Uljhe Rishtey (Book-1 Khanna Sibling' Saga)

Chapter- 23 Lost & Messed up!

As Rudra and Ruhi sat in a cafe, Rudra looked at Ruhi. He didn't like seeing her so down, so he directly brought her out with him, knowing his twin would take care of Ayan. For now, he wished to address Ruhi first. His sister had a habit of overthinking, and he was always there to listen to her rants and provide a solution if needed, or she would find one herself by the end of the conversation. But one thing that always disturbed him and Abhay was her unusual silence. In that state, she would think of the worst possibilities that no one else would consider.

However, just like Ruhi, he was himself disturbed by Ayan's sudden change of behavior. He understood that his kid doesn't know the reason behind his sister's departure, but he was aware that she was away for studies. Though they told him a lie, it was convincing, and they had no choice. Other than that, he completely understood Ayan's side. He was away from Ruhi for six long years, which isn't a short period, so the jealousy he saw in his eyes today was natural. Somewhere or the other, siblings feel jealous, but the disrespectful tone he took was something he couldn't overlook! He palmed his face, frustrated and guilty that maybe he didn't maintain the balance between the two of them properly. Maybe he was so eager to fill up the missing gaps between him and his sister that he neglected Ayan in some way.

On the other hand, Ruhi sat there in a daze, lost in her own thoughts. She didn't understand the reason behind her kiddo's sudden outburst. Did she do something to upset him anyway? Or did she try to be more of a sister to him than the friend he needed? She sighed, annoyed, not knowing where she went wrong. She looked at her Dada, who was lost in his own thoughts, and the expression on his face looked too calm for her liking. If she were in Ayan's place and had spoken to her Bhaiyu or even her Dada in the tone that Ayan used with her... her Dada would have made her ears ring without any mercy. She was glad that he took her out rather than lashing out at the kid!

"Aapko kuch bolna nahi hai?" At last, Ruhi asked. Silence was not something she could tolerate, and her brother could wait until the kingdom comes down!

Rudra glanced at her, "Kya bolu main?"

Ruhi glared, "Bhar kyun leke aaye aap mujhe? Ayu gussa tha mujhse, I should've gone and apologized to him and..."

"Why?" Rudra asked sharply, startling her.

Ruhi shrugged, "Maybe I did something to upset him, that's why he burst out like that?"

"Why do you think you did something to upset your kiddo?" Rudra asked, looking straight into her eyes.

"Nahi pata mujhe," Ruhi said slowly in a defeated voice.

Rudra sighed, "You are his sister, Ruhi. Agar vo galat hai toh usse tujhse maafi mangni chahiye, not the other way around."

"But I am his friend, na Dada. Bachpan mein bhi I used to be his friend first and then his sister. I don't want to change anything or lose him..."

"Abhay is also your friend, Ruhi," a voice said approaching them. The siblings looked up only to find Anika. As she came and sat with them.

Ruhi smiled, "Aap yaha?"

Anika looked at Rudra. He had just messaged her that he needed her, and she came because she knew he only calls her this late when his mind is messed up. From his look, it was evident that he was going through turmoil within. She gently placed her hand on his, squeezing it in comfort, which immediately relaxed his body. She then looked back at Ruhi and placed her other hand on hers.

"Abhay, tere liye tera dost hai na, Ruhi?"

Ruhi nodded.

"Par kya woh apni dosti ke chalte tujh par apne bhai hone ka, infact tere bade bhai hone ka haq nahi jatata?"