Marked By Darkness

Chapter 35- A Hope

Ruhi's POV...

"Anshi, I'm so happy, I'm so happy, I'm so happy!" I couldn't contain my excitement, grinning ear to ear.

"Okay, okay, calm down. First, change your dress. You're only in a towel, Ruhi," Anshi said, rolling her eyes.

"Oh, right," I laughed, quickly remembering I was still wrapped in a towel. "I totally forgot."

"Take your time, Ruhi. Change your dress, and then you can tell me what's making you so happy," Anshi added, giving me a knowing smile.

"Sure, I'll be quick," I promised, rushing to the bathroom.

I picked out a floral print jumpsuit, feeling it matched my mood perfectly. I was in such a good place, I could almost feel the happiness buzzing inside me.

A few minutes later, I stepped out, dressed and ready. "Anshi! Are you there?" I called, eager to share the news.

"Yeah, I'm here. Finally changed?" she replied, glancing up from her phone.

"Yes, sorry for the delay. You won't believe what just happened," I said, bouncing on my toes.

Anshi raised an eyebrow. "What happened?"

"Sounak is coming back from the US!" I almost burst with joy just saying it out loud.

"Sounak! When is he arriving?" Anshi asked, her voice sharp with interest.

"I don't have the exact date, but it'll be within a few months," I said, still in disbelief myself.

"Well, there's still time then," Anshi said, smirking. "But why all the excitement now? And you said you don't love him, huh?"

I paused, chewing on my lip. "It's not that love," I explained slowly. "Wanting to see someone doesn't always mean love, especially when it's someone I've known for so long. Love might not even be in the cards for me, and I'm not actively seeking it."

Anshi gave me a teasing look. "Oh, come on, my darling. You're already harboring feelings for him, and your eagerness for his arrival speaks volumes. But fine, I'll drop it. Now, I'm getting freshened up, and then we can go out for lunch."

"Why go out? What about your mom at home?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Mom's out," Anshi replied with a shrug. "And considering your... dislike for my cooking, I thought we'd spare ourselves from my attempt at lunch."

I laughed. "Yeah, you're right."

"Did you just mock my cooking?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Not me, it's you who told it first," I teased.

"I just said it casually," she muttered, shaking her head.

"My apologies, I was joking. I didn't mean it," I said quickly, trying to calm her down.

Anshi raised an eyebrow and then laughed. "Hah!"

"Seriously, Anshi, I'm sorry," I added, feeling guilty.

"Alright, apology accepted this time," she said, smiling.

"Good. I'll pay for lunch today. Happy now?" I asked, offering a grin.

"You're treating me?" she said, her eyes widening in mock surprise.

"I have to, it's only fair," I replied, shrugging.

"Well, that's more like it. Apology officially accepted," she declared, grinning.

"Drama queen," I muttered under my breath, rolling my eyes.

"Wait for me. I'm getting freshened up right now," she said, turning to grab her stuff.

I carefully selected a floral off-shoulder dress from my luggage, taking my time with light makeup. I left my hair down in soft waves, then fastened the necklace with the "H" pendant my mom had given me. It was a symbol of the name "Hina"-a name that used to bring warmth from her, but now brought something else entirely. It was strange how it held so much meaning yet remained unspoken. My mom had stopped calling me by that name after... whatever happened. Now, she simply called me Ruhi.

A little later, Anshi returned, looking sharp in a simple, casual outfit. "Are you ready?" she asked.

"Yeah, almost," I said, grabbing my purse.

Anshi's gaze flickered to my necklace. "Wait a sec," she said, stepping closer with a strange expression on her face. "That necklace..."

I instinctively touched it, feeling a slight tension. "Yeah, I'm wearing it after a while. I've avoided wearing it in front of Mom; it triggers a strange reaction in her. But today felt like the right time."

Anshi's expression shifted, and she suddenly looked away, as if she'd seen something she hadn't expected. "Let me finish getting ready quickly," she muttered, walking off to grab something from her bag.

---

Some time later, in the car...

"So, does your mom know about Sounak?" Anshi asked, glancing at me from the driver's seat.

"No, she doesn't," I replied softly, the words feeling heavier than I expected.

"She isn't aware that you have feelings for him?" Anshi pressed.

I shook my head. "Back then, I was clueless about my own emotions. If I had known, Sounak might not have been so far away now."

Anshi raised an eyebrow. "Do you honestly believe Sounak still hasn't fallen for someone after all this time?"

I bit my lip, considering the question. "I can't say for certain. What I do know is that he hasn't shown interest in anyone yet."

"But how can you be so sure?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "He's miles away. You can't possibly know if he's attracted to someone."

I sighed, leaning back in the seat. "It's just a feeling I have."

Anshi's tone was teasing but also curious. "You're really putting so much trust in feelings in this day and age? Seriously?"

"I have faith in him," I said quietly, more sure of it than I'd ever been.

"Why invest so much trust in him when he hasn't promised to remain unattached forever?" she asked, a challenging note in her voice.

I looked out the window, thinking about it for a moment. "It's because I trust him, regardless."

Anshi seemed to take that in, her eyes softening. "Alright then."

We pulled into the parking lot of my favorite restaurant.

"So, we're at my favorite place. But don't forget, you're treating today," Anshi reminded me as she parked the car.

"Yeah, yeah. I've got it," I said with a smile.

"Alright, head inside. I'll find a spot to park the car," she said, shutting off the engine.

I stepped out of the car and was just about to walk into the restaurant when I heard a voice-one I recognized all too well.

"Ruhi!"