Somewhere In Heart

Chapter 2

Ruhi ran through the house, calling out loudly, "Poppy! Poppy! Where are you?". Abhimanyu chuckled, leaning against the doorframe. "Rooh's Poppy is right here!"

Ruhi pouted, crossing her arms. "Poppy! Did you forget what tomorrow is?". Abhimanyu raised an eyebrow, pretending to think. "Hmm... what's tomorrow? Remind me?"

Ruhi gasped in shock. "Poppy! You really forgot?". A mischievous smirk appeared on Abhimanyu's face. "Oh wait! Tomorrow... Rooh has to go to school, right?"

Ruhi huffed and pushed him. "Poppy!!! Go away! I'm not talking to you!". Laughing, Abhimanyu quickly picked her up and carried her on his back. "Okay, okay! Sorry! I remember! Tomorrow is Rooh's birthday!"

Ruhi giggled, clapping her hands. "That's more like it!"

Nearby, Manjari watched them with a warm smile. She turned to Aarohi, her eyes filled with contentment. "They both look so happy, don't they? I'm really happy that you and Abhi are getting engaged... and tomorrow is Ruhi's birthday too. Abhi has planned so many surprises for her."

Aarohi smiled, but before she could respond, her phone buzzed with a message from the hospital group. As she read it, her expression changed.

"Oh no! Abhimanyu, come here," she called. Abhimanyu walked over, noticing the worry on her face. "Yeah, what happened?"

"Abhimanyu... you have to go to Shimla tomorrow," she said hesitantly. "Shimla?" His brows furrowed. "But I just went there last month. Why now?"

"Check your messages," Aarohi handed him her phone. Abhimanyu scanned the text, and his jaw clenched. "Oh no... but tomorrow is Rooh's birthday. If I leave, she'll be really sad."

Aarohi sighed. "I know, but this meeting can't be postponed. Mr. Shailesh is leaving for the U.S. the day after tomorrow. This contract for advanced medical appliances is really important for the hospital."

"Beta, patients come first. You should go, this is more important," Manjari said, placing a reassuring hand on Abhimanyu's shoulder.

He exhaled deeply. "Alright... but I need to talk to Rooh first". "Yes, explain it to her properly. She'll understand," Manjari said.

Abhimanyu nodded and called out, "Rooh, come here". Ruhi skipped over happily. "Yes, Poppy! Are you finally going to ask what I want for my birthday?"

Abhimanyu chuckled, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Your gift is ready, Princess. But I need to tell you something first."

"What is it?" Ruhi asked, excitement in her eyes. "Rooh... I have to leave tomorrow," Abhimanyu said hesitantly.

Ruhi blinked. "Leave? But where?"

"Shimla... I have to go to Shimla tomorrow. But I'll be back in a week, Princess," he assured her.

Ruhi's face fell. "What?! But you promised to spend the whole day with me! You said you had planned so many surprises!"

"Ruhi!!! Stop being stubborn," Aarohi scolded. "Abhimanyu's work is more important!"

Tears welled up in Ruhi's eyes. "You always scold me, Matashree!"

"Aarohi..."Abhimanyu side-eyed her, pulling Ruhi into his arms. "Why are you scolding her? It's my fault, not hers". "Ruhi can celebrate her birthday with Abhi when he returns... Ruhi, let Poppy7 go, dear," Manjari said gently.

Ruhi sniffled, wiping her tears. "Fine... I know, tapients are more important."

Aarohi shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Not 'tapients,' it's 'patients.'"

"Whatever, Matashree!" Ruhi muttered. She turned to Abhimanyu and pulled his cheeks. "But if you come back late like last time, I won't talk to you at all!"

Abhimanyu chuckled, lifting her onto his back again. "Okay, okay! I promise I won't be late. But promise me you won't cry... and if you miss me, just call me, okay?"

"All I want is for him to become Papa from his Poppy as soon as possible," Manjari murmured to herself.

"Maa!" Aarohi turned to her sharply. "Please give us some time. I already made a difficult decision agreeing to this... because we all know that Abhimanyu still loves Akshara."

"Enough!" Manjari snapped. "There is no one in my son's life besides you now! Akshara is his past!"

Aarohi's lips pressed into a thin line. "No matter what, they will always have feelings for each other. I don't care whether they love or hate each other, but please, don't rush this wedding. Give him space. Otherwise, he—"

"Aarohi!" Manjari interrupted, but Aarohi didn't let her finish.

"Maa, you have always forced Abhimanyu into this marriage. At least give him some space now, or else he'll fall into depression!" Aarohi's voice was firm as she turned and walked away.

Manjari stared at her retreating figure, her face pale. She murmured to herself, "W-what was Aarohi saying? I forced Abhi? I only convinced him... is this really because of me? Is he really—?"