Rekindled Hearts: The Journey Of Transformation[ONC2024]

|#19. Therapeutic Conversations|

Spending time with Vineet proved therapeutic for Ruhana. After opening up about one part of her past to him, the baggage she had been holding felt lighter. Yeah, there's still a slight wall around her heart that is yet to be broken. Also, she has not accepted his proposal yet.

It's not necessary to reciprocate the feelings one person holds for you, but she is aware of how it feels when someone rejects your love or doesn't include it in their life. She is still internally apologizing to Vineet for rejecting him, but he has waved it off. He has told her that she doesn't need to feel guilty, but she still does.

This is the first time she's guilty of her deeds, and it's about someone's feelings. However, she doesn't feel the same passion as he does. But, she's guilty of hurting him. Her trance breaks when she hears a familiar voice. She finds Barkha smiling at her.

"Hey, long time, no see! Ever since Vineet has entered your life, you're not giving me enough time," Barkha exclaims, pulling Ruhana into a hug.

"Hey, it's not like that. I have been busy lately. And then..."

"And then, you made a nice decision to tell him everything. Am I right?"

"How do you know? Did he initiate a conversation with you? Barkha, tell me!"

"Nope! He doesn't need to talk to me, Ruu. He's a sweet guy, you have started listening to him, I know." Barkha smiles at her best friend.

"Yeah! I believed waiting wouldn't do any good, but maybe, he is right. I will wait for the right time." She exclaims, assuring her friend that she won't act impulsively.

"I am glad to see some positive changes in you, Ruu. I am glad Vineet could bring those changes to you. I am indebted to him, truly. You should now tell him everything, even that part that you have kept secret from me as well.." Barkha says, her tone appreciative of Vineet's help.

"Tell me what?" It's Vineet, who's now rolling his eyes at the ladies.

Barkha and Ruhana turn around, only to find Vineet looking at them questioningly. Ruhana manages to smile. Barkha is indicating the secret of her life, which she has kept hidden from the world. It's another reason that she has become a tough nut to crack, and she's unable to accept his love.

"Did I interrupt at the wrong time?" Vineet asks, as he finds the ladies silently gaping at each other.

"No, No! You're right on time. We have a meeting in thirty minutes, Vineet. Could you please check this presentation? We have to visit Manav's office for the meeting," Ruhana says, covering up the earlier conversation.

"Alright. I will see. You two can continue your talk." He smiles warmly and takes his leave.

"Ruu, why are you hiding it from him? When you have told everything about your life to him, why not this story?" Barkha asks as soon as Vineet leaves the cabin.

"Because, it's a truth from which I can't run away, Barkha. It reminds me that I have only trusted the wrong people in my life. Of course, you and Vineet are exceptions."

"Vineet has been an exception from the beginning, Barkha. He's a sweetheart. It's his effort that I broke the ice and told him everything about my intentions in business. But, I fear telling this to him. Like others, he'll say the same thing that I should have been careful. But! What can I do? Love just happens." She sighs deeply.

Barkha keeps her hand on her shoulder, assuring her to calm down. Truth-telling can wait. As far as Vineet is concerned, he will not judge her like other people, and he will only support her. Yet, she's unsure about telling him her secret.

Meanwhile, Vineet calls for her, and the two friends part ways. The rest of the day passes in a blur. It has been a hectic but productive day. Vineet offers to drop her off, and she agrees. But soon, she realizes that they are not on the way to her home.