. I don’t want him to bottle it up.
Vani and Tanya came up beside me.
“What the hell was that?” Vani hissed.
“I don’t know. I need to talk to Dad,” I said, my mind spinning.
“You are not marrying that sewer rat,” Tanya snapped, her nose scrunched in disgust.
Yash and Sid appeared too, clearly buzzing with leftover drama from the dinner table.
“That Samar guy? He’s like a pop-up ad-annoying and always where he’s not wanted,” Sid muttered.
“Ruhii, our Vihu is way better than that stupid bug,” Yash added proudly.
I chuckled, “That, I already know.”
“Ruhii, don’t worry. We are with you. And if you want, I can totally kidnap him and throw him off a cliff,” Vani said, full of fiery hatred.
Sid shook his head, “always thinking dangerous”
Vani glared at him to which he just shrugged his shoulders.
“Thank God Kunal Bhaiya wasn’t here during this mess,” Yash murmmered.
And i sighed in agreement. Otherwise, who knows what would’ve happened?
Definitely not something peaceful.
Vani turned to me, “Okay, but what is the full story?”
I exhaled. My eyes were already searching the exit, “I will tell you everything later. First, I need to find Vihaan.”
They all nodded in understanding.
I move forward to go after Vihaan.
But before I could even take a full step, a group of aunties surrounded me like a human wall.
“Ruhii, don’t let Dr. Samar slip away! He’s such a nice boy, and you both look so good together,” one of them said, smiling too much.
Oh gosh!
Another added, “And I know you are shy, beta, but he is a good one. Don’t let this chance go”
I just want peace.
But I just glared at them and showed my ring finger, my smile was fake yet real, “If you are so invested in matchmaking, open a marriage bureau and find a match for your beloved person. Please let me live peacefully with my fiancΓ©, whom I am going to marry.”
I just needed to be with him.
Suddenly, a kid ran into me, his tiny hands clutching a juice box. In a blink, the juice spilled all over the lower part of my saree.
“Baby, are you okay?” I asked, kneeling in front of him.
He nodded, looking worried.
“Sorry!” he said in his tiny voice looking scared.
“It’s okay,” I replied softly, brushing his cheek.
He nodded smiling at me and ran off.
I looked down at my saree.
Great.
“Before this starts to feel worse than my mood, I need to clean up,” I mumbled to myself.
I rushed ahead to grab the room key from the counter.
Bhai had booked a couple of rooms at this venue, knowing everyone would be too tired to drive back home after dinner. We’d rest here for the night, and head back tomorrow after breakfast.
I walked to my room, unlocked the door, and stepped inside.
Finally.
Peace and silence.
My mind was spinning with everything-Samar, Bua Ji, the sudden announcement, and Vihaan storming off.
What is this twisted mess? And why do I feel like I am only seeing half the picture? Is there something else in this?
I cleaned myself quickly, trying to calm down. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the washroom.
But just as I opened the door to go out.
Vihaan stormed in, grabbed my wrist, and pulled me back inside.
Before I could react, his lips crashed against mine.
I gasped in shock.
He kissed me hard, urgently, but still soft around the edges. Like he was trying to tell me everything he couldn’t say outside.
My hands gripped his shirt as I kissed him back, pouring every bit of confusion, anger, and love into it.
His arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me in like he never wanted to let go.
I stepped back.
He stepped forward.
Until he locked the washroom door and kissed me, walking forward, guiding me back into the glass wall of the shower cubicle.
The moment my back hit the cool surface, the shower turned on above us, water cascading down in a sudden rush.
His mouth never left mine, and with every second, the kiss deepened.
And I kissed him back with the same fiery intensity.
His hands gripped my waist, pulling me into him as if he couldn’t bear even an inch of space between us. I tried stepping back, but he followed, moving forward like a storm, lips chewing mine roughly, owning every breath I took.
“You really know how to take my breath, Ruh…” he groaned, voice low and dangerously soft, “…leaving me desperate, addicted to every move you make.”
And just like that, he pulled me under the shower. Water poured over us, soaking our skin, our clothes, but neither of us moved.
I was breathing hard, every inhale burning.
“But you know what, Ruh?” he whispered, resting his forehead against mine. “You would look even more breathtaking…..draped in a red lehenga….standing beside me as my bride.”
He kissed me harder, more possessively, “only mine.”
And I melted into him, wrapping my arms around his neck, nodding in daze.
“And I am all yours,” he whispered against my lips.
His tongue slipped into my mouth, swirling with hunger, claiming me. One hand traced the curve of my waist, the other pulling me tighter as if the water wasn’t enough to bind us.
I was feeling dizzy and completely his in that moment.
“I don’t even know much about marriage….neither did Dad ever talk to me about it,” I mumbled, my voice small, raw.
Because deep down, I wanted him to be the first one to know everything. I wanted him to feel how much space he already took in my life….in my mind….in my heart.
But Vihaan didn’t let the silence linger. He bit my lower lip gently, claiming it and then soothed the sting by sucking it softly.
I gasped again, caught between the ache and the tenderness.
“It’s just you and me here, Ruh,” he whispered against my lips, his voice thick with emotion. “And definitely no other thoughts or man should occupy your mind when I am with you.”
I nodded as he cupped my jaw tilting it.
The shower kept pouring. We were both drenched, completely soaked.
I exhaled sharply, head tilting to give him more.
His lips opened against my skin, tongue flicking over the sensitive spot just below my ear before sucking hard enough to make me shudder. Then he bit, soft, sharp and soothed it instantly with a warm, wet kiss.
I arched against the cold glass behind me, the contrast between his heat and the chill shooting straight through me. My chest rose and fell, breath caught.
His mouth moved lower, tongue gliding slowly over my collarbone, dipping into the hollow.
“Do you know how dangerously beautiful you look right now completely drenched the saree sticking ot you ?” he muttered, his coat already gone, his white shirt clinging to him, almost see-through. I could see his skin, feel the warmth of his body through the fabric.
“How much beautiful?” I teased, breathless.
His lips met my chest, biting softly. I threw my head back, a gasp escaping me.
His hands wandered, caressing, gripping, worshipping. He kissed my lips again, this time slower, deeper, his hands still exploring my waist. My skin was on fire. My body trembled, and he didn’t stop.
He kissed me harder, faster….I felt trapped in the best way. I responded with the same intensity, my fingers tangled in his wet hair. He pulled back just enough to stare at me…his eyes blazing with pure love and desire.
Before I could breathe, I leaned forward and kissed his neck. He groaned, deep and raw.
I unbuttoned his shirt slowly, the water trailing down his chest. I touched the skin beneath, running my fingers over the lines of thin fabric.
He groaned again, hands roaming down my back, tracing the waist length of my hair.
He tilted my chin and kissed my jaw, then my lips, slow and reverent.
“Vihaan, not here,” I whispered, breathless. “I don’t have my concealer to hide…..”
He smirked, “Then I’ll mark the spot that’s specially reserved for me.”
Just like that, my entire soul left my body.
My breath hitched. My skin burned.
Why does this man have to say things like that with a straight face?
Why did that one sentence make my knees weak and my stomach do gymnastics?
I gulped. And-traitor that I am-I nodded.
He chuckled darkly, kissing my chest again before trailing up to the corner of my lips. He sucked the mole there, his fingers gently cupping my face.
Seriously….what’s with his obsession with this mole?
Whatever it is….I like it. A little too much.
Because every time his lips brush that spot, I forget how to spell my own name.
Before he could do anything else-
“RUHII…”
I sighed.
I heard my brother’s voice from outside the bathroom.
Bhai, of course the perfect timing.
Vihaan cursed under his breath, “Your brother is such a nuisance in my love life.”
I giggled, ruffling his hair, he put his hand on my shoulder gripping me by my waist. But then he looked up and he smirked wickedly.
“Ruhii…”
I panicked again hearing bhai’s voice loud.
But Vihaan…. being Vihaan…. didn’t flinch.
He didn’t back off.
Didn’t move away.
He just smiled-calm yet maddeningly composed.
Then suddenly, his fingers slid under the pleats of my saree, dragging lightly along the bare skin of my thigh, slow and dangerous. I gasped, grabbing his arm.
“Vi-haan,” I hissed.
“Answer him,” he whispered, fingers still slowly exploring, drawing soft, maddening circles on my skin. “Or I will make you scream my name instead.”
My breath hitched. I could barely stand. His touch was gentle but torturous.
He knew exactly what he was doing.
My saree shifted slightly as he leaned closer, lips brushing my ear.
“You are already shaking…And I haven’t even started anything….” He whispered sensually licking my earlobe.
And there goes my brain, again. Fully fried.
What The Heck?
I bit my lip, struggling to stay composed while my brother standing outside and Vihaan traced my thigh, the fabric is not doing anything to make me calm.
“Ji Bhai!” I called out.
“You okay?” Bhai asked, clearly worried.
Vihaan took that moment to suck my neck again, and I barely held in a moan.
“Yesss!”
“Ruhii, Vani told me what happened earlier. You’ve been there for over 35 minutes. Are you alright? Should I call Mumma?…do you need something…?”
“N-no… I just had a headache, so I came here, but-“
A soft whimper escaped my lips as Vihaan sucked my sweet spot again.
Thanks a lot because of the shower he didn’t hear me otherwise it would be so embarrassing.
“Okay, okay. Come soon..i am waiting for you outside the room,” Bhai said, thankfully dropping it.
I turned to glare at Vihaan, but he was staring at me like I was the last meal on Earth.
I shivered.
“Don’t look at me like this,” I whispered, flustered.
He smirked, “How can I stop…when your eyes say things your lips never admit…and I want to learn every word of them.”
With a slow movement, he reached up and pulled the pin from my pallu.
As it slipped down from my shoulder.
Oh Gosh, what’s happening?
His gaze softened but stayed dark. Intense.
It made me blush.
“I think we should go. Everyone’s waiting downstairs… and my brother is literally outside,” I said.
But he ignored me-just slowly dropped to his knees.
Wait….what is he doing?
My breath caught. He looked up at me intensely.
And then he kissed my waist.
Just one kiss.
But it knocked the air out of my lungs.
His lips pressed gently at first, then bit and sucked softly, making me grip his shoulders just to stay standing. My back hit the cold glass wall, my breath leaving me in short gasps.
“Let everyone wait,” he whispered,
“And as much as I am addicted to your voice…Lower down your voice, sweetheart,” He kissed my waist again, slower.
I gulped.
“Let me savour you-inch by inch-without the world interrupting.”
My hands sank into his hair. He bit harder. I knew it would leave a mark.
“You can cover it with your saree,” he smirked. “Now stop thinking so much with that pretty brain and just feel me.”
Why does this feel more intimate than anything else?
His tongue danced over my skin, tracing a slow line toward the bottom line of my blouse.
He kissed there deliberately, then tugged lightly at the fabric, fingertips gripping the pleats like he owned them.
And then-
His tongue slid beneath the blouse, just a little, teasing the edge of skin no one’s ever dared touch like that before.
I gasped. Loud.
My hand flew to his hair, gripping tight. But he didn’t stop.
He licked slowly across my skin, then sucked hard, his mouth sealing heat right where my pulse betrayed me.
Then he nibbled, rough enough to sting, soft enough to melt.
WHAT the actual hell was that?!
I have read about nerve endings. Studied cutaneous sensitivity.
But nowhere in my med books was there a chapter on waist kisses causing full-body system errors.
I swear, every muscle in my core clenched like I was being dragged into orbit.
My body twitched. My thighs tensed.
I was glitching in all dimensions.
My heart thundered.
His lips stayed at my waist. Then he stood, turned me around slowly.
“I swear, I lose my mind when any other man even talks to you…” he whispered, brushing my hair away. “Even hearing their name near yours makes me want to pull you into my arms and make you forget them.”
He stood up, holding me gently, like he already knew my legs were ready to give up.
He kissed my forehead softly, adjusting my saree.
“We should go before you catch a cold,” he said, his voice low and still hoarse from everything that just happened.
I nodded quietly and stepped out of the shower, heart pounding, face flushed.
Vihaan stepped out too, giving me privacy.
Privacy? After what he just did a few minutes ago?
I could still feel heat buzzing under my skin.
Wrapping myself in the bathrobe. I came out, he was still standing there, completely drenched, holding a hair dryer.
Fresh clothes were laid out on the bed.
Seriously. Did this man carry a portable wardrobe everywhere or what?
“I will do it. You will catch a cold standing there like this,” I muttered, snatching the towel and rubbing his hair.
“Idiot. Nasty chimpanzee. Why didn’t you dry yourself with a towel?”
“Didn’t have my clothes,” he said with a careless shrug. “I asked Yash to bring them.”
“It will take time?” I asked.
He shook his head, too casual, “Don’t worry. My immune system’s good-I won’t catch-“
Sneeze.
A loud sneeze interrupted his confidence.
I blinked, “Yeah. I can see your immune system’s performance.”
He gave a sheepish grin, “Temporary glitch.”
I shook my head mentally preparing to order soup for him.
I narrowed my eyes, “How do you always have a backup pair of clothes for me?”
“Because I always know,” he smirked, eyes trailing down my bathrobe, “we end up like this.”
I glared.
But before I could overthink, he added quickly, “Relax. I asked Aashi. She had an extra pair in her car.”
I exhaled and nodded.
Thank you my sister.
He picked up a towel again and walked toward the bathroom.
“Now where are you going again?” I asked.
“To take a shower…again,” he rolled his eyes.
I understood it immediately as I sighed, still red-faced.
I changed into something comfortable.
Thankfully, I stopped him from leaving marks on my neck, this clothes didn’t even cover the neck properly, let alone a mark.
And if Vani or Tanya spotted it?
They would roast me alive. Teased the hell out of me.
I had just finished drying my hair when I heard a knock.
I opened the door-
Crap. Bhai.
He walked in immediately and pulled me into a hug.
“Are you okay? I got really worried,” he asked.
I hugged him back, feeling guilty.
“I heard what happened earlier. Ignore her, she just utter nonsense,” he caressed my hair.
“I am fine, bhai. I don’t take her seriously,” I smiled weakly.
He kissed my forehead gently, his voice steady, firm, “And don’t worry about Samar either. I will deal with him.”
Because I knew my brother.
He was calm until he wasn’t.
And once that line was crossed….there was no turning back.
Now I don’t know what’s going to happen to Samar…
“You and Dad hid this from me….why?” he asked, settling on the bed beside me, his voice softer than expected.
I lowered my gaze, guilt prickling my skin, “You were already stressed… with Bhabhi’s condition, hospital responsibilities, Atharv… I just didn’t want to add more to your plate. I thought I could handle it myself.”
He didn’t speak right away.
Instead, he leaned in and kissed my temple, gentle, like always.
“I understand, Ruhii. I really do. But you should have told your brother,” His voice cracked a little.
“Don’t ever think like this. Your brother is more than enough to take care of his wife, his son, his family and his little sister,” He said.
I finally looked at him and nodded.
Silent. Guilty. Relieved.
“Just rest now, okay? We will talk tomorrow” he said, brushing a loose strand behind my ear.
He stood up to leave when he suddenly asked, “Why is the shower still running?”
I blinked, panic setting in.
Oh no.
I completely forgot about it.
Think Ruhanika.
“Ah-the water wasn’t coming before,” I said quickly, trying to sound casual. “I just turned the shower on to check… it must have started now. I will go shut it off,” I lied and mentally screamed into the void.
He didn’t look entirely convinced… but he nodded anyway, thankfully choosing to believe it.
Just then, Yash appeared at the door as it was opened.
“Ruhanika, here are the clothes-“
Before he could even finish, Kunal Bhai’s glare hit him like a sniper shot.
“What are you doing here?” Bhai barked, switching into full protective big-brother mode.
Yash blinked, stunned, “I-I just… I was-“
Kunal bhai took a step forward.
Yash panicked, I just came to give her the packet-she forgot?”
Poor guy looked ready to faint.
I jumped in before Bhai could interrogate him into early retirement, “Bhai, please! Go check on Prisha Bhabhi, she must be waiting. I will take care of this.”
Kunal bhai narrowed his eyes at both of us.
Then he muttered under his breath, “Fine. Give her the packet. And don’t stand here for more than ten seconds.”
“Bhai, good night,” I said sweetly and pushed Yash outside before he could dig his own grave deeper.
Yash, clearly traumatized, handed me the bag, “You know I had to drive all the way to the mall for this? And what did you two even do that you needed a wardrobe change?”
I deadpanned, Nothing. You should go rest before your brain turns into soup.”
He grumbled, “Your Bhai really looks scary. How does poor Vihaan even survive around him?”
“He is so much scared of Bhai,” I giggled.
We both laughed.
“Anyway, tell Vihaan he owes me fifty thousand for this trauma,” Yash added dramatically.
“These clothes cost fifty thousand?” I gasped.
“No. My delivery services do,” he smirked.
I laughed, “Done.”
He turned to leave, then spun back around with the mischievous grin.
“Is there any chance I am becoming a chachu soon?” he whispered, wiggling his eyebrows.
“Shut up!” I muttered, cheeks burning.
I slammed the door and leaned against it.
Gosh these guys.
I tiptoed to the bathroom and knocked gently.
Vihaan peeked out-shameless as ever-just enough to not give me a proper view.
Not that I would mind, honestly.
Like how would it even feel like if I saw those water droplets sliding down his bare chest… over those abs… slow and sinful like they were built to ruin my peace?
Stop it, Ruhii. Don’t think.
I handed him the packet.
“Thanks, sweetheart,” he grinned, then winked.
Still burning from an earlier stunt, I sat on the bed and tried to distract myself.
Because just imagining it had my heart thudding, legs jelly, and brain buffering like a bad network.
I really need therapy.
Distraction Ruhii.
You need distraction.
“The pectoralis major originates from the clavicle and sternum… inserts into the humerus…..aids in adduction and medial rotation of the arm-“
Medial rotation…yeah, just like how his arm flexed when he pinned me to the glass wall…
Nope. Stop.
“Intercostal muscles lie between the ribs….aiding respiration by elevating the rib cage during inspiration.”
So technically, if he lifts his arms, those muscles would stretch and-
No. Stop it.
“Serratus anterior…..wraps along the chest wall….looks like fingers fanning over the ribs-“
Yeah okay, that’s where my brain glitches because Vihaan’s shirt had stuck to that exact area earlier and I saw every finger-width outline of that muscle……
RUHANIKA. OBEROI. FOCUS.
I slapped my own cheek.
“Rectus abdominis-abs. Six-pack. Function: trunk flexion. Divided by tendinous intersections.”
Which I am very academically interested in because-Imagine droplets tracing along those intersections and then pausing at the V-line-
“NO!”
I physically shook my head.
That’s when Vihaan strolled out of the bathroom, towel drying his hair, completely dressed in casual, muscles flexing with each movement.
He plopped onto the bed beside me, looked at my flushed face, and smirked, “What dirty little anatomy class are you conducting in your head, sweetheart?”
I shut my eyes and looked at the side, “I was revising chest wall muscles, thank you very much.”
“I thought girls get shy after having a shower like we do. Mine’s out here revising the human body,” he shook his head, chuckling.
“Shut up,” I muttered, grabbing the dryer and ruffling his hair carefully.
He relaxed as he sighed and went quiet for a moment.
“Ruh, is there any way I can get access into the hospital system? Files, contracts, anything Samar might’ve touched?” Vihaan asked, his voice low but sharp.
I frowned, “Digitally? It’s a closed network. Only Dad and the admin team have master access. Paper files-like audits and original contracts are locked in his study. It’s nearly impossible.”
He smirked, “I love impossible things.”
Vihaan leaned back on one elbow, eyes sharp. That teasing smile faded-this was serious Vihaan now.
“When we make a game, we use something called a ‘developer console’- it lets us go behind the scenes, check bugs, test things, and access data that normal users can’t.”
I nodded, already half impressed.
Although I didn’t understand anything.
“Well, these systems are just fancy versions of that. Same logic. Every click, login, or file someone opens? It leaves a digital footprint, a kind of trail that shows who did what, when, and from where.”
He shifted closer. “Even if Samar deleted files or tried to hide something, I can check the system logs. Those logs record every action like a CCTV but for data.”
“How will you get them?” I asked.
“If I get into the system once-just one access point-I can run a script that quietly pulls up what Samar touched. Which files he opened. What he changed. Even if he edited a contract, I can find the older version through something called ‘version history.’ “
He looked at me, “I’ll find out how he got that money, where it went, and if he’s involved in anything else shady. He can’t hide the digital footprints.”
I blinked.
He leaned forward slightly, voice lower.
“There are only three ways someone like Samar could’ve gotten that much money in such a short time-especially without anyone noticing on paper. Either he manipulated donation records, edited purchase bills, or created ghost accounts.”
I blinked. Ghost what now?
“Hospitals get a lot of funds-donations, grants, government reimbursements. If Samar accessed the finance portal or admin panel, he could’ve diverted some of that money into dummy accounts-accounts created in the names of patients who don’t exist, or through fake vendor payments.”
I nodded in understanding.
Okay. Not to be dramatic…..but My Man is definitely a genius.
“And once I find it,” he said, voice calm but cold, “I’ll make sure he pays for every fraud he’s done.”
Then his eyes softened slightly as they found mine.
“And looking at you…”
His voice dropped to a whisper, almost sinful.
“Even thinking about you in a way he shouldn’t…”
He reached forward, still seated on the edge of the bed, and held my waist, pulling me closer.
I stood there for a moment, stunned, then slowly bent down and hugged him, arms wrapped tight around his shoulders.
For a second, just a second, I saw it clearly, not the playful, flirty Vihaan. But the one who was brilliant, focused.
Clever. Calculating. Protective.
And terrifying when it came to me.
Then, he stood up and i thought he was leaving.
But without warning, he flopped back onto the bed like it owed him rent.
I blinked but a chuckle escaped from my mouth.
I am happy that he is not leaving.
I sighed and went to fix the duvet, ordering him a glass of hot water like the responsible adult because apparently I am taking care of a 26 year old child.
“Bhai said we are leaving early in the morning,” I reminded him.
He didn’t move.
Instead, he patted the bed beside him and gave me that smirk, the one that always, always wins, “Come here. Your personal human blanket is ready.”
I rolled my eyes.
But I gave in, slipping under the covers beside him.
He immediately pulled me close.
His fingers lazily traced patterns on my arm, gentle and warm.
Then, he kissed the top of my head and whispered, “Now shut that pretty brain… and sleep. And have sweet romantic dreams of me.”
I smiled and nuzzled into him more.
As he switches off lights.
A moment passed.
And then, in that soft voice, he murmured again-
“Ruh….I want every night to end like this…..with you in my arms. And a morning that begins with your smile….”
My heart did a full somersault.
Like it physically flipped inside my chest.
A flutter followed with butterflies.
I understood the meaning behind his words.
He wasn’t just talking about tonight.
He was talking about tomorrow.
About soft mornings and shared laughter.
About building a life-with me.
A home.
A future.
With him.
————————————
Finally Chapter 65…!!!
So how was the chapter…??
Your favourite scene???
Mine was-of course that shower sceneπ
Vihaan. Freaking. Hottest. & Genius. Raichand.π₯π
And as usual…some extra details are from Google.
So if anything’s off, feel free to let me know….or just think of it as fiction
Chalo ab acche se vote and comments kr dena.
I am waiting for your pyaare pyaare comments ππ
Enjoy Reading β€οΈ
Stay tuned for further updates….!!
Bye Cutiepies….!!!π
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