Chapter -15

Rudraksh sat in his study, his eyes fixed on the detailed blueprints and sketches spread across his desk. He had spent the past few days planning and working with the best interior designer in London, ensuring that every detail of Roohi’s new room would be perfect. This wasn’t just about giving her a beautiful space—it was about creating a sanctuary where she could feel safe, loved, and at home.

The designer had been a little taken aback by Rudraksh’s intense involvement in the process. He wasn’t the type to delegate this task entirely; every color, piece of furniture, and decoration had to pass his scrutiny. It had to be just right.

As the final touches were being put into place, Rudraksh paced the hallway outside the room. Today was the day Roohi would finally see her new room, and he was determined to make it a special moment. He had decided to surprise her, wrapping her eyes with a silk cloth to heighten the anticipation.

“Papa, what’s going on?” Roohi’s voice was full of curiosity as she held onto his hand, her small steps hesitant with her vision blocked.

“Patience, my princess,” Rudraksh said with a rare smile. “You’ll see in just a moment.”

They reached the door, and he paused, taking a deep breath before opening it. “Are you ready?” he asked, his voice gentle.

Roohi nodded eagerly, her excitement palpable even though she couldn’t see.

Rudraksh slowly removed the cloth from her eyes, revealing the transformed space. “Okay, open your eyes.”

Roohi blinked a few times, her eyes adjusting to the light. When she finally saw the room, her mouth fell open in awe. The once bland guest room had been transformed into a dreamland. The walls were painted a soft pastel pink, adorned with delicate floral patterns. A canopy bed stood at the center, draped with sheer, glittering curtains that gave it a princess-like feel. There was a reading nook by the window, filled with plush cushions and a small bookshelf already stocked with storybooks. On the opposite wall, shelves displayed her favorite dolls and a few new ones Rudraksh had chosen.

“Wow…” Roohi whispered, her eyes wide with wonder as she slowly walked into the room, taking in every detail.

Rudraksh watched her closely, his heart swelling with pride and a deep sense of satisfaction. “Do you like it, Roohi?”

“I love it, Papa!” Roohi exclaimed, turning to him with a huge smile on her face. “It’s so pretty! Is this really all for me?”

Rudraksh chuckled softly, kneeling down to her level. “Yes, my princess. It’s all for you. I wanted you to have a special place here, your own room where you can play, read, and dream.”

Roohi threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. “Thank you, Papa! You’re the best!”

Rudraksh’s arms wrapped around her, his hold firm yet tender. In that moment, he felt something shift inside him. The cold, distant persona he had carefully maintained for years melted away, leaving only the warmth of his love for his daughter. He had never imagined that someone so small could have such a profound effect on him, but Roohi had become his world.

He pulled back slightly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “There’s more, you know,” he said with a playful glint in his eyes. “Look over there.” He pointed to a corner of the room where a small door led to a hidden playroom filled with more toys, a miniature tea set, and a child-sized table with chairs.

Roohi’s eyes lit up, and she ran over to explore the playroom, her laughter echoing through the space. Rudraksh stood back, watching her with a sense of peace he hadn’t felt in years. This room wasn’t just a place for Roohi to sleep—it was a symbol of the new beginning they were building together.

As Roohi played, Rudraksh’s phone buzzed in his pocket. It was a message from the interior designer, confirming that everything had been completed to his specifications. He quickly typed back a thank you, but his attention was already back on Roohi, who was now setting up a tea party with her dolls.

“Papa, come play with me!” Roohi called out, holding up a tiny teacup.

Rudraksh walked over, sitting down at the small table with her. He might not have been the type to play pretend before, but for Roohi, he would do anything. As he accepted the imaginary tea and listened to her chatter on about her dolls, he knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

And for the first time in a long time, Rudraksh Oberoi felt truly content.