Seven days had passed. Today, Sitara was finally being discharged from the hospital. Throughout the entire week, Ruhaan hadn't visited her once. When Advik inquired about Ruhaan's whereabouts, he was told that Ruhaan had left for London, citing important work. Sitara's heart ached upon hearing this, but she had grown accustomed to the pain.
"Sitara, go and change, we are leaving," Advik said with a gentle smile.
"Yes, bhai," Sitara replied and left to change.
After some time, she returned wearing her clothes, a brave smile on her face. "Let's go," she said, trying to hide her turmoil.
"Aww, all smiles, and why not, especially after your husband sent you flowers before leaving," Advik teased, but Sitara was perplexed, unaware of any flowers. Nevertheless, she shrugged her shoulders and smiled, masking her confusion.
Upon reaching the Oberoi mansion, Nishtha performed Sitara's aarti, welcoming her home. Sitara's eyes met Akshita's, and she rushed to embrace her.
"How are you?" Akshita asked, her eyes brimming with tears.
"I'm fine, bhabhi. Please don't cry," Sitara said, wiping away Akshita's tears.
"No one told me about your accident; they said you and Ruhaan were on a business trip," Akshita complained like a child.
"I asked them not to inform you. I didn't want you to stress; it's not good for your health," Sitara explained, her voice soothing.
"Forget about me, tell me, how are you?" Akshita inquired once more.
"I'm perfectly fine, bhabhi," Sitara replied, mustering a smile.
"Akshi, can she take some rest if you permit?" Advik chimed in, teasingly.
"Shut up, Adi. I'm not talking to you. Do you understand?" Akshita scolded him, her playful pout highlighting her annoyance.
"But I didn't do anything; Sitara told us not to tell," Advik protested, his eyes wide in innocence.
"I don't want to hear it. I'm not talking to you, and that's final," Akshita declared, turning her head away, her adorable pout intact.
"Leave them, Sitara beta. They are still kids. Go and take some rest," Nishtha said, dismissing Akshita and Advik's squabble.
With a giggle, Sitara made her way to her room. Upon entering, she noticed everything was arranged perfectly. Her gaze fell upon a photo frame displaying her and Ruhaan's wedding picture. She sighed, her heart heavy with emotions.
Taking a long, hot shower, she let her tears blend with the water. Dressed in something comfortable, she was drying her hair when she heard the door open. Tilting her head, she saw Ruhaan in the mirror. Her heart raced, their eyes meeting indirectly, yet speaking volumes. Breaking their gaze, Ruhaan wordlessly moved towards the washroom.
Sitara stood up, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety, and settled on the bed.
"Sitaraa!" Akshita's voice echoed through the house.
"Yes, bhabhi," she replied, standing up.
"Sit down. Maa has sent dinner for you and Ruhaan," Akshita said, pointing to the plates held by their maid.
"Thank you, bhabhi," Sitara expressed her gratitude.
"It's okay. Now eat and take your medicines," Akshita smiled before turning to leave. Sitara gently grasped her wrist, stopping her. Akshita looked at her in confusion.
"I love you," Sitara said, planting a soft kiss on Akshita's cheek.
Their bond was akin to that of sisters. Though unspoken, their affection for each other was evident. Akshita was moved; she had never experienced a sisterly connection before. Mayra was like a child to her, but in Sitara, she had found a true sister.
"I love you too, kiddo," Akshita said, kissing Sitara's forehead. "Now eat before it gets cold," she added, her affectionate tone filling the room.
After Akshita left, Ruhaan emerged from the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror, drying his hair.
"Um, maa sent dinner for both of us. Come and have it," Sitara said, her voice shaky with nerves. They were facing each other after seven long days, and the tension hung heavy in the air.
"I've already eaten," Ruhaan replied, his tone distant and hurt, and moved towards the balcony.
Sitara sensed the hurt in his voice, making her heart ache even more. She shrugged off her own feelings, focusing on her meal. After taking her medicines, she lay down on the bed, allowing sleep to consume her, trying to forget the pain in her heart.
Ruhaan lay on the couch in the balcony, holding Pari's photo in his trembling hands. "I tried, Pari, I tried, but it was too late. She's suffocating with me now, and I don't want to ruin her life anymore. She has someone else in her life, and I don't want to be a barrier. I loved her, but she doesn't love me. I'm sorry, Pari, but I can't confess my feelings to her," he whispered, tears streaming down his face. It had been since Pari's death that he had last cried.
The next morning, Sitara woke up to the warm embrace of sunlight. As she yawned and stretched and did her early morning prayer in bed, she slipped on her slippers, ready to start her day. However, she noticed Ruhaan uncomfortably lying on the balcony couch and her steps halted, she walked towards the balcony and saw Ruhaan holding Pari's photo frame tightly to his chest. Sitara's eyes welled up with tears, but she composed herself, inhaling the fresh morning air before moving away.
"I know, Ruhaan, you haven't moved on, and I'm tired now," she whispered to herself.
When she reached the dining table, everyone was already present. Nishtha questioned her presence, suggesting they were about to send breakfast to her room.
"It's okay, Maa. I wanted to have my breakfast with all of you," Sitara said, mustering a smile, and took her seat.
"Where's Ruhaan?" Akshita inquired.
"Ummm," Sitara hesitated, contemplating the excuse she should give. Ruhaan's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Here," Ruhaan replied, taking his seat beside Sitara, his eyes avoiding hers. Sighing, she began her breakfast.
"Maa, I'm leaving for Ahmedabad today," Ruhaan announced between bites.
"Why?" Advik asked.
"Do you remember Mr. Sharma? They want to make a deal with us again," Ruhaan explained.
"Then call them here," Kabir suggested.
"I did, but they said they are having their daughter's wedding next month. So they can't leave their city," Ruhaan replied.
"Then postpone the meeting," Kabir insisted.
"No, Dad. They said if we signed the contract, they could start their work," Ruhaan explained further.
"When will you come back?" Nishtha asked, her concern evident.
"Late at night."
"You have spare keys, right? Don't disturb Sitara," Nishtha instructed.
"Yes, Maa," Ruhaan said, glancing briefly at Sitara, who had remained silent throughout.
"Okay, then, bye," he said, touching his parents' feet. After bidding farewell to Akshita and Advik, he left, stealing a glance at Sitara on his way out.
"Sitara, would you like to watch a movie?" Akshita asked, trying to lift the atmosphere.
"Sure, bhabhi," Sitara agreed, offering a small smile.
The day passed in watching movies and chatting with Akshita and her little ones.
"Here's your tea" Akshita said handing Sitara a mug of tea.
"Thank you, bhabhi," Sitara expressed her gratitude.
"Um, can I ask you something?" Akshita inquired cautiously.
"Yes, bhabhi," Sitara replied, placing her mug gently on the table.
"I saw Ruhaan sleeping on the balcony. Is everything fine between both of you?" Akshita's concern was palpable.
"Yes, bhabhi, everything is fine. Actually, I wanted the AC on, and he wanted it off, so he slept outside," Sitara replied, offering the feeblest of excuses.
Although Akshita wasn't entirely convinced, she nodded, masking her worry with a smile.
After dinner, Sitara settled herself on her bed, absently scrolling through her Instagram feed. Inadvertently, her finger brushed against her phone screen, revealing Ruhaan's Instagram profile. She tapped on it and found that he had zero posts, despite having four million followers-a testament to his fame and success as a businessman. She clicked on his highlights and discovered only one photo: a picture of him and Pari. In the image, Pari was taking a selfie, and Ruhaan's hand protectively covered her arm. Sitara's eyes welled up with tears for Ruhaan.
"My pain is nothing compared to yours, Ruhaan," she whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Late that night, Ruhaan entered quietly, his blazer in hand. He moved to the kitchen, drank some chilled water, and then made his way to his room. Opening the door, he found Sitara shivering on the bed. Panic surged through him at the sight of her distress. He hastily discarded his blazer and sat down beside her. Turning off the AC, he covered her with another blanket, ensuring she was warm. Feeling her calm down, he gently released her hand, leaning in to press a tender kiss on her forehead.
The following day, Sitara woke up to find Ruhaan on the couch. Despite her anger and frustration with him, she understood his pain was profound. She was upset that he hadn't moved on, but she realized that letting go was not easy, especially when one had truly loved someone.
"I won't demand anything from you, Ruhaan," she murmured, offering a weak smile.
Days turned into months, and Ruhaan and Sitara started behaving like strangers once more. Outwardly, they appeared happy and affectionate, but within the confines of their room, they were strangers. Sitara maintained her distance, knowing that Ruhaan needed time to accept her. Ruhaan, on the other hand, believed Sitara was content with Rishi, assuming she met him every week. He didn't want to come between them.
One night, as Sitara was reading some files, and Ruhaan focused on his laptop, Advik burst into the room.
"Sitara, Ruhaan!" he exclaimed urgently.
"What happened, bhai?" Sitara asked, setting her files aside.
"We...Akshi...it's time," Advik blurted out.
Understanding his meaning, Sitara and Ruhaan followed Advik. Akshita was in her ninth month, and it was time. Nishtha and Kabir were away at a friend's anniversary party.
"Bhabhi, please be strong; we're almost at the hospital," Sitara reassured Akshita, seated beside Advik. Ruhaan drove, his face a mask of concern. Akshita, in the throes of pain, clutched Advik's hand tightly.
"I can't, Sitara; it hurts so much," Akshita cried between sobs.
Ruhaan stole glances at her through the mirror, his worry etched on his face.
"Akshi, please be strong. Look, I'm here," Advik urged, his voice laced with concern.
"Adi, please, do something," she pleaded.
"Bhabhi, we're almost there; please hold on," Ruhaan pleaded.
Upon reaching the hospital, the staff swiftly admitted Akshita.
"Mr oberoi, as we had told about her complications; But don't worry we will try our best" doctor said giving assurance.
Advik was on the verge of tears. Ruhaan placed a hand on his shoulder, offering silent support. Inside, they heard Akshita's cries and shouts. Advik stood by the door, while Ruhaan sat on a bench, his head resting against the wall. Sitara sat next to him, gently holding his hand. Ruhaan, too, looked at her, finding solace in her presence.
Eventually, Akshita's cries subsided, replaced by the soft cries of newborns. Advik and Ruhaan exchanged a glance filled with myriad emotions. A tear escaped from Sitara's eyes.
"Congratulations, it's a boy and a girl," a nurse announced, handing the babies to them.
Advik took the baby girl, and Sitara held the baby boy.
"How's my wife?" Advik asked anxiously.
"How's my bhabhi?" Ruhaan inquired simultaneously.
Sitara chuckled softly at their synchronized worry.
"She's fine," the nurse reassured them.
"Can I see her? I won't disturb her," Advik requested.
"Okay, but please maintain a distance," the nurse instructed. Advik nodded, handing the baby girl to Ruhaan, who hesitated at first but then followed Sitara's silent instructions on how to hold the baby. A genuine smile graced his face as he cradled his niece. Soon, the baby girl started crying. Ruhaan tried to comfort her but failed.
"You don't know how to calm babies," Sitara taunted, attempting to hide her amusement.
In no time, the baby boy also started crying. Sitara gave Ruhaan a knowing look, silently instructing him on how to soothe the baby, but she too was unsuccessful.
"Wow, Sitara, you're handling the babies so well," he mocked, and she rolled her eyes in response.
Moments later, Nishtha and Kabir arrived. Nisthta took the baby boy, and Kabir took the baby girl. Their cries ceased instantly. Ruhaan and Sitara exchanged surprised glances, unable to believe what had just happened
Guys I want votes and comments for next chapter. Warna maine nahi likhnað¤ just kidding I will update regularly bas aap votes aur comments kijiyeâ¥ï¸