"62. Crimson Justice"

"Chehre par sharam, aakhon me narmi,

Baahon me simat jaye, aisi hai meri mehrami,

Uski sharam, haya, har ek ada mujhe bhaye,

Lage jaise barsaat ki khilti shabhnami."

-Fictionflare_

(Rudraksh)

The nurse had come to check on Simrat, but her role was mostly to guide since Ruhanika was adamant about taking care of Simrat herself. Despite everyone's reassurances, she refused to leave Simrat’s side and ensured she got everything she needed. Meanwhile, Simrat’s physiotherapy had started, and according to the therapist, she would be fully recovered within two weeks.

At that moment, Simrat was sitting on her bed, leaning back comfortably against the pillows. Ruhanika sat beside her, carefully feeding her porridge with a warm smile, her eyes filled with affection and care. Simrat looked at her lovingly, touched by the gesture.

Ruhanika: "Maaf kijiyega Buii, ye toh doctor ne kaha hai aapko Aisa pheeka khana khilane Varna hum na aapke liye bahaut swadisht bhojan banate."

(Forgive me, Buii, but the doctor has advised you to eat bland food. Otherwise, we would have made a very delicious meal for you.)

Simrat smiled at her concern for her.

Simrat: "Koi gal nahi puttar, bas thode hi din di gal hai. Phir tu apne haath naal vadhiya khana bana ke khila!"

(No problem, dear. It’s just a matter of a few days. Then you can cook a wonderful meal for me with your own hands!)

Ruhanika: "Aaho jii kudiye."

(Yes, dear.)

Simrat laughed softly at her words.

Simrat: "Tennu Punjabi aundi hai??"

(You know Punjabi?)

Ruhanika: "Nahi hume pehle nahi aati thi, phir ye humse kya kehte the hume samajh hi nahi aata tha, vo toh jab Dadu ne hume sab galat galat sikha diya tha inke bare me, tab humne Rishi Bhai se sikhi aapki bhasha."

(No, I didn’t know it before. At first, I couldn’t understand what he was saying to me at all. It was only when Dadu taught me all the wrong things about him that I decided to learn your language from Rishi Bhai.)

Simrat: "Inke kinke?? Chiku ke bare me??"

(Him? Who are you talking about? Chiku?)

Ruhanika: "Ji Aksh ke bare me."

(Yes, I mean Aksh.)

Simrat: "Bahaut pyaar karti hai na Chiku se."

(You love Chiku a lot, don’t you?)

Ruhanika’s face lit up with pure joy, her eyes sparkling as she grinned widely, revealing her adorable dimples.

Ruhanika: "Ji bahaut Prem karte hai, ab ye hai hi itne sundar aur manmohak. Aap janti hai ye bhi humse bahaut Prem karte hai, hum jo kehte hai bina soche hi Maan jate hai aur humse uchi awaaz me bhi baat nahi karte, hum thode se naraz hote hai toh mana bhi lete hai hume.. aur na ......"

(Yes, a lot. After all, he is so handsome and charming. Do you know? He also loves me a lot. He listens to whatever I say without thinking twice and never raises his voice at me. Even if I get a little upset, he immediately makes up with me… and…)

Simrat: "Ek minute ek minute puttar, ye thode se naraz kya hai??"

(Wait a minute! What do you mean by ‘a little upset’?)

Ruhanika: "Arehhh, agar hum inse zyada naraz honge toh baat nahi kar payenge na, vo humse hota nahi hai isiliye hum thode se hi naraz hote hai."

(Oh, well… if I get too upset, I wouldn’t be able to talk to him, right? And I can’t do that. So, I only get a little upset.)

Simrat giggled, shaking her head in amusement, while Ruhanika chuckled along with her. Their laughter filled the room with warmth and joy. Just then, Rishwik entered, his eyes softening at the sight of their playful moment.

Rishwik: "Angel aaj buii ko entertain karne ka program hai tumhara??"

(Angel, are you planning to entertain Buii today?)

Ruhanika: "hum toh buii ko khana khila rahe the Rishi Bhai."

(I was just feeding Buii, Rishi Bhai.)

Rishwik smiled warmly as he walked towards them. Before sitting beside Simrat, he gently patted Ruhanika's head with affection. She beamed at him, her dimples deepening.

Ruhanika: "Aap dono baatein kijiye, hum buii ke liye Doodh lekar aate hai."

(You two continue talking, I’ll go get some milk for Buii.)

Rishwik nodded in acknowledgment as Ruhanika carefully picked up the used utensils. As she walked out of the room, she was momentarily distracted and nearly bumped into a table. However, she quickly regained her balance, letting out a small sigh of relief.

Rishwik: "Areh Sambhal ke Angel."

(Be careful, Angel.)

Ruhanika flashed a sheepish smile at Rishwik before quickly making her way out. Rishwik and Simrat exchanged amused glances and couldn't help but chuckle at her adorable antics.

Simrat: "pagal hai puri, abhi baith ke chiku ki khoobiyan gina rahi thi."

(She’s completely crazy! Just now, she was praising Chiku endlessly.)

Rishwik: "10 minute aur rukti toh aapko bhai ki qualities pe book suna deti ye"

(If she had stayed for ten more minutes, she would have recited an entire book on Bhai’s qualities.)

Both continued to chuckle, but soon, Rishwik's laughter faded into a soft smile. His gaze turned gentle as he reached out and held Simrat's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

Rishwik: "I missed you Buii."

Simrat's smile grew warmer as she lightly patted her lap, silently inviting Rishwik. Without hesitation, he gently laid down, resting his head on her lap. As her fingers instinctively ran through his hair, a deep sense of comfort washed over him. Closing his eyes, he let himself sink into the motherly warmth he found in his beloved aunt, feeling a sense of peace.

Simrat: "Kaisa hai?"

(How are you?)

Rishwik: "Thik toh huu"

( I’m fine.)

Simrat made an effort to lift her trembling hand and gently placed it on Rishwik's head. Though it took some effort, she managed, her touch filled with warmth and affection.

Simrat: "Andar se kaisa hai??"

(No… how are you from inside?)

Rishwik looked at Simrat, and the moment his eyes fell on her, they turned watery. Without a second thought, he leaned forward and hid his face in her stomach, trying to control his emotions. Simrat, despite her weakness, slowly lifted her hand and caressed his head as much as her body allowed. Her touch was gentle yet comforting, and Rishwik clutched her softly, as if afraid to let go. A deep silence settled in the room, carrying the weight of emotions neither of them needed to put into words.

Simrat: "Shhh, ye teri Rone wali aadat gayi nahi ab tak"

(Shhh… You still haven’t gotten rid of your habit of crying.)

Rishwik: "Sare emotions andar hi dabana sikh liya tha maine.. par phir Angel aa gayi life me, uske samne koi normal reh sakta hai??"

(I had learned to suppress all my emotions… but then Angel came into my life. Who can stay normal in front of her?)

Simrat smiled.

Simrat: "Kaise sambhala dono ne khudko?? Aur main kaha mili thi??"

(How did you both manage to survive? And where did you find me?)

Rishwik looked at Simrat and gently held her trembling hand, his grip firm yet tender. His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, the weight of memories pressing on his heart. He smiled—a sad, bittersweet smile—as flashes of the past played in his mind. Every moment, every laughter, and every tear they had shared filled the silence between them.

Rishwik: "Jab bhai ko pata chala na Punjab me blast ke bare me, vo toh sudh budh kho baithe the, Mamu ke ghar se bhaag Gaye, accident hone wala tha but tabhi unhe Angel ki awaaz sunai di."

(When Bhai found out about the blast in Punjab, he lost all sense of himself. He ran away from Mamu’s house. He was about to meet with an accident when he suddenly heard Angel’s voice.)

Simrat frowned in confusion.

Simrat: "Ruhi puttar di??"

(Ruhi puttar’s voice?)

Rishwik blinked and gave a nod.

Rishwik: "Hmm, usi din Angel ke parents ka accident hua tha vo toh nahi bache par 5 saal ki Angel ki awaaz bhai ko aayi aur vo vaha chale gaye... Unhone Angel ko bacha liya par behosh ho gaye the dono. Uske baad Dadu vaha aaye and Bhai ko leke gaye. Angel and uski family ke liye toh police and ambulance aa gayi thi. Bhai 2 din tak behosh the and tabhi hume Ashvik bhai mile the, unhe kuch yaad nahi tha, bechare 10 saal ke the vo bhi dare huye the toh Dadu unhe humare sath le liye. Jab hum Punjabi aaye toh sab khatam ho gaya tha, humara Ghar humari family aas pass ke sare Ghar sab kuch. Police ke under tha pura area. Dadu ke influence in vajah se hume pata chala kuch log hospital me hai, hum gaye toh vaha aap mile. Doctor's ne bola bachna mujhko hai. Toh Dadu hum sabko London le gaye. Aapka treatment bhi vahi ho raha tha.. Vaha bhi idiot doctors ne bola ki koi umeed nahi hai but main aur bhai nahi maane. Aap Coma me chale gaye, we just hoped that ek din aap uthoge, aur hume bulaoge."

(Hmm… That same day, Angel’s parents had an accident. They didn’t survive, but five-year-old Angel’s voice led Bhai to her. He saved her, but both of them fainted. After that, Dadu arrived and took Bhai away. Police and ambulance came for Angel and her family. Bhai remained unconscious for two days. That’s when we met Ashvik Bhai. He was just ten years old and had no memory of anything. Poor guy was terrified, so Dadu took him with us. When we reached Punjab, everything was destroyed—our home, our family, all the surrounding houses, everything. The whole area was under police control. Thanks to Dadu’s influence, we found out that some people were in the hospital. When we went there, we found you. The doctors said there was little chance of survival. So, Dadu took all of us to London. Your treatment continued there. Even there, the idiot doctors said there was no hope. But Bhai and I refused to believe that. You went into a coma, and we just kept hoping that one day you would wake up and call out to us.)

Simrat's eyes welled up with tears as she saw the emotion in Rishwik's eyes. With a tender smile, she reached out and gently wiped away his tears, her touch filled with warmth and reassurance.

Rishwik looked at Simrat, and the moment his eyes fell on her, they turned watery. Without a second thought, he leaned forward and hid his face in her stomach, trying to control his emotions. Simrat, despite her weakness, slowly lifted her hand and caressed his head as much as her body allowed. Her touch was gentle yet comforting, and Rishwik clutched her softly, as if afraid to let go. A deep silence settled in the room, carrying the weight of emotions neither of them needed to put into words.

Simrat: "Tum dono ne itne saal khud ko kaise sambhala bachcho??"

(How did you two manage all these years, children?)

Rishwik offered a sad smile, his eyes glistening with tears.

Rishwik: "Bhai ne sambhala buii. Aap jante ho main kitna roya tha, Aman kitna roya tha hume na kuch samajh nahi aaya tha. Dadu ne bola Mumma papa, baba ji ke pass chale gaye. Hum bahaut roye the par bhai nahi roye, unhone toh khudko jaise patthar kar liya. Unko na bas sab kuch khud karna tha. Unhone bahaut mehnat ki buii, meri Liye Aman ke liye, taaki hume kuch karna na pade. Ashvik bhai bhi bilkul bhai ki tarah the, jaan dete hai dono mujhpe aur Aman pe. Bhai raat raat bhar jaagte the agar main bimaar ho jaata tha, kehte the Mera khayal rakhna zimmedari hai unki. Bhai ne bahaut kiya hai buii bahaut. Main na humesha unki godh me sar rakh ke ro leta tha, par bhai kitne akele honge na buii, kabhi apna dard bahar nahi aane Diya."

(Bhai took care of everything, Buii. You have no idea how much Aman and I cried. We didn’t understand anything. Dadu told us that Mumma and Papa had gone to Baba Ji. We cried so much, but Bhai didn’t shed a single tear. It was as if he turned himself into stone. He wanted to do everything on his own. He worked so hard, Buii—just for us. So that Aman and I wouldn’t have to struggle. Ashvik Bhai was just like him, both of them were always there for us. Bhai used to stay up all night if I got sick. He always said that taking care of me was his responsibility. Buii, Bhai has done so much. Whenever I felt sad, I would rest my head on his lap and cry. But how lonely must he have felt? He never let his pain show.)

Tears streamed down both their faces, unspoken emotions finally finding their way out. Rishwik felt an overwhelming urge to pour out everything he had buried deep in his heart. He had held himself together for so long, but today, in Simrat’s presence, he couldn’t control his emotions any longer. His grip on her tightened slightly as he whispered, his voice trembling.

Rishwik: "bhai 17 saal ke the jab hume pata chala ki vo ek terrorist attack nahi tha.. bas tab se bhai ne din raat mehnat ki business setup kiya, Kartavya bhai ne apni Mafia king ki position bhi unhe de di. Bhai phir India aaye aur business flourish kiya. Phir maine bhi bhai ko business me join Kiya. Raat raat sote nahi the, thik se khate nahi the bas dooba diya tha khud ko itna strong karne me ki badla le sake sabse. Bahaut koshish ki thi humne sab pata karne ki par nhi pata chala.... Phir, phir Angel aa gayi life me humari."

(Bhai was 17 when we found out that it wasn’t just a terrorist attack… That’s when he worked day and night to set up a business. Kartavya Bhai even handed over his Mafia King position to him. Bhai then came to India and expanded the business. Later, I also joined him. He barely slept or ate, completely immersing himself in becoming strong enough to take revenge. We tried everything to find out the truth, but we couldn’t… And then… then Angel entered our lives.)

Rishwik smiled and looked at Simrat, and she smiled back at him.

Simrat: "Bahaut manta hai na use??"

(You love her a lot, right?)

Rishwik: "Jaan se bhi zyada, aap janti ho jis din vo Ghar aayi thi usi din hume pata chala tha ki aapki condition ke liye new treatment aaya hai. Doctor's ne toh bol diya tha ki koi chance hi nahi hai, but bhai aur main nahi Mane, phir Angel ke aate hi cheezein thik hone lagi. Aap janti ho vo na bina thik se khana khilaye ghar se kisi ko nikalne hi nhi deti hai varna vo thodi si naraz ho jayegi."

(More than life itself. You know, the day she came home was the same day we found out about a new treatment for you. The doctors had given up, but Bhai and I refused to. And as soon as Angel arrived, things started getting better. You know, she doesn’t let anyone leave the house without eating properly. Otherwise, she gets a little upset. )

Both chuckled, knowing how easily Ruhanika gets upset.

Rishwik: "Angel ke aane ke baad hi bhai hasne lage hai buii, maine 18 saal baad unhe haste dekha tha. Vo apne man ki baatein bhi karte hai usse, badal diya usne bhai ko."

(After Angel came into our lives, Bhai started smiling again. I saw him laugh after 18 years. He even shares his thoughts with her. She changed him, Buii.)

Rishwik felt a lump in his throat, his emotions overwhelming him as silent tears streamed down his face. Simrat, with a soft yet firm touch, gently wiped his tears, her eyes filled with understanding and affection.

Simrat: "Ab sab thik hoga bachche, pareshan na hoyi."

(Everything will be fine now, child. Don’t worry.)

Rishwik: "Sachchi ne buii."

(Really, Buii?)

Simrat blinked her eyes and offered him a gentle smile, but deep down, a wave of guilt washed over her. The thought that her children had to endure so much because of her weighed heavily on her heart. Noticing the emotions flickering in her eyes, Rishwik smiled warmly and brought her palm to his lips, placing a soft kiss on it, silently reassuring her that she was not alone.

Rishwik: "Zyada mat sochiye buiii"

(Don’t overthink, buii)

Simrat: "Kaise na sochu beta meri vajah se..."

(How can I not, child? Because of me…)

Rishwik: "Je tussi hor kujh bolde, tan main Angel nu bula lavaanga, phir oh tenu vadhiyaan dategi!"

(If you say anything else, I’ll call Angel. Then she’ll give you a proper scolding!)

Simrat chuckled while Rishwik smiled.

Ruhanika: "Buiiiii"

Ruhanika rushed inside, slightly breathless, carrying a tray with a glass of milk carefully balanced on it. Her eyes scanned the room before settling on Simrat. Rishwik, who had been sitting beside Simrat, immediately turned his attention to Ruhanika, curiosity flickering in his gaze.

Rishwik: "Kya hua Angel, aise jaldi me kyu aa rahi ho??"

(What happened, Angel? Why are you running?)

Ruhanika sat down across from Simrat.

Ruhanika: "Maaf kijiye Bua ji, vo hum zara bhaiyu se Bach rahe the na isiliye deri ho gayi."

(Forgive me, Bua Ji! I was just trying to escape from Bhaiyu, so I got a little late.)

Rishwik: "Ashvik bhai ke sath kya kiya hai ab Angel tumne??"

(What did you do to Ashvik Bhai now, Angel?)

Ruhanika flashed a sheepish smile at Rishwik, trying to appear innocent. Rishwik, noticing her expression, raised his eyebrows in question, silently asking what mischief she was up to this time.

Rishwik: "Angeeelllll"

Ruhanika: "Kuch nahi vo jab bhaiyu kitchen me aaye pani peene toh humne unki tshirt me baraf daal diya."

(Nothing… When Bhaiyu came to the kitchen to drink water, I put ice cubes down his shirt.)

Simrat chuckled as Rishwik burst into laughter, his amusement contagious. Even Ruhanika couldn't hold back her giggles. With a fond smile, she picked up a straw and gently dropped it into the glass of milk, making it easier for Simrat to drink.

Ruhanika: "Ye pi lijiye buiii"

(Here, Buii, drink this.)

Simrat blinked and took a sip of the milk.

Rishwik: "Kya yaar Angel mujhe bhi bulati, mast mazaa aata Ashvik bhai ka dance dekhne me."

(Oh, Angel! You should have called me too. It would have been fun watching Ashvik Bhai dance!)

Ruhanika: "Koi baat nahi Rishi bhai agli baar hum aapki shirt me baraf daal denge."

(No problem, Rishi Bhai. Next time, I’ll put ice cubes in your shirt!)

Ruhanika and Simrat chuckled together.

Rishwik: "Angel. Ruko abhi batata hu tumhe."

(Angel! Just wait, I’ll show you now!)

Ruhanika darted across the room, her laughter echoing as Rishwik playfully chased after her. Their energy filled the space, giggles blending with the sound of hurried footsteps. Simrat watched them with a warm smile, enjoying their carefree antics as they hopped around, completely lost in their playful moment.

Simrat: "Ruhi puttar, yaha aana."

(Ruhi puttar, come here.)

Ruhanika: "Rishi Bhai, time please."

Both of them stopped their little chasing game as Ruhanika’s attention shifted entirely toward Simrat. Without wasting a second, she walked over to the bedside, her heart filling with warmth and emotions she couldn’t quite put into words.

Simrat, despite her weakness, made an effort to lift her hand toward Ruhanika’s cheek. But her body was still recovering, and her hand trembled, unable to reach its destination. Seeing this, Ruhanika’s heart clenched. Without hesitation, she gently held Simrat’s frail hand and placed it against her own cheek, letting the warmth of the touch speak for itself. Both women smiled at each other, a silent conversation passing between them—one filled with unspoken emotions, love, and the joy of reunion.

Rishwik, watching this heartfelt moment unfold, couldn’t help but smile as well. However, something caught his attention, making him shift his gaze toward the door. There, leaning casually against the frame, stood Rudraksh. His arms were crossed over his chest, one leg placed slightly over the other, a soft smile playing on his lips. His eyes held a deep emotion, one that spoke of relief, gratitude, and quiet happiness at the scene in front of him. Rishwik opened his mouth to say something, but before he could utter a word, Rudraksh raised his hand slightly, motioning for him to stay quiet. His smile deepened as he continued watching, wanting this beautiful moment to last just a little longer.

Simrat: "Janti hai puttar, mujhe na humesha se hi ek tere jaisi choti si beti chahiye thi, pyaari si."

(You know, dear, I always wanted a little daughter like you, a sweet one.)

Ruhanika smiled, but soon after, she pouted.

Simrat: "Ki hoya??"

(What happened?)

Rudraksh chuckled, already knowing the reason behind Ruhanika's pout. He shook his head in amusement, finding her antics both predictable and endearing.

Ruhanika: "Hum chote nahi hai buii, bade ho gaye hai hum, vivaah bhi hua hai humara inse."

(I'm not little, Buii. I've grown up, I'm even married to him now.)

Simrat chuckled and blinked in amusement.

Simrat: "Haa baba bas keh rahi hu main, ki kaash meri bhi tere jaisi beti hoti."

(Yes, yes, I know. I was just saying that I wish I had a daughter like you.)

Ruhanika: "Hoti matlab?? Kya hum aapki beti nahi hai?? Kya hum aapko Maa bol sakte hai??"

(Had" as in? Am I not your daughter? Can I call you Maa?)

Simrat’s eyes widened in surprise, and an overwhelming wave of emotions washed over her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she struggled to contain them. Noticing this, Ruhanika smiled gently and reached out, wiping Simrat’s tears with utmost care.

Ruhanika: "Mat roiye maa."

(Don't cry, Maa.)

Ruhanika quickly wrapped her arms around Simrat, burying her face in her shoulder—not just for comfort, but to hide the tears welling up in her eyes. Rudraksh and Rishwik watched the scene with soft smiles, touched by the bond between the two. Simrat, however, instantly understood the reason behind Ruhanika’s sudden hug. She knew that Ruhanika was trying to suppress the emotions that surfaced whenever she thought about her parents. Not wanting her to dwell in sadness, Simrat decided to cheer her up. Pulling back slightly, she cupped Ruhanika’s face and playfully wiped away the unshed tears, determined to bring back the sparkle in her eyes.

Simrat: "Vaise manna padega bilkul chand si Votti laaya hai mera Chiku."

(I must say, my Chiku has brought home a wife as beautiful as the moon.)

Ruhanika: "Nahi nahi maa, ye toh humse kehte hai hum Chand se bhi zyada Sundar hai, itne ki inki nazar kahi aur jaati hi nahi hai, hum na inka man pasand nazara hai, aur...."

(No, no, Maa. He always tells me that I'm even more beautiful than the moon, so much so that he can't take his eyes off me. I'm his favorite view, and...)

Simrat: "Achcha bas bas, apas ki baat apne tak hi rakho."

(Alright, alright, keep your sweet talks to yourselves.)

Rudraksh exhaled in relief, silently thanking his stars that his aunt had intervened just in time. Otherwise, his dear wife was in full mood to completely shatter his carefully maintained rough-and-tough guy reputation.

Ruhanika: "Ji Maa."

(Yes, Mom)

Simrat: "Achcha chal chal, ab bata toh mujhe meri beti ke baare me."

(Alright, tell me about my daughter now.)

Ruhanika pulled back.

Ruhanika: "Kya bataye maa??"

(What should I tell you, Maa?)

Simrat: "Sab kuch, par Vaise puttar tussi karte ki ho??"

(Everything. But tell me, dear, what do you do?)

Ruhanika: "Jii buii hum, hum toh inse prem karte hai."

(Umm... I love him.)

Simrat: "Hmmmm???"

Ruhanika: "Humara matlab maa, maa hum toh inse prem karte hai na."

(I mean, Maa... Maa, I love him, right?)

Simrat and Rishwik chuckled, exchanging amused glances, while poor Rudraksh turned completely red. He rubbed the back of his neck, flustered by the attention, but Ruhanika remained utterly unfazed. It didn’t matter to her whether he was present or not—she just loved to flaunt her husband and shower him with endless praise. Her admiration for him was so natural and effortless that it left him both embarrassed and deeply touched at the same time.

Simrat: "Achcha baba tujhe pasand kya hai??"

(Alright, dear, what do you like?)

Ruhanika: "Hume, hume na inke sath samay bitana pasand hai, inke sath bahar jana pasand hai, inka twacha ka khayal rakhna, inke kapdo se milte huye kapde pehenna, inke liye khana banana, aur jab ye kala chashma pehen kar nikalte hai toh inhe niharna aur...."

(I like spending time with him, going out with him, taking care of his skin, wearing clothes that match his, cooking for him, and when he wears his black sunglasses, just admiring him...)

Simrat: "Achcha bas bas, main samajh gayi tujhe bas Chiku pasand hai."

(Alright, alright, I get it. You only like Chiku.)

Ruhanika grinned brightly, her excitement evident, while Rishwik and Simrat chuckled at the moment. Rudraksh, though shaking his head in amusement, couldn’t hide the smile that refused to leave his face.

Rudraksh: "toh meri Chand si votti ho gaya tumhara time pass karke??"

(So, my moon-like wife, are you done passing your time?)

Ruhanika turned back to look at Rudraksh, a wide grin spreading across her face. With a burst of excitement, she stood up from the bed, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

Ruhanika: "Aap aa gaye, aap jante hai buii ko na ab hum maa kahenge, aur na..."

(You're here! You know, from now on, I'm going to call Maa to buii, and...)

Rudraksh stepped inside and gently placed his finger on Ruhanika’s lips, silencing her with a soft yet firm gesture. His eyes held a mix of affection and amusement as he gazed at her.

Rudraksh: "Aur ab betu tum jaake apna assignment complete karogi, bina koi nakhre dikhaye. "

(And now, sweetheart, you will go and complete your assignment without making any excuses.)

Ruhanika pouted adorably and shifted her gaze towards Simrat, as if seeking support. Her eyes silently complained, making Simrat chuckle at her cute reaction.

Ruhanika: "Dekh rahi hai aap maa, ye aise hi karte hai humare sath."

(Do you see, Maa? This is how he treats me.)

Simrat: "Toh beta padhai bhi toh zaruri hai na."

(But dear, studying is also important.)

Simrat couldn't help but laugh at Ruhanika's double pouting.

Ruhanika: "Maa hai na aap toh aise hi bolengi na, huhh jaa rahe hai hum aap bhi jaldi aa jaiye hume aata nahi hai vo aake sikhaiye."

(Of course, since you're my Maa, you'd take his side. Hmph! I'm going, but come soon, I need your help.)

Ruhanika huffed in frustration and stomped back to her room, making sure they noticed her annoyance. As soon as she disappeared, Rishwik, Rudraksh, and Simrat exchanged amused glances before bursting into chuckles, finding her reaction utterly adorable.

Rishwik: "Bhai, aap baatein Karo ye half property shareholder se, main Angel ki help kar deta hu."

(Bhai, you talk to this half-property shareholder. I'll help Angel with her assignment.)

Rudraksh nodded as Rishwik smirked and walked away, but not before winking at Simrat. Simrat, in response, shot him a mock glare, though the hint of a smile on her lips gave away her amusement. Rishwik chuckled at her reaction before disappearing from sight. Rudraksh, watching their playful exchange, smiled at Simrat before settling down in front of her. There was a comfortable silence between them, a silent understanding that needed no words. He leaned back slightly, observing her with a soft expression, as if waiting for her to speak first.

Simrat: "Areh mujhe laga tu muskurayega nahi."

(Oh, I thought you will not smile.)

Rudraksh: "Kyu??"

(Why?)

Simrat: "Meri beti aur tere muskurane ki vajah ko toh bhej diya tune padhne."

(Because you've sent away the reason for your smiles.)

Rudraksh just chuckled.

Rudraksh: "Buiii yaar."

Simrat smiled.

Simrat: "Aaja puttar."

(Come here, dear.)

Rudraksh gently laid his head on Simrat’s lap, letting out a deep sigh as if the weight of exhaustion had finally lifted. His body relaxed instantly, savoring the comfort and warmth. Simrat hesitated for a moment, uncertainty flickering in her eyes, but gathering courage, she slowly placed her trembling hand on his forehead.

The touch was hesitant yet filled with unspoken emotions. Rudraksh smiled softly, his eyes still closed, as he reached up and held her hand, caressing it gently. His touch was reassuring, silently telling her that she didn’t need to hesitate—that he found comfort in her presence. A faint warmth spread in her heart as she looked down at him, realizing how much this small gesture meant to both of them.

Simrat: "Thak gaya hai na??"

(You're exhausted, aren't you?)

Rudraksh: "Par araam nahi kar sakta hu, jab tak us Vijaypratap ko sazaa na dedu."

(But I can't rest until I bring Vijaypratap to justice.)

Simrat: "Bharosa hai mujhe, tu kar lega. Par thoda sa araam karne me koi burai nahi hai Chiku puttar Golu ne bataya mujhe sab."

(I have faith in you. You will do it. But there's no harm in resting a little, Chiku. Golu told me everything.)

Rudraksh: "Vo toh yahi batayega na, apna toh nahi bataya hoga."

(He must have only told you about me, not about himself.)

Simrat: "Matlab??"

(What do you mean?)

Rudraksh: "Maine uska khayal rakha, kaam kiya, khana pina bhool gaya yehi sab bataya na usne??"

(He told you that I looked after him, worked hard, and forgot to eat and sleep, right?)

Simrat: "Hmm"

Rudraksh: "Pagal hai pura. Aap jante ho, jab main raat raat bhar jaag ke padhai karta tha, kaam karta tha, ye pagal bhi mere sath jaagta tha, mujhe coffee, khana sab Dene ke liye. Aap jante ho, isne khana banana bhi isiliye sikha, varna toh aap jante ho Kitchen se kitni nafrat thi use."

(He's completely crazy. Do you know? When I used to stay up all night studying and working, this crazy guy used to stay up with me, bringing me coffee and food. He even learned to cook just for me. Otherwise, you know how much he used to hate the kitchen.)

Simrat: "Haa zara sa pani lane keh do toh bhaag jaata tha pagal."

(Yes, if you asked him to bring a glass of water, he would run away.)

Rudraksh smiled sadly.

Rudraksh: "Kash sab theek hota buii, mumma papa, chachu chachi, avleen, dadu, sab sath hote, Mera Rishi... Aaj bhi kabhi kabhi mujhse chup ke rota hai par batata nahi hai, main nahi chahta vo aisa rahe."

(I wish everything was alright, Buii—Mumma, Papa, Chachu, Chachi, Avleen, Dadu... all together. My Rishi... Even now, sometimes, he cries in secret but never tells me. I don’t want him to suffer like this.)

Simrat: "Mujhe maaf kar de beta, meri vajah se..."

(Forgive me, dear. Because of me...)

Rudraksh sat up immediately, his expression turning serious as he shook his head.

Rudraksh: "Aap ki galti nahi hai Buii, aise mat bolo."

(It’s not your fault, Buii. Don’t say that.)

Simrat: "Nahi beta, mere ek galat faisle ne pure parivar ko khatam kar diya."

(No, dear. One wrong decision of mine destroyed our whole family.)

Rudraksh: "Jo hua vo hua buii, lekin ab hisaab dene ka waqt aa gaya hai."

(What’s done is done, Buii. But now, it’s time for justice.)

Rudraksh's eyes darkened with fury, his jaw clenching tightly as a wave of anger surged through him. His entire demeanor shifted, exuding an intimidating aura. Simrat, sitting beside him, mirrored his intensity, her eyes burning with the same fire. The room grew tense, the air thick with their unspoken rage, as both of them silently vowed to take action.

Simrat: "Haa ab sab khatam karne ka waqt aa gaya hai, use chodna mat Chiku."

(Yes, it's time to end this. Don't spare him, Chiku.)

Rudraksh: "Bilkul nahi Buiii, usne aapke sath galat kiya, humara parivar khatam kar diya, meri bholi bhali Ruhh ki zindagi narak bana di... Ek ek cheez ka hisaab hoga."

(Not at all, Buii. He wronged you, destroyed our family, and made my innocent Ruhh’s life a living hell… Everything will be accounted for.)

Rudraksh's anger momentarily faded as he noticed Simrat blink slowly and lean back against the headrest. His sharp gaze softened with concern, immediately realizing that the stress was taking a toll on her. A headache—no doubt caused by everything weighing on her mind—was something she didn’t need right now.

Rudraksh: "Okay ab aap araam karo itna stress mat lo, main bhi chalta hu."

(Okay, now you rest. Don't stress too much. I should get going too.)

Simrat: "Ha ha apni Ruhh ke pass jaana hai sidhe sidhe bol de na."

(Oh, oh, just say you want to go to your Ruhh.)

Rudraksh: "Buiii yaar, hadd karte ho tussi."

(Buiii, yaar, you’re too much!)

Simrat chuckled at the sight of Rudraksh's flushed pink cheeks.

Simrat: "Jaa jake meri beti madad kar aur khabardar jo use danta ya tang kiya."

(Go help my daughter, and don't you dare scold or trouble her.)

Rudraksh: "Ek hi din me party badal Li."

(You switched sides in just one day.)

Simrat: "Any problem Mr. Malhotra?"

Rudraksh: "Not at all Ms. Malhotra."

Both chuckled softly, the warmth of the moment lightening the air. Rudraksh then gently helped Simrat lay down comfortably, making sure she was at ease. With careful hands, he tucked the duvet around her properly, ensuring she stayed warm and relaxed. Simrat gave him a small, tired smile before closing her eyes. The effects of the medicine soon took over, lulling her into a peaceful sleep. Rudraksh watched her for a moment, reassured that she was resting well, before quietly leaving the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click.

Rudraksh entered his room and found Rishwik fast asleep, sitting beside Ruhanika. Meanwhile, she was completely engrossed in her books, unaware of anything else around her. A small smile played on Rudraksh's lips as he took in the scene.

Ruhanika: "Rishi Bhai, ye wala sum karke bataiye na"

(Rishi Bhai, help me with this sum.)

Ruhanika didn't receive any reply, so she turned towards Rishwik, only to find him peacefully sleeping. Her eyes narrowed in irritation, and she glared at him before shouting loudly.

Ruhanika: "Rishiii bhaiiiiiiiii"

Rishwik woke up with a start and looked at her.

Rishwik: "Kya hai Angel, chilla kyu rhi ho?? So Raha tha main"

(Angel, why are you yelling? I was sleeping.)

Ruhanika: "Vahi toh, aap yaha humari sahayta karne aaye hai ya sone, aur ye Aksh ki jagah hai aap yaha mat soiye."

(Exactly! Are you here to help me or to sleep? And this is Aksh’s place, don't sleep here.)

Rishwik: "Bhai bhi mere hi hai main yahi sounga."

(Bhai is mine, so I'll sleep here.)

Rishwik sprawled comfortably on Rudraksh's side, completely unbothered. Seeing this, Ruhanika huffed in frustration and began shaking him vigorously.

Ruhanika: "Bhaiii, nahi na achcha hum khud padh lenge, aap jaiye so jaiye apne kamre me bahaut raat ho gayi hai."

(Bhaiii! Fine, I'll study by myself. You go and sleep in your own room, it's really late.)

Rishwik: "Aaj soch raha hu yahi so jau."

( I’m thinking of sleeping here today.)

Rishwik was deliberately teasing Ruhanika, enjoying the way she was getting flustered. Her cheeks turned red with frustration as she tried to push him away, but he stood firm, refusing to budge even an inch. His smug grin only made her pout more, while he continued to tease her mercilessly.

Rishwik: "Angel bhai sahi hi kehte hai, suii jitni ho tum kuch nahi ho payega tumse."

(Angel Bhai is absolutely right. You're as tiny as a needle; you won't be able to do anything.)

Ruhanika narrowed her eyes and shot a glare at Rishwik before swiftly pinching his arm. He yelped in surprise, rubbing the spot where she had pinched him. His comfy half-sleeved t-shirt provided good opportunity to her.

Rishwik: "Ouuchhhh, Angel??"

Ruhanika: "Hum suii hai na toh chubh gaye aapko."

(Since I’m a needle, I pricked you.)

Rishwik shot her an annoyed glare, rubbing his arm dramatically, but before he could say anything, Ruhanika giggled mischievously and clung onto him like a koala. His irritation melted instantly, and he let out a sigh, shaking his head with a small smile.

Ruhanika: "Aap please jaake apne room me so jaiye na please Rishi Bhai."

(Please go to your room and sleep now, Rishi Bhai.)

Ruhanika tilted her head and asked in an overly sweet tone, making it impossible to refuse. Rishwik couldn't help but chuckle at her antics as he reached out and ruffled her hair affectionately.

Rishwik: "Jaa Raha hu baba."

(Alright, alright, I’m going.)

Ruhanika: "Hum pakka kal aapke sath samay bitayenge."

(I promise I'll spend time with you tomorrow.)

Rishwik: "Ha ha sab janta hu main."

(Haha, I know all about your promises.)

Ruhanika grinned brightly, sensing the playful energy in the air. Rishwik stood up and immediately spotted Rudraksh nearby. A mischievous smile crept onto his face, making Rudraksh narrow his eyes in suspicion. He knew that look all too well—Rishwik was definitely up to something. Crossing his arms, Rudraksh raised an eyebrow.

Rudraksh: "Koi khurafat nahi, chup chaap jaake soja."

(No mischief, just go and sleep quietly.)

Rishwik smiled sheepishly, realizing yet again how well Rudraksh knew him. Without wasting another second, he dashed to his room to get some much-needed sleep. Meanwhile, Rudraksh entered his own room and found Ruhanika already waiting for him. As soon as he sat beside her, she didn’t hesitate—she immediately placed her head on his shoulder, seeking his warmth and comfort. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he instinctively wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer.

Ruhanika: "Suniye na, hume ye sawal nahi ho rahe hai, hume nind aa rahi hai, hum ye chhod ke so Jaye??"

(Listen, I can't figure out these questions, and I'm feeling sleepy. Should I leave them and go to sleep?)

Rudraksh gently held Ruhanika by her shoulders and made her sit properly, ensuring she was comfortable.

Rudraksh: "Pichle ek hafte se keh raha hu karlo assignment par nahi, ab kal submission hai phir bhi nahi karna??"

(I’ve been telling you for a whole week to do your assignment, but you didn’t. Now, the submission is tomorrow, and you still don’t want to do it??)

Ruhanika: "Daant rahe hai aap hume??"

(Are you scolding me?)

Ruhanika pouted adorably, making Rudraksh sigh in defeat. he cupped her face gently, his thumbs caressing her soft cheeks with affection.

Rudraksh: 'Daant nahi raha bugge par ye bhi important hai na, main help karta hu na kuch der me ho jaye."

(I’m not scolding you, Bugge, but this is important too. I’ll help you, and we’ll finish it soon.)

Ruhanika: "Thik hai "

(Okay then.)

Ruhanika agreed half-heartedly, pouting a little as she let out a sigh. Rudraksh smirked, already knowing that her reluctance wouldn’t last long. Without wasting time, he sat beside her and started helping with the assignment. However, it didn’t take long for Ruhanika’s focus to shift—not towards the assignment, but towards him. She rested her chin on her palm, a dreamy smile forming on her lips as she watched him write. His concentration, the way his brows slightly furrowed while thinking, and the ease with which he scribbled down the answers fascinated her more than the actual assignment.

Rudraksh, fully aware of her gaze, pretended not to notice at first. But after a few moments, he suddenly looked up and caught her staring. His sharp glare made her snap out of her trance, and she quickly grabbed her pen, pretending to be deeply engrossed in her work. He narrowed his eyes playfully before shaking his head with an amused smile. Time passed, and nearly an hour later, the assignment was finally done. The moment the last word was written, Ruhanika hurriedly shut the book with a dramatic sigh of relief, as if she had just won a battle. Rudraksh chuckled at her antics, shaking his head.

Rudraksh: "Assignment karne ke liye shukriya Rajkumari ji"

(Thank you for doing your assignment, Your Highness.)

Ruhanika: "Vo toh hum aapse prem karte hai isiliye kiye, Varna mood tha nahi humara."

(I only did it because I love you. Otherwise, I wasn’t in the mood at all.)

Rudraksh: "Mood rehta hai kab hai tumhara??"

(And when are you ever in the mood?)

Ruhanika: "Har samay humara mood rehta hai, par aapko prem karne ka."

(I’m always in the mood—to love you.)

Rudraksh quickly turned his face to the side, pretending to look elsewhere, but the amused smile tugging at his lips was impossible to hide. His wife was truly a master at this—her effortless charm, playful teasing, and sweet gestures always had a way of making him blush. Shaking his head slightly, he thought to himself, She’s such a pro at flirting, and the worst part? She knows exactly how to get under my skin.

Ruhanika: "Vaha kaha dekh rahe hai humari taraf dekhiye."

(Hey! Why are you looking over there? Look at me.)

Rudraksh finally turned his face towards her, his eyes filled with a mix of amusement and admiration.

Rudraksh: "Ruhh tum kitna flirt kar leti ho yaar, vo din dur nahi jab main din bhar tumhari harkaton ki vajah se laal banke ghumunga."

(Ruhh, you flirt so much! The day isn't far when I’ll be blushing all day because of your antics.)

Ruhanika clung onto him tightly, wrapping her arms around his waist like a child seeking warmth. Rudraksh instinctively held her close, his arms securing her against him as he let out a soft chuckle.

Ruhanika: "Vo sab humari zimmedari nahi hai, hume aapko sarahna pasand hai hum toh karenge."

(That’s not my responsibility. I just like appreciating you, and I’ll continue to do so.)

He chuckled softly, his arms tightening around her as he leaned in, rubbing his nose against hers in an affectionate eskimo kiss.

Ruhanika: "Ab dekhiye itni raat ho gayi hai hume phir se bhook lag gayi."

(Now look, it’s so late, and I’m hungry again.)

Rudraksh: "ohoooo Rajkumari Suii ko bhook lagi."

(Ohhh, so Princess Needle is hungry?)

Ruhanika narrowed her eyes at him, trying to look stern.

Ruhanika: "Aise hi so jayenge ab hum."

(I’ll just sleep now like this.)

Ruhanika attempted to turn away and settle into sleep, but before she could, Rudraksh swiftly pulled her back into his arms. She gasped softly, but before she could react, he effortlessly stood up, holding her securely in his embrace. A teasing smirk played on his lips as she clung to him, pouting in protest.

Rudraksh: "Socha bhi kaise aise his sone dunga?"

(How could you even think I’d let you sleep like this?)

Ruhanika: "Toh suii kyu bole hume??"

(Then why did you call me a needle?)

Rudraksh: "Achcha betu sorry, batao ab kya khana hai??"

(Okay, okay, sorry. Now tell me, what do you want to eat?)

Rudraksh carried Ruhanika in his arms as he made his way downstairs. She clung to him, half-pouting and half-smiling, while he looked down at her.

Ruhanika: "Maggieeeeee"

Rudraksh narrowed his eyes at her, his glare playful yet firm. Ruhanika, knowing she had been caught, immediately buried her face in his neck, her arms tightening around him.

Rudraksh: "aye tumhe bhook nahi lagi hai, bekaar ki cravings hai bas."

(Hey, you’re not actually hungry. You just have unnecessary cravings.)

Ruhanika: "Kya aap nahi denge Aksshhhh."

(So you won’t get me anything, Akshhh?)

Rudraksh: "ye aaya brahmastra."

(Ah, here comes your trump card.)

Ruhanika: "Ha toh koi bhi 'The Ruhanika Rudraksh Malhotra ' ko mana nahi kar sakta."

(Well, no one can ever say no to The Ruhanika Rudraksh Malhotra.)

Rudraksh: "Aaho ji Sohneyo"

(Oh yes, my queen.)

Both giggled as they made their way to the kitchen, their laughter echoing softly through the house. The moment they stepped in, Rudraksh  placed her on the kitchen slab, already moving to prepare her favorite late-night snack—Maggie. As he busied himself, Ruhanika kept talking, her words flowing endlessly about the most random things—her day, a funny incident at college, a new movie she wanted to watch. Rudraksh listened with a smile, nodding at the right moments, but his focus remained on making the Maggie exactly the way she liked it.

After putting everything in the pan to cook, he turned his attention back to her. Without a word, he stepped closer, placing his hands beside her waist on the slab, effectively caging her in. His warm brown eyes locked onto hers, filled with admiration, love, and something deeper—something that always made her heart flutter. Ruhanika’s chatter came to a halt as she smiled at him, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush. She could feel the intensity of his gaze, the silent confession of love in his eyes. Unable to resist the pull between them, she slowly wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing him even closer. Rudraksh sighed, tilting his forehead against hers, his breath mingling with hers in the intimate space they shared. In that moment, with the soft hum of the stove in the background and the warmth of each other’s presence, it felt like the rest of the world had faded away.

Ruhanika: "Aise tukur tukur kya nihaar rahe hai Piya ji."

(Why are you staring at me like that, my beloved?)

Rudraksh: "Nihaar raha hu ki koi itna Pyaara kaise ho sakta hai??"

(I’m just admiring you, wondering how someone can be so adorable.)

Ruhanika: "Hayyyyy aap bhi na Akshhh"

(Hayyyyy, you’re too much, Akshhh.)

Ruhanika dramatically hid her face in her palms, making a show of her shyness, and Rudraksh couldn’t help but chuckle at her antics. Shaking his head in amusement, he straightened up and, without hesitation, pulled her into his embrace. His arms wrapped securely around her, holding her close as if shielding her from the world. Feeling his warmth, Ruhanika sighed contentedly and hugged him back, her arms snug around his torso. She rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Rudraksh: "Buii ko Maa kehne ke liye thank you Ruhh. Tum nahi janti unki ichcha thi ki unki ek beti ho, bachche bahaut pasand hai unhe. Par zindagi ne unke sath..."

(Thank you, Ruhh, for calling Buii (aunt) ‘Maa’. You don’t know how much she wished for a daughter. She loves kids, but life…)

Ruhanika smiled softly as she gently shook her head.

Ruhanika: "Shukriya mat kahiye aap, vo hai toh humari maa jaisi, agar hum unki beti bani toh hume bhi toh maa mili na... Hum kitne chote the jab Mumma ko shiv ji ne bula liya, ab jab ek maa di hai toh hum Jane thodi na denge."

(Don’t say thank you. She is like a mother to me. If I can be her daughter, then I have gained a mother too. I was so little when Mumma left for Shiva’s abode. Now that I’ve found a mother, I won’t let her go.)

Rudraksh smiled softly at her, his eyes warm with affection. He gently rested his forehead against hers, closing his eyes for a moment. The quiet, intimate gesture spoke volumes, as if no words were needed to convey the deep bond between them.

Rudraksh: "Kash buii ko unke khoye huye saal mil jate, kash vo apni zindagi jaise chahti thi vaise ji pati."

(I just wish Buii could get back all the lost years of her life, that she could have lived the way she wanted.)

Ruhanika: "aap chinta mat kariye, ab toh hum sab hai unke sath aur vo khush rahengi ab, aur rahi baat bachcho ki toh jab humare bachche honge na, tab maa khel sakti hai na unke sath."

(Don’t worry. Now we’re all with her, and she’ll be happy. And as for kids, when we have our children, she can play with them.)

Ruhanika tilted her head slightly, as she spoke. Rudraksh raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk appearing on his face.

Rudraksh: "Humare bachche??"

(Our children??)

Rudraksh smirked knowingly, watching as Ruhanika’s eyes widened in realization of what she had just said. Her cheeks instantly turned a deep shade of red, and she quickly lowered her head, trying to hide her blushing face. With a soft chuckle, Rudraksh moved closer, his hands gently wrapping around her waist. The warmth of his embrace was comforting, and he pulled her a little tighter, his breath brushing against her ear.

Rudraksh: "Boliye Mallika-e-Aksh, humare bachche??"

(Speak, Queen of Aksh, our children??)

Ruhanika blushed deeply, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink as she felt the warmth of his forehead against hers. She placed her hands on his chest, her fingers lightly brushing against his shirt, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath. Her gaze flickered up to meet his, and she couldn't help but smile shyly, a mixture of affection and bashfulness in her eyes.

Ruhanika: "Vo hu...mara matlab... Bach..che toh.."

(I-I mean… kids are…)

Rudraksh: "Bachche toh kya Sohneyo?"

(Kids are what, Sohneyo?)

Ruhanika: "Bachche toh chahiye Hume par vo kriya bas vo... Mat..lab..."

(I do want kids, but that… process… um…)

Rudraksh smiled tenderly and leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. The soft touch lingered, filled with warmth and affection. He pulled back slightly, his eyes filled with love as he gazed at her. Ruhanika closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the sweetness of the kiss radiating through her. Her heart fluttered, and she looked up at him, a soft smile gracing her lips.

Rudraksh: "Relax Ruhh, kaha tha na maine koi zabardasti nahi hai, mere liye ye little little chutkuu kaafi hai."

(Relax, Ruhh. Didn’t I tell you? There’s no pressure. For me, this little chutkuu (tiny one) is enough.)

Ruhanika: "Hum chote nahi hai Akkshhhhhhhhh"

(I am not little, Akshhhhhhhhhh!)

Ruhanika suddenly shouted, causing Rudraksh to flinch. Quickly, he placed his hands over his ears, trying to shield himself from the loud sound.

Rudraksh: "Okay okay baba chillao mat."

(Okay, okay, don’t shout.)

Ruhanika: "Maggie jal jayegi humari vaha dhyaan dijiye."

(Focus! My Maggi is about to burn!)

Ruhanika shot Rudraksh a playful glare, but he simply found her too adorable to take her seriously. He controlled his laughter, knowing it would only make her angrier, so instead, he decided to focus on the task at hand. He quickly cooked the Maggie, making sure it was perfect, and served it in Ruhanika’s favorite blue bowl. With a soft chuckle, he approached her, finding her sitting on the slab with crossed legs and arms, deliberately not looking at him. He smiled to himself, amused by her pouty stance, and then took a bite of the Maggie, savoring the flavor.

Rudraksh: "Ummm so yummmmmy."

Ruhanika glanced at him from the corner of her eye, her lips curling into a playful pout. She whined dramatically, her voice teasing yet soft.

Ruhanika: "Suniyeeee"

(Listennnn!)

Rudraksh: "Kya hua Ruhh?"

(What happened, Ruhh?)

Ruhanika: "Hum aapse thode se naraz the aur aap ye humari maggie khud kyu kha rahe hai??"

(I was a little mad at you, and now you’re eating my Maggi by yourself??)

Rudraksh: "Meri marzi"

(My wish!)

Ruhanika: "Akshhhhhh"

Rudraksh chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with affection as he took a bite of food and then gently offered it to Ruhanika.

Rudraksh: "Nautanki kara lo bas tumse"

(You and your drama.)

Ruhanika: "Hum kar sakte hai aur aapko sehna padega, ye aapne kaha tha toh chup kariye."

(I can be dramatic, and you have to tolerate it. You said that yourself, so now keep quiet!)

Ruhanika continued eating her Maggie, still maintaining her playful pout, but the soft chuckle escaping her lips betrayed her amusement. She couldn’t stay mad at him for long, especially when he knew exactly how to make her smile. Later, Rudraksh grinned as he lifted her effortlessly onto his back, giving her a playful piggyback ride. Ruhanika wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her to their room, her laughter echoing in the air. It was a simple, carefree moment, filled with warmth and affection, as Rudraksh gently laid her down in bed, making sure she was comfortable before finally settling in beside her. They both drifted off to sleep, wrapped in the comfort of each other’s presence.

The Next day,

The Rathore family was clearly tense, with Vijaypratap pacing back and forth in the living room, his anxiety palpable. Sukriti, unable to hold back her emotions, was crying uncontrollably, her sobs filling the room with a sense of distress and helplessness.

Sukriti: "Kya zaroorat thi aapko us Ruhanika pe hamla karane ki?? Dekh liya kya hua, pata nahi kaha honge mere bachche kaise honge?"

(What was the need for you to attack that Ruhanika? See what has happened now! I don’t even know where my children are or how they are doing!)

Vijaypratap: "Chup rahogi kuch der, sochne do mujhe."

(Will you be quiet for a while? Let me think.)

Sukriti: "Sochna kya hai?? Ghar se kidnap kiya hai, zinda chodne ke liye thodi kiya hoga"

(What is there to think about? They were kidnapped from home! Do you really think they did that just to let them go alive?)

Vijaypratap: "JM se baat karta hu, ab sab jaldi hi khatam karna hoga. "

(I’ll talk to JM. Now, we need to end this quickly.)

Vijaypratap quickly grabbed his phone and dialed JM, urgently informing him about Sachet and Mahira's disappearance. His voice was filled with concern and frustration, knowing the gravity of the situation.

In the dungeon,

Sachet groaned in pain, his body trembling as Ashvik’s cold, cruel hands continued to dig into his nails, pulling them out one by one. The excruciating pain seemed endless, each tug sending waves of agony through his body.  Meanwhile, Mahira stirred beside him, her eyes slowly fluttering open. As she became aware of her surroundings, her heart sank—once again, they found themselves trapped in the dreaded dungeon. The air was thick with despair as she tried to assess the situation, her gaze flickering over to Sachet, who was struggling to endure the torment. The fear of what would come next gripped her, making it hard to focus on anything else.

Mahira: "Pl..ease, leave me, Ruhanika ko toh isne m...olest kiya tha, m...ujhe jaane do, main kabhi Kartavya aur Savisha ke b...eech nahi aaungi."

(Pl…ease, leave me! Ruhanika was the one he… molested. P…please let me go. I will never come between Kartavya and Savisha.)

Kritika’s hand whipped across Mahira’s face with a sharp slap, the sound echoing in the cold dungeon. Mahira winced, her cheek burning from the force.

Kritika: "Vo tum vaise bhi nahi aa sakti."

(You wouldn’t have been able to anyway.)

Mahira's tears flowed freely, her heart breaking as she helplessly watched her brother endure the brutal torture. Her cries filled the air, a mix of pain and despair. Sachet, despite his own suffering, turned his gaze toward her with a look of disgust.

Sachet: "Tu... bhi kum nahi hai, R..uhanika ke u..per garam coffee fektk thi... Use pareshan karti thi be...wajah."

(You… aren’t innocent either. Y…you threw hot coffee at Ruhanika… You harassed her for no reason.)

Amandeep and Rishwik exchanged a look, both of them chuckling sarcastically at the scene unfolding before them. Their laughter echoed coldly in the dungeon, adding to the cruelty of the moment, as they reveled in the misery of Mahira and Sachet.

Amandeep: "Hence proved—Vijaypratap’s children."

Rishwik: "Selfish and useless."

Kartavya: "tension mat lo jo tum logo ki harkatein hai narak nahi jana padega yahi pe sab milega."

(Don’t worry. With the way you act, you won’t have to go to hell—hell will come to you right here.)

Rishwik: "Bhai means inko garam tel me talenge humlog?? Main yamraj banu kya please, Aman tu mera assistant banja."

(Bro, does that mean we’ll fry them in hot oil? Should I be Yama (God of Death), please? Aman, you can be my assistant!)

Amandeep: "Tera assistant banne se achcha hai berozgar rahu."

(I’d rather stay unemployed than be your assistant.)

Both Amandeep and Rishwik exchanged intense glares, their animosity clear, while the others in the room gave them an exasperated "we are so done with you both" look. Rudraksh, who had been silently observing the tension, finally stood up from his chair and moved towards Mahira, his presence commanding attention.

Rudraksh: "We had initially planned to just torture you for what you did to my Ruhh and then let you go because killing a girl is against our ethics. But when we did a background check on you…"

Mahira gulped nervously, her heart racing as Rudraksh bent towards her. The fear in her eyes was evident.

Rudraksh: "We found out that you bullied a girl so badly that she committed suicide, and this brother of yours supported you."

Kritika: "And that’s just one case we know of. There are many more. And you expect us to let you go? Come out of your delusional world, girl."

Mahira gulped in fear, her eyes widening as Rudraksh straightened himself. He e turned away.

Rudraksh: "Kritika, do whatever you want with her."

Kritika: "I won’t kill her, bhai."

Kartavya: "We know that. We won’t let you dirty your hands with her blood either. Just make her feel what my little sunshine felt. The rest will be taken care of."

Kritika nodded, a sinister smirk on her face as one of their men brought in a bucket of hot water. With a hot calmness, Kritika took the bucket from him and dipped Mahira’s hand into the searing water. Mahira cried out in immense pain, her body trembling as the scalding water burned her skin. The agony was unbearable, but her cries only seemed to fuel Kritika's twisted satisfaction.

The rest of the men turned their backs, unwilling to witness the brutal torture of a woman, their discomfort clear. But Kritika remained undeterred, her gaze cold and unforgiving. She took Mahira's hand, her movements deliberate as she slit it, causing Mahira to scream in agony. She didn’t stop there—each cut she made on Mahira's body was another twist of pain, another mark of suffering. Once Kritika was satisfied, she gave a cold nod, and her lady members stepped forward, taking Mahira away. Bloodied and broken, Mahira was carried from the room, leaving only the chilling silence in her wake.

Ashvik had already plucked all of Sachet's nails, leaving his hands and feet horribly mangled, with blood oozing from the raw wounds. The horrific sight was enough to make anyone recoil, but for Ashvik, it was just another moment of asserting control over his victim.

Sachet, trembling and broken, could barely hold on to his consciousness, his body barely registering the agony any longer. But the moment was interrupted. Without warning, Rudraksh stormed in, his face a mask of fury. In one swift motion, he kicked Sachet squarely between the legs. The impact was enough to send Sachet staggering backward, his face contorting in shock and pain. Rudraksh's eyes blazed with anger as he stared down at him, his rage evident in every movement.

Rishwik stormed in, his expression dark with anger. Without a word, he grabbed a bucket of scalding hot water and threw it all over Sachet’s already battered body. The pain was immediate, and Sachet screamed, his body writhing from the scalding burn. The heat only intensified the agony he was already enduring, making him struggle to maintain consciousness.

Kritika, standing in the background, watched the scene unfold with a smirk of satisfaction. Her eyes glinted with amusement, clearly enjoying the sight of the torment, as if the suffering was an indulgence for her. She leaned against the wall, content in her twisted entertainment.

Kartavya, standing off to the side, had a different reaction. He looked at Kritika with a tinge of concern, remembering her past experiences with Sachet. But today, he couldn’t help but smile with pride. The woman standing before him—his princess—was no longer the vulnerable one he had once feared for. She had become powerful, unrelenting in her ways, and she stood strong in moments like this. Seeing her unbothered by the chaos around her, Kartavya knew he had nothing to worry about. His smile grew, impressed by the strength she displayed. Aakarsh's love has changed her.

Amandeep stepped closer to Sachet with a sadistic grin on his face. With a sense of twisted enjoyment, he sprinkled salt and red chilies onto his wounds, as if he were seasoning a dish. The intense sting made Sachet flinch, his body wracked with pain. Amandeep's laughter echoed in the room, mocking the agony his victim was enduring. It was a moment of cruelty, a demonstration of control and power that seemed to have no bounds.

Ashvik: "Enough of this nonsense. He has already lived beyond his time limit. Rudraksh, will you do it, or should I?"

Rudraksh: "I believe we have two guns with us."

Rishwik: "Mujhse puchte bhi nahi hai."

(You don’t even ask me!)

Kartavya: "Zarurat bhi nahi hai so shut up."

(Because there’s no need to. So shut up.)

Rishwik rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed with the way things were escalating. Kartavya had seen it all before, the cruelty, the pain, but he never really got used to it. For him, the violent displays were just part of the business, part of the ruthless world they inhabited. But deep down, he knew it wasn’t something he wanted for the younger ones. But deep down, the way their older brothers had been raised them, to be trained in everything—combat, strategy, defense—but never to take a life, that was something Rishwik admired.

Kartavya shook his head, his gaze lingering on the scene. He wasn’t bothered by the violence, but there was something deeper in his expression—an understanding that he and Rudraksh had set a line that their younger siblings couldn’t cross. They'd taught them how to shoot, how to defend themselves, but they'd made it clear: Never use this skill to end someone's life. It was a subtle but crucial distinction. Ashvik, Rudraksh and Kartavya carried the burden of ensuring their younger siblings never lost themselves in the darkness of revenge and violence. It was why they’d taken the responsibility of dealing with the more brutal parts of their world—the torturing, the killing, the decisions that weighed on their souls. It was a burden they were willing to bear, to shield their younger brothers and sister from.

As for Kritika, Amandeep, and Rishwik, they were more suited to the mental and psychological part of this world—the manipulation, the tactics, the tormenting. They were experts in making their enemies suffer without leaving a mark on their skin. While Rudraksh, Kartavya, and Ashvik carried the weight of dealing with the aftermath, they handled the cruelest parts—the ones that tested the limits of a person's soul. The dynamics of their group were simple: each person had a role, and no one could afford to step out of it. It was an unspoken rule that everyone followed, a code of their world, where the bloodshed was necessary, but they would do everything to make sure the younger generation stayed as far away from it as possible.

Rudraksh: "This for touching my pure Ruhh."

Rudraksh, his expression a mask of pure fury, stepped forward and without hesitation, aimed directly at Sachet. The gunshot rang out, echoing through the room, and Sachet's body jolted in agony as the bullet struck him between his legs.

Rudraksh: "This for even thinking about such things regarding my Ruhh."

Sachet's agonizing cries echoed through the cold, dark room, sending a shiver through the air. The sound of his suffering was unbearable, but it seemed to fuel the dark intentions of those present. Rudraksh stood frozen for a moment, his face emotionless, his eyes steely and determined. He watched Sachet's body tremble in pain, the blood staining his clothes. Again, the sharp sound of the gunshot echoed through the room, ringing in everyone’s ears as the bullet found its mark, hitting Sachet near his heart.

Rudraksh: "This for gripping my Ruh’s heart in fear."

The sharp sound of Ashvik’s gunshot rang through the room, louder than the silence that had settled over them. The bullet found its mark at the center of Sachet's forehead, and his head jerked slightly from the impact. A small spray of blood splattered against the cold concrete floor, but there was no movement, no more sounds of pain—just the lifeless body slumped forward, permanently still.

Ashvik: "This for even having such filthy thoughts about my sisters."

The final cry from Mahira echoed through the cold, stone walls of the dungeon, a haunting sound that pierced the heavy silence that followed. Her scream was filled with desperation and pain, but soon, it was swallowed by the stillness that enveloped the room.

The men, standing like statues, exchanged smirks with one another, their faces masked with satisfaction. They had completed their tasks—brutal, necessary tasks that left behind no room for empathy or regret. This was their world, a world where the strong prevailed, and those who posed a threat were eliminated without hesitation.

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Hey lovelies,

Here’s the next update!🌷

Did you all like the end of Sachet and Mahira? The downfall of the Rathore's has officially begun.

Also, a huge thank you for 2 million reads! We’re now a family of 3K on Instagram, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Your support truly means the world to me! 💙🫂🌷

Start ka chapter nind me likha tha yaha vaha ho toh manage kar lena🤭🤭

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