"2. Their wedding"

"Aakhon se hokar

Vo Dil me utar gayi

Shadi ka rishta jodkar

Main uska aur vo meri ho gayi"

- fictionflare_

Rudraksh POV,

Today was one of the most intense and demanding days I’ve had in a while. After wrapping up my office work, I immediately made my way to a secluded basement deep within the forest. This hidden location serves as one of my many strongholds, and it was here that my men had detained the individual responsible for the recent surge in human trafficking—a crime that I find utterly intolerable. As the most feared and powerful Mafia king in Asia, my influence extends far beyond the continent. My reputation precedes me, striking fear into the hearts of those who dare cross my path. However, my power is not driven by greed or personal gain. My mission is to eradicate the crimes that destroy the lives and futures of innocent people, especially young girls. Human trafficking, in particular, is an atrocity I cannot and will not stand for. Coming from a country where women are revered and worshipped, the idea of them being sold like commodities for someone’s vile pleasure fills me with a deep, burning rage. These predators, who exploit the vulnerable and the innocent, have no place in this world, and I make it my duty to ensure that they face the consequences of their heinous actions.

After thoroughly punishing him, I cleaned up, got dressed, and stepped out of the basement. Amandeep was waiting for me and informed me about Sachet Rathore's sister. As I've made clear, I despise crimes against women, but this situation is different. This girl crossed paths with Kartavya bhai, and what she and her brother did to him is unforgivable. They both will face the consequences, but they’ll pay in my way no exceptions.

I recently uncovered details about the girl’s upcoming marriage, and I’ve decided that I will be the one to marry her. Once she’s mine, I’ll make sure she experiences hell on earth. When I arrived at their place, after enduring all the useless chatter, Vijaypratap finally revealed the name of his daughter the one he’s kept hidden from the world for the past 25 years. He did this in a futile attempt to shield her from the consequences of his crimes. But blood is blood, and it’s clear that his children have inherited his dark nature. Now, both of them will pay for their deeds. I’m standing here, waiting for the girl who’s about to become my wife in just a few minutes. If only she knew that she’s walking into a prison, not a marriage. She and her brother will soon face the wrath of Rudraksh Malhotra because they dared to cross my brother, Kartavya Khurana. They will see the worst side of me, and they will regret ever getting involved in this dangerous game.

Author's POV,

Rudraksh stood in the dimly lit hall, waiting for his bride with a steely calm. His thoughts were a whirlwind of plans and vengeance, yet his expression remained unreadable. Amandeep approached him quietly, sensing the tension that surrounded his boss like a dark cloud.

Amandeep: "Sir, don't you think it's strange that he disclosed his daughter's name so easily and is ready to marry her off to you?"

Rudraksh: "I know, it is. But Vijaypratap Rathore is a selfish man. He even tried to kill his own father for the sake of property. What else can you expect from such a person?"

Amandeep nodded, understanding the unspoken command. Rudraksh, lost in his thoughts, suddenly felt a gaze fixed on him. Instinctively, he turned, and what he saw left him momentarily stunned. Standing before him was a petite figure, delicate yet striking—Ruhanika. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to blur. Ruhanika, who had been trembling with fear just moments before, felt an unexpected calm wash over her the instant her eyes met Rudraksh’s. The sweat that had formed on her palms began to dry, and her hands, which had been shaking with anxiety, grew steady. Her heart, which had been racing with dread, began to slow to a normal rhythm. She didn’t understand why, but in that moment, she felt an inexplicable sense of safety in his presence, unaware that the very man before her was marrying her with the intent to break her. Her mind wrestled with the oddity of it all—how could she possibly trust someone she had never met, someone she knew nothing about? Yet, her heart defied logic, insisting that the man standing before her would never cause her harm. She couldn't comprehend why, but she felt an undeniable pull toward him. There was something in his eyes, something deep and unreadable, that made her believe she could gaze into them for a lifetime. Unaware of the fact that, those very eyes hid a storm of vengeance, a plan to turn her life into the very nightmare she was trying to escape.

Rudraksh found himself in an equally unexpected state. The moment his gaze locked with Ruhanika's, he felt the walls he'd built around his heart start to crumble. He could almost hear the sound of those walls cracking, a sensation so foreign that it left him momentarily disoriented. The anger that had been burning in his eyes just moments ago softened, replaced by an emotion he couldn't quite name. He had expected to find traces of cunning, greed, or arrogance in her eyes—the qualities he despised and had come to punish. But instead, all he saw was pure, untainted innocence. It was as if God had gathered every ounce of innocence in the world and placed it in her eyes. He noticed the fear that had once been there, only to watch it fade and be replaced by something else—an emotion he sensed was meant for him alone. Rudraksh had come here with a clear purpose: to marry Ruhanika and make her pay for her supposed actions, to make her regret ever crossing paths with his brother. But now, standing before her, he felt an overwhelming urge to do the exact opposite. He wanted to take her in his arms, shield her from the cruelties of the world, and protect her for the rest of his life. The fierce resolve he had arrived with was now battling against a powerful, newfound desire to care for her, leaving him torn between his original intent and the unexpected emotions that had taken hold of him.

Ruhanika began descending the stairs, flanked by Vijaypratap and Sukriti. Rudraksh, realizing how deeply he was getting lost in his emotions, forced himself to turn his gaze away from her. Yet, despite his efforts, his heart was no longer at ease, now filled with an unfamiliar, unsettling emotion that he couldn’t shake. As Ruhanika approached and stood before him, Rudraksh couldn't resist looking at her again—and once more, he found himself completely captivated. She barely reached his chest, her petite frame standing at about 5'6". Her skin was fair, with a soft, pink undertone that reminded him of a baby’s delicate complexion. Her brown hazel eyes, large and expressive, gazed up at him with a look of pure innocence that seemed to pierce right through his defenses. Her face was small, her features delicate—big eyes, small lips, and a pointed nose. The minimal makeup she wore only accentuated her natural beauty, and Rudraksh was certain she would look even more stunning without it. She was dressed in a simple bridal wedding dress that, while beautiful, was not extravagant. Her jewelry was minimal, just a small neckpiece around her neck, tiny kundan studs in her ears, a few red bangles on her wrists, a delicate nose stud, and a small maang tikka adorning her forehead. The simplicity of her appearance only added to her charm, making her seem even more ethereal to Rudraksh. As he took in every detail, he couldn’t help but feel a powerful, conflicting emotion rising within him. The plan he had meticulously crafted to make her life a living hell now seemed to waver in the face of the purity and innocence that stood before him. Yet, even as his resolve faltered, Rudraksh knew that the battle between his heart and his mind had only just begun.

What truly caught Rudraksh’s attention, however, was how thin and young the girl appeared. She looked barely 18 or 20 years old, a stark contrast to what he had been led to believe. According to the information Kartavya had provided, Vijaypratap’s daughter was supposed to be 25 years old. The discrepancy puzzled him. Rudraksh’s mind raced as he tried to reconcile this image of delicate youthfulness with the woman he had come here to marry for revenge. The girl standing before him, so fragile and seemingly innocent, didn’t match the picture he had in his mind. The more he looked at her, the more the pieces of the puzzle didn’t fit, raising questions in his mind that made him reconsider the situation unfolding before him.

Rudraksh: "Is she really Ruhanika?"

Sukriti: "Yes, yes, she's the one you wanted to marry, Rudraksh."

Rudraksh: "It's Mr. Rudraksh Malhotra for you. Got it?"

Vijaypratap: "Yes, please forgive her. I'm sorry on her behalf."

Rudraksh: "Fine, start the rituals."

Rudraksh took his seat at the mandap, his thoughts racing. Despite his initial impressions, he tried to convince himself that Ruhanika was just another girl, concerned about her appearance and maintaining her slender figure. He pushed aside the dissonance between her youthful appearance and the age he had been given.

Sukriti guided Ruhanika to sit beside Rudraksh, and the priest, visibly anxious with the presence of armed men, began chanting the mantras with a tremor in his voice. Rudraksh went through the motions of the rituals with a practiced detachment, while Ruhanika followed his lead in silence.

When the priest instructed Rudraksh to take Ruhanika's hand, he did so with indifference, but as soon as he grasped her delicate hand, something unexpected happened. His heart began to race, beating erratically against his chest. He looked at her, and saw that her eyes were brimming with tears.

At first, Rudraksh thought the tears were a result of the forced marriage, a reaction that aligned with his original intent. He had come here to make her suffer and see her regret. Yet, as he continued to hold her hand, he felt a strange, piercing pain in his heart—a sensation he couldn’t quite understand. The sight of her tears, instead of satisfying his vengeful desires, stirred something within him. It hurt him more deeply than he anticipated, and he found himself torn between the satisfaction he sought and an overwhelming urge to comfort her.

As Rudraksh held Ruhanika’s hand, she experienced a profound sense of calm that she had nearly forgotten could exist. Her heartbeat, which had been erratic with fear, now steadied, finding a soothing rhythm in his touch. The warmth of his hands, in contrast to her own cold ones, brought a sense of peace she had not felt in a long time—perhaps ever.

For the first time, someone’s touch made her feel secure rather than causing her to shiver. It wasn’t merely because he was going to be her husband, but because there was something in his eyes that inspired an unusual trust. Ruhanika couldn’t fully comprehend the emotions swirling within her, but she instinctively felt safe and at ease in his presence.

Rudraksh, meanwhile, was caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. As he stared into her innocent eyes, his own heart raced uncontrollably. The trust and calm he saw in her gaze seemed to challenge the very purpose of his revenge. He was torn between the vengeance he had planned and a growing, inexplicable desire to connect with her on a deeper level.

Despite his inner turmoil, Rudraksh tried to focus on the rituals, pushing aside his feelings and continuing with the ceremony. The drive for revenge still dominated his thoughts, but a part of him was beginning to question whether this path was truly the right one, especially with Ruhanika’s innocent gaze intensifying his doubts.

The priest soon instructed Rudraksh to tie the mangalsutra around Ruhanika’s neck. With a deliberate motion, Rudraksh took out a mangalsutra from his pocket, adorned with a pendant featuring the letter "R," and prepared to perform the ritual. As he approached her, their proximity made Ruhanika’s heart race—not out of fear, but from an unfamiliar flutter she couldn’t quite place. She gazed up at him with a mixture of confusion and curiosity, her eyes silently questioning, but she remained quiet.

Rudraksh had chosen this particular mangalsutra as a symbol of the bond he intended to impose on her, a constant reminder that she was now tied to him. Despite his initial intent to use it as a mark of possession, he found himself tying it around her neck with an unexpected tenderness, his actions imbued with a sincerity he hadn’t anticipated.

Next, the priest instructed Rudraksh to apply sindhoor (vermilion) to Ruhanika’s hairline. As he did so, some of the bright red powder fell onto her nose, making her look even more endearing. Rudraksh found himself unable to look away, captivated by the sight of her delicate features adorned with the vermilion.

A single tear slipped from Ruhanika’s eye as she felt the gentle touch of Rudraksh’s hand on her forehead. The emotion of the moment, combined with his touch, stirred something deep within her. They completed the seven pheras, and throughout the ceremony, Rudraksh kept a firm grip on Ruhanika’s hand, the touch becoming a symbol of something more profound than he had expected.

When the priest finally declared them husband and wife, the weight of the moment settled over them. Rudraksh, who had come with a clear intention of revenge, now found himself ensnared by the unexpected depth of emotions and connection he felt with Ruhanika.

As Rudraksh stepped down from the mandap, Ruhanika followed him due to the traditional gathbandhan (tying of the sacred thread). Amandeep, who had worked alongside Rudraksh for years, observed him closely. For the first time, he saw a different kind of emotion in Rudraksh's eyes—something that was clearly directed at Ruhanika.

Amandeep, well-versed in Rudraksh's typically unflappable demeanor, noted the contrast. He could sense that Rudraksh was struggling to reconcile these newfound emotions with his quest for revenge. The depth of feeling he was seeing in his boss was both unusual and unsettling.

Despite his suspicions about Vijaypratap and his daughter, Amandeep remained silent. He saw clearly that Ruhanika didn’t seem to fit the image of a cunning, spoiled brat that Rudraksh had been led to believe. However, Amandeep knew better than to question Rudraksh's decisions openly. His loyalty and duty required him to follow orders, even if it meant keeping his concerns to himself.

As he watched the unfolding situation, Amandeep remained vigilant, keeping his observations to himself while continuing to execute Rudraksh's commands.

Rudraksh: "So, Mr. Vijaypratap Rathore, meet her for the last time because I don't think you'll ever be able to meet her again."

Vijaypratap and Sukriti were visibly shocked, but deep down, they had anticipated something like this might occur. Despite their outward expressions, they harbored a hidden sense of satisfaction, believing they had saved their own daughter by sacrificing Ruhanika’s future. Sukriti approached Ruhanika with a mix of complex emotions. As she wrapped her arms around her tightly, the embrace was far from comforting; it was more of a crushing grip that conveyed both her own cunning intentions and a chilling message. Leaning in close, Sukriti’s voice was barely a whisper, but it carried an unmistakable threat, filled with cold resolve. She ensured that Ruhanika could hear every word, her intentions clear and her anger palpable.

Sukriti: "Galti se bhi vaha humare baare me apna muh mat kholna aur dhyaan rahe yaha tere sath kya hua hai ye kisi ko pata nahi chalna chahiye khaas kar vo jo 6 saal pehle hua tha."

(Don’t even accidentally mention anything about us or what happened here to anyone, especially about what happened six years ago. Make sure no one finds out about what happened today.)

A shiver ran down Ruhanika's spine as Sukriti’s whispered threats pierced through her newfound calm, reigniting the fear in her eyes. Sukriti pulled back from the tight embrace, quickly composing herself. She put on an expression of crocodile tears, her face contorted into a semblance of sorrow and anguish. The facade was a stark contrast to the harshness of her earlier words, designed to manipulate and obscure the true nature of her intentions.

Sukriti: "Apna khayal rakhna beta, hume bahaut yaad aayegi Teri meri bachchi meri Ruhanika."

(Take care, dear. We will miss you a lot, my child, my Ruhanika.)

Rudraksh's irritation was palpable as he rolled his eyes at Sukriti's dramatic display. Vijaypratap approached Ruhanika, causing her to tremble with anxiety. In her fear, she instinctively clutched the hem of Rudraksh's blazer sleeves. Vijaypratap wrapped his arms around Ruhanika in a tight embrace, which only intensified her fear. She shut her eyes tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks uncontrollably. Rudraksh, witnessing the scene, felt a surge of confusion and frustration, unable to make sense of the emotional turmoil unfolding before him.

Vijaypratap: "Yaha jo kuch hua hai, vo sab kabhi bhi tere pati ko pata nahi chalna chahiye samjhi??? Varna yaad hai na main kya kar sakta hu??"

(Whatever happened here should never reach your husband's ears, understood? Or do you need a reminder of what I'm capable of?)

Ruhanika tightened her grip on Rudraksh's sleeves, her fear and desperation palpable. Rudraksh, sensing the depth of her helplessness through the grip, let out a guttural roar of frustration and anguish.

Rudraksh: "Enough"

Rudraksh’s frustration erupted into a roar, causing Vijaypratap to immediately pull back from Ruhanika. The sudden sound made Ruhanika’s breathing become heavy and labored. In a reflexive gesture, Rudraksh reached out and took her hand, his touch offering a surprising comfort. As Ruhanika slowly began to calm down, her rapid breaths easing, she looked up at Rudraksh. His gaze, initially filled with irritation, softened as he observed her distress and the calming effect his touch had on her.

Rudraksh thought: "Ye ladki itni der se mujhe itni masoomiyat se kaise dekh sakti hai?? Kya sach me ye vahi jisne Kartavya bhai ke sath...."

(How can this girl look at me with such innocence after everything? Is she really the one who did that to Kartavya Bhai...)

Rudraksh was lost in deep thought, his mind swirling with the intensity of the moment. However, Amandeep's voice cut through his reverie, pulling him back to the present reality.

Amandeep: "Sir, shall we leave?"

Rudraksh: "Where are her belongings?"

Sukriti: "I'll get them."

Sukriti departed briefly, only to return with a maid carrying a single bag. The sight bewildered both Rudraksh and Amandeep. They exchanged puzzled glances, questioning how Vijaypratap, who professed such deep affection for his daughter, could only provide her with one modest bag as she prepared to leave forever. Rudraksh's gaze shifted to Ruhanika, who remained silent and downcast, her hand firmly gripping his.

Rudraksh: "Guard, take her bag."

One of Rudraksh's men promptly took the single bag from Ruhanika and headed toward their car.

Rudraksh: "I hope both of you, husband and wife, will stay out of my life and not cause any trouble. You know the consequences well."

Vijaypratap: "I'm not foolish enough to cross paths with Leo."

Amandeep: "Rassi jal gayi par bal nahi gaya."

(Even a burnt rope still has its strength.)

Sukriti: "Rathore's hai hum, hume apne daire pata hai."

(We are Rathores; we know our boundaries.)

Rudraksh: "Toh usi me rehna, Varna achcha nahi hoga, umeed hai apni zindagi pyaari hai dono ko."

(Then stay within them, or it won't be good for you. I hope you both value your lives.)

Fear was clearly etched on the faces of those around them, despite their attempts to conceal it with bravado. The effort to mask their anxiety only made their apprehension more apparent. Rudraksh observed their reactions with a smirk, finding their discomfort almost satisfying. Ruhanika, who had been unable to grasp the full extent of the conversation, looked up at Rudraksh with confusion in her eyes. Her gaze sought understanding, but Rudraksh only met her look briefly before closing his eyes, trying to steady his own tumultuous emotions.

Rudraksh thought: "Ye ladki itni masoomiyat laati kaha se hai, jitni baar bhi dekhu, khud pe Shak hota hai ki galat kar raha hu. Pagal karke manegi ye."

(How does this girl manage to look so innocent? Every time I look at her, I doubt whether I'm doing the right thing. She’s going to drive me crazy.)

Amandeep: "Sir, shall we?"

Rudraksh: "Ok then, Mr. and Mrs. Rathore, goodbye."

Rudraksh began walking toward the exit, with Ruhanika trailing behind him, her head bowed. He held her hand firmly, leading her with a decisive stride. Amandeep and his men followed closely behind, creating an imposing guard-like presence. The scene took on the appearance of a king escorting his queen, flanked by his protectors.  As they approached their car, the imagery of the procession was unmistakably grand, underscoring the gravity and drama of the moment.

Rudraksh: "Get inside."

Ruhanika glanced at Rudraksh once more, her eyes filled with the same innocent bewilderment that had the power to drive him to distraction. For two minutes, she stood still, her gaze locked onto him, not moving forward.

Rudraksh: "I said get inside."

Rudraksh’s frustration boiled over as he shouted, causing Ruhanika to tremble in place and lower her head in submission. In a swift, angry motion, he grabbed her arm, yanked open the back door of the car, and pushed her inside. She complied, sitting down quietly as he slammed the door shut with a resounding thud. Rudraksh then entered from the other side and took his seat beside her. Amandeep settled into the front passenger seat, and the driver, following the signal to start, began to drive away. The atmosphere inside the car was heavy with tension, punctuated only by the rumble of the engine and the weight of unspoken emotions.

By nightfall, Rudraksh was clearly exhausted. Despite the irritation he should have felt from Ruhanika's presence beside him, he found himself surprisingly at ease. His mind was in turmoil, and he leaned back, rubbing his forehead in an attempt to clear his thoughts. Noticing his discomfort, Ruhanika gently placed her hand on his forehead, offering a soothing massage. However, Rudraksh quickly shrugged off her hand, his irritation surfacing momentarily.

Rudraksh: "Dur raho mujhse, maine kaha tumse Mera sar dabane??"

(Stay away from me. Did I ask you to massage my head?)

Ruhanika remained silent, her head lowered in dejection. The hurt was evident as tears threatened to spill from her eyes, though she fought to keep them at bay. Observing the exchange, Amandeep decided to intervene.

Amandeep: "Sir, I think..."

Rudraksh: "Not now, Arora. My head is throbbing; we'll talk later."

Amandeep gave a brief nod, casting a quick glance at Ruhanika before directing his attention back to the road ahead. The car approached a grand black gate adorned with golden letters 'RM.' As the guards swung the gate open, the car, accompanied by the other vehicles in their convoy, proceeded through. The car came to a stop in front of an imposing white mansion. Its sheer size and grandeur suggested that it housed at least 30 to 35 rooms. The mansion's elegant architecture and expansive presence spoke volumes about the opulence and significance of the residence, setting the stage for what was to come.

Rudraksh: "Niche utaro"

(Get down.)

Ruhanika looked at the car door, her gaze lingering for a moment as if contemplating her options. Then, her eyes shifted to Rudraksh, seeking some sign of guidance.

Rudraksh: "Kya ab ye bhi main hi karu kya?? Tumhare maa baap itna bhi karna nahi sikhaya tumhe??"

(Do I have to do everything myself now? Didn’t your parents teach you anything?)

Amandeep: "Sir, shant ho jaiye main dekhta hu."

(Sir, calm down. I’ll handle it.)

Rudraksh closed his eyes momentarily, trying to regain his composure before stepping out of the car. Amandeep followed suit, opening the door for Ruhanika with a courteous gesture. Ruhanika glanced at Amandeep, her anxiety evident as she clutched her lehenga tightly. Despite the offer of assistance, she remained stationary, her nerves making her hesitate. The moment was charged with tension as she struggled to muster the courage to step out of the car.

Amandeep: "Bahar aa sakti ho tum ab, hum Ghar aa gaye hai."

(You can come out now. We’ve reached home.)

Ruhanika slowly loosened her grip on her lehenga, feeling a semblance of calmness in Amandeep's soothing voice. She glanced at him, and he could clearly see the innocence and vulnerability in her eyes. Before Amandeep could react or offer further comfort, Rudraksh approached. He firmly grasped Ruhanika’s hand and pulled her out of the car, guiding her toward the entrance of the house with determined strides. The atmosphere remained tense as they made their way to the imposing mansion.

At the entrance, two male servants stood holding glasses of water, a gesture of Rudraksh's customary hospitality for his guards upon their return. As the servants approached, they inadvertently bumped into Rudraksh, causing the tray to topple and the glasses of water to spill onto the floor. Rudraksh's anger flared immediately. He glared at the servants with fiery eyes, his displeasure palpable. The accident only added to the charged atmosphere, heightening the tension of the moment.

Rudraksh: "Dikhayi dena band ho gaya hai kya yaha sabko??"

(Has everyone gone blind here?)

Servant: S..s.. sorry sir.

Rudraksh pressed forward, dragging Ruhanika behind him with an air of urgency. As he pulled her along, her bare feet came into contact with the shards of broken glass, causing them to pierce her skin and start bleeding. Despite the pain, Ruhanika did not make a sound; she silently endured the discomfort and followed Rudraksh's lead. Until this moment, no one had noticed that Ruhanika was barefoot. As they entered the mansion, her blood left a trail of red footprints on the floor, starkly visible against the polished surface. The sight of her bloodied footprints only added to the gravity of the situation, marking their passage into the grand house.

Ruhanika glanced around the mansion in awe. The grandeur of the house surpassed even the Rathore mansion, with its white and grey color scheme complemented by light blue curtains that added a touch of sophistication and elegance. Rudraksh led her upstairs, his grip firm and unyielding. He opened the door to a room and pushed her inside with an assertive motion. The room continued the theme of white and grey, maintaining the mansion's refined aesthetic. Ruhanika stood silently in the center of the room, her head lowered, her earlier discomfort momentarily overshadowed by the opulence of her surroundings.

Rudraksh: "Dekho tum.."

(Look, you..)

Ruhanika looked up at Rudraksh, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Rudraksh, caught in a moment of internal conflict, closed his eyes briefly.

Rudraksh: "Nahiii, mat dekho meri tarah vapas se sar jhuka lo."

(No, don’t look at me. Lower your head again.)

Ruhanika quickly lowered her head again, sensing the tension in Rudraksh's demeanor. He let out a deep sigh, the sound a mix of frustration and irritation.

Rudraksh: "Mr. & Mrs. Rathore ne tumhe bataya hi hoga is shadi ki vajah. Ab galti ki hai toh harzana toh bhugatna padega na."

(Mr. and Mrs. Rathore must have told you the reason for this marriage. If you've made a mistake, you must pay the price for it, right?)

Ruhanika, still bewildered, glanced at Rudraksh once more, seeking some clarity. In response, Rudraksh gripped her arms tightly, his touch firm and unyielding.

Rudraksh: "Kaha na nazarein niche, dobara dekhna mat meri taraf. Samjhi??"

(I said, keep your eyes down. Don’t look at me again. Understood?)

Ruhanika quickly nodded in response, struggling to control her tears. Rudraksh, observing her emotional struggle, released her hands, his expression softening slightly.

Rudraksh: "Urrghhhh ye ladki..."

(This girl...)

In a moment of frustration, Rudraksh clenched his hair before abruptly leaving the room. Ruhanika remained standing, stunned and overwhelmed. Tears streamed down her cheeks as confusion clouded her eyes, unable to make sense of the situation. A guard soon entered, carrying her bag. Ruhanika shivered at his presence, but he remained indifferent, giving her the bag without a glance and then promptly exiting.

Downstairs, Rudraksh paced restlessly around the living room, his agitation evident in his hurried steps. Amandeep entered and immediately noticed the bloody footprints on the floor. It didn't take him long to realize that they were Ruhanika's, indicating her injuries. Concerned, Amandeep swiftly ran towards Rudraksh.

Amandeep: "Sir, us ladki ke pairon me chot lagi hai."

(Sir, the girl has an injury on her feet.)

Rudraksh turned to Amandeep, his expression one of confusion. Amandeep, his face etched with concern, pointed towards the bloodied footprints on the floor. Rudraksh followed his gaze, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of the crimson marks. As he processed the scene, his demeanor softened. The gravity of the situation seemed to settle in, and he turned his gaze toward the door of Ruhanika's room, reflecting a mix of concern and unresolved tension.

Amandeep: "Sir, main doctor ko bulau??"

(Sir, should I call the doctor?)

Rudraksh's expression hardened into a glare as he looked at Amandeep.

Rudraksh: "Kyu?? Mar rahi hai kya vo?? Nahi na."

(Why? Is she dying? No, right?)

Amandeep lowered his head, feeling a pang of pity for Ruhanika. Despite the stern glare from Rudraksh, his sympathy for her situation was evident.

Rudraksh: "Vaise bhi ye shuruwat hai, jo usne Kiya uske samne ye dard toh kuch bhi nahi hai."

(Besides, this is just the beginning. Compared to what she did, this pain is nothing.)

Amandeep: "Sir I think...."

Before Amandeep could speak, Rudraksh’s phone rang. He raised his hand to signal Amandeep to pause and then answered the call.

Rudraksh: "Haa Rishwik bol."

(Yes, Rishwik, tell me.)

Rudraksh's gaze darkened with a surge of anger as he listened to the call, his frustration palpable. His fist clenched tightly, the veins in his hand becoming visibly pronounced. Amandeep, observing the shift in Rudraksh's demeanor, realized that something significant had triggered his fury, likely related to that one incident.

Rudraksh: "Main aa raha hu, subah tak pohch jaunga."

(I’m coming. I’ll be there by morning.)

After ending the call, Rudraksh turned his attention back to Amandeep.

Amandeep: "Jet ready karvata hu main."

(I’ll get the jet ready.)

Rudraksh gave a curt nod and headed toward his room, his mind clearly preoccupied. After a while, he left the house with Amandeep, his focus entirely shifted elsewhere. In the midst of their departure, Ruhanika was left behind, seemingly forgotten as Rudraksh and Amandeep drove away from the mansion.

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My babies are married now.

Why is Rudraksh so harsh towards Ruhanika?

I know the dialogue count is low, but just wait a few more chapters. It'll gradually increase as the story progresses.

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Target-

Votes: 25

Comments: 10

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Happy reading 🌸💙