"60. A Long Awaited Reunion"

"Uske badan par khilti hai saree aise,

Jaise chandni bikhar rahi ho raat me.

Uske aanchal ka sparsh mere chehre par aise,

Jaise mehkti hai vo mere har jazbaat me"

-fictionflare_

(Rudraksh)

Ruhanika had excitedly asked Rudraksh to take her on a date, a reward she felt she deserved after acing her mid-semester exams. She had worked hard, and now she wanted to celebrate. Rudraksh, being the ideal husband that he was, didn’t think twice before agreeing. In fact, instead of simply saying yes, he took it a step further and asked her where she wanted to go and how she envisioned her perfect date, wanting to make it perfect for her. Knowing that she had never experienced the luxury of a seven-star hotel, Rudraksh went the extra mile and made grand arrangements. He booked an exquisite dinner at one of the finest seven-star hotels, ensuring that every detail was tailored to her preferences. But he didn’t stop there—wanting to make the experience even more memorable, he also reserved a luxurious suite for them to stay in for a day. His thoughtfulness and effort left Ruhanika thrilled, making her feel cherished and appreciated for all her hard work.

At that moment, Ruhanika handed Rudraksh his clothes and sweetly instructed him to change in another room. Rudraksh raised an eyebrow in curiosity, wondering why she was sending him away instead of letting him get ready in their usual space. Sensing his confusion, Ruhanika simply smiled mischievously and said, "I have a surprise for you," before playfully pushing him toward the other room.

Still puzzled but intrigued by her excitement, Rudraksh decided not to question her further. With a small chuckle, he shook his head and went off to change, wondering what she was up to. As he buttoned his shirt, his mind kept drifting to the surprise she had planned.

Rudraksh was in the middle of a call, his attention focused on the conversation, when suddenly, a soft fabric brushed against his face. The unexpected touch made him pause, and instinctively, he closed his eyes, inhaling the delicate scent that accompanied it. A slow, knowing smile formed on his lips—it was a fragrance he could recognize anywhere. The soothing, familiar scent of his love.

Just as he reached out to touch the fabric, it slipped away, teasing him. He opened his eyes, only for the same fabric to graze his face once again. This time, he chuckled, his curiosity piqued. Without wasting another moment, he swiftly caught hold of the fabric, feeling its smooth texture between his fingers. His smile deepened as he gently pulled it away from his face, his gaze lifting to meet the eyes of the one who had orchestrated this playful moment. His heart warmed at the sight before him, eager to see what surprise she had planned next.

The moment Rudraksh’s eyes landed on his wife, he completely forgot to breathe. It was as if time had momentarily frozen, leaving only her in his vision. Standing before him, Ruhanika looked nothing less than ethereal, draped in a royal blue saree that hugged her curves in all the right places, accentuating her elegance and grace. The deep blue contrasted beautifully against her glowing skin, making her look like a vision of perfection.

Her wrists were adorned with delicate blue bangles that jingled softly as she moved, complementing the golden jhumkas swaying gently in her ears. Her expressive eyes, lined with kohl, held a mesmerizing charm, and the small bindi adorning her forehead only enhanced her beauty. Her lips, painted with a subtle nude shade, curved into a soft smile, while her minimal yet flawless makeup highlighted her natural glow.

Around her slender neck, she wore only two ornaments—her simple gold chain and the sacred nuptial chain that bound them together in love. Her long, lustrous hair flowed freely, cascading over her shoulders like a silken waterfall, making her look even more breathtaking. As his eyes traveled lower, he noticed the delicate silver anklet gracing her ankle, paired with traditional juttis that completed her look. Even without towering heels, her 5’6” frame stood perfect in front of him, exuding confidence and beauty that needed no further enhancement. Rudraksh felt his heart skip a beat. He had always found her beautiful, but tonight—tonight she was beyond words.

Rudraksh was completely lost in Ruhanika, his eyes fixed on her with admiration, oblivious to everything else around him. Meanwhile, Ruhanika, unaware of his dreamy gaze, had a slight frown on her face and huffed in mild annoyance. Noticing his distraction, she stepped closer and gently took the hem of her saree from his hand, breaking his trance. Her expression was a mix of curiosity and impatience.

Ruhanika: "Hume laga jaise filmo me hota hai vaise hi humari saree bhi aapki ghadi me fas jayegi, par aisa hua hi nahi."

(I thought, just like in the movies, my saree would get caught in your watch, but that didn’t happen at all.)

Ruhanika pouted adorably, lowering her head as a soft sigh escaped her lips. Rudraksh was still completely lost in her, mesmerized by every little expression she made. But amidst his daze, he caught onto her words, his heart melting at her innocence. Without a second thought, he cupped her face gently, his thumbs caressing her soft cheeks with utmost tenderness.

Rudraksh: "Phir se kare??"

(Should we try again?)

Ruhanika: "Ab fas jayega??"

(Will it get stuck this time?)

Rudraksh just blinked  his eyes and Ruhanika grinned. She walked past him again, letting her saree flow elegantly in the air, the soft fabric brushing against his face once more. But this time, before she could turn away, he swiftly caught the hem of her saree and tangled it around his watch. Ruhanika stopped in her tracks and turned towards him. Rudraksh smile, lifting his wrist to show her the captured fabric. She grinned.

Ruhanika: "Ho gayaaaaa."

(It happened!!!)

Ruhanika ran straight into his arms, hugging him tightly as if she never wanted to let go. She looked up at him, resting her chin on his chest, her eyes filled with warmth and affection. Rudraksh smiled at her adorably innocent gesture and wrapped his arms securely around her waist, pulling her even closer. The moment felt perfect, wrapped in love and silent understanding, as they simply held each other, lost in their own little world.

Ruhanika: "Aap jante hai humne jab se ye wala drishya movie me dekha tha, hume bhi aisa chahiye tha, isiliye saree bhi pehni humne."

(You know, ever since I saw this scene in a movie, I wanted it to happen to me too. That’s why I wore a saree.)

Rudraksh: "Achcha toh saree mere liye nahi pehni hai??"

(Oh, so you didn’t wear the saree for me?)

Rudraksh was only teasing her playfully, but the moment she pouted, his heart melted a little. Her adorable expression made it impossible for him to resist smiling.

Ruhanika: "Humare vo matlab nahi tha, humne ye pehna kyuki aap lekar aaye the na ye toh."

(That’s not what I meant! I wore it because you brought it for me.)

Rudraksh chuckled at her cute pout, his eyes filled with warmth, before leaning in to place a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Rudraksh: "Mazaak kar raha tha Ruhh, bahaut pyaari lag rahi hai meri Rajkumari, bilkul mera dil lag rahi ho."

(I was just joking, Ruhh. My princess looks so beautiful—just like my heart.)

Rudraksh leaned in and placed a soft, fleeting peck on her lips, his touch tender and full of warmth. The sudden gesture made Ruhanika's cheeks turn a deep shade of pink as she quickly hid her face in his chest, trying to suppress her shy smile. Rudraksh couldn’t help but giggle at her adorable reaction, his arms tightening around her as he enjoyed the way she always melted in his embrace.

Rudraksh: "Ohh Rajkumari ji Sharma gayi?"

(Ohh, is my princess blushing?)

Ruhanika: "Phir tang karna shuru kar diye aapne hume??"

(Are you teasing me again?)

Rudraksh: "Haa bada mazaa aata hai."

(Yes, it’s so much fun!)

Ruhanika: "Hum thode se naraz ho jaye??"

(Should I get a little upset now?)

Rudraksh: "Phir date pe kiske sath jaogi??"

(Then who will you go on a date with?)

Ruhanika gazed at him intently, her eyes reflecting curiosity and focus, as if he was saying something truly important.

Ruhanika: "Thik hai aap Date ke baad yaad dilaiyega hum tab naraz ho jayenge."

(Fine, remind me after the date, and I’ll be mad at you then.)

Rudraksh burst into laughter at her reason, clearly finding it amusing. Ruhanika, however, didn’t share his amusement and shot him a sharp glare, her pout deepening in annoyance. Noticing her reaction, Rudraksh grinned and cupped her face gently, squeezing her soft cheeks playfully.

Rudraksh: "Achcha baba sorry."

(Alright, alright, I’m sorry.)

She instantly smiled, her eyes lighting up with warmth, and gently reached for his hand, holding it tightly.

Ruhanika: "Hume kuch karna hai aaiye humare sath."

(I want to do something—come with me.)

Rudraksh was momentarily confused by Ruhanika’s sudden actions, but without a second thought, he followed her mindlessly, his curiosity piqued. She led him into their closet, her steps sure and purposeful. Once inside, she turned to face him, her eyes gleaming with something unspoken. Without a word, she extended her hand, offering him a small vermillion box. Rudraksh’s confusion melted into a soft smile as he realized what she wanted. His gaze softened as he took the box from her, his fingers brushing against hers. With a tenderness that spoke volumes, he dipped his fingers into the sacred vermillion and gently filled the parting of her hair. The sight of the deep red against her forehead made his heart swell with love. Ruhanika grinned brightly, her happiness radiating from her entire being. Seeing her dimpled smile, Rudraksh couldn’t resist the urge to tease her. He playfully poked her dimple, his eyes filled with mischief and adoration.

Rudraksh: "Jaan maine dekha hai aaj kal sab bas zara sa sindhoor lagate hai hairline ke pass, phir aap ye pura kyu fill karti hai???"

(Jaan, I’ve noticed that nowadays, most women just apply a small amount of sindoor near their hairline, but why do you fill your entire parting with it?)

Ruhanika smiled and slipped her hand into his, only to pout when she noticed how small her hands were compared to his. Her fingers barely wrapped around his palm, making the difference even more evident. Rudraksh immediately caught on to the reason behind her adorable pout and chuckled, finding her reaction utterly endearing. She shook off her thoughts, deciding not to dwell on it, and instead flashed him a bright smile, her eyes twinkling with love.

Ruhanika: "Jaise aap raja hai, aur kehte hai ki hum aapke sar ka taaj hai, vaise hi phir hum aapki Rani huyi na aur aap humara taaj, isiliye hum aapke naam ke sindhoor ko apna taaj bana ke lagate hai. Hume achcha mehsus hota hai."

(Just like you say you are a king, and I am the crown on your head, that means I am your queen, and you are my crown. That’s why I wear your sindoor as my crown. It makes me feel good.)

Rudraksh felt a wave of emotions crash over him, completely overwhelmed by her answer. His heart swelled with love, and for a moment, he found himself at a loss for words. Instead of speaking, he simply pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her as if she was the most precious thing in his world. With a deep breath, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, his silent way of expressing just how much she meant to him.

Rudraksh: "I love you Ruhh."

Ruhanika: "Hum bhi aapse prem karte hai Huzoor-e-ala."

(I love you too, King)

Rudraksh: "Shut up Betuuu."

Both giggled, their laughter filling the room with warmth. Ruhanika then excitedly grabbed Rudraksh’s hand and pulled him toward the vanity mirror, positioning him right in front of it. She stood beside him, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she took out her phone. Holding it up, she adjusted the angle, making sure to capture both of them in the frame. Rudraksh smiled, watching her through the reflection, while Ruhanika beamed, ready to snap their perfect mirror selfie.

Ruhanika: "Aksh muskuraiye, hume ye aine wali tasveer leni hai."

(Aksh, smile! I want to take this mirror selfie.)

Rudraksh chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he watched her excitement. Ruhanika quickly lifted her phone and took a mirror selfie, capturing the moment between them. She smiled as she looked at the picture, admiring how perfect they looked together. But before she could fully take it in, a shiver ran down her spine as she felt the warmth of his breath against her neck. Her heartbeat quickened when his hands found their place on her stomach, resting just above the delicate fabric of her saree.

A soft blush bloomed on her cheeks, turning them a lovely shade of pink. Before she could react, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss against her cheek, his lips lingering just long enough to make her breath hitch. Her fingers tightened around her phone as she bit her lip, trying to suppress the smile threatening to take over. But Rudraksh noticed, and with a smirk, he turned her face slightly, his intense gaze locking onto hers in the reflection of the mirror.

Rudraksh: "Ab lo aine wali tasveer tumhari."

(Alright, take your mirror selfie now.)

She slowly lifted her lashes, her heart fluttering as her eyes met the reflection in the mirror. Rudraksh was already gazing at her, his eyes overflowing with love—so deep, so tender, that it made her feel like the luckiest person in the world. His soft, adoring gaze sent warmth spreading through her chest, making her cheeks flush even more. She couldn’t help but smile, her lips curving naturally as happiness radiated from her.

Wanting to capture this beautiful moment, she raised her phone once more and clicked a few more mirror selfies. This time, she focused not just on herself but on the way his arms held her protectively, the way his eyes never left her, and the way love reflected so effortlessly between them. Rudraksh chuckled at her enthusiasm, but he didn’t let go. Instead, he pulled her a little closer, resting his chin on her shoulder as she continued to take pictures. Their love was timeless, and at this moment, it felt like the world had faded away, leaving just the two of them in their own little universe.

Rudraksh: "Ruhhh, tum janti ho tum kitna zyada pyari lag rahi ho??"

(Ruhhh, do you know how incredibly beautiful you look?)

Ruhanika: "Jante toh nahi the, par aapki aakhon me jo narmi aur sneh hai humare liye usse samajh gaye."

(I  didn’t know, but the softness and affection in your eyes for me made me understand.)

Rudraksh, still wrapped around her from behind, placed a soft, lingering kiss on her head. His arms held her securely, as if he never wanted to let go. Feeling the warmth of his embrace, Ruhanika sighed contently and leaned back, resting her head on his shoulder.

Rudraksh: "Vo Narmi toh humesha rahegi na Ruhh, softness ke alawa kisi aur tarah se dekh hi nahi sakta main tumhe Ruhh."

(That softness will always remain, Ruhh. I can’t look at you in any way other than with love.)

Ruhanika smiled and turned toward him as he gently loosened his grip, allowing her to move with ease.

Ruhanika: "Hum bahaut Prem karte hai aapse Aksh."

(I love you so much, Aksh.)

Rudraksh: "Hum bhi aapse prem karte hai Rajkumari Ruhanika Rudraksh Malhotra."

(I love you too, Princess Ruhanika Rudraksh Malhotra.)

She giggled softly.

Ruhanika: "Aap jante hai humne na jaan ke aapke liye ye kapde nikale, taaki aap aur hum ek rang ke kapde pehne."

(You know, I deliberately picked out matching clothes for you and me so we could twin.)

Rudraksh: "Janta hu tumhara obsession twinning se."

(I know about your obsession with twinning.)

Ruhanika giggled, and seeing her adorable dimples, he couldn’t resist poking them playfully.

Rudraksh: "Chale??"

(Shall we go?)

Ruhanika: "Ji ji jaldi se chaliye."

(Yes, yes! Let’s go quickly!)

Ruhanika excitedly grabbed Rudraksh’s hand and dragged him along with her, her enthusiasm radiating with every step. He chuckled at her childlike excitement, watching her bounce with joy. But in her haste, her saree tangled around her feet, making her stumble. Just as she was about to fall, Rudraksh reacted swiftly, catching her in his arms. His hold was firm yet gentle, his eyes filled with concern as he steadied her.

Rudraksh: "Kya karti hu Sohneyo."

(What are you doing, Sohneyo?)

Ruhanika: "Vo bas ye saree humare pairon me fas gayi"

(My saree just got tangled in my feet.)

Rudraksh: "Wait."

Rudraksh immediately knelt in front of her, his brows furrowed in concern. Without a second thought, he gently lifted the hem of her saree, his fingers carefully checking her feet to ensure she hadn’t hurt herself. His touch was soft, filled with care, as he examined her for even the slightest bruise. Satisfied that she was fine, he adjusted the pleats of her saree properly, making sure it wouldn’t trip her again. Once done, he looked up at her, his eyes meeting hers with a mixture of tenderness and silent reassurance.

Rudraksh: "Better??"

Ruhanika smiled at Rudraksh’s sweet gesture and blinked her eyes playfully, making his heart skip a beat. With a soft chuckle, he stood up, and without wasting a second, Ruhanika wrapped her arms around his biceps, holding onto him as they walked out together for their much-awaited date. As usual, Mrs. Malhotra was utterly mesmerized by her husband. Seated in the passenger seat, she rested her chin on her hand and dreamily admired his hands as he drove. Her eyes traced every movement—how his fingers gripped the steering wheel, the veins on the back of his hand, the slight twitch of his fingers.

Rudraksh, feeling her intense gaze, glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and immediately blushed. His ears turned red, and a small, shy smile played on his lips. He cleared his throat and focused on the road, but he couldn't hide the way his heart swelled with joy. He just loved her attention way too much. Soon, they reached the luxurious venue, where an elegant dinner awaited them. The evening was filled with laughter, meaningful glances, and stolen moments of affection, making it yet another beautiful memory in their love story. As they were leaving, Ruhanika suddenly paused, her eyes lighting up with excitement. Her gaze had landed on two familiar faces—Riyanshi and Rishwik. A wide smile spread across her face as she turned to Rudraksh, her excitement bubbling over.

Ruhanika: "Suniye, vaha dekhiye Rishi Bhai aur Riyu."

(Listen, look over there—Rishi Bhai and Riyu.)

Rudraksh followed her gaze, his eyes fixed on the direction she was pointing.

Rudraksh: "Ohh vo bhi humari tarah date pe aaye honge."

(Oh, they must be on a date like us.)

Ruhanika: "Chaliye na milte hai unse."

(Come on, let's go meet them.)

Rudraksh: "No Ruhh, aise unki privacy invade nahi kar sakte na betu"

(No, Ruhh, we can't invade their privacy like that, sweetheart)

Ruhanika: "Rishi Bhai hume sab batate hai, koi privacy wali baat nahi hai aur hume Riyu se milna hai vo choti hai na humse, hum milenge."

(Rishi Bhai tells me everything; there's nothing private about it. And I want to meet Riyu—she's younger than me, so I will meet her.)

Before Rudraksh could stop her, Ruhanika dashed excitedly toward Rishwik and Riyanshi, leaving him shaking his head with a smile.

Ruhanika: "Riyuuuu"

As soon as Riyanshi saw Ruhanika, she rushed to her and hugged her tightly, tears streaming down her face. Ruhanika immediately grew worried, gently patting Riyanshi’s back in concern. Meanwhile, Rishwik rolled his eyes at the emotional display, and just then, Rudraksh arrived, his gaze shifting between them, trying to understand the situation.

Ruhanika: "Riyu, kya hua aap ro kyu Rahi hai??"

(Riyu, what happened? Why are you crying?)

Riyanshi: "Bhabhi ye Rish meri khoobsurati se pyaar nahi karte."

(Bhabhi, Rish doesn’t love my beauty.)

Rishwik facepalmed himself, clearly exasperated, while Rudraksh stood there, utterly confused by the scene unfolding before him. Meanwhile, Ruhanika gently rubbed Riyanshi's back, trying to comfort her as she continued to cry in her embrace.

Ruhanika: "Aisa kyu keh rahi hai aap Riyu, pehle toh chup ho jaiye."

(Why are you saying that, Riyu? First, calm down.)

Ruhanika guided Riyanshi to sit down and gently wiped her tears, her eyes filled with concern. She held her hands reassuringly, trying to soothe her as Rudraksh and Rishwik watched on.

Ruhanika: "Ab bataiye."

(Now tell me.)

Riyanshi: "Bhabhi main Rishu kishu se pucha ki agar main chipkali hoti toh kya tab bhi ye mujhse pyaar karte toh inhone haa bola .. matlab meri khoobsurati se inhe koi farak hi nahi padta hai na."

(Bhabhi, I asked Rishu Kishu if he would still love me if I were a lizard, and he said yes… That means my beauty doesn’t matter to him at all!)

Ruhanika's brows furrowed in confusion as she tried to understand what was going on. Meanwhile, Rudraksh shifted his gaze towards Rishwik, silently questioning him with a raised eyebrow.

Rishwik: "She’s on her period, Bhai,  aur aise hi mera dimaag kharab kar rahi hai."

(She’s on her period, Bhai, and she’s just messing with my head.)

Rudraksh: "Thankfully Ruhh itne nakhre nahi karti hai."

(Thankfully, Ruhh doesn’t throw such tantrums.)

Rishwik and Rudraksh leaned slightly towards each other, whispering in hushed tones.

Ruhanika: "Par aap chipkali kyu rahenge Riyu, aap toh insaan hai na."

(But why would you be a lizard, Riyu? You’re a human, right?)

Riyanshi: "Areh bhabhi, hum ladkiya hai na, hume apne husband's se aisa puchna chahiye humara haq hota hai vo."

(Oh, Bhabhi, we girls have the right to ask our husbands such things!)

Ruhanika: "Achcha."

(Oh, really?)

Ruhanika's brows furrowed as she glanced at Riyanshi, still unable to understand what was going on.

Rishwik: "is mahine 2 pairs of Sandals"

(two pairs of sandals this month.)

Riyanshi: "Par Rishu bahaut achche hai bhabhi, dekhiye inhe mere kuch bhi hone se farak nahi padta ye kaise bhi mujhse hi pyaar karte, Awww I love you Rishu kishu."

(But Rishu is really sweet, Bhabhi! See, no matter what happens, it doesn’t affect his love for me. He loves me just the way I am. Awww, I love you, Rishu Kishu!)

Ruhanika glanced at Rudraksh with questioning eyes, still trying to grasp the situation. Meanwhile, Riyanshi excitedly jumped into Rishwik’s arms, hugging him tightly, while he simply shook his head with a small sigh and smile, wrapping his arms around her.

Ruhanika: "Akshh, kya agar hum bhi..."

(Akshh, what if I also…)

Rudraksh: "No nonsense question Ruhh, chalo ab chodo in dono bandaro ko ek sath."

(No nonsense questions, Ruhh. Come on, let’s leave these two monkeys alone together.)

Rishwik and Riyanshi both chose to ignore Rudraksh's taunt, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Meanwhile, Rudraksh smirked and effortlessly pulled Ruhanika away from the scene. Rishwik, ever the gentleman, helped Riyanshi settle into her seat, and the two began enjoying their dinner. However, what should have been a peaceful meal turned into a test of patience for Rishwik as Riyanshi bombarded him with a string of seemingly endless and utterly useless questions. He sighed internally, realizing there was no escape.

Rudraksh and Ruhanika arrived at the hotel’s staying side and walked toward the reception. The receptionist greeted them with a polite smile, but before Rudraksh could respond, Ruhanika’s expression changed instantly. She narrowed her eyes at the receptionist, her grip tightening around Rudraksh’s biceps possessively.

Rudraksh immediately understood the reason behind her sudden glare and chuckled internally, amused by her adorable jealousy. He let her hold onto him, secretly enjoying how protective she was over him. Instead of teasing her, he simply placed his free hand over hers reassuringly, silently letting her know that she had nothing to worry about.

Receptionist: "Good evening, Sir. Good evening, Ma’am."

Rudraksh: "Good evening."

Receptionist: "How may I help you, Sir?"

Rudraksh: "We have a room booking under the name of Mr. & Mrs. Malhotra."

Receptionist: "Sure, Sir. Just a second."

The receptionist continued typing on her system, focused on her task, while Ruhanika clung to Rudraksh. Noticing her need for comfort, he pulled her into a side hug and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, making her feel safe and reassured.

Rudraksh: "Relax, Ruhh. She’s just doing her job."

Ruhanika simply nodded, still holding onto Rudraksh, while the receptionist handed him the keys.

Receptionist: "Sir, here are your keys."

Rudraksh took the keys while the receptionist smiled warmly at Ruhanika. She glanced at the receptionist briefly before turning back to Rudraksh, staying close to his side.

Receptionist: "Sir, Ma’am, you both look great together."

Ruhanika's face lit up with a bright smile as she clutched Rudraksh’s arm, her excitement evident in her sparkling eyes.

Ruhanika: "Thank you so much."

Rudraksh chuckled at Ruhanika’s excitement, shaking his head fondly. She was like a curious child, taking in every little detail of their experience. Before stepping into the elevator, she turned and waved a cheerful goodbye to the receptionist, who returned her bright smile. With Rudraksh by her side, they made their way up, the soft hum of the elevator filling the air as Ruhanika continued observing everything with fascination.

It was a completely new experience for her, and she didn’t want to miss a single detail. From the sleek touch panels to the soft lighting, everything seemed mesmerizing to her. Rudraksh stole glances at her every now and then, his heart warming at how she found joy in the simplest things.

Soon, they reached their designated floor, and Rudraksh pulled out the card key to unlock their suite. The smooth way the door clicked open didn’t surprise Ruhanika—after all, Rudraksh had already told her about these modern features. She was someone who liked knowing things beforehand, and he had made sure to explain everything to her so she wouldn’t feel out of place.

Just as they were about to enter, one of Rudraksh’s men arrived, carrying their luggage for the night. Rudraksh nodded in acknowledgment and took the bags, thanking the man before closing the door behind them.

The moment they stepped inside, Ruhanika didn’t waste a second—she ran straight toward the balcony. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she pushed aside the curtains and stepped out, eager to take in the breathtaking view from their luxurious suite. The city lights twinkled like a million stars beneath the vast night sky, and a cool breeze brushed against her face, making her sigh in pure bliss.

Rudraksh: "Ruhhh Araam se betu."

(Ruhhh, be careful, Betu.)

Ruhanika: "Akshh, aap bhi aaiye na, dekhiye yaha se shehar kitna Sundar hai."

(Akshh, come here too. Look how beautiful the city looks from here.)

Rudraksh carefully placed their luggage in the room before turning his attention to Ruhanika. She was standing near the window, admiring the view outside, completely lost in her own world. A soft smile played on her lips, making her look even more radiant.

Unable to resist, Rudraksh walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her close. He rested his chin on her shoulder for a moment, taking in her warmth before his eyes landed on her dimples, which deepened as she smiled. With a fond smile of his own, he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her dimples, making her giggle.

Rudraksh: "Haa nazara vakai bahaut sundar hai."

( Yes, the view is really stunning.)

Ruhanika giggled.

Ruhanika: "Aapko humare alawa kuch aur sundar dikhta bhi hai??"

(Do you even find anything else beautiful besides me?)

Rudraksh: "Kuch aur sundar hoga toh dikhega na, kahi aur nazar jayegi toh dikhega na.... Meri nazrein tumse hat ti hi nahi, ab batao isme Mera kya kasoor???"

(Something has to be more beautiful for me to notice, right? My eyes would have to wander elsewhere for me to see something else… but they never leave you. Now tell me, how is that my fault?)

Rudraksh chuckled at her adorable reaction, wrapping his arms around her as she turned and hid her face in his chest.

Rudraksh: "Achcha chalo kamra dikhau, bahaut man tha na tumhara."

(Alright, come on, let me show you the room. You were really excited about this, weren’t you?)

Ruhanika: "Ji chaliye."

(Yes, let’s go.)

Rudraksh led Ruhanika inside and showed her around the entire room. It was nothing short of luxurious, with elegant décor, warm lighting, and a breathtaking view. The suite had everything—an opulent bedroom with a king-sized bed, a private swimming pool shimmering under the soft lights, a cozy little kitchen, a spacious closet, and a lavish bathroom. Ruhanika's eyes sparkled with excitement as she took it all in. She twirled around, admiring every detail, her lips curving into a wide smile. Rudraksh chuckled at her enthusiasm, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed.

Rudraksh: "Achcha jaana chalo jaake change karlo, as far as I hate saying this kyuki is saree vich tussi inni zyada pyaari lag rahe ho ki bas vekhda hi reh gaya, par phir kabhi, I know tussi uncomfortable feel karde ho, so go and change."

(Alright, sweetheart, go and change now. As much as I hate saying this—because you look so breathtakingly beautiful in this saree that I just want to keep staring at you—but maybe some other time. I know you’re feeling uncomfortable, so go and change.)

Ruhanika: "hum dobara pehen lenge saree, abhi kapde badal ke aate hai phir humara raat ka routine bhi karna hai na."

(I’ll wear a saree again. For now, I’ll change and come back—we still have our night routine to do.)

Rudraksh: "Oh yeah, your skincare routine."

Ruhanika: "Areh vo nahi."

(No, not that.)

Rudraksh: "Toh phirr???"

(Then what?)

Ruhanika: "Aakar batate hai."

(I’ll tell you when I come back.)

Rudraksh shook his head with a small smile as he watched Ruhanika grab her clothes and rush into the bathroom. Amused by her excitement, he took his own clothes and changed in the closet before making his way to the bed, settling in as he patiently waited for her. Moments later, Ruhanika came running toward him with a bright smile, her energy radiating pure joy. Before she could stumble, Rudraksh swiftly caught her, wrapping his arms around her securely.

Rudraksh: "Kis baat ki jaldi rehti hai tumhe Ruhhh."

(Why are you always in such a hurry, Ruhhh?)

Ruhanika: "Aapke pass aane ki."

(Because I want to come to you.)

Ruhanika giggled at the sight of Rudraksh's slightly flushed cheeks, finding his reaction adorable. He shook his head with a soft smile.

Ruhanika: "Chaliye haath aage kijiye."

(Now, come on, give me your hand.)

Knowing her habit all too well, Rudraksh silently extended his hands toward her, a small smile playing on his lips. Without needing any instructions, Ruhanika took the bottle of body lotion and began applying it to his hands, gently massaging it into his skin with care. Once satisfied, she moved on to his face, applying moisturizer with soft, practiced strokes. As soon as she picked up the lip balm, Rudraksh sighed, already knowing what was coming. He always denies for it but she never listens. She cupped his face and swiftly applied the lip balm before he could escape. Rudraksh sighed in defeat, but deep down, he adored her stubborn care. His lips tingled slightly, the faint scent of the balm lingering, but he didn’t mind—not when it was her doing.

Once done with her little routine, Ruhanika happily jumped onto the bed beside him. Rudraksh, meanwhile, ran his fingers through his hair, trying to adjust them as he always did. But before he could fix them properly, Ruhanika reached out and held his hand, stopping him mid-motion.

Ruhanika: "Baal bikheriye na bade manmohak, Aakarshit, Sundar aur thode se natkhat bhi lagte hai aap."

(Let your hair fall messy; you look so charming, attractive, beautiful, and a little mischievous too.)

Rudraksh's cheeks immediately turned red, and he cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure.

Ruhanika: "pata hai jab bhi subah hum aapse pehle uthte hai na aapke ye bikhre baal, halki dadhi, shant chehra, naram saasein, madhur dhadkan ki awaaz, hayyy hum toh bas niharte hi reh jate hai aapko ... Aur phir kuch der bas aapke bheetar lete rehte hai aapki dhadkane sunne ko, maano jaise sansaar ka sabse madhur swar ho."

(You know, whenever I wake up before you in the morning, I just keep admiring you—your tousled hair, light stubble, peaceful face, soft breaths, and the rhythmic sound of your heartbeat. Gosh, I could just keep looking at you forever… And then, for a while, I just lay close to you, listening to your heartbeat, as if it’s the sweetest melody in the world.)

Rudraksh was completely red now, his face flushed with warmth as he desperately wanted to hide his embarrassment. He wasn't used to being the one flustered, but Ruhanika’s endless praises and the way she was so lost in admiring him made his heart race.

Unable to take it anymore, he swiftly pulled her into his arms, burying his blushing face in the crook of her neck. Ruhanika smiled at his adorable reaction, her heart melting at how shy he had become. She gently rubbed his back in soothing circles, letting him know that she adored every bit of him, just as much as he adored her.

Ruhanika: "Kya humare nazuk kali sharma rahe hai??"

(Is my delicate flower feeling shy?)

Rudraksh: "Ek Mafia king ko sharmane par majbur kar diya tumne betu, hadd karti ho, uper se Nazuk kali bulati ho."

(You’ve actually managed to make a Mafia king blush, betu. That’s something! And on top of that, you call me a delicate flower?)

Ruhanika giggled at his flustered expression and, unable to resist, wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

Ruhanika: "Humne toh bas sach kaha, apne dil ki baat batayi... Par hum bhi kaise pagal hai na ab aap humare dil me hi rehte hai toh aapko toh vaha ka haal pata hi hoga na."

(I just spoke the truth, shared what’s in my heart… But I must be crazy, right? Because you already live in my heart, so you must already know everything in there.)

Ruhanika kept flirting with him playfully, her mischievous smile never fading. Meanwhile, he struggled to conceal the blush creeping up his cheeks, his attempts at maintaining composure failing miserably.

Rudraksh: "Ruhh bas bhi karo yaar tum kitna flirt kar leti ho."

(Ruhh, enough now, yaar! You flirt way too much.)

Ruhanika: "Ab tareef karne ko flirt kehte hai toh isme humari kya galti hai??"

(Now, if you call compliments flirting, how is that my fault?)

Rudraksh pulled back slightly, a playful smile on his lips, and flicked her nose gently.

Rudraksh: "Aur ye sara din sabko tang tum karti ho, uchal kudh tum karti ho aur natkhat main ho gaya?? Dasso ji Sohneyo kaise??"

(And you’re the one who keeps troubling everyone, jumping around all day, but I’m the mischievous one? Explain that, my lady!)

Ruhanika: "Ab aap hi kehte hai na hum aur aap ek hi hai, toh jo hum hai vo aap bhi huye na??"

(Well, you always say that we are one, right? So, whatever I am, you must be too.)

Rudraksh narrowed his eyes, giving her a mock glare. Ruhanika giggled.

Ruhanika: "Ghooriye nahi Piya ji, aap sharmate achcha hai vahi kijiye na."

(Don’t just stare at me, Mr. Husband. You look adorable when you blush, so just keep doing that.)

Rudraksh: "So jao yaar tum please."

(Please go to sleep now, yaar.)

Rudraksh lay down and reached out to pull her into his arms, but Ruhanika playfully resisted and sat back instead. He raised an eyebrow at her, amused.

Ruhanika: "Abhi thodi, humne kaha na humara raat ka routine baaki hai, hum aaj se hi shuru karenge vo."

(Not yet. I told you, my night routine is still left, and I’m starting it from today itself.)

Rudraksh: "Achcha haa, kya hai ye tumhara routine???"

(Oh right, what exactly is this routine of yours?)

Ruhanika: "Ab dekhiye, aap pichle do din se gym nahi ja rahe hai aur tel masale wali cheezein kha rahe hai."

(See, you haven’t gone to the gym for the past two days, and you’ve been eating oily and spicy food.)

Rudraksh immediately sat up, cutting her off mid-sentence.

Rudraksh: "Hello hello madam, pura sach bolo... Main gym gaya nhi, nahi meri biwi ne mujhe bistar se nikalne nahi diya aur tel masale wala khana meri biwi mujhe zabardasti khilati hai samjhi na."

(Hello, hello, madam! Tell the whole truth… I didn’t skip the gym—my wife didn’t let me leave the bed! And the oily, spicy food? My wife forced me to eat it, got it?)

Ruhanika: "Offo Aksh, aap kitni baatein karte hai yaha vaha ki, humari baat toh suniye."

(Offo, Aksh! You talk too much about random things. Listen to what I’m saying.)

Rudraksh: "Kya main.. main k..."

(What? I .....)

Ruhanika: "Shhhhhhh"

Ruhanika placed her finger on Rudraksh’s lips, silencing him instantly.

Ruhanika: "Ha toh uske kaaran na hume dekhna hai aur ginna hai ki kahi aapke 8 biscuits gayab toh nahi ho gaye."

(So, because of that, I have to check and count whether your eight-pack abs are still there or if any of them have disappeared.)

Rudraksh's eyes widened in pure shock. His wife was becoming too bold these days, catching him off guard at every turn. Not that he was complaining—he loved this side of her—but he had already blushed enough for today.

He swallowed hard, trying to compose himself, but the mischievous glint in Ruhanika’s eyes told him she wasn’t going to let him off so easily. He rubbed the back of his neck, looking away for a moment, only to feel her gaze still fixed on him.

Ruhanika: "Phir hum aapko niharenge prem se, aur phir agar man Kiya toh so jayenge."

(Then, I will admire you with all my love, and if I feel like it, I might go to sleep.)

Ruhanika grinned mischievously and slowly removed her hand from his lips.

Ruhanika: "Kaisa laga humara naya routine??"

(How’s my new routine?)

Rudraksh knew all too well that Ruhanika was just teasing him, trying to make him blush—and she succeeded. His face turned a deep shade of red, his ears burning with embarrassment, but despite that, his eyes remained fixed on her in pure shock. He was still processing her words when he suddenly felt a small poke on his biceps. Snapping out of his daze, he looked down to see Ruhanika grinning mischievously at him. He sighed, shaking his head at her antics, but the warmth in his eyes betrayed just how much he adored her playful nature.

Ruhanika: "Kaisa laga bataiye"

(Tell me, how does it sound?)

Rudraksh paused for a few seconds, deep in thought, before a smirk played on his lips, leaving Ruhanika utterly confused.

Ruhanika: "Kya hua, aise kyu dekh rahe hai??"

(What happened? Why are you looking at me like that?)

Rudraksh: "Betu, gym toh tum bhi bahaut waqt se ja rahi ho, ha workout kum aur sabko tang zayada karti ho phir bhi kuch toh kar leti ho."

(Betu, you’ve been going to the gym for quite some time too. Yeah, you do more mischief and less working out, but still, you do something.)

Ruhanika: "Haa toh"

(Yes, so?)

Ruhanika glared at him, her eyes narrowing in suspicion, while Rudraksh simply leaned closer with a mischievous glint in his eyes, his smirk never fading.

Rudraksh: "Ha toh kyu na main bhi check karu tumhare abs aaye hai ya nahi."

(So, why don’t I check if you’ve got any abs yet?)

Ruhanika's eyes widened in surprise as Rudraksh smoothly placed his hand on her waist, pulling her a little closer. Her breath hitched at the sudden proximity, while he simply smirked, enjoying her reaction.

Ruhanika: "Matlab aap humara pet dekhenge??"

(Wait… You mean you’re going to look at my stomach?)

Rudraksh’s smirk deepened as he blinked at her playfully. Ruhanika, still wide-eyed, placed her hand on his shoulder and gave him a gentle push, trying to create some space between them. However, he barely budged, his grip on her waist firm yet gentle, making her cheeks flush.

Ruhanika: "N..nahi Nahi, humara pet naram hi hai."

(N-no, no! My tummy is soft!)

Rudraksh: "Ha toh zara dekhne do na."

(Well, let me see for myself.)

Ruhanika pouted and lowered her head.

Ruhanika: "Ye galat baat hai hum jante hai aap sata rahe hai hume."

(That’s not fair! I know you’re teasing me.)

Rudraksh: "achcha ji, ye galat hai, aur jo aap mujhe sata Rahi thi Mallika-e-Aksh vo??"

(Oh really? This is unfair? And what about how you were teasing me, Mallika-e-Aksh?)

Ruhanika: "Toh aap thode se tang ho jate na humse, badle me hume kyu sata rahe hai."

(Then you should’ve just gotten annoyed with me a little. Why are you taking revenge instead?)

Ruhanika huffed in annoyance, her nose turning adorably red, making her look even more endearing. Seeing this, Rudraksh burst into laughter and couldn’t resist squeezing her cheeks.

Rudraksh: "You are too cute, my little little chutkuu!"

Ruhanika: "Aakkkkshshhhhhh hume bade hai."

(Akshhhhhh! I’m not little!)

Ruhanika let out a small whine, clearly annoyed, while Rudraksh only laughed harder at her reaction. Pouting, she quickly turned her back to him, laying down and pulling the duvet over herself in mock anger. Rudraksh took a moment to compose himself, his laughter turning into a soft chuckle as he shook his head at her adorable antics. Without wasting another second, he slipped under the duvet, closing the distance between them. His arms found their way around her waist, pulling her closer, his fingers slipping just a little under her shirt as he gently caressed her waist. Feeling his warm touch, Ruhanika shivered slightly but didn’t resist. Instead, her pout slowly faded, replaced by a soft smile. Rudraksh smirked, knowing she was already melting under his touch, and whispered softly.

Rudraksh: "Achcha baba sorry, aao tum satao mujhe main tang ho jata hu."

(Okay, okay, sorry! Come on, you can tease me, and I’ll pretend to be annoyed.)

Rudraksh smiled as Ruhanika giggled, turned around, and wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug. He hugged her back, gently rubbing her back.

Ruhanika: "Aap bahaut achche hai."

(You’re really sweet.)

Rudraksh: "Aapse kum."

(Not as much as you.)

Ruhanika: "Humne kaha na aap sabse achche hai toh hai bas, samjhe??"

(I told you, you’re the sweetest of all, and that’s final. Understood?)

Rudraksh: "Mrs. Ruhanika Rudraksh Malhotra ke samne main kuch nahi bol sakta, jo vo bole vahi sahi."

(I can’t say anything in front of Mrs. Ruhanika Rudraksh Malhotra. Whatever she says is always right.)

Ruhanika: "Very good boy."

Ruhanika playfully ruffled his hair, giggling, which made him chuckle in amusement.

Rudraksh: "Achcha baaki masti ab kal, abhi so jao."

(Alright, enough mischief for today. Let’s continue tomorrow. Now, go to sleep.)

Ruhanika: "Jii"

(Yes)

Rudraksh was about to pull his hand back, but Ruhanika quickly stopped him. She snuggled closer, slipping  inside his vest, seeking warmth. His hand remained on her waist under her shirt, holding her protectively as he sighed, giving in to her silent plea for comfort.

Ruhanika: "Aise hi so jaiye na"

(Stay like this while sleeping.)

Ruhanika's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red as she shyly buried her face in his neck. Rudraksh smiled at her adorable reaction and pressed a gentle kiss on her head, holding her even closer.

Rudraksh: "As you wish Jaan."

She smiled softly, and with their fingers still intertwined, both of them drifted into a peaceful sleep, wrapped in each other’s warmth.

The next day was nothing short of magical. They spent the entire day and night in their hotel room, enjoying every little moment together. Laughter echoed as they engaged in playful pillow fights, their giggles filling the air. They watched movies, cuddled under a warm blanket, stealing soft kisses in between scenes. Every now and then, Rudraksh would whisper something teasing, making Ruhanika blush, only for her to retaliate with an equally flirty remark, leaving him just as flustered.

Between all the fun, they even cooked together—a chaotic yet adorable mess. Rudraksh tried to act like the expert, but Ruhanika, with her mischievous streak, smeared flour on his cheek, making him chase her around the kitchen. They clicked countless pictures, capturing these precious memories to look back on someday.

By the time their mini getaway ended, neither of them wanted to leave, but reality called. The next day, they packed up and headed back home, feeling refreshed and happier than ever.

However, the moment they stepped inside, they were greeted by knowing smirks and teasing glances from their family.

Later that Morning, Rudraksh dropped Ruhanika off at college, watching her walk in with a smile, before heading back to his office. The hours passed quickly until, just after noon, his phone rang with an incoming call from the hospital. His heart skipped a beat, the urgency in the call sending a wave of panic through him. Without a second thought, he rushed out of his office and sped toward the hospital.  On the way, he called Kartavya, informing him of the situation. Kartavya immediately agreed to meet him there, and the two of them made their way to the hospital as fast as they could.

When they arrived, they didn’t waste any time. They ran through the corridors, their footsteps echoing, heading straight for a particular ward. Rudraksh’s chest tightened as they reached the door. His breath was shallow, his mind racing with questions, but his legs carried him inside without hesitation. The scene inside the ward hit him like a punch to the gut. His eyes locked on the woman lying on the bed, surrounded by doctors who were assessing her condition. The room was filled with tension, but it was the look in the doctor’s eyes that made Rudraksh’s heart race.

He was panting, feeling as if his whole world had stopped, but everything in that moment shifted when he saw her—her eyelids fluttered, and, to his disbelief, her eyes slowly opened. Rudraksh froze for a second, unable to believe what he was seeing. The shock and relief washed over him, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still as he stared at her, feeling a surge of emotions he couldn’t quite put into words.

Doctor: "So, how are you feeling, ma’am?"

Lady: "B...etter, just b...ody ache."

Doctor: "As I have already informed you, you were in a coma for the last 18 years, so this is normal. Your body needs time to adjust and function normally again."

The lady blinked her eyes in surprise, and then the doctor turned towards Rudraksh.

Doctor: "Mr. Malhotra, she has regained consciousness, and it’s a great achievement. Otherwise, we had lost all hope. Soon, she will be completely fine."

Rudraksh stood frozen, his gaze locked on the lady lying in the bed. He didn’t say a word, his eyes filled with a mixture of disbelief, relief, and emotion. His heart hammered in his chest, but he couldn’t look away from her—she was awake, alive. Kartavya, noticing the depth of Rudraksh’s emotions, placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. The gesture was gentle, yet it spoke volumes. Rudraksh’s eyes flickered briefly toward him, his expression soft but unreadable. There was a brief moment where the weight of everything seemed to settle in, and his eyes grew a little moist, unable to fully conceal the storm of emotions building within him.

The lady, despite the exhaustion and weakness in her body, turned her head towards him. Her gaze was hazy but steady, and she mustered all the strength she had left to reach out to him. Her hand trembled, weakly extending towards him, as though longing for connection. But, to Rudraksh's heartache, her hand couldn’t fully stretch. It wavered, shaking with the effort, as though her body wasn’t cooperating with the will of her heart. Her fingers barely moved, and it was clear she was struggling, but her eyes—those eyes that still held so much emotion—looked directly at him. Without a moment's hesitation, Rudraksh took a slow step forward, his heart aching with empathy.

Lady: "Ch...i...k..u??"

The lady struggled to speak, her voice weak and raspy after being in a coma for 18 long years. But the moment Rudraksh heard her voice, a deep, overwhelming wave of emotion hit him. His body trembled, and before he could process the shock, he dropped to his knees, unable to hold back the flood of tears that poured from his eyes. Kartavya, always by his side, quickly knelt down beside him, wrapping his arms around him in a comforting embrace. The raw emotion of the moment was palpable. The lady, too, felt the depth of the connection as a few tears escaped her eyes, silently acknowledging the reunion and the love that had never wavered, even through all those years.

Lady: "Ch..iku b..eta"

(Son)

Rudraksh embraced Kartavya tightly, his emotions breaking through as he cried, feeling completely vulnerable. Kartavya, moved by the sight, had tears in his own eyes and gently rubbed Rudraksh's back, offering silent comfort in this moment of raw emotion.

Kartavya: "Shhh Rudraa dekh vo thik ho gayi hai ab, shhhh beta shant hoja."

(Shhh, Rudraa, look, she’s fine now. Shhh, calm down, son.)

The doctor and nurses had already left the room, leaving the three of them in a quiet, emotional moment. The lady, despite her weakened state, tried to reach for Rudraksh, her hand trembling as she extended it toward him. But before she could get close, she began to lose her balance and was on the verge of falling. Rudraksh's eyes widened in panic as he saw her struggling. Instinctively, he rushed forward, catching her just in time, his arms steadying her. His heart raced as he gently supported her, the rush of relief mingling with the intense emotions he was already feeling.

Rudraksh: "Buiiii, ki kar rahe ho tussi, araam naal."

(Aunt, what are you doing? Take it easy.)

Tears began to flow down the lady's cheeks, and seeing her distress, Rudraksh pulled her into a tight hug, his own tears spilling as he cried along with her. The two held each other in a moment of shared sorrow, the weight of emotions overwhelming them both.

Rudraksh: "Itna wait koi karata hai kya, main gussa hu aapse."

(Who waits this long? I am angry with you.)

A faint smile appeared through her tears as she tried to hug him back, but her body, weak and frail, wouldn't cooperate. She struggled, her arms unable to wrap around him fully, but the emotion in her eyes spoke volumes. Rudraksh held her even tighter, gently supporting her, as if trying to offer the comfort she so desperately needed.

Kartavya: "Rudra bua thik hai, shant hoja."

(Rudra, Bua is fine. Calm down.)

The lady looked at Kartavya with a confused gaze, unsure of what was happening. Rudraksh gently pulled back, giving her space, while Kartavya shot the lady a playful, slightly annoyed look, as if silently saying.

Kartavya: "Lo ji, Tuhanu tuhada Chiku yaad hai, par tuhada laadla Koko nahi??"

(Oh wow, so you remember your Chiku, but not your beloved Koko?)

Lady: "K...oko"

Kartavya: "Aaho ji Gulabo."

(Yes, Beautiful.)

The lady coughed lightly, then smiled warmly. She tried to extend her hand towards Kartavya, and noticing her gesture, he immediately approached her, gently taking her hand in his, offering her reassurance with a soft, comforting touch.

Kartavya: "Rest Karo bua, abhi abhi hosh aaya hai aapko."

(Get some rest, Bua. You’ve just regained consciousness.)

The lady attempted to look around the room, her gaze scanning her surroundings. Kartavya smiled softly at her, his eyes filled with warmth and understanding.

Kartavya: "Ghar pe hai vo, use pata nahi aapko hosh aa gaya hai, surprise denge."

(He’s at home. He doesn’t know that you have woken up. We’ll give him a surprise.)

The lady smiled weakly, blinking her eyes as if trying to gather strength. Her gaze then shifted towards Rudraksh, filled with a quiet hope. Rudraksh, catching the silent plea in her eyes, fought to control the tears threatening to fall. His heart ached, but he quickly wiped his eyes, determined to remain strong for her.

Rudraksh: "Aapke alawa koi nahi bacha buiii."

(There’s no one left besides you, Buiii.)

The lady's eyes welled up with tears, and her chin began to tremble as the weight of emotions overwhelmed her. Unable to hold it in any longer, she started crying softly. Without a second thought, Rudraksh pulled her into a comforting hug, holding her tightly as she cried, his heart aching for her pain.

Rudraksh: "Shhhh buiii, tabiyat kharab ho jayegi please. Aap pehle thik ho jaiye phir sab baat karenge okay??"

(Shhh, Buiii, you’ll get sick. Please, get better first, then we’ll talk about everything, okay?)

The lady cried silently, her emotions overwhelming her after so many years. Rudraksh, his heart breaking for her, gently consoled her, whispering soft words of comfort until her sobs began to quiet down. Slowly, her emotions were controlled, but the weight of everything was still heavy on her. The doctor, seeing the improvement, advised that she be kept under observation for a week to ensure her health was stable.

Rudraksh and Kartavya nodded in agreement, understanding the importance of this precaution. After a few moments of silence, the lady looked up at Rudraksh with a soft, hopeful expression. She requested that he not disclose her awakening to Rishwik just yet, wanting to surprise him by going home herself. Rudraksh, though filled with questions, smiled and agreed, knowing how much this moment meant to her. He reassured her that he would keep the secret and that everything would be perfect when the time came.

This week had flown by quickly, and today, Kartavya and Rudraksh were finally able to take their aunty home. Her condition had improved significantly—she could talk now, but her legs still weren’t strong enough to support her, so the doctors had arranged for a wheelchair. Kartavya and Rudraksh felt a mix of relief and happiness as they prepared to bring her back to a place where she could begin to heal in the comfort of her own home.

On the other side, in a secluded, dimly lit area, Vijaypratap stood silently behind a man. The atmosphere was tense, as the two figures exchanged no words, only the heavy silence between them.

Vijaypratap: "JM mujhe yaha kyu bulaya, pata hai na us Ashvik Rajpurohit aur Rudraksh Malhotra ki nazar hai mujhpe."

(JM, why did you call me here? You know that Ashvik Rajpurohit and Rudraksh Malhotra are keeping an eye on me.)

Yes, the person with him was JM. Standing in the shadowed corner, JM exuded a calm yet intimidating presence. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were sharp, scanning the area with a sense of quiet authority. Vijaypratap’s gaze remained fixed on him, as if waiting for a signal or perhaps for the right moment to speak.

JM: "Toh tumhe kya lagta hai apni Jaan hatheli pe leke India kyu aaya hu main??"

(And what do you think? Why have I risked my life and come to India?)

Vijaypratap: "Matlab??"

(What do you mean?)

JM: "Rudraksh Malhotra, iske baare me pata lagana bhuse me se suii dundhne ke jaisa hai, 7 saal pehle India aaya hai business karne, uske pehle London me tha. Kya karta tha kaha se aaya hai kuch nahi pata hai."

(Rudraksh Malhotra… Finding out anything about him is like looking for a needle in a haystack. He came to India seven years ago to do business, but before that, he was in London. What he did there or where he came from—nothing is known.)

Vijaypratap: "Maine bhi koshish ki thi par kuch pata nahi laga, uper se mere aadmi bhi pakde gaye hai uske haathon."

(I tried to find out too, but nothing came up. On top of that, my men got caught by him.)

JM: "Aise hi kisi bewakoofi ki umeed thi tumse, pata bhi vo kya kar sakta hai."

(I expected this kind of foolishness from you. Do you even realize what he is capable of?)

Vijaypratap: "Jaanta hu"

(I know.)

JM: "Galti se bhi kisi ko pata chal gaya ki humne Mafia ke naam ke niche apna niji kaam kiya tha toh Mexican Mafia toh humare against hogi, baaki sab bhi hume jaan se maar denge."

(If anyone even mistakenly finds out that we used the Mafia’s name for our personal work, the Mexican Mafia will turn against us. And not just them—everyone will want us dead.)

Vijaypratap: "Kisi ko nahi pata us raat kya hua tha, toh itni fikar kyu??"

(No one knows what happened that night, so why are you so worried?)

JM: "Kyuki Mexico ke godown me koi aaya tha I'm sure kisi ne sari files padhi hai especially 2007 ki files."

(Because someone was at the warehouse in Mexico. I’m sure someone read all the files, especially the ones from 2007.)

Vijaypratap: "Whaaattttt???? Tumne us shipments ki files sambhal ke rakhi hi kyu hai JM??"

(Whattttt???? Why did you even keep those shipment files, JM?)

JM: "Only 45% of the RDX was used for the attacks, 35% we smuggled and rest 20% were used for our personal use. I had manipulated the data but if someone really smart will try to figure out there's a high chances that he'll get to know about it."

(Only 45% of the RDX was used for the attacks, 35% we smuggled, and the remaining 20% was for our personal use. I had manipulated the data, but if someone smart enough digs deeper, there’s a high chance they will figure it out.)

Vijaypratap: "Toh ab kya karna hai??"

(So, what do we do now?)

JM: "pehle toh ye Ashvik Rajpurohit ki gulami band karo."

(First, stop this Ashvik Rajpurohit's slavery.)

Vijaypratap: "Sari property uske aur uski behen ke naam hai, main kya kar sakta hu??"

(All the property is in his and his sister’s name. What can I do?)

JM: "Main sochta hu kuch... Is Rudraksh Malhotra ki kamzori ko bhi dundhna hoga."

(I’ll think of something... We also need to find Rudraksh Malhotra’s weakness.)

Vijaypratap: "Uski biwi, Ruhanika Malhotra, vahi uski kamzori hai suna hai bahaut pyaar karta hai."

(His wife, Ruhanika Malhotra—she is his biggest weakness. I’ve heard he loves her immensely.)

JM: "Uski kamzori pe attack karke dekha tumne, natija dekh liya na... Kuch aur sochna hoga mujhe."

(You already tried attacking his weakness, and you saw the consequences. We need to think of something else.)

Vijaypratap: "Use khatam karne ke alawa aur koi rasta nazar nahi aa raha."

(I don’t see any other way except eliminating him.)

JM: "Par kaise???"

(But how???)

Vijaypratap and JM both stood there in silence, the weight of their thoughts hanging heavily in the air. Each man was lost in his own world, strategizing their next move. Vijaypratap’s mind raced with possibilities, considering the risks and rewards of their alliance, while JM’s expression remained unreadable, his gaze fixed somewhere in the distance, as if calculating the next step with meticulous precision. The stillness between them felt tense, almost suffocating, as if the decision that would follow would change everything.

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Hello Lovely Readers, 🌹

Here's the next update! 💙

Apologies as I know  I have crushed your hopes—it’s not Rudraksh’s mother but his Bua, as per the storyline I’ve planned.

Also, I couldn’t clarify doubts in the comment section of the reels because it would have spoiled the suspense. I hope you all understand. ☺️☺️

Some of you requested more focus on the other couples, but I’m sorry—I don’t want to stretch the story unnecessarily. I’d rather keep the focus on the main plot and leads.💕

Also, I saw a comment on the last chapter from someone mentioning that she votes and comments on my story, but I didn’t reply to her. Sorry, girl! I must have missed your DM. Please send it again, and I’ll make sure to reply. ☺️

I think the username started with "J".

Target:

Votes: 2.5K

Comments: 350

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Happy reading 🌸 💙

Lot's of Love 💙🫂