"4. In the Shadows of Guilt"

"Jise dekhte hi dil ne dhadakna shuru kiya

Jane anjane usi ka gunhegaar ban

gaya

Mere liye apni parwah na kar usne mujhe apna gulaam kar liya

Anjane me hi sahi main uska karzdaar ban gaya"

-Fictionflare_

Warning: The mention of assault in this story is purely for the sake of the plot. Please don't interpret it in any other way.

Four hours had passed since Rishwik stormed out of the house, leaving Rudraksh to wrestle with his guilt. The silence in the house felt heavy, almost suffocating, as Rudraksh sat in his room, lost in his thoughts. Suddenly, the front door burst open, and Rishwik came running into the house, his face flushed with urgency. Amandeep followed closely behind. Rishwik's eyes were wild with anxiety as he hurried through the hallway, searching for Rudraksh. Without wasting a moment, he called out, his voice filled with an intensity that was impossible to ignore.

Rishwik: "Bhaiii, Bhaiiii"

Rishwik dashed into the living room, his voice echoing through the mansion as he urgently called out for Rudraksh.

Rishwik: "Bhaiii jaldi aaiye."

(Bhaiii, come quickly!)

Rishwik's eyes immediately locked onto Ruhanika's open door, and he let out a sigh of relief. The tension that had gripped him began to ease slightly, though the urgency in his demeanor remained. He took a moment to compose himself, grateful that Ruhanika's room wasn't locked, a small sign that things hadn't escalated further in his absence. Just then, he heard footsteps descending the stairs and turned to see Rudraksh coming down from his room.

Rudraksh: "Kya hua Rishwik??"

(What happened, Rishwik??)

Rishwik: "Thank God bhai, aapne Ruhanika ko room se bahar nikala, you don't know uske sath kya hua hai."

(Thank God, Bhai, you got Ruhanika out of the room. You have no idea what happened with her.)

Rudraksh gave a confused look, his brow furrowing as he noticed Amandeep entering the house. But what caught his attention even more was the presence of a woman in her late forties walking beside Amandeep.

Amandeep: "Sir, there's a lot that you need to know."

Rudraksh: "Who is she??"

Rishwik: "Bhai, Ruhi kaha hai??"

(Bhai, where is Ruhi??)

Rudraksh: "Kon Ruhi?"

(Who's Ruhi?)

Rishwik: "I mean Ruhanika, kaha hai vo?"

(I mean Ruhanika, where is she?)

Rudraksh: "Apne Ghar pe"

(At her home.)

Rishwik’s confusion was evident as he glanced at rudraksh. Amandeep was equally confused.

Rishwik: "Matlab??"

(What do you mean?)

Rudraksh: "Since she’s not that girl, I sent her back to Rathore mansion."

Rishwik and Amandeep: "Whaaattttt??"

Both Rishwik and Amandeep shouted in unison, their voices filled with shock. Rudraksh looked at them in bewilderment, his confusion deepening as he tried to understand the sudden outburst.

Rudraksh: "Kya?? Uske ghar hi toh bheja hai isme chilla kyu rahe ho."

(What?? I just sent her to her home. Why are you both yelling?)

Rishwik: "Bhai aapko andaaza bhi nahi hai aapne kya Kiya hai."

(Bhai, you have no idea what you’ve done.)

Rudraksh: "Kya kiya hai maine?? Usse shadi karke galti ki thi, toh vapas bhej ke sudhar di."

(What have I done? I made a mistake by marrying her, so I corrected it by sending her back.)

Rishwik: "Bhai aapne samjha kya hai use, khilona nahi hai vo jo jab chahe le aaye jab chaha vapas bhej diya."

(Bhai, what do you think she is? She’s not a toy that you can bring back whenever you want and send away whenever you feel like it.)

Rishwik spoke in anger, his voice tinged with frustration and disappointment. Rudraksh responded with a glare, his eyes reflecting a mix of confusion and defensiveness as he tried to make sense of the situation.

Rudraksh: "Rishwik Enough."

Amandeep: "Sir ye kya kiya aapne, aur Ruhanika vaha nahi gayi hai."

(Sir, what have you done? And Ruhanika didn’t go there.)

Rudraksh: "Kya matlab hai, aur ye tum dono kya bole ja rahe ho kuch samajh nahi aa raha hai."

(What do you mean? And what are you both talking about? I don’t understand anything.)

Rishwik: "Bhai, vo ladki Ruhanika Rathore nahi Ruhanika Rajpurohit hai, Vijaypratap ne uska fayda uthaya apni beti ko bachane ke liye."

(Bhai, that girl is not Ruhanika Rathore; she’s Ruhanika Rajpurohit. Vijaypratap took advantage of her to save his daughter.)

Rudraksh stood in stunned silence, grappling with the revelation. He had assumed that Ruhanika was another daughter of Vijaypratap, concealed in the same way as his other daughter, and that Vijaypratap had forced the marriage under duress, given the circumstances where Rudraksh had held Vijaypratap at gunpoint. The truth was far more shocking than he had anticipated, leaving him reeling from the unexpected turn of events.

Amandeep: "Itna hi nahi Sir, us Vijaypratap ne Ruhanika ko pichle almost 18 saal se kaid karke rakha hai."

(And that’s not all, Sir. Vijaypratap had kept Ruhanika imprisoned for almost 18 years.)

Rudraksh was now utterly shocked. The realization that Ruhanika was not the hidden daughter of Vijaypratap, as he had wrongly assumed, left him stunned. He had never anticipated this turn of events, and the weight of the misunderstanding began to settle heavily on him.

Rishwik: "Bhai main Ruhanika ke baare me pata lagane gaya tha, there's a lot that you should know but abhi hume use dundhna hoga kyuki vo Rathore mansion nahi gayi hai main abhi vahi se aa raha hu."

(Bhai, I went to find out about Ruhanika. There’s a lot you should know, but right now we need to find her because she didn’t go to Rathore mansion. I just came from there.)

Rudraksh: "Vaha nahi gayi toh kaha gayi hogi?? Maine kaha tha usse ki driver ko bol ke ghar chali jaye."

(If she didn’t go there, where did she go? I told her to go home with the driver.)

The lady who arrived with Amandeep was a maid from the Rathore mansion.

Lady: "Sahab, Ruhanika bitiya 5 saal ki thi tab se us ghar me kaid hai, unhe bahar ki duniya ka kuch nahi pata hai. Yaha tak vo 3 saal ho gaye hai unhone apne muh se ek shabd nahi nikala hai.. vo......"

(Sir, Ruhanika bitiya has been imprisoned in that house since she was 5 years old. She knows nothing about the outside world. It’s been 3 years since she last spoke a word... she...)

The lady from the Rathore mansion wasn't able to finish her sentence as Rudraksh, in a panic, bolted out of the house at full speed. Rishwik, equally distressed, sprinted after him, both driven by an urgent need to find Ruhanika and make things right.

Amandeep: "Aap yahi Rukiya, hum use dundh lenge."

(You wait right here; we will find her.)

Even Amandeep hurried after Rudraksh and Rishwik. Rudraksh, driven by a sense of urgency and guilt, headed straight for the driver.

Rudraksh: "Ruhanika aayi thi tumhare pass??"

(Ruhanika came to you??)

Driver: "Kon sir??"

(Who, sir?)

Rudraksh: "My wife you idiot, vo aayi thi ??"

(My wife, you idiot. Did she come to you?)

Rudraksh shouted in frustration, his voice echoing with a mix of anger and desperation.

Driver: "no sir, Ma'am nahi aayi."

(No, sir. Ma'am didn't come.)

Rudraksh grabbed his hair in frustration, his face contorted with a mix of anger and regret.

Rishwik: "Bhai kya kar diya aapne ye."

(Bhai, what have you done?)

Rudraksh ignored Rishwik’s concerned question and raced towards the security guards. His urgency was palpable as he approached them, desperation etched on his face.

Rudraksh: "Guards, Ruhanika ko jaate huye dekha??"

(Guards, did you see Ruhanika leave?)

The guards exchanged puzzled glances, uncertain about what Rudraksh was demanding. They had only seen Ruhanika on the day she was brought home after their marriage, and since then, she has remained inside the house. Rudraksh’s frustration and self-reproach grew with each passing second, and his anger reached a boiling point. Rudraksh’s frustration mounted with each passing second, as he berated himself for the grave mistake he had made. The weight of his blunder hit him hard, and he roared in anger and despair.

Rudraksh: "My wife you fools, meri biwiii, kaha hai vo dekha use??"

(My wife, you fools, my wife! Where is she? Did you see her??)

The guards quickly realized whom Rudraksh was referring to and the intensity of his anger. They were familiar with his volatile temper and knew the extent of what he was capable of when enraged. Understanding the gravity of the situation, they braced themselves for whatever might come next, fully aware of the potential consequences.

Guard 1: "Sir, Ma'am was standing in front of the door for about an hour and then she left from here."

Rudraksh: "And you guys didn’t stop her?"

Guard 2: "Sir, we saw that you dropped her outside the house, so..."

Rishwik: "You idiots, akeli ladki ko jaane kaise Diya tum logo ne vo bhi itni raat ko."

(You idiots, how could you let a girl go alone at this time of night?)

The guards, recognizing the gravity of Rudraksh's anger, lowered their heads.

Amandeep: "Kab gayi vo??"

(When did she leave?)

Gaurd: "Around 2.5 or 3 hours ago."

Rudraksh's eyes widened in realization as the gravity of the situation hit him hard. The weight of his mistake bore down on him, and his only hope was that Ruhanika was safe. Without uttering a word, he sprinted to his car, his heart pounding with urgency. He flung himself into the driver's seat and sped out of the gate, his vehicle tearing through the streets in a desperate bid to find her. His bodyguards, realizing the seriousness of the situation, began to follow him. However, Amandeep and Rishwik intervened, stopping them from pursuing Rudraksh.

Amandeep: "Some of you follow Sir, and the rest start searching for Ruhanika Ma’am."

Rudraksh's bodyguards, understanding the urgency of the situation, nodded and departed from the mansion to follow Rudraksh's lead. Meanwhile, Rishwik and Amandeep quickly mobilized additional personnel, deploying them to search for Ruhanika. Nearly 20 to 25 cars, part of their extensive search effort, roared out of the RM mansion, each taking a different route in a coordinated attempt to locate her. The mansion was left in a state of tense anticipation, with everyone involved in the desperate search for Ruhanika.

Rudraksh drove recklessly, his eyes scanning every corner of the streets as if hoping to spot Ruhanika in the crowd. His heart raced with each beat, consumed by worry for her safety. When he saw a small crowd gathered near a shop after crossing a lane, he slammed on the brakes and parked his car abruptly. Rudraksh drove recklessly, his eyes scanning every corner of the streets as if hoping to spot Ruhanika in the crowd. His heart raced with each beat, consumed by worry for her safety. When he saw a small crowd gathered near a shop after crossing a lane, he slammed on the brakes and parked his car abruptly. Leaping out of the vehicle, Rudraksh hurried toward the shop, his desperation evident in his every stride. He reached the shop and burst inside, his gaze frantic as he sought any sign of Ruhanika or information that might lead him to her.

Rudraksh: "Suno, tumne kisi ladki ko yaha se jaate huye dekha??"

(Listen, did you see a girl leaving from here?)

Shopkeeper: "Bhai sahab yaha se toh bahaut log jaate hai kis kisko dekhu??"

(Brother, many people pass through here. How can I keep track of everyone?)

Rudraksh: "dark blue colour ka suit pehna hoga, bahaut Gori hai patli si, lambe baal, Kareeb 19-20 saal ki hogi, dekha kya aapne??"

(She would’ve been wearing a dark blue suit, very fair, thin, long hair, around 19-20 years old. Did you see her?)

The shopkeeper pondered for a moment.

Shopkeeper: "Nahi bhaisaab jaiye kisi aur se puchiye."

(No, brother, go ask someone else.)

Rudraksh glared at the shopkeeper with intense frustration, his anger barely contained. Just as he was about to press the shopkeeper for more information, a young boy, perhaps around 12 or 14 years old, approached him timidly. The boy tapped Rudraksh gently on the shoulder. Startled, Rudraksh spun around, his furious expression shifting to one of confusion as he faced the boy.

Boy: "Bhaiya, lakbhak 2 ghante pehle ek didi yaha se gayi thi, bilkul vaisi jaise aap bata rahe hai. Unke haath me ek bag bhi tha bahaut dari si lag rahi thi."

(Brother, about 2 hours ago, a sister passed by here. She looked just like you described. She had a bag in her hand and seemed very scared.)

Rudraksh: "Haa kis taraf gayi hai??"

(Yes, which direction did she go in?)

Boy: "Uss taraf."

(That way.)

The boy pointed urgently to Rudraksh’s right, and with a quick pat on the boy’s cheek in thanks, Rudraksh bolted back to his car.  He jumped into the driver’s seat and sped off, his heart racing with renewed urgency. His bodyguards, who had been trailing closely behind, immediately followed suit.

Rudraksh's other men were also diligently searching for Ruhanika. Rishwik and Amandeep were in one car, with Rishwik at the wheel, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of Ruhanika. Despite their best efforts and inquiries with passersby, there were no leads. The search had dragged on for two hours, and as the clock inched past midnight, their desperation grew. Rudraksh, still behind the wheel of his car, felt his frustration boiling over. He slammed on the brakes, screeching to a halt. Throwing open the door, he stepped out and kicked the car door with all his might, his frustration manifesting in the violent action. His bodyguards, who had been trailing him closely, also stopped and hurried out of their vehicles, concern etched on their faces. One of the guards approached Rudraksh cautiously, but Rudraksh, consumed by anger and worry, shouted at him, his voice echoing with desperation and rage.

Rudraksh: "Why the hell did you guys stop? Go and find her."

The guard nodded and quickly turned to leave, understanding the gravity of Rudraksh’s frustration. Rudraksh's anger was reaching its peak, his fists clenched and his face set in a scowl. Just then, a car sped past, its headlights briefly illuminating Rudraksh’s face. The harsh light exposed the agony and desperation etched in his features, making his worry for Ruhanika all the more visible.

Rudraksh: "What the..."

He didn't finish his sentence as something caught his eye. The car that had passed left a fleeting impression on him, but Rudraksh's attention was drawn to the bushes beside the road. Moving quickly, he approached the area, his steps hurried and urgent. The darkness made it difficult to see clearly, so he pulled out his phone and switched on the flashlight. The beam of light revealed a blue dupatta lying in the underbrush. His heart raced as he recognized it—this was the same dupatta Ruhanika had been wearing when she left the house. With a sense of dread creeping over him, he carefully picked up the dupatta. The forest-like area on one side and the empty road on the other made the scene feel eerily deserted. Rudraksh's mind raced as he scanned the surroundings, hoping to find any trace of Ruhanika or a clue about where she might have gone.

Rudraksh: "She’s here; find her fast. Go! I want her in front of me in the next 10 minutes."

Rudraksh's voice was filled with urgency and desperation as he ordered his men to search the area. The commanding shout spurred them into action, and they dashed into the dense forest, their flashlights cutting through the darkness. Rudraksh followed closely, his heart pounding in his chest, each step driven by the fear and hope of finding Ruhanika. The forest was thick and tangled, with low branches and underbrush making the search difficult. The men spread out, calling out for Ruhanika, their voices echoing through the trees. Rudraksh’s mind was a whirlwind of anxiety and regret as he navigated the terrain, his flashlight flickering over the uneven ground. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, heightened his sense of urgency. He called out Ruhanika's name repeatedly, hoping against hope that she would hear him and respond. The search was becoming increasingly frantic as time passed, with the dense foliage making it hard to see even a few feet ahead.

Each step Rudraksh took seemed to amplify the pounding of his heart, the urgency of his search for Ruhanika driving him forward with increasing intensity. The forest loomed around him, its darkness only partially penetrated by his flashlight. As he ventured deeper into the undergrowth, his flashlight caught a disturbing sight: bloodstains smeared across the dirty ground. Leaves were scattered around, and the crimson splatters painted a grim picture. The sight of the blood was like a chilling omen, sending a shiver down his spine. Rudraksh’s breath quickened as he followed the trail of blood, his pulse racing with fear and anxiety. The forest seemed to close in around him, the shadows playing tricks on his mind. The footprints of blood left a harrowing trail, guiding him through the maze of trees and underbrush. Driven by a combination of terror and determination, he pushed himself harder, running faster as the trail led him to a dilapidated hut in the middle of the deserted area.

With no time to waste, Rudraksh hurled himself at the hut’s flimsy door. The thin wood splintered and cracked under his force, giving way with a resounding crash. He stumbled into the dim interior, his eyes straining to adjust to the low light. What he saw inside was a scene of devastation that hit him with a gut-wrenching shock. He never imagined—or rather, never wanted—such a thing to happen. His eyes widened, and he clenched his fist tightly. His eyes, once filled with fear and desperation, now blazed with a seething rage. They turned an intense red, reflecting the fury boiling within him. His fists clenched tightly, the knuckles white with the force of his grip. The anger coursed through him like a storm, his whole body shaking with the intensity of his emotions. His mind raced, trying to process the horrific scene before him

Standing in the shadowy corner of the room was a man in his mid-fifties, a figure whose very presence radiated menace. The man’s intentions were unmistakably violent, and the scene was horrifying: he was forcing himself on a girl who was standing there helplessly. The sight was enough to ignite a fury in Rudraksh that he had never felt before. As Rudraksh’s gaze swept over the room, his eyes fell upon the girl, and his heart froze in shock. It was Ruhanika. Her hazel brown eyes, which had once held only innocence and warmth, were now filled with fear and pain. Seeing her in such a vulnerable and violated state ignited a rage so intense it was almost blinding. The moment their eyes locked, a profound recognition passed between them. Her eyes, usually so full of life and love, were now wide with terror and pleading. The realization of what had transpired hit Rudraksh with the force of a tidal wave. He saw not just his wife, but the brutal reality of her suffering. The man, sensing the shift in the room, turned and met Rudraksh’s gaze. His expression shifted from aggression to one of palpable fear, as if he recognized the gravity of his situation and the danger he was in. Rudraksh’s rage boiled over, his vision narrowing with a red haze of anger. The man, clearly frightened by Rudraksh’s fierce presence and the unrestrained fury in his eyes, released Ruhanika and took a step back, stumbling in his fear. The contrast between Rudraksh’s raw, seething anger and Ruhanika’s terrified eyes created a scene of intense emotional turmoil. Without a word, Rudraksh’s anger took over.

Rudraksh stormed into the room, his presence commanding immediate attention. The man, realizing the gravity of the situation, attempted to flee in a panicked rush. However, Rudraksh's anger was unstoppable. He lunged forward, his fist connecting with the man’s face in a powerful punch that sent him crashing to the ground. The force of the blow was so intense that the man crumpled instantly, dazed and disoriented. Rudraksh’s fury knew no bounds. As the man lay sprawled on the floor, Rudraksh dropped to his knees and began to pummel him with a relentless barrage of blows. Each punch was fueled by the raw, unfiltered rage and guilt he felt for not protecting Ruhanika. His fists hammered down with a brutal intensity, landing on the man with a vengeance. The man’s attempts to defend himself were futile. His body grew limp under Rudraksh’s assault, and his cries for mercy became incoherent as the beating continued. Rudraksh’s face was a mask of unrestrained fury, his eyes red with anger and desperation. The once orderly and controlled businessman was now a force of primal rage, driven by the sight of his wife’s suffering. Rudraksh’s relentless assault continued until the man was left barely conscious, a crumpled heap on the floor. His breath came in ragged gasps as he lay defeated, his body showing the visible signs of Rudraksh’s overpowering anger.

Rudraksh’s heart ached as he turned his gaze toward Ruhanika. She was huddled on the floor, her small form making her seem even more vulnerable as she hugged her knees tightly. Her disheveled hair, torn sleeves, and the visible scratches on her arms painted a picture of distress that tore at Rudraksh’s soul. Her bare feet, smeared with blood, and the shivering that shook her entire body were stark reminders of the ordeal she had endured. With a heavy heart, Rudraksh knelt down in front of her. His hands trembled as he tried to find the courage to touch her, but the sight of her suffering made it almost unbearable. Gently, he wrapped the blue dupatta round her trembling form, offering what little comfort he could. Ruhanika’s sobs were soft yet heart-wrenching, and Rudraksh could see her whole body shivering uncontrollably. His own heart was heavy with guilt as he observed her condition. She looked up slowly, her eyes meeting his. The pain and fear in her gaze mirrored the guilt that now etched itself on Rudraksh’s face. Her cheeks were streaked with tears, her face flushed and reddened from crying, and her eyes were swollen and puffy. The baby hairs that framed her face were matted and stuck to her forehead, a testament to her distress. Rudraksh’s guilt deepened as he looked at her, his heart pounding with remorse. He placed a tentative hand on her head, his touch gentle and filled with regret. Her tear-streaked face, the broken look in her eyes, and the raw vulnerability she displayed shattered the hardened exterior he had tried to maintain. In that moment, all the anger and frustration faded, replaced by an overwhelming sense of sorrow and regret for the pain he had caused her.

Before Rudraksh could react, Ruhanika did something that left him stunned. She suddenly hugged him tightly, pressing her face into his chest. It was as if she sought refuge in him, desperate to hide from the world and its cruelties. The unexpectedness of her action struck Rudraksh deeply, considering the torment and fear she had just endured. For a moment, he stood frozen, his mind reeling with confusion and guilt. But as he felt her trembling body against his, he instinctively wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. His embrace was gentle yet firm, as if he was trying to shield her from any more pain. Rudraksh's hands moved to rub her back soothingly, attempting to offer comfort and warmth. The weight of her pain and fear seemed to flow through him, amplifying his own sense of remorse. He held her close, his heart aching for the torment she had been through and the role he had played in it. Her presence in his arms was a stark reminder of his mistakes and the depth of the hurt he had caused her.

Rudraksh: "Yellow, suno dekho tum.."

(Yellow, listen, look...)

Ruhanika: "pl..ease hume ba..bacha lijiye."

(Pl..ease, save me...)

Rudraksh’s voice trailed off, his words cut short as he heard a faint, hoarse whisper from Ruhanika. Her voice was barely audible, nearly lost in the sound of their breathing and the surrounding stillness. He could only make out fragments of her words, spoken so softly that they were almost swallowed by her own sobs. The whisper came from deep within her, trembling with the remnants of fear and anguish. Rudraksh, still holding her close, listened intently, his heart aching as he strained to catch every word. Her quiet voice, though weak, carried the weight of her suffering and the vulnerability she felt.

Ruhanika: "Ye...h..ume ga..Ganda laga, vo..."

(Th...is is di...sgusting, he...)

As Rudraksh held Ruhanika, he noticed her struggling to speak. Her words were choked and hoarse, but they barely came out as whispers.  Rudraksh's eyes widened in realization as he remembered the lady’s words about Ruhanika’s inability to speak for the past three years. His heart sank with the understanding of how deeply her trauma had affected her.

Rudraksh: "Shhh, kuch nahi hoga vo kuch nahi kar sakta tumhe yellow, tum thik ho."

(Shhh, nothing will happen. He can’t do anything to you, Yellow. You’re okay.)

Rudraksh gently tried to pull Ruhanika away to check if she was okay, but she clung to him tightly, her sobs uncontrollable. Her breathing was heavy and labored, as though she was struggling to catch her breath. Rudraksh could feel her trembling against him, and his heart ached seeing her in such distress. With a gentle but firm touch, he continued to caress her head, trying to offer whatever comfort he could. His hands moved soothingly through her disheveled hair, and he whispered softly.

Rudraksh: "Shh chup ho jao, main aa gaya hu na tumhe Ghar le jaunga. Koi kuch nahi karega."

(Shhh, calm down. I’m here now. I’ll take you home. No one will hurt you.)

Ruhanika: "N..ahi, s..ab aise k..ar..."

(No..thing... e..veryone is like th..is...)

Rudraksh noticed Ruhanika’s grip on his shoulder weakening as she started losing consciousness. With urgency, he gently pulled her back and patted her cheeks to rouse her. Her tear-filled eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze, but Rudraksh was alarmed to find that her cheeks were burning with an intense fever. Rudraksh’s heart sank as he felt the feverish heat radiating from Ruhanika’s face. Her cheeks were burning, and her eyes, though tearful, seemed glazed over with dizziness. He placed his hand on her forehead, confirming that her temperature was alarmingly high. He gently shook her, patting her cheeks to bring her back. When she finally opened her eyes and looked at him, the distress in her gaze was palpable. He could see the pain and fear in her eyes, and his guilt intensified. Rudraksh quickly moved into action. He pulled her up and supported her by wrapping his arms around her waist, holding her close to keep her steady. Ruhanika leaned on him, her grip on his shoulder becoming more intense, as if she was trying to anchor herself in the midst of her disorientation. Suddenly, Ruhanika’s eyes widened in alarm, and her hold on Rudraksh’s shoulder tightened.

Rudraksh was momentarily disoriented when Ruhanika suddenly pushed him aside with all her strength, sending him staggering to the right. The sharp crack of a gunshot shattered the tense silence, causing Rudraksh to turn abruptly. He whipped around to see Rishwik, gun in hand, his face tense and determined. The sight of the man Rudraksh had previously subdued, now lying on the ground with a knife in his hand, was shocking. Rudraksh quickly realized that Ruhanika’s desperate move had saved him from what could have been a fatal attack. His gaze then dropped to the knife in the assailant’s hand, stained with fresh blood. Panic surged through him as he turned back to Ruhanika, only to find her clutching her left shoulder, blood seeping through her fingers. The sight of her injury sent a wave of dread over him. Rudraksh rushed to her side, his arms instinctively enveloping her as she began to lose consciousness. He examined her shoulder and saw the deep cut, the blood flowing from it too freely. Ruhanika’s hand slipped from his chest, and her eyes fluttered shut. Desperation gripped Rudraksh as he held her in his arms, his heart pounding with fear.

Rishwik, Amandeep, and their team arrived at the scene in a frantic rush, their faces etched with concern. Seeing the gravity of the situation, they quickly assessed the surroundings. Rudraksh, his face a mask of anguish, gently patted Ruhanika's cheeks, trying to rouse her from her unconscious state. His touch was tender but filled with urgency, his heart racing as he fought to keep calm. Rudraksh's eyes were fixed on Ruhanika's pale face, his mind racing with a thousand thoughts. He held her securely in his arms.

Rudraksh: "Yellow, open your eyes, Yellow."

Rudraksh's voice was strained and desperate as he called out to Ruhanika, but there was no response.  His hands trembled as he gently shook her, hoping to awaken her from the unconscious state.

Rudraksh: "Arora, I want this man alive. And Rishwik, call the doctor and home."

Rudraksh and Amandeep both nodded in understanding. With a resolute expression, Rudraksh carefully lifted Ruhanika into his arms. Despite her fragile state, she felt like a feather to him, her lightness a stark contrast to the heavy burden of worry he carried. He moved swiftly toward the exit, the guards parting to clear a path for him. Rishwik, after making a frantic call to summon a doctor, raced behind Rudraksh, his urgency mirrored by his quick strides. As Rudraksh reached his car, Rishwik was already at the door, opening it with a steady hand.

Rishwik: "Bhai, I’ll drive. You take care of Bhabhi."

Rudraksh nodded resolutely and carefully sat inside the car, cradling Ruhanika gently in his arms. He kept rubbing her hands, desperately but she remained unnervingly still, her body seeming almost lifeless. The rhythmic thudding of his own heartbeat was the only sound he could focus on, pounding in his ears with a terrifying urgency. Despite his fear for her safety and well-being, he pushed his own emotions aside, driven solely by the imperative need to get her the help she desperately required. As soon as they arrived back at the mansion, Rudraksh didn't waste a second. He leapt from the car, holding Ruhanika tightly, and dashed into the house. The sight that greeted him was one of stunned silence. The lady from Rathore Mansion, who had been waiting anxiously along with the house staff, stood frozen in shock at the sight of Ruhanika in such a dire state. The workers, who had dispersed earlier upon hearing of Ruhanika’s disappearance, had hurriedly returned, their faces reflecting the gravity of the situation.

Rudraksh hurriedly carried Ruhanika to his room, his footsteps echoing with urgency. He gently laid her down on his bed, his movements tender despite the rush.  The room was tense, the only sounds being Rudraksh’s heavy breaths and the occasional shuffle of feet as they prepared to get Ruhanika the help she desperately needed. Rishwik followed close behind, his face a mask of worry. As Rudraksh adjusted Ruhanika on the bed, he glanced at Rishwik.

Rudraksh: "Rishwik doctor kaha hai??"

(Rishwik, where’s the doctor?)

Rudraksh’s voice cut through the tense silence as he shouted at Rishwik, his tone sharp and filled with urgency.

Rishwik: "Bhai bas 5 minute me aa jayegi."

(Bhai, she’ll be here in 5 minutes.)

As Rudraksh was about to cover Ruhanika with the duvet, he noticed that her feet were stained red with blood. The sight of her bloodied feet drove him into a frantic rush. He dashed into the washroom, desperate to find something to tend to her injuries. In the meantime, Rishwik approached Ruhanika's bedside, his expression softening with concern. He gently stroked her hair, his touch tender and comforting. His eyes reflected a deep sympathy as he looked at her vulnerable state, understanding the gravity of the situation and the pain Rudraksh must be feeling.

Rishwik: "We are sorry bhabhi, humari vajah se hua ye sab. I promise aapke sath aise dobara kabhi nahi hone dunga."

(We are sorry, Bhabhi. This all happened because of us. I promise this will never happen to you again.)

Rishwik noticed Ruhanika's desperate grip on the bedsheets and the shivers wracking her body. Her fever was palpable as he gently felt her forehead. Quickly, he covered her with the duvet, ensuring her warmth and comfort, and then adjusted the duvet to leave her feet more securely. Rudraksh returned from the washroom with a bowl of water and a cloth, his face etched with worry. He carefully dipped the cloth in the water and began to tenderly clean Ruhanika's feet. The sight of the cuts and bruises on her delicate feet only heightened his anguish. As Rudraksh worked, the room's atmosphere shifted with the arrival of the doctor and several nurses.

Doctor: "Mr. Malhotra, you need to step out. We’ll take care of her."

Rudraksh, his mind consumed by frustration and guilt, stormed out of the room. His anger reached a boiling point as he approached the wall, and with a fierce, uncontrolled rage, he began to punch it repeatedly. Each impact was so forceful that blood soon started to seep from his knuckles, staining his hand. Rishwik, witnessing his brother's distress and self-destructive behavior, quickly intervened. He grabbed Rudraksh's arm, trying to halt his destructive actions. But Rudraksh's eyes, red and filled with fury, were locked in a battle between anger and despair. His rage was so overpowering that he resisted Rishwik's attempts to calm him. Realizing that Rudraksh's anger was spiraling out of control, Rishwik, with a firm push, managed to break through the haze of his brother's fury. The force of the push momentarily jolted Rudraksh back, offering a brief pause in his violent outburst.

Rishwik: "Bhai, kya kar rahe hai aap."

(Bhai, what are you doing?)

Rudraksh: "That innocent soul suffered so much because of me. I need to be punished."

Rudraksh was about to strike the wall in his rage when the door to the room swung open and a nurse stepped out.

Nurse: "Sir, Ma’am’s clothes are dirty and could infect her wounds. Can we get her other clothes?"

Rudraksh dashed to Ruhanika's room, his mind racing with desperation. He rushed to her wardrobe, flinging the doors open in a frantic search. The wardrobe was starkly empty, save for a few items—her bridal lehenga draped neatly, a photo frame, and an envelope resting atop it. His hands shook as he reached for the envelope, noticing the inscription "For Ruhanika's husband" written on it. As he was about to open it, Rishwik appeared at the door, his concerned gaze settling on Rudraksh.

Rishwik: "Bhai, bhabhi ke kapde dijiye jaldi"

(Bhai, quickly give me Bhabhi’s clothes.)

Rudraksh placed the envelope back on the shelf and hurried back to his room. He found the doctor tending to Ruhanika's shoulder wound, carefully cleaning the injury. Rudraksh averted his eyes from the scene, his focus shifting as he moved to his closet. After a brief search, he retrieved a black shirt and then returned to the room.

Rudraksh: "Aap filhal ke liye isse manage kar lijiye."

(Please manage with these for now.)

The doctor gave a reassuring nod as Rudraksh left the room. Outside, Rudraksh gripped the railing tightly, his frustration palpable. Rishwik placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, trying to offer some semblance of support. Rudraksh’s anger and guilt were overwhelming, and he struggled to maintain his composure, feeling helpless in the face of the situation with Ruhanika.

Rudraksh: "Itni badi galti kaise ho gayi mujhse Rishwik, mujhe laga vo Vijaypratap ki shayad dusri beti hogi kyuki vaise bhi usne apne bachcho ke baare me chupa ke rakha hai pata nahi kyu. Uski masoomiyat dekh ke bhi andekha kar diya maine, kaise kaise kar sakta hu main aisa."

(How could I make such a big mistake, Rishwik? I thought she might be Vijaypratap’s other daughter since he has kept secrets about his children. Even after seeing her innocence, I ignored it. How could I do this?)

Rudraksh’s frustration reached its peak as he clenched his fist and slammed it against the railing. The sharp impact reverberated through his arm, but the pain did little to alleviate the turmoil churning within him.

Rishwik: "Bhai stop it, aapko itne me hi gussa aa gaya par aapko khudko sambhalna hoga, bhabhi ke liye. Kyuki abhi bahaut kuch Janna hai aapko."

(Bhai, stop it. You got so angry, but you need to control yourself, for Bhabhi. There’s still a lot you need to know.)

Amandeep approached the scene.

Amandeep: "Sir, we have held him captive."

Rudraksh: "I’ll definitely deal with him, but right now, I need to know about Yellow."

Amandeep: "Yellow?"

Rudraksh: "Ruhanika you fool, batao mujhe."

(Ruhanika, you fool. Tell me now)

Amandeep: "Sir, that man had a connection with her."

Rudraksh and Rishwik exchanged puzzled glances, their expressions reflecting confusion.

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Here's the next chapter.

Starting next week, updates will be regularly posted on Saturdays and Sundays only, as the author is now a corporate Majdur.

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Precap: Glimpse of Ruhanika's past.

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Happy reading.