Rekindled Hearts: The Journey Of Transformation[ONC2024]

|#22. Embracing the Reality|

Later that day, Vineet reaches home after meeting a client. All through the day, Ruhana kept lingering in his mind. Her story has stirred him and he doesn't know how to react. He didn't have words to comfort her, so he hugged her, and she too felt comfortable, he thought. She didn't push him away either, so, that is a good sign, isn't it? Her words are still echoing in his ears.

"You will say that it was my mistake to trust Rishabh, but, the world runs on basics like trust, right? And you said that not everyone's the same. I had no choice other than to trust him."

"I was setting up my business and he hit the right string. Everything felt right at the moment, and I fell in love with him."

"But, after all that he did, I lost my trust in relationships, especially love."

"You're an exception, Vineet. I trust you but I am still scared of love. I am sorry to disappoint you."

He comes out of his trance, his eyes are watery too. This girl has gone through so much in the past, but her life hasn't ended yet. And he's all set to wait for her until she realizes that love is beautiful and she realizes the same. After all, you don't share your secrets with anyone, the person has to be special, and she has accepted that he's special for her.

He sighs deeply as he lies in the bed and his eyes fall on his mobile phone, there's Ruhana's picture on his wallpaper. It's a recent picture that he clicked when they went out for dinner. She was wearing a simple salwar suit, yet looking so elegant and beautiful. His lips curve into a smile.

"I understand your plight, Ruhana. But this is not the end. You've upgraded eventually. My only wish for you is that you change your ways a little, and it will be all fine. You cannot snatch everything by the power you possess."

He keeps staring at the picture for a long time and drifts into sleep.

*****

The next morning beams in charmingly. Ruhana wakes up when her phone rings and she knows who the caller could be. She pics up the phone attaching it to her ears.

"Good morning, princess!"

"Di!! Are you still sleeping? Are you alright?" A concerned voice falls through the phone, making Ruhana smile.

"Aanya, I am fine. I was working late at night, and then I didn't realize when I fell asleep."

"Okay, how is Budz? Did you tell him everything?"

"Yeah, finally. I am in awe of him, Aanya. Neither did he blame me, nor did he say anything. He simply heard me. And that is all I wanted."

"I told you, he's perfect for you, but you never listen to me, Di." Aanya says annoyingly, causing Ruhana to giggle.

"Yeah, he's a perfect friend that everyone must have. I am glad he came back, and he's still with me. The past twenty years without him have been difficult, but now, I feel that everything will be fine and it will go according to my ways. Of course, with Vineet on my side.

The two sisters talk for some more time and then disconnect the call, as Aanya has a class to attend. Ruhana is still lying on the bed, her thoughts revolving around Vineet. He has been kind towards her since they came across again, after a span of twenty years.

As she ponders into the past, she realizes that he has always been trying to save her from any mishaps that come her way. She is responsible for most of the mishaps in her life. He has been trying to tell her to go the right way, but she always chooses the wrong path. She's still the same impulsive soul that she was and she can't wait if she sees profit in something. She used to agree that good things take time, but now, she believes that you need to make good things, otherwise, people always snatch your chances.

Her thought return to Vineet and she wonders about what will he think of her? He always claims to wait until she gives up to the power of love, but is he true to his words? Well, that hug said it all. The other day when she finished narrating her story, he simply embraced her in his arms, and she cried her heart out. She doesn't need to doubt.

If it had been someone else, they'd have asked questions or accused her for all the pain she had to suffer. They'd have blamed her for trusting the man, after getting deceived from her uncle. But Vineet stayed calm. He let her cry in his warm embrace, and she felt a little relief too. She felt safe in his embrace and opening her heart in front of him also lessened her burdens.

She sighs deeply. She needs to decipher these feelings before it gets too late. For now, a long day lies ahead.

*****

Kunal and Anusha are on their way to the TechCouture office. Ruhana has invited them to her office for the meeting. Kunal's happiness knows no bounds. He's glad to come face-to-face with Ruhana. He's all set to sign the deal with her. On the other hand, Anusha is still unsure.

"Kunal, you must reconsider your decision again."

"I don't need to do that. My goal is crystal clear, Anusha."

"But, this won't do any good to you, Kunal." She retorts.

"But, she will come down on her knees, and that is all that I want." Kunal grits his teeth in anger.

Anusha doesn't know how to explain. Kunal has become revengeful, all because Ruhana jeopardized his respect in the college. He feels that Ruhana takes pride in the status she is at. He wants her business to crash, and an apology from her. What he did isn't correct either, but he thinks that she did everything on purpose. And that is why, he's here striking a deal with the lady.

They reach the office and the receptionist asks them to wait in the lounge, while she calls Ruhana. After having a brief talk with Ruhana, the receptionist leads them to her cabin. Anusha and Kunal enter the cabin and are welcomed by Ruhana and Vineet. Though, Vineet decided not to intervene, on Ruhana's insistence, he decided to stay.

The next hour passes by quickly, and in the end, Ruhana and Kunal sign the deal. A smirk is playing on Kunal's face, as they decide how to start the work. After a short conversation, the other two leave while Ruhana hugs Vineet, expressing her happiness while he's in a deep thought once again.