Marked By Darkness

Chapter 40- Keeping Secrets

Ruhi's POV...

"Bye, Anshi," I said with a smile, pulling my bag over my shoulder.

"You should stay a few more days," she pleaded, pouting like a child. "I'll feel really lonely after you leave."

I laughed softly, trying to lighten the mood. "When you feel alone, come straight to my house. But for now, I really need to go. I have to focus on my videos, vlogs, and my channel."

Anshi sighed dramatically. "I know. All the best with everything. And Ruhi, please, this time, focus on yourself and your career. Don't waste your time worrying about others. Everyone is busy with their own lives, building their own futures. No one truly cares about anyone else. So promise me, you won’t think about anyone who doesn’t think about you."

I nodded, touched by her concern. "I'll try my best. Thanks for always being there for me."

"Formalities?" she teased, her tone lightening. "You know I've always been by your side, and I always will be."

"Sounds like something a best friend would say," I replied, smirking.

"Exactly, darling," she quipped with a grin.

"Okay, now finally, goodbye."

"Goodbye," she said, her voice soft.

As we were saying our final farewells, Ruhan appeared out of nowhere, standing tall and confident.

"Hi!" he greeted.

"Hey," I replied, surprised.

"Are you going somewhere?" he asked, his eyes flicking toward my luggage.

"Yes, Ruhi is heading home," Anshi answered for me, her tone playful. "And I'm going to miss her so much."

"Why do you still have your phone, Anshi?" I teased, trying to shift the focus.

"Whatever," she muttered, rolling her eyes.

"By the way, Ruhan, did you need something?" I asked.

"Not really. I saw you both outside and got curious about what was going on."

Anshi jumped in with a mischievous grin. "Why don’t you drop her off at her house? It’s nearby."

"That’s not necessary," I interjected.

"Yes, it is," Anshi insisted, ignoring my protest.

Ruhan shrugged. "I don’t mind. I’ll be passing that way."

Anshi smirked. "Perfect. So, Ruhi, now it’s officially goodbye."

"Goodbye," I said, waving as Ruhan picked up my luggage and placed it in his car with surprising ease.

---

In the car...

"Here, take this," Ruhan said, handing me something small and familiar.

I gasped softly. "My necklace!"

"Yes," he said, his voice calm. "I was going to return it to you earlier, but I didn’t want to give it back in front of Anshi. I thought it might cause more trouble."

"Thanks," I said quietly, slipping it into my bag.

"By the way," he added, his tone casual, "do you think I remember the way to your house?"

I smiled. "Let’s see if you do."

For a moment, there was silence as we drove. Then, breaking it, he asked, "Do you have a nickname?"

"Yeah," I admitted. "My mom used to call me 'Hina' when I was little."

He glanced at me, startled. "Hina?"

"Eyes on the road, Ruhan," I scolded, feeling his gaze linger too long.

"Sorry," he muttered, focusing back on driving. "Does she still call you that?"

The question caught me off guard. My chest tightened, and I hesitated. "Not anymore," I said softly, my voice barely audible.

He didn’t press further, sensing my discomfort.

---

When we finally reached my house, Ruhan parked and stepped out to unload my luggage.

"Here’s everything," he said. "Can you manage, or do you need help carrying it inside?"

"I can manage," I assured him, giving a small smile. "Thanks again."

"You’re welcome," he said with a nod.

"Goodbye, Ruhan."

"Goodbye, Ruhi."

As his car disappeared down the street, I stood there for a moment, staring at the necklace in my hand before placing it around my neck.

---

At the front door...

I pressed the doorbell, and within moments, Mom opened the door.

"Ruhi!" she exclaimed, pulling me into a tight hug.

"Mom," I whispered, holding her close. "I missed you so much."

"I’m right here, sweetheart. I haven’t gone anywhere," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "Now, bring your luggage inside."

"Of course," I said, stepping past her into the familiar comfort of home.

As I unpacked, Mom noticed the necklace around my neck. Her expression shifted instantly, her usual calm replaced by unease.

"Why are you wearing that again, Ruhi?" she asked, her tone sharp.

"But Mom, what’s wrong with it?" I asked, confused.

"There are so many problems with it. I’ve told you before not to wear that," she said, her voice rising.

Her sudden change in demeanor startled me. "Okay, okay. I’ll take it off. Please, calm down," I said to comfort her.

"Go freshen up," she instructed, her voice trembling. "We’ll talk later."

---

After washing up, I searched for Mom and heard her voice coming from her room. She was on the phone, her tone urgent and upset.

"How did this happen?" she demanded. "And you’re telling me this now? I trusted you to handle everything, and yet she came back with the necklace!"

I froze outside her door, straining to hear more.

I couldn't hear the response from the other end, but it was clear that Mom was quite upset.

"You should have been more careful. You know all about that necklace. Now, how will we handle this situation?" Mom continued.

I still couldn't hear the other side of the conversation, but it was evident that something was very wrong.

But suddenly she took a familiar name,
"don't want Ruhi to know anything. We can't let Ruhi know the truth, Anshi."