𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 - 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐊𝐔𝐑

10.

Author's POV

Rudra stood still, his piercing gaze fixed on the newly completed hospital before him. Today was a day of triumph. The hospital, a dream once envisioned by his late father, had been left incomplete for years. But Rudra, with his unwavering determination, reclaimed the land and ensured its completion.

Baldev, standing a few steps behind him, silently observed him. Though Rudra’s face remained stoic, his sharp eyes held a flicker of satisfaction, and his lips curled ever so slightly upwards—a rare expression of contentment that only someone as close as Baldev could discern.

Baldev’s thoughts wandered to the struggles Rudra had faced to acquire this land again. He endured so much—the insults, the disrespect. Had it been up to me, I would have sliced through those who dared to disrespect him.

But Rudra had chosen otherwise. He had gone alone, unarmed, and handled the situation with a composure that baffled everyone.

Later, when Baldev had asked why he didn’t fight back, Rudra had simply replied, "It doesn’t matter to me what anyone thinks about me. I hold no hatred for anyone. As long as the issue is about me, I can remain calm. But the moment someone wrongs with my family or others..."

Baldev shuddered slightly at the memory. Rudra’s quiet strength often left him in awe—and sometimes, in fear. A man who could carry such calm and yet possess such power was truly formidable.

Snapping back to the present, Baldev heard Rudra’s deep voice break the silence.
"The hospital’s ready. Now, make sure to find good doctors. That’s your next task. And don’t worry about salaries—just get the best ones."

Baldev stepped forward and nodded firmly. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”

Rudra gave the hospital one last look before turning toward the car. Sliding into the passenger seat, he spoke again, “Dev, go home after this. If you want to take some time off, do it.”

Baldev shook his head with a small smile. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll stay with you.”

A rare smirk crossed Rudra’s face. “That’s why you’re my favorite.”

He paused for a moment before adding, with a teasing tone, “But after this, make sure you go home. Otherwise, your mother will scold me for keeping her son away for too long.”

Baldev chuckled softly. “You know her too well.”

Rudra leaned back in his seat, the faint smile fading into his usual stoicism.

After a short while, Rudra broke the silence. “Stop the car.”

The car halted, and as they stepped out, Rudra began walking toward the field.

Two men saw them approaching and their faces immediately brightened with smiles. They quickly walked towards Rudra.

Rudra gave them a small nod, acknowledging them, but his attention was focused on the field.

He understood the reason behind their joy. That man had come to thank and congratulate him after hearing the news about the hospital being built.

The men exchanged amused glances and began whispering to each other.
“Kabhi kabhi sochta hoon, accha hua inhone shaadi nahi ki. Agar huyi hoti, toh ab tak yeh iss tarah humare paas milne nahi aate. Shaadi ke baad toh humein bhool hi jaate.”

(Sometimes I think, it is good that he did not get married. If he had, till now he would not have come to meet us like this. After marriage he would have forgotten.)

Baldev overheard them, shaking his head as he chuckled softly. A thought crossed his mind: Baat toh sach hai... agar yeh shaadi kar lete, toh mujhe bhi apne aas-paas se dur kar dete.