Chapter 17

The next morning, Roohi was seated at the breakfast table, swinging her legs back and forth as she munched on her toast. Rudraksh, dressed sharply in his usual all-black attire, sat across from her, sipping his coffee while glancing over some papers. His mind, however, wasn’t entirely focused on work—it was on Roohi’s upcoming school admission.

“Papa, when will I go to school?” Roohi asked suddenly, her big eyes filled with curiosity.

Rudraksh set down his cup, giving her his full attention. “Very soon, princess. I’ve already spoken to some schools, and we’ll visit them together to see which one you like the most.”

Roohi nodded, looking a bit unsure. “Will it be like my old school? Will I make friends?”

Rudraksh reached over and gently squeezed her hand. “You’ll make lots of friends, Roohi. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure the school is just right for you.”

Roohi smiled, reassured by his words. “Okay, Papa. I’m ready!”

Just then, the doorbell rang, and Rudraksh’s attention shifted. He glanced at his watch—right on time. “Ah, they’re here,” he murmured to himself before standing up. “Roohi, I want you to meet some very important people today. They’re my best friends, and I think you’ll like them.”

Roohi’s eyes widened with interest. “Really? Who are they?”

Rudraksh smiled slightly, walking over to the door. “You’ll see.”

He opened the door to reveal two men standing there, both exuding an air of confidence and ease. The first was Karan, a tall man with a sharp jawline, dressed casually in jeans and a leather jacket. His eyes were a striking shade of blue, and he had an easygoing smile that put people at ease.

The second man, Akshat, was slightly shorter but more solidly built, with dark hair and an intense gaze softened only by the warmth of his smile. He was dressed in a well-tailored suit, the picture of professionalism.

“Rudra!” Karan exclaimed, stepping forward and pulling Rudraksh into a brief hug. “Long time, man. Good to see you.”

“Rudra!” Karan exclaimed, stepping forward and pulling Rudraksh into a brief hug. “Long time, man. Good to see you.”

Rudraksh rolled his eyes and shook his head at his friend’s childishness. “Karan, we met yesterday, remember?” he replied with a smirk.

Karan chuckled and waved off the comment. “Details, details. A day without seeing you feels like a year!”

Rudraksh gave him a light shove as Akshat approached with a more reserved greeting.

“Rudraksh,” Akshat greeted with a firm handshake and a nod. “It’s been a while.”

Rudraksh nodded in agreement before stepping aside to let them in. As they walked into the living room, Roohi appeared from behind Rudraksh, peeking out curiously at the newcomers.

Karan’s eyes immediately softened as he spotted Roohi. “And who do we have here?” he asked with a grin, crouching down to her level.

Roohi hesitated for a moment, then looked up at Rudraksh, who gave her an encouraging nod. “I’m Roohi,” she said shyly.

“Roohi, what a beautiful name,” Karan said warmly. “I’m Karan, and that’s Akshat.” He pointed to the man standing beside him.

Akshat smiled and gave her a small wave. “Hello, Roohi. It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Roohi’s eyes widened slightly. “You have?”

Karan chuckled. “Oh yes, your papa talks about you all the time.”

Roohi beamed at that, her shyness quickly fading. “I think I saw you before,” she said, pointing at Karan.

Karan raised an eyebrow and looked at Rudraksh with mock surprise. “Rudra, you’ve been keeping me a secret from your daughter? I’m hurt.”

Rudraksh smirked. “She wasn’t ready to meet someone as annoying as you.”

Akshat chuckled as Karan feigned offense. “You wound me, Rudra.”

Roohi giggled at their banter, clearly warming up to them. Rudraksh felt a small pang of relief—he had been slightly worried about how Roohi would react to meeting his closest friends, but it seemed like they were off to a good start.

After a few more minutes of light conversation, Rudraksh led everyone to the living room where they settled in. Roohi sat close to her father, occasionally glancing up at Karan and Akshat with curiosity.

“So,” Akshat began, turning to Rudraksh, “how’s everything going with Roohi’s school? Have you found a good one yet?”

Rudraksh nodded. “I’ve narrowed it down to a few options. We’ll be visiting them soon, but I want to make sure it’s the right fit for her. It’s a big change, and I don’t want her to feel out of place.”

Karan leaned forward, his expression serious. “That’s smart. The school environment is crucial, especially for a kid her age. Make sure they’re supportive and understanding.”

“What do you like to do, Roohi?” Akshat asked, his tone gentle.

Roohi thought for a moment. “I like drawing and playing with my dolls. And I like it when Papa reads me stories.”

Karan grinned. “Sounds like you’re a creative one. Maybe you’d enjoy some art classes, or even something fun like ballet.”

Roohi’s eyes lit up. “Ballet? Like dancing?”

“Exactly,” Karan replied. “It’s a lot of fun, and you’d get to wear a pretty tutu.”

Rudraksh watched the exchange with a small smile. Roohi was already more comfortable with Karan and Akshat than he had expected, and he was glad to see her opening up so quickly. She laughed easily at Karan's jokes, her shyness completely dissolved, and even leaned on Akshat when he offered her some more food during lunch.

As the day wore on, they all enjoyed a lively lunch together. Roohi insisted on playing a few rounds of her favorite games after the meal, which led to a lot of laughter as Karan, true to his playful nature, put his all into every game, making Roohi giggle uncontrollably. Akshat, though quieter, was equally involved, and Rudraksh felt a rare sense of joy seeing Roohi so happy and at ease.

When the games finally wound down, Roohi, in all her excitement, had only one request left: to watch Frozen with everyone. Karan, of course, was all for it, much to Rudraksh’s amusement.

They all settled into the large living room, with Roohi nestled comfortably between Rudraksh and Karan. The movie started, and as soon as the familiar songs began, Roohi and Karan started belting out the lyrics to “Let It Go” at the top of their lungs. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and soon the living room was filled with laughter and off-key singing.

Rudraksh and Akshat, on the other hand, exchanged amused glances. It was hard to tell which one of the two was the bigger child—Roohi or Karan. Karan, known for his seriousness in the courtroom, had a completely different side to him when he was around friends and family. His carefree and playful nature was something Rudraksh deeply appreciated, especially now that it brought so much joy to Roohi.

As the movie continued, Rudraksh leaned over to Akshat and whispered, “I could use a drink. You?”

Akshat, who had been watching Karan with a mixture of amusement and disbelief, nodded. “Definitely. Let’s step outside.”

Rudraksh quietly excused himself and led Akshat to his private bar just off the living room. He poured them each a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid catching the light as he handed Akshat his glass.

“Cheers,” Rudraksh said, clinking his glass against Akshat’s.

“To good friends and unexpected family,” Akshat replied with a small smile before taking a sip.

They both stood in silence for a moment, the muffled sounds of the movie and Roohi’s singing still audible from the living room. It was a peaceful moment, but Rudraksh knew Akshat well enough to recognize when there was something more on his mind.

“So, what’s really going on, Rudra?” Akshat asked after a moment, his tone was serious. “You’ve been more involved in the business lately, but I know there’s something else. You’ve never been one to talk about it, but I can tell.”

Rudraksh sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You know me too well, Akshat.” He took a deep breath before continuing. “I don't like distractions, but Roohi… she’s awakened something in me that I thought I’d buried a long time ago. There’s this feeling I’ve kept hidden, a softness I didn’t think I was capable of anymore. I mean, just look at her—so innocent and pure. How could someone like me be blessed with something so… good?”

His voice faltered for a moment, a rare vulnerability seeping through. “You know about my childhood, about my parents… my father. My mother was the only one who ever showed me love, and after she was gone, I didn’t think I’d ever feel it again.

Rudraksh paused, his eyes distant as if lost in memories. “Roshni gave me the greatest gift in the world, and I wish… I wish she would have told me about Roohi sooner. Maybe things could have been different. Maybe I could have been a better father from the start.”

Akshat listened quietly, letting Rudraksh speak without interruption. He knew how difficult it was for his friend to open up like this, to admit to feelings he usually kept locked away.

“You are a good father, Rudra,” Akshat said softly, his tone firm but kind. “You’re here now, and that’s what matters. Roohi needs you, and you’re doing everything you can to give her the life she deserves. That’s all anyone could ask for.”

Rudraksh nodded, though his expression remained pensive. “I just… I want to protect her from all the darkness, from everything I’ve seen and done. She deserves a life full of love and happiness, not the shadows that follow me.”

“You can give her that,” Akshat replied, placing a reassuring hand on Rudraksh’s shoulder. “You already are. And you’re not alone in this. Karan and I—we’re here for both of you.”

Rudraksh looked at Akshat, his eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and determination. “Thank you, Akshat. I don’t say it enough, but I’m grateful for you and Karan. I wouldn’t be able to do this without you.”

Akshat nodded, his grip on Rudraksh’s shoulder tightening for a moment before he let go. “We’re family, Rudra. And family sticks together, no matter what.”

They stood in companionable silence for a few more minutes, sipping their drinks and listening to the distant sound of Roohi and Karan’s voices, both now enthusiastically singing along to another song from Frozen.

Rudraksh couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking his head. “You think he’ll ever grow up?”

Akshat smirked. “Karan? Not a chance. But that’s part of his charm.” and back to where their makeshift family waited, filling the house with the sound of laughter and love.

Rudraksh chuckled, feeling a rare sense of peace wash over him. Despite the looming threats and the challenges that lay ahead, in this moment, surrounded by his daughter and his best friends, he felt like everything might just be okay.