"Rudraksh Oberoi: A Tale of Power, Redemption, and Fatherhood"

Chapter 9

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing the opulent interior of Rudraksh Oberoi's penthouse. As Rudraksh and Roohi stepped out, the contrast between the bustling city outside and the serene luxury of their surroundings was stark. Roohi's small hand clutched tightly to her father's, her eyes heavy with exhaustion from the long plane journey. She was visibly worn out, her tiny frame slumped slightly as she struggled to keep her eyes open.

The maid, standing at the entrance, greeted them with a polite nod. "Welcome home, Mr. Oberoi. I hope you had a pleasant flight."

Rudraksh acknowledged her with a terse nod, his gaze quickly scanning the room. However, his attention was immediately drawn to a figure still seated on the plush sofa. The woman from the previous night, whose presence had been a source of irritation, was lounging casually, her demeanor suggesting she had no intention of leaving anytime soon.

Roohi, her curiosity piqued, looked up at the woman with wide eyes, though her fatigue was evident. She rubbed her eyes, her innocent gaze taking in the unfamiliar scene.

Rudraksh's temper flared at the sight of the woman. The intrusion of her presence was an unwelcome complication, and his initial impulse was to confront her directly. However, as he glanced down at Roohi, his anger subsided slightly. The last thing he wanted was to further unsettle his already nervous daughter with a confrontation.

Taking a deep breath to compose himself, Rudraksh turned to the maid. "Please, take Roohi to the guest room. Make sure she gets something to eat and gets ready for bed. She's had a long day."

The maid nodded understandingly, her face reflecting sympathy for the little girl. "Of course, Mr. Oberoi. Right this way, Miss."

Roohi hesitated for a moment, looking back at Rudraksh with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. He gave her a reassuring nod, a gesture that was as close to warmth as he could muster in his current state.

As the maid led Roohi away, Rudraksh turned his attention to the woman on the sofa. His expression hardened once more as he approached her, his frustration clearly visible.

"Why are you still here?" Rudraksh's voice was edged with irritation, though he kept it under tight control. "I thought I made it clear that your presence was not required."

The woman looked up from her lounging position, her eyes meeting Rudraksh's with a mixture of defiance and nonchalance. "I'm here because there are still matters that need to be discussed. I assumed you'd want to address them before settling in."

Rudraksh clenched his jaw, struggling to maintain his composure. He knew he needed to deal with her, but the presence of Roohi and his own fatigue weighed heavily on his mind. He sighed deeply, casting a final glance toward the direction in which Roohi had been taken.

"Fine," he said curtly, "let's handle this quickly. I have more pressing concerns to attend to."

As the conversation continued, Rudraksh's thoughts were increasingly preoccupied with his daughter. He hoped that in this grand, unfamiliar space, Roohi would find some measure of comfort and stability. The penthouse, with its lavish furnishings and sprawling rooms, would soon become her new home-a place where he hoped she could find solace amidst the chaos of their lives.

For now, Rudraksh was determined to address the immediate issues with the woman, while silently wishing for a smooth transition for Roohi into her new surroundings.

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Roohi was guided into the guest room by the maid, her eyes taking in the luxurious surroundings with a mix of awe and apprehension. The room was tastefully decorated with muted tones and elegant furnishings, designed to offer comfort and tranquility. A large bed with plush pillows and soft blankets dominated the space, while a cosy armchair and a small table by the window provided additional comfort.

The maid gently helped Roohi onto the bed, her tone soft and soothing. "Here we are, Roohi. This will be your room for now. I'll get you something to eat and then we can get you ready for bed, okay?"

Roohi nodded silently, her gaze wandering around the room as she tried to make sense of her new environment. The maid set a tray of simple, comforting food on the bedside table-warm milk, bread, and some fruit. She placed it within easy reach and offered Roohi a gentle smile.

"I'll be right back to help you with your bath and to make sure you're settled in," the maid said, leaving Roohi to her meal.

Meanwhile, Rudraksh, having dismissed the woman and handled his immediate business, took a moment to reflect in his study. The room was filled with the soft glow of ambient lighting and the scent of aged leather from the furniture. The contrast between the opulence of his surroundings and his internal turmoil was stark.

His mind was on Roohi, and the weight of his new responsibility felt heavier than he had anticipated. He knew he had to be strong for her, but the challenges ahead seemed daunting. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

The maid entered, her expression professional yet sympathetic. "Mr. Oberoi, Miss Roohi is settled in. She had something to eat and was ready for bed."

Rudraksh nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "Thank you. I'll check on her."

He walked to the guest room, his steps measured and deliberate. As he approached the door, he hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to connect with the vulnerable child who had unexpectedly entered his life.

When he opened the door, he found Roohi sitting on the edge of the bed, eating cutely with her small hands. The sight of her-innocent and fragile-tugged at something deep within him. He took a deep breath and approached the bed with a slow, measured pace.

"Roohi," he said, softening his voice as much as he could, though it still carried a professional tone. "I hope you're settled in."

Roohi looked up at him with a mixture of weariness and curiosity. "Yes, Papa," she replied quietly. "Thank you for the food."

Rudraksh gave a small nod and gently patted her head, a rare gesture of affection. Clearing his throat, he continued, "I'll be around. If you need anything or if you're scared, you can always come to me."

Roohi's eyes met his, and for a brief moment, there was a flicker of understanding. She managed a small smile, one that conveyed both her gratitude and her hope for the future.

As Rudraksh stood to leave, he felt a renewed sense of resolve. The path ahead would be fraught with challenges, but for Roohi's sake, he was determined to face them with strength and compassion. The journey was just beginning, and he hoped that, despite the hurdles, they could find a way to make this new chapter of their lives meaningful and fulfilling.