"49. The Ragging Reversal"

"Use dard me dekh, dil mera gaya sehem

Uske chehre ki udaasi se, aakhein ho gayi numm,

Ab hoga insaan, nahi hoga koi Rehem

Milega unhe bhi dard, bina koi gumm"

-fictionflare_

(Rudraksh)

(Not that good but couldn't think of anything else)

Happy Birthday my little one Anjaliii070 🫂🌸❤️

All wish her please☺️☺️

At the Malhotra Empires,

Rishwik sat comfortably in his office chair, the epitome of authority and sophistication as he reviewed and signed a stack of documents. Dressed impeccably in business formals, he wore a light blue shirt tucked into cream-colored pants, his blazer casually draped over the back of his CEO chair. The top few buttons of his shirt were undone, offering a glimpse of his toned chest, adding a relaxed edge to his otherwise polished appearance. Across the desk, Riyanshi stood silently, her fingers fidgeting nervously. She was dressed in a black shirt paired with peach pants, her open hair cascading down her shoulders, complemented by the delicate, elegant jewelry she wore. Despite her poised demeanor, the sadness etched on her face was unmistakable. Her eyes glistened slightly, as if holding back tears, and the quiver in her lips betrayed the emotions she was struggling to suppress.

Riyanshi's thoughts: "Ye kitna hot dikh raha hai, main jau ise chod ke."

(He looks so hot. How can I leave him and go?)

Rishwik picked up the pen, signed the documents with a swift motion, and then slid them across the table toward her.

Rishwik: "Here you go, Ms. Sahni, your internship completion letter and certificate from the company."

Riyanshi, unable to hold back her emotions, began sobbing softly as she picked up the documents. Her quiet sobs caught Rishwik's attention, and he immediately turned to look at her. The sight of her tears filled him with panic, and he quickly stood up, concern etched on his face.

Rishwik: "Heyy Heyy, kya hua roo q rahi ho."

(Hey, hey! What happened? Why are you crying?)

Riyanshi looked up at Rishwik, her chin trembling as tears streamed down her cheeks. Her vulnerable expression tugged at his heart, and without a second thought, Rishwik stepped closer to her.

Rishwik: "Areh yaar tumhe toh khush hona chahiye na tumhari internship khatam ho gayi ab tumhe mere sath nahi rehna padega."

(Come on, you should be happy that your internship is over. Now you don't have to stay with me anymore.)

Riyanshi suddenly started crying hard, her sobs filling the room. Rishwik immediately grew panicked, his concern evident on his face. Without wasting a moment, he gently held her hand and guided her to sit on the couch. Once she was seated, he sat down beside her, turning to face her directly.

Rishwik: "Yaar mujhe laga tum khush ho jaogi, maine toh remarks bhi achche diye hai tumhe, internship scores me."

(I thought you'd be happy. I even gave you good remarks in your internship scores.)

Riyanshi: "Ha toh k..isne bola mujhe khus..hi hai inte..rnship khatam ho..ne ki??"

(Who said... I'm happy about the internship ending?)

Riyanshi continued crying uncontrollably, her sobs coming in hiccups between her words. She struggled to speak, her emotions clearly overwhelming her. Rishwik, his heart aching for her, cupped her face gently in his hands, his thumbs brushing away the tears that streamed down her cheeks. His gaze softened with concern as he whispered soothingly, trying to calm her, his touch comforting and tender.

Rishwik: "Shhhh, are yaar tum ro kyu Rahi ho?? Chupp shhh"

(Shhhh. Hey, why are you crying? Calm down.)

Riyanshi: "Tum sach me itne pagal ho ya acting karte ho."

(Are you genuinely this crazy, or are you just pretending?)

Rishwik: "Hato yaar, tum roti huyi hi thik thi, muh khulte hi meri burai shuru."

(Move aside! You were better off crying-at least you weren't badmouthing me.)

Riyanshi, in a moment of frustration, pushed his hand away from her face and then gently shoved him by his chest, trying to create some space. However, her gaze softened as she looked down at his chest, her eyes lingering for a moment.

Riyanshi: "Woww, chest strong lagti hai."

(Wow, your chest looks strong.)

Rishwik: "What??"

Riyanshi glanced back at him, her eyes filled with tears once more as she began to cry again, the weight of her emotions overwhelming her.

Riyanshi: "Tum kitne bure ho mujhe baaton me fasa rahe ho na.. aur kitne bure ho tum, mujhe rulaya."

(You're so mean, trying to trap me in your words... and you're so terrible, you made me cry.)

Rishwik: "Maine kab rulaya tumhe?? Khud hi toh ro rahi ho."

(When did I make you cry? You're the one who started crying on your own.)

Riyanshi stood tall on the center table, her glare intense as she locked eyes with him. In response, he also stood up, matching her height, a silent challenge passing between them.

Riyanshi: "Aaj kal mere sath jo hota hai sab tumhari galti hai, tum..tum gande ho haa... Pagal bhi bewakoof bhi, dimaag bhi nahi hai tum ne aur aur... Haa aur tum ek number ke gadhe ho."

(These days, whatever happens to me is all your fault. You... you're mean, yes, and stupid too. You don't even have a brain, and... and you're a complete idiot!)

Rishwik, having reached his breaking point from her constant cursing, suddenly picked Riyanshi up and threw her onto the couch. Riyanshi gasped in shock, her wide eyes staring at him in disbelief. She hadn't expected this sudden shift in his behavior. Rishwik leaned in close to her face, his hand resting firmly on the headrest behind her. His expression was intense, a mixture of frustration and determination. Riyanshi, still taken aback, found herself unable to speak, her breath caught in the moment.

Rishwik: "Chuppp ekdum, Varna couch ki jagah zameen pe fek dunga."

(Quiet, or I'll throw you on the floor instead of the couch!)

Riyanshi, still overwhelmed by emotion, pushed Rishwik away and quickly sat up properly. But as she did, her tears began to flow even harder, and she cried uncontrollably. Rishwik, seeing her distress, immediately went into panic mode. Without thinking twice, he sat beside her and gently pulled her into his embrace. He held her close, rubbing her back soothingly as he whispered softly, trying to comfort her.

Riyanshi: "ye 13th time tha jab tumne mujhe utha ke feka hai pichle 4 mahino me, tum kitne bure ho."

(This is the 13th time you've thrown me in the past four months. You're so awful!)

Rishwik: "Achcha tum isliye ro rahi ho, achcha baba sorry ab nahi fekunga pakka, vaise bhi tum ja rhi ho na."

(Oh, so that's why you're crying? Okay, okay, I'm sorry. I won't throw you anymore. Anyway, you're leaving, aren't you?)

Riyanshi pulled herself away from his embrace, her eyes flashing with anger as she glared at him, her expression a mix of frustration and defiance.

Riyanshi: "Tumhe samajh kyu nahi aata ki main chahti hu tum zindagi bhar mujhe aise feko, pyaar karne lagi hu main tumse nahi ja sakti chod ke dikhta nahi hai kya tumhe??"

(Don't you understand that I want you to throw me like this my whole life? I've fallen in love with you. I can't leave you. Can't you see that?)

Riyanshi, amidst her sobs, finally gathered the courage to confess her feelings, her voice shaky as she spoke. She admitted the turmoil she had been feeling, but as soon as she said the words, her crying intensified. Rishwik, despite the seriousness of the moment, couldn't help but let a small smile tug at the corners of his lips. He shook his head softly, amused by the emotional storm she was going through. Gently, he smacked her head lightly, a playful gesture that made her pause in her crying, even if only for a moment.

Rishwik: "Pagal, jo documents diye, use dekh toh leti ek baar."

(Crazy girl, did you even read the documents I gave you?)

Riyanshi looked at him, her tears flowing more freely as her emotions took over, her gaze filled with sorrow and heartache.

Riyanshi: "You heartless gande boss, yaha maine just apna pyaar confess kiya aur tumhe documents ki padi hai.... Hey bhagwan lut gayi main barbaad ho gayi kaise gadhe aadmi se pyaar kar liya hai."

(You heartless, terrible boss. Here I just confessed my love, and all you care about are documents? Oh God, I'm ruined! How could I fall in love with such a donkey of a man?)

Rishwik, his expression shifting to one of mild irritation, glared at Riyanshi before smacking her head again, this time more firmly. He was done with the emotional chaos and needed to address the situation. Standing up, he grabbed the documents and placed them gently on her lap.

Rishwik: "padho ise ghamandi intern."

(Read it, you arrogant intern.)

Riyanshi glared at Rishwik for a moment, her frustration evident, but she then shifted her attention to the documents on her lap. As she read through them, her confusion grew. She glanced up at him, her eyes searching his face for an explanation.

Riyanshi: "Pre Placement offer letter???"

Rishwik smiled softly, his eyes filled with warmth, and leaned towards her, closing the distance between them with a gentle, caring gesture.

Rishwik: "Haa toh tumhe kya laga yaar har meeting me tumhe sath lekar kyu jata hu main?? Sunday bhi tumhari bewajah ki shopping me tumhare sath aana, cafe dates, movie dates pe kyu aata hu main tumhare sath??"

(Yes! What did you think? Why else do you think I took you to every meeting? Why I accompanied you on random shopping trips on Sundays, to cafes, and even to movie dates?)

Riyanshi: "Kyu??"

(Why??)

Riyanshi asked, her voice trembling with curiosity, and Rishwik shook his head gently, a smile on his lips, as if to reassure her or lighten the mood.

Rishwik: "Areh meri jhalli kudi, main bhi tumse pyaar karne laga hu heeriye, aise hi kaise khud se dur chale jaane deta tumhe haa, socha bhi kaise tumne."

(My silly girl, I've fallen in love with you too. How could I ever let you go away from me like that? How could you even think I would?)

Riyanshi: "Tu.. tum bhi mujhse pyaar karte ho??"

(You... you love me too?)

Rishwik: "Aaho ji meri jhalli heeriye."

(Yes, my crazy girl.)

Riyanshi, overwhelmed by a surge of emotion, acted impulsively. Without a second thought, she grabbed Rishwik's collar, yanked him toward her, and pushed him onto the couch. Hovering above him, she placed her lips firmly against his. Rishwik's eyes widened in shock, the suddenness of her move leaving him momentarily breathless and frozen in place. He remained still, caught in the intensity of the moment as Riyanshi began to kiss him, her lips moving against his in a fervent, almost desperate manner.

But when he didn't respond, Riyanshi, frustrated and eager to break through his shock, without pulling away and delivered a sharp slap to his cheek. The sound echoed through the room, snapping Rishwik out of his trance. He blinked several times, disoriented for a moment, before his arms instinctively wrapped around her waist. A smile tugged at his lips as he pulled her closer, their lips meeting once again, but this time with an equal intensity. Slowly, he began to reciprocate, his kiss more passionate now, as if everything had fallen into place.

The kiss ended reluctantly, and Riyanshi, flushed and overwhelmed, hid her face in his neck, seeking comfort in his embrace. Rishwik smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He could sense her vulnerability, and he knew exactly how to tease her. Holding her close, he let his thoughts drift to playful banter, wondering how far he could push her, even in this intimate moment.

Rishwik: "Hello madam, ye kya tha haa?? Aur ye zabardasti se kya matlab hai aapka."

(Hey, madam, what was that just now? And what do you mean by 'forceful'?)

Riyanshi looked at him, her eyes sharp and intense as she glared, her expression full of frustration and determination.

Riyanshi: "Zabardasti ki hai maine??"

(I forced you?)

Rishwik: "Haa toh main thehra bhola bhala ladka, aur mujhe... Aise yun... Hayy re meri izzat lut gayi."

( Yes, I'm just an innocent guy, and you... oh no, my dignity has been stolen!)

Rishwik, hid his face in his palm, feeling a mix of exasperation and amusement at the situation. Riyanshi, still processing everything, suddenly moved and sat on Rishwik's stomach, placing her hand gently on his chest. Her action caught him off guard, but he didn't resist, his hand still covering his face as he let out a resigned sigh.

Riyanshi: "Achcha toh maine izzat luti hai tumhari. "

(Oh, so I stole your dignity?)

Rishwik nodded, his lips barely holding back a smile, as he kept his face partially hidden behind his hand, trying to mask his amusement.

Riyanshi: "Toh ab ilzaam lag hi gaya hai toh gunaah karne me kaisi sharam."

(Well, if I've already been accused, what's the harm in committing the crime properly?)

Riyanshi, her playful smirk evident, began unbuttoning Rishwik's shirt, teasing him with her actions. However, before she could go further, Rishwik quickly grabbed her hands, his ears turning a shade of red from both the surprise and the teasing. Riyanshi suppressed a laugh, thoroughly enjoying the moment. She rested her hands on his shoulders, still sitting on top of him, while Rishwik lowered his head, feeling the heat of embarrassment creep up his neck.

Riyanshi: "Awww my pookie sweetheart is blushing ha."

Rishwik smiled warmly, his feelings softening as he wrapped his arms around Riyanshi in a hug. Riyanshi chuckled softly, her fingers gently rubbing his back as she enjoyed the moment. But before he could fully embrace the closeness, she suddenly pushed him away and stood up, leaving him momentarily confused.

Rishwik: "What??"

Riyanshi: "Jab aisa hi tha toh mujhe pehle kyu nahi bataya??"

(If that's how you felt, then why didn't you tell me earlier?)

Rishwik: "Angel kya kehti hai vo.. haa danav, danav ka pravesh hua isme phir se."

(What does Angel say? Oh yes, "The devil has entered her again.")

Rishwik murmured to himself, lost in thought, when Riyanshi snapped her fingers in front of him, drawing his attention, and pointed at herself with a questioning expression.

Riyanshi: "Ye phusphusana band karo, aur yaha baat karo mujhse, jawab do."

(Stop mumbling and talk to me directly! Answer me.)

Rishwik gently took her hand, pulling her closer to him, and wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her in a protective and affectionate embrace.

Rishwik: "Because, darling, why should boys always propose? I mean, come on yaar main itna mast dikhta hu gentleman bhi hu, chota sa proposal hi sahi par main bhi deserve karta hu na."

(Because, darling, why should boys always propose? I mean, come on, I look great, I'm a gentleman too. Don't I deserve a little proposal too?)

Riyanshi pushed him away, her hands pressing against his chest as she created some distance

Riyanshi: "That means tum ab tak mujhe pareshan kar rahe the na??"

(So all this time, you've just been teasing me, haven't you?)

Rishwik: "haa mazee le raha tha tumhare."

(Yes, I was enjoying it.)

Riyanshi: "Behaya begairat insaan, hatoo yaar main ja rahi hu."

(Shameless, indecent man. Get lost! I'm leaving.)

Riyanshi turned to leave, but before she could take a step, Rishwik quickly grabbed her hand, pulling her back toward him. He then cupped her face gently, his touch soft yet firm, his gaze filled with concern and sincerity.

Rishwik: "Achcha baba sorry, ab batao will my heeriye be my girlfriend??"

(Okay, okay, I'm sorry! Now tell me-will my crazy girl be my girlfriend?)

Riyanshi: "Sirf girlfriend?? Biwi nahi?? Dekho mere sath time pass karne ka socha na toh jaan le lungi."

(Just a girlfriend? Not a wife? If you think you can just have fun with me, I'll kill you.)

Rishwik: "Jaan toh aap vaise le chuki hai heeriye, aur haa will you be my current girlfriend and future wife??"

(You've already stolen my heart, dear. And yes, will you be my current girlfriend and my future wife?)

Riyanshi blushed, her cheeks turning pink as she lowered her gaze slightly, then nodded in agreement, her heart racing from the closeness.

Riyanshi: "Yess I will, but promise Karo mujhe har mahine new sandals dilaoge."

(Yes, I will. But promise me you'll buy me new sandals every month.)

Rishwik: "Har hafte dilaunga bas??"

(I'll buy them every week. Happy now?)

Riyanshi grinned widely, her excitement bubbling over as she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his chest, seeking comfort. Rishwik chuckled softly at her affection, his arms instinctively wrapping around her as he hugged her back, holding her close.

In the college classroom, Ruhanika sat in the middle of two girls, both of whom were seated next to her with friendly smiles. It was already the third class of the day, and Ruhanika, after spending the entire first lecture lost in her own thoughts, had gathered the courage to approach them during the second lecture. She had quietly reflected on it, giving herself a little pep talk, before asking them for their friendship. What Ruhanika didn't know was that both girls had intentionally chosen to sit next to her. They were not just regular classmates; they had been placed there by Rishwik for her safety, ensuring she had a bit of protection while at college. Their presence was purposeful, though Ruhanika was unaware of the full extent of their role. By the time the third class had ended, the girls had already bonded with Ruhanika, chatting and laughing together as friends. Only one more class remained after the break, and Ruhanika, now feeling more at ease, looked forward to it, unaware of the careful planning that had brought her these new companions.

Riyanshi: "Umm Jahnavi, Pranali hume bhook lagi hai canteen chale kya??"

(Umm Jahnavi, Pranali, I'm feeling hungry. Shall we go to the canteen?)

Jahnavi: "Haa Ruhanika, chalo chalte hai hum dono ko bhi bhook lagi hai."

(Yes, Ruhanika, let's go. We're hungry too.)

The three of them walked towards the canteen, chatting and laughing, but midway, they came to a sudden halt.

Pranali: "Mujhe washroom jaana I'll be back."

(I need to go to the washroom. I'll be back.)

Jahnavi: "Mujhe bhi, Ruhanika tum bhi chalo."

(Me too. Ruhanika, why don't you come along?)

Ruhanika: "Hume bahaut zor se bhook lagi hai aap dono jaiye, hum canteen me aapka intezar karte hai na."

(I'm really hungry. You both go ahead; I'll wait for you in the canteen.)

Pranali: "Sure??"

(Are you sure?)

Ruhanika nodded, glancing at the two of them as they made their way towards the washroom. She, however, continued on her own path towards the canteen. Ruhanika paused as a group of boys stepped in her way, blocking her path. She hesitated for a moment before trying to move past them, but they shifted, ensuring she couldn't get through. Ruhanika, sensing the tension, stopped and looked at them, her expression a mix of confusion and annoyance. It was clear they weren't going to let her go easily. She glanced around, considering her options, wondering what their intentions were and how she could get out of this uncomfortable situation.

Ruhanika: "Aap kya kar rahe hai, hume Jane dijiye."

(What are you doing? Let me go, please.)

A boy: "Hume?? Aur kon hai tumhare sath beautiful??"

(Us? Who else is with you, beautiful?)

The way he spoke didn't sit well with Ruhanika, and she instinctively lowered her head, her expression turning more serious. She couldn't shake off the discomfort his words had caused, and her silence spoke volumes.

Ruhanika: "Hum apni hi baat kar rahe hai."

(I was just referring to myself.)

There were about four boys and two girls, and they all began laughing at her.

Girl 1: "Gaav se aayi ho kya behenji."

(Did you come from a village, Ms. Traditional?)

Girl 2: "Nahi yaar Anisha, kapdo se toh modern lagti hai."

(No, Anisha, she looks modern by her clothes.)

Anisha: "Areh Dhruvi, iske Baal toh dekh itne lambe, pakka ye gaav wali hai, Kyu Tarun??"

(Oh, Dhruvi, but look at her long hair. She's definitely a village girl, right, Tarun?)

Tarun: "Haa haa, par jo bhi ho hai toh mast kya kehte ho Karan, Rohan aur Varun??"

(Yeah, but whatever she is, she's quite attractive. What do you say, Karan, Rohan, and Varun?)

The six of them nodded in agreement, their laughter growing louder.

Ruhanika: "Dekhiye hume jaane dijiye, hume aap sabse baat nahi karni."

(Please let me go. I don't want to talk to any of you.)

Anisha and Dhruvi approached Ruhanika, their expressions harsh as they grabbed her chin with a firm grip, their teeth gritted.

Anisha: "Par hume karni hai, aur yaha rehna hai toh tameez se pesh aana seniors ke sath, got it you dumb village girl??"

(But we want to talk to you. And if you want to stay here, you better behave respectfully with seniors. Got it, you dumb village girl?)

Dhruvi: "Or be ready to face the consequences."

Ruhanika swiftly freed herself from their grip and took a step back.

Ruhanika: "Aise dusre students ko pareshan karna galat baat hai didi, aap senior hai aapko sabki madad karni chahiye."

(It's wrong to harass other students like this. You're seniors; you should be helping others.)

Anisha: "ohh now you will tell us what we should do and what not??"

Dhruvi: "Looks like she needs to be taught a lesson."

Anisha: "Tarun, Karan, Varun, Rohan, please show this madam her rightful place."

Ruhanika, determined to ignore the boys and move forward, tried to push past them. But Tarun, with a sudden movement, placed his leg in front of her, causing her to trip and fall hard on the floor. She winced in pain as some bruises appeared on her hand, the sharp sting making her eyes well up with tears. She hissed in discomfort but quickly stood up, grabbing her bag. As she attempted to regain her balance, Karan unexpectedly yanked her bag, further aggravating the situation.

Karan: "What's the rush, sweetheart? Let's spend some time together."

The four boys circled around her, their presence intimidating, but Ruhanika kept her head lowered, trying to shield herself from their mocking stares.

Rohan: "Oh, she's so timid. I just love juniors like her."

Varun: "Alright, now you have to obey us."

Ruhanika: "Humara bag de dijiye bhaiya, hum aapki koi baat nahi manenge ye galt hai."

(Please give me my bag back. I'm not going to listen to you. This is wrong.)

By now, a large crowd of students had gathered around, making it difficult for anyone to move freely. The noise and confusion added to the tension of the situation. Jahnavi and Pranali, sensing something was wrong, quickly made their way toward the crowd. However, the sea of people blocked their path, preventing them from reaching Ruhanika. They tried to push through, but the growing number of students made it nearly impossible. They exchanged worried glances, both anxious to get to Ruhanika and make sure she was okay.

Random Guy: "Bro, who is she? She's pretty, and the first person to defy these bullies."

Guy 2: "Exactly, but I don't think she'll win."

Guy 3: "Let's see."

Ruhanika's heart raced as Anisha and Dhruvi roughly pulled at her shirt, pushing her back onto the floor.

Ruhanika: "Ahhhhhh"

Ruhanika's eyes scanned the crowd, and her heart sank as she saw them laughing at her. The humiliation stung deeply, and despite her best efforts to hold it together, a few tears slipped down her cheeks. She felt the weight of the laughter and the mocking stares, but she refused to let them see her break. With a shaky breath, she wiped her tears away and straightened up, standing tall despite the bruises and the pain.

Ruhanika: "Hum bhaiyu aur Aksh ko batayenge, vo aapko saza denge, isiliye hum keh rahe hai Jane dijiye hume didi aur bhaiya log."

(I'll tell Bhaiyu and Aksh about this. They'll make sure you're punished. So I'm asking you again, please let me go.)

They all laughed once more and threw her bag on the floor.

Tarun: "Oh, so you're threatening us now? By the way, who's your brother and who is Aksh?"

Ruhanika: "Ashvik Rajpurohit bhaiyu hai humare, aur humare Aksh pati hai humare."

(Ashvik Rajpurohit is my brother, and Aksh is my husband.)

Anisha: "Oh my, married at such a young age?"

Dhruvi: "Definitely a village girl."

Karan: "Ashvik Rajpurohit, the chairman of Rathore Industries?"

Ruhanika: "Jiii"

(Yes.)

Karan: "What's your husband's full name?"

Ruhanika: "Rudraksh Malhotra."

The crowd fell silent at Ruhanika's words. They were taken aback not just by her courage but also by the mention of Ashvik Rajpurohit and Rudraksh Malhotra-two of the most influential figures in the world. The fact that she was connected to them gave her an air of authority that made even the boldest of them hesitate.

Dhruvi: "Karan, why are you investigating so much?"

Anisha: "Exactly. It's obvious she's lying."

Tarun: "Yeah, and of all people, she chose the richest man in the country as her brother and husband."

Rohan: "Do you think we're fools?"

Ruhanika stumbled slightly as Rohan pushed her again, but she quickly regained her balance, her eyes narrowing with determination. On the other side, Jahnavi and Pranali were struggling to push through the growing crowd, their faces filled with frustration as they tried desperately to make their way towards Ruhanika. The entire college had gathered, and it seemed nearly impossible for them to break through the sea of students.

Karan: "Bro, if she's telling the truth, we're in big trouble."

Ruhanika: "Hum bhi yahi keh rahe hai bhaiya, mat kijiye ye galat baat Aksh gussa karenge aap pe."

(That's what I'm trying to say, Bhaiya. Stop this. Aksh will get angry at you.)

Anisha: "Just shut up, you villager. Do you think we're fools to believe you?"

Dhruvi: "Besides, Rudraksh Malhotra isn't someone who'd marry a girl like you."

Rohan: "He's just a businessman. Nobody even knows much about him."

Tarun: "God knows where he came from. Same goes for Ashvik Rajpurohit. Why did he suddenly start using his surname after so many years?"

They all laughed at Ruhanika.

At RM Empires, Rudraksh sat in his cabin, sifting through some important files, when his phone suddenly rang. The caller ID displayed the college principal's number, instantly raising his concern. He immediately answered the call, his heart racing as he listened to the principal's words. When he heard that someone had been ragging Ruhanika, a surge of anger coursed through him, but more than that, his primary concern was her safety and well-being.

His blood boiled with fury, but he kept his focus sharp. Without wasting a second, he grabbed his car keys and dialed Ashvik's number, informing him of the troubling news. His voice was tense and urgent as he explained the situation. Hanging up, Rudraksh bolted out of his cabin, his mind consumed by worry. The suddenness of his departure left everyone in the office stunned and confused, not understanding why he was in such a rush.

Meanwhile, Jahnavi, equally frantic, called Rishwik and quickly briefed him about the chaos unfolding at the college. Rishwik's face turned crimson with rage as he heard the news. There was no hesitation in his response. He immediately instructed Aman to come with him, and the two of them headed straight for the college, driven by a mixture of anger and concern for Ruhanika's safety.

As soon as Rudraksh and Ashvik reached the college, they didn't waste a moment. Both of them rushed through the gates, their pace quickening with every step, their minds racing with worry. The sight of them storming into the college immediately caused a stir among the students. Whispers spread like wildfire, and many realized that Ruhanika's story wasn't a lie.

Without a second thought, they dashed toward the Principal's cabin. The tension was palpable as they arrived, only to be informed that the principal had been called to the medical room, where Ruhanika was. The moment they heard this, a wave of anxiety hit them. Rudraksh's heart pounded in his chest as he and Ashvik hurried towards the medical room.

Just as they arrived at the door, they were joined by Rishwik and Amandeep, who had also arrived in a rush. The four of them stood outside the medical room, staring at the crowd of students gathered there, all of them whispering to each other. The tension in the air was thick with anticipation and uncertainty, but all four men's eyes were focused solely on the door, their concern for Ruhanika growing with every passing second. Rudraksh clenched his fists, his worry for Ruhanika deepening. They needed to get to her, and they needed to do it fast.

Rishwik: "Move aside, you idiots."

Rishwik's shout echoed through the room, prompting everyone to step aside as they made their way in. The sight that awaited them left them all in shock-Ruhanika was sitting on the hospital bed, her expression tense and distant. Without wasting a moment, the four of them rushed to her side, concern flooding their faces. Rudraksh was the first to reach her, quickly cupping her face in his hands, his gaze filled with worry as he looked into her eyes. The room was thick with tension as they all tried to make sense of what was happening, their hearts racing with concern for her.

Rudraksh: "Ruhh, betu kahi lagi hai tumhe???"

(Ruhh, baby, did you get hurt?)

Ashvik carefully examined her hands, his focus intense, while Rishwik crouched down on one knee to inspect her feet with equal attention. Amandeep, knelt to gently remove her shoes, ensuring he could check her feet properly as well.

Ashvik: "Puch kya raha hai, dekh ye kaise hath laal ho gaye hai."

(Why are you asking? Look at her hands-they've turned red.)

Rishwik: "Bhai, kapde bhi gande ho gaye, pakka aur bhi lagi hai Angel ko."

(Brother, her clothes are dirty too. She's definitely hurt more than it looks.)

Rudraksh's eyes burned with anger, his frustration palpable, but before he could react, Ruhanika quickly wrapped her arms around him, pressing her face against his stomach as tears flowed freely. She cried, seeking solace in his embrace, her sobs muffled against him.

Rudraksh: "Ruhhh??"

Ashvik gently caressed Ruhanika's head, trying to comfort her as best as he could, while Rishwik's gaze moved to her disheveled hair. His eyes narrowed in realization as his hands clenched into fists. It was clear to him that someone had pulled her hair, and the anger started building inside him. His gaze shifted to Jahnavi and Pranali, who were standing in a corner, looking guilty and uneasy. Amandeep's glare toward them intensified, his eyes filled with suspicion and fury as he, too, pieced together what had happened. The tension in the room was palpable, and it seemed like the quiet before a storm.

Ashvik: "Ruhiii, beta kisne kiya bas itna bata de."

(Ruhi, kiddo, just tell me who did this.)

Rudraksh: "And what the hell are you all doing here? My wife is injured, and you're standing around like this,treating some stupid boys and girls??"

Rudraksh's voice rose in anger as he yelled at the doctors, frustration evident in every word. Meanwhile, Ruhanika tightened her grip on him, her eyes squeezed shut, overwhelmed by the tension. Sensing her distress, Rudraksh quickly rubbed her back in a soothing motion, trying to calm her amidst the chaos.

Rudraksh: "Nahii betu, aap pe nahi chilla raha, daro nahi aap meri Ruhh."

(No, baby, I'm not yelling at you. Don't be scared. You're my Ruhh.)

Ruhanika looked up at Rudraksh, her teary eyes filled with helplessness as her chin quivered, a silent plea for comfort. Rudraksh's heart clenched painfully at the sight of her distress, his love for her only deepening in that moment. Without a second thought, he gently cupped her face, his thumb tenderly wiping away her tears. His eyes softened with a mix of concern and determination, unable to bear seeing her in pain.

Ashvik: "Khade kya ho, kaisa management hai ye, kisi student ke sath kuch ho jaye aur kisi ko khabar tak nahi."

(Why are you just standing there? What kind of management is this? A student gets hurt, and no one even knows?)

Rishwik: "I'm going to file a lawsuit against every authority in this college."

Amandeep: "We'll withdraw from the trustee position and shut this college down."

The college principal stepped forward, his face stern yet concerned, sensing the tension in the air. He glanced between Rudraksh and the doctors, trying to assess the situation before addressing the issue at hand.

Principal: "Sir, please listen to me first."

Rudraksh: "What is there to listen to? Just look at my Ruhh. She's so scared, her clothes are dirty, and no one even bothered to give her proper treatment."

Doctor: "Sir, she only has some bruises, so..."

Rishwik: "Shut up. Just shut up. My Angel's hands are red, she's crying, and you're calling it "just bruises"?"

Amandeep: "Brother, why are we even wasting time here? Let's take her to the hospital."

Rudraksh bent down to lift Ruhanika in his arms, his concern for her outweighing everything else. However, before he could lift her, the principal stepped forward, his voice firm yet understanding.

Principal: "Sir, please, just give me a moment."

Rudraksh: "What else is there to say? My wife is injured, and these useless doctors are treating these stupid boys and girls instead."

Principal: "It's because of your wife, sir."

Ashvik, Rudraksh, Rishwik, and Amandeep exchanged puzzled glances, their confusion evident as they tried to understand what the principal was saying.

Ashvik: "What do you mean?"

Principal: "Sir, Mrs. Ruhanika beat all six of them."

As the four men-Ashvik, Rudraksh, Rishwik, and Amandeep looked up and , their eyes widened in disbelief and shock at the scene before them. The six students lying on the hospital beds were none other than Tarun, Karan, Varun, Rohan, Anisha, and Dhruvi. They were all visibly injured, each with bandages wrapped around different parts of their bodies. Some had white bandages on their hands, others on their heads, and the girls had crêpe bandages on their feet. But it wasn't just the bandages that caught their attention-it was the slap marks on their faces and the bruises on their wrists, evidence of the tight pressure they had been subjected to, almost as if someone had twisted their arms mercilessly.

Their heads hung low in fear. They knew exactly who stood before them-Ashvik, Rudraksh, Rishwik, and Amandeep were powerful figures in the city, and they had no doubt that the consequences of their actions would be severe. The room was filled with an eerie silence, with only the soft rustling of the students' movements and the occasional whisper from the crowd outside.

Amidst all the chaos, Ruhanika remained in Rudraksh's arms, her face hidden against his stomach as she hugged him tightly. Rudraksh held her protectively, his face a mask of anger and concern, but his focus was entirely on Ruhanika, ensuring she felt safe in that moment. Ashvik, Rishwik, Amandeep, and Rudraksh exchanged glances, a shared understanding passing between them. They had seen enough. They were ready to make sure Ruhanika never had to face something like this again, and the students on the bed were about to understand just how powerful their wrath could be.

Ashvik: "Teddyy??"

Ruhanika: "Bhaiyu, ye didi aur bhaiya log hume sata rahe the aur phir inhone hume giraya bhi, humare kapde khiche humne mana bhi Kiya par inhone suna hi nahi."

(Bhaiyu, these girls and boys were harassing me. They pushed me, pulled at my clothes, and I told them to stop, but they didn't listen.)

Rudraksh, Ashvik, Rishwik, and Amandeep locked eyes with the six of them, their gazes filled with fierce intensity. Rudraksh's eyes were bloodshot, red with anger and frustration as he tightened his grip around Ruhanika, pulling her closer to him for reassurance. She, in turn, clutched onto him tightly, seeking comfort in his presence. The room was thick with tension, as the men's protective instincts surged. However, as Rudraksh looked closer, he noticed the state of student. The way Ruhanika had defended herself, her strength shining through, was evident in the bruises and marks on their bodies. It was clear they wouldn't be able to walk properly for at least 3-4 days. Despite the anger burning in his chest, a flicker of admiration for Ruhanika's resilience flashed through him. His heart ached for her, but it also filled with pride for how fiercely she had fought back.

Ruhanika: "Bhaiyu phir inhone aapke aur Aksh ke bare me bura bura kaha tha, humne mana kiya tha, par phir in didi ne humare baal kheech ke hume giraya vapas se, hume gussa aa gaya."

(They also said bad things about you and Aksh. I warned them, but one of the girls pulled my hair and pushed me again. I got angry.)

Ruhanika, still wrapped in Rudraksh's arms, turned her head towards those six students with a sharp glare, her frustration clear. But as her gaze softened, she turned back to Rudraksh, seeking comfort in his presence. Her grip on him tightened, as if drawing strength from him, her eyes silently pleading for reassurance.

Ruhanika: "Hum phir mana kiya toh in bhaiya ne humare kapde pakade toh hume pasand nahi aaya humne dhakka diya toh ye hum humare pass aaye toh humne inhe dhakka diya aur haath marod diye aur thoda sa hi maara bhi... Ab isme ye gir gaye aur inke chot lag gayi toh humari galti nahi hai na Rishi Bhai."

(When they tried to grab my clothes, I didn't like it. I pushed them, twisted their arms, and hit them a little. If they fell and got hurt, it's not my fault, right, Rishi Bhai?)

Rishwik smirked playfully at Ruhanika, his gaze shifting to the six students who were watching the scene unfold.

Rishwik: "Haa Angel, koi galti nahi hai tumhari aur aage bhi koi galti nahi hogi."

(Yes, Angel. It's not your fault, and it never will be.)

Ruhanika: "Aage matlab bhai??"

(What do you mean, Bhai?)

Amandeep: "Koi nahi Ruhii, and what the hell are you guys doing in bekaar ke logo ko treatment de rahe ho.... Yaha Ruhi ko itni chot aayi hai aur tum log time pass kar rahe ho."

(Nothing, Ruhi. And what are you all doing treating these worthless people while Ruhi is hurt?)

Rudraksh: "No need, hum hospital jayenge, They've touched these useless creatures; they won't treat my pure Ruhh."

(No need. We're going to the hospital. )

Ashvik: "Principal, I hope you know what I'm going to do?"

Principal: "Sir, Mrs. Ruhanika beat them."

Ashvik: "Can't you see it was self-defense? If you can't do anything, just let me know."

The principal's throat tightened as he felt the weight of everyone's fierce glares. The tension in the room was thick, and he knew he was at the center of something far more serious than he'd ever anticipated. The gravity of the situation was evident to everyone present.

Rudraksh, his protective instincts taking over, swiftly lifted Ruhanika into his arms, carrying her with care as they moved out of the room. The rest of the group followed, their expressions a mix of anger, concern, and determination. The entire college seemed to watch in silence, but none of them cared about the eyes on them as they moved toward their car.

Rudraksh gently placed Ruhanika in the car, making sure she was comfortable before turning his gaze toward Amandeep. The look in his eyes was clear-he wanted answers, and he wasn't going to let anyone get away with this. Amandeep met his stare, understanding the weight of the moment, and the silence between them spoke volumes. The tension was palpable, and there was no turning back now.

Rudraksh: "Get the full background of those six students. You know what to do."

Amandeep: "I'll have it before you reach home."

Rudraksh gave a curt nod, his expression resolute as he sat inside the car, his focus unwavering. Ashvik slid into the passenger seat beside him, while Rishwik took the wheel, his grip on the steering wheel tight. Amandeep, always efficient, occupied another car, intent on getting the work done and making sure no further mistakes were made. The bodyguards who had been stationed outside the college quickly fell in line, following them in separate vehicles, ready to provide any necessary protection.

Once they were in motion, Amandeep's focus shifted to the bodyguards, his gaze sharp as he addressed them. His tone was cold and authoritative, holding no room for excuses. He wasted no time in giving them a stern lecture about the serious lapse in security that allowed Ruhanika to be harmed. His words were firm and clear-this failure would not be tolerated, and he would ensure accountability. The bodyguards, visibly shaken by Amandeep's reprimand, knew they had to do everything in their power to make sure something like this never happened again.

In the car, Ruhanika clung to Rudraksh, her arms wrapped tightly around him as if seeking solace. Rudraksh gently caressed her back, understanding the turmoil she was going through. He knew how much courage it had taken for her to stand up for herself, especially given her gentle and non-confrontational nature. The day's events had shaken her deeply, and he could sense her distress. Pulling her closer, he cradled her against his chest, his protective instincts kicking in as he whispered soothing words to comfort her. "It's okay, Ruhhhh. You're safe now," he murmured, his voice soft and reassuring. "You did the right thing, and I'm so proud of you." As they reached the hospital, Rudraksh carried her inside, refusing to let her walk even though she protested weakly. The doctors quickly attended to her injuries. She had a few bruises on her hands from falling, a small cut on her palm from scraping against a railing, and minor scrapes on her feet, elbow, and forehead. The doctor cleaned her wounds, applied ointments, and carefully bandaged the cut on her head. Rudraksh watched closely, his jaw clenched and his heart aching at the sight of her in pain. The doctors administered a tetanus injection to Ruhanika as a precaution to prevent any potential infection. Rudraksh held her close, gently rubbing her back to comfort her as she winced slightly at the prick.

Once the treatment was complete, Rudraksh gently slipped her shoes back on and lifted her again, carrying her as though she weighed nothing. His protective gaze never left her, and he silently vowed to ensure no one ever hurt her again. Back in the car, Ruhanika remained silent, her head resting on Rudraksh's chest. She didn't say a word, the exhaustion and emotional weight of the day evident in her eyes. Rudraksh kissed the top of her head softly, holding her securely. Within minutes, the combination of the tetanus injection and the medicines began to take effect, and Ruhanika drifted off to sleep in his arms. Rudraksh adjusted her carefully, making sure she was comfortable. Ashvik, sitting in the front seat, glanced back and exchanged a knowing look with Rudraksh, his eyes reflecting the same mix of concern and determination. As the car moved towards home, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken emotions. Rudraksh held her a little tighter, his resolve stronger than ever to protect her from any harm.

Soon, they reached home, and without wasting a moment, Rudraksh gently lifted Ruhanika into his arms. He stepped inside, followed closely by Rishwik and Ashvik. At the same time, Amandeep arrived and entered alongside them. In the living room, Kartavya, Kritika, Savisha, and Karanjeet were lounging comfortably, chatting about the day. However, their conversation came to an abrupt halt as their gazes locked onto the unexpected sight before them. Their eyes widened in shock and curiosity, seeing Rudraksh carrying Ruhanika with such care.

Kartavya: "Rudra ye kya hua??"

(Rudra, what happened?)

Rishwik: "Main bata deta hu bhai, aap Angel ko le jao."

(Let me explain, brother. You take Angel with you.)

Rudraksh nodded silently and carried Ruhanika to their room, cradling her gently in his arms. As he entered, he carefully placed her on the bed, his gaze softening as he looked at her pale, exhausted face. Sitting beside her, he gently caressed her head and leaned down to place a tender kiss on her forehead. His actions were full of care and love, showing just how much he cherished her. He then knelt to remove her shoes, ensuring she was comfortable before pulling the duvet over her. As he adjusted the blanket around her, the door creaked open, and Akshavi stepped inside. She had just returned from the office and had hurried to the room after hearing everything from Rishwik, who had been narrating the day's events to the others. Her face showed a mix of concern and relief as she quietly approached the bed, her eyes meeting Rudraksh's.

Rudraksh: "Akshu, kya tum please Ruhh ke kapde change kar dogi?? Gande kapde hai kahi infection na ho jaye."

(Akshu, can you please change Ruhh's clothes? They're dirty, and there's a chance of infection.)

Akshavi: "Ji bhai abhi karti hu."

(Sure, brother, I'll do it right away.)

Rudraksh nodded quietly, his gaze lingering on Ruhanika one last time before he turned and left the room. As he descended the stairs, his expression remained thoughtful, his mind clearly occupied. Upon reaching the living room, he found everyone gathered and chatting. Without saying much, Rudraksh walked over and took a seat beside Ashvik, who immediately sensed his mood. The room fell into a brief silence as everyone exchanged glances, aware that something significant was on Rudraksh's mind.

Rudraksh: "Aman."

Amandeep: "Tarun, Rohan, Karan, Varun, Anisha, and Dhruvi are their names. They rag every new student because they're from wealthy families and think they own the college. In fact, their parents are members of the board of directors of the college chain across India."

Karanjeet: "They were members, Aman, my boy, not anymore."

Kartavya and Karanjeet exchanged knowing smirks.

Kartavya: "In just a few minutes, we'll get the legal ownership of the college and the documents too."

Karanjeet: "Hun tennu jo karna hai kar Rudra puttar."

(Alright, Rudra, son, do whatever you need to do.)

Ashvik: "Hisaab toh dena hoga na Dadu, meri teddy pe hath nahi uthana chahiye tha."

(They need to pay the price, Grandpa. They shouldn't have dared to lay a hand on my Teddy.)

Rudraksh: "Ruhh ka confidence affect hua hai, usne itne mahine lagaye the khud ko ready karne me and they just ruined everything."

(Ruhh's confidence has taken a hit. She spent months preparing herself, and they destroyed everything in one go.)

Rishwik: "Just give me the green signal, bhai, and I'll teach them the true meaning of ragging."

Savisha: "Khair vo toh Ruhi vaise hi bata chuki hai unhe unki pitai laga ke."

(Well, Ruhh already taught them a lesson by beating them up.)

Kartavya: "Exactly, Aman bata raha tha vo dono ladkiya toh kuch din thik se chal nahi payengi, aur un ladko ke hath aise marode hai ki dobara hath uthane se pehle 100 baar sochenge."

(Exactly. Aman was saying that those two girls won't be able to walk properly for a few days, and she twisted the boys' arms so badly that they'll think a hundred times before raising their hands again.)

Everyone in the room exchanged proud glances, their smirks hinting at their admiration for Ruhanika's strength and resolve. But amidst the quiet pride, Rudraksh sat with a furrowed brow, his mind racing. Ashvik, noticing his friend's unease, gently placed a hand on Rudraksh's shoulder, offering silent reassurance.

Ashvik: "Rudra, kya hua?? Tujhe toh khush hona chahiye Teddy ne khud ke liye stand liya fight ki hai usne."

(Rudra, what's wrong? You should be happy. Teddy stood up for herself and fought back.)

Rudraksh: "Exactly, pehli baar kiya hai usne ye, chahe kitni bhi himmat dikhayi ho meri Ruhh ne, but ab vo guilty feel karegi kisi ko hurt karne ke liye. Main janta hu use, overthinking se khud ko aur pareshan kar legi."

(Exactly. It's the first time she's done this. No matter how brave my Ruhh seemed, she'll feel guilty for hurting someone. I know her. She'll overthink and trouble herself even more.)

Rishwik: "Areh bhai aap tension mat lo, main hu use cheer up karne ke liye."

(Don't worry, brother. I'm here to cheer her up.)

Karanjeet: "Kya bola tu??"

(What did you say?)

Rishwik: "I mean main aur Dadu hai na Angel ko cheer up karne ke liye."

(I mean me and Grandpa is here to cheer up Angel.)

As Rishwik and Karanjeet continued their playful banter, the others couldn't help but chuckle at their antics. But despite the light-hearted atmosphere, Rudraksh's smile was fleeting. His concern for Ruhanika remained evident as worry clouding his eyes. Soon, Akshavi arrived, having changed Ruhanika's clothes. Rudraksh, not wanting to leave her side, quietly excused himself and made his way to their room. He knew that, given her vulnerable state, she could wake up from a nightmare and be frightened. Determined to be there for her, he settled by her side, ensuring she wouldn't be alone if she needed him. His protective nature kicked in as he stayed close, ready to comfort her should she wake in distress.

At Rathore Mansion,

Vijaypratap and Sukriti sat on the couch, their postures tense, as they exchanged glances filled with concern. Both wore expressions of worry, their minds clearly preoccupied with something weighing heavily on them. The silence between them was thick, each lost in their own thoughts, but their shared unease was palpable.

Sukriti: "Itne mahine ho gaye hai Mahira aur Sachet ko hosh nahi aaya hai, paise bhi nahi bache hai humare pass."

(It's been months, and Mahira and Sachet still haven't regained consciousness. We don't even have money left.)

Vijaypratap: "Is Ashvik Rajpurohit ne sare bank accounts block kar rakhe hai, salary ke naam pe 45 hazaar deta hai. Zindagi narak kar rakhi hai."

(Ashvik Rajpurohit has blocked all our bank accounts. He only sends ₹45,000 as salary. He's made life hell.)

Sukriti: "Mujhe lagta hai ab waqt aa gaya hai aap unse madad mango."

(I think the time has come to seek his help.)

Vijaypratap: "Koshish ki thi maine, vo phone nahi utha Raha hai. Ab vahi kuch kar sakta hai."

(I tried, but he's not answering my calls. Only he can do something now.)

Sukriti: "Ek baar phir se koshish kijiye."

(Try once more.)

Vijaypratap: "Mera private number wala phone leke aao, ye sare phone toh un ladko ne hack kar rakha hai."

(Bring my private number phone. These guys have hacked all the other phones.)

Sukriti nodded and handed Vijaypratap his private phone. He dialed a number, his fingers trembling slightly as he waited for the call to connect. However, after a few rings, the phone went silent. No one answered. He frowned, glancing at Sukriti, who mirrored his concern.

Vijaypratap: "Ye phir nahi utha Raha"

(He's not picking up again.)

Sukriti: "Ek baar aur koshish kijiye."

(Try once more.)

Vijaypratap nodded, his expression serious, and dialed the number again. This time, after a few rings, the call was answered. He paused for a moment, steadying himself before speaking, his voice laced with urgency and tension.

Person: "Now what? Didn't we agree never to be in contact again?"

Vijaypratap: "I know, but the situation is dire, and I need your help."

Person: "And why do you think I'd help you?"

Vijaypratap: "Remember, if anything happens to me, I'll reveal your secret too."

Person: "You're breaching our contract."

Vijaypratap: "I have no other choice."

Person: "Fine, tell me."

Vijaypratap: "Ashvik Rajpurohit."

Person: "Yeah, I know. He's the business partner of some leading Indian businessman, Rudraksh Rajpurohit, right?"

Vijaypratap: "It's Ashvik Adhiraj Rajpurohit."

The person on the other end of the line remained silent for what felt like an eternity.

Person: "Ye kaise ho Sakta hai??"

(How is that possible?)

Vijaypratap: "Yahi sach hai, aur usne hi zindagi haram kar rakhi hai. Even Ruhanika is now married to Rudraksh and they have transformed her completely. Suna hai College jane lagi hai."

(It's the truth. He's made our lives miserable. Even Ruhanika is now married to Rudraksh, and they've completely transformed her. I've heard she's even started going to college.)

Person: "What the hell Vijaypratap Rathore, ek ladki nahi sambhali jaati tumse?? Ek kaam bola vo bhi nahi hua thik se."

(What the hell, Vijaypratap Rathore? You couldn't even handle a girl? One task I gave you, and you failed.)

Vijaypratap: "Janta hu meri galti hai isiliye call Kiya hai."

(I know it's my mistake; that's why I called you.)

Person: "Main yaha galtiya sudharne nahi baitha hu. Kahi se bhi agar kisi ko pata chala Mera aur tumhara connection toh kya hoga pata hai na."

(I'm not here to fix your mistakes. If anyone finds out about our connection, do you know what will happen?)

Vijaypratap: "Yes I know isiliye main sambhal lunga sab, tum bas kuch paise bhej do toh main baad me bata dunga."

(Yes, I know. That's why I'll handle everything. Just send some money, and I'll inform you later.)

Person: "Cash bhejwata hu bank transaction se meri location pata chal sakti hai."

(I'll send cash. A bank transaction could reveal my location.)

Vijaypratap: "Okay."

Just as the person on the other end of the line was about to disconnect the call, Vijaypratap swiftly interrupted.

Vijaypratap: "Aur ek baat"

(One more thing.)

Person: "Now what???"

(Now what?)

Vijaypratap: "Kya tumhe pakka yakeen hai us raat sab khatam ho gaya tha??"

(Are you sure everything ended that night?)

Person: "Ek aur baar us raat ki baat nikali toh bhul jaana koi madad. Ab rakho phone."

(If you bring up that night again, forget any help from me. Now hang up.)

The person on the other end, clearly frustrated, disconnected the call abruptly, not allowing Vijaypratap to say another word. Vijaypratap stared at the phone, his face tense.

Sukriti: "Maan Gaye vo??"

(Did he agree?)

Vijaypratap: "Hmm maan gaya."

(Yes, he did.)

Sukriti: "Chalo ye toh achcha hu."

(Well, that's a relief.)

Sukriti managed a small smile, trying to offer some reassurance, but Vijaypratap remained visibly tense.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How did you find Ruhanika's bold move?

What are your thoughts on Rishwik and Riyanshi's confession?

Rishwik and Riyanshi's outfits will be posted on their instagram page.

I sincerely apologize for not responding to your comments earlier; I'll make an effort to reply to them soon.

Precap:

Rudraksh comforts her.

Rishwik and Dadu cheer up Ruhanika.

I'm really sorry for not elaborating much on Ashvik and Akshavi's marriage. But come on, they're not the lead couple, and detailing it would've just increased the number of chapters unnecessarily.

Target:

Votes: 2.1K

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