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

Chapter 17

The next morning, Roohi was seated at the breakfast table, swinging her legs back and forth as she munched on her toast. Rudraksh, dressed sharply in his usual all-black attire, sat across from her, sipping his coffee while glancing over some papers. His mind, however, wasn’t entirely focused on work—it was on Roohi’s upcoming school admission.

“Papa, when will I go to school?” Roohi asked suddenly, her big eyes filled with curiosity.

Rudraksh set down his cup, giving her his full attention. “Very soon, princess. I’ve already spoken to some schools, and we’ll visit them together to see which one you like the most.”

Roohi nodded, looking a bit unsure. “Will it be like my old school? Will I make friends?”

Rudraksh reached over and gently squeezed her hand. “You’ll make lots of friends, Roohi. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure the school is just right for you.”

Roohi smiled, reassured by his words. “Okay, Papa. I’m ready!”

Just then, the doorbell rang, and Rudraksh’s attention shifted. He glanced at his watch—right on time. “Ah, they’re here,” he murmured to himself before standing up. “Roohi, I want you to meet some very important people today. They’re my best friends, and I think you’ll like them.”

Roohi’s eyes widened with interest. “Really? Who are they?”

Rudraksh smiled slightly, walking over to the door. “You’ll see.”

He opened the door to reveal two men standing there, both exuding an air of confidence and ease. The first was Karan, a tall man with a sharp jawline, dressed casually in jeans and a leather jacket. His eyes were a striking shade of blue, and he had an easygoing smile that put people at ease.

The second man, Akshat, was slightly shorter but more solidly built, with dark hair and an intense gaze softened only by the warmth of his smile. He was dressed in a well-tailored suit, the picture of professionalism.

“Rudra!” Karan exclaimed, stepping forward and pulling Rudraksh into a brief hug. “Long time, man. Good to see you.”

“Rudra!” Karan exclaimed, stepping forward and pulling Rudraksh into a brief hug. “Long time, man. Good to see you.”

Rudraksh rolled his eyes and shook his head at his friend’s childishness. “Karan, we met yesterday, remember?” he replied with a smirk.

Karan chuckled and waved off the comment. “Details, details. A day without seeing you feels like a year!”

Rudraksh gave him a light shove as Akshat approached with a more reserved greeting.

“Rudraksh,” Akshat greeted with a firm handshake and a nod. “It’s been a while.”

Rudraksh nodded in agreement before stepping aside to let them in. As they walked into the living room, Roohi appeared from behind Rudraksh, peeking out curiously at the newcomers.

Karan’s eyes immediately softened as he spotted Roohi. “And who do we have here?” he asked with a grin, crouching down to her level.

Roohi hesitated for a moment, then looked up at Rudraksh, who gave her an encouraging nod. “I’m Roohi,” she said shyly.

“Roohi, what a beautiful name,” Karan said warmly. “I’m Karan, and that’s Akshat.” He pointed to the man standing beside him.

Akshat smiled and gave her a small wave. “Hello, Roohi. It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Roohi’s eyes widened slightly. “You have?”

Karan chuckled. “Oh yes, your papa talks about you all the time.”