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

Chapter -43

The next day, around noon, Roohi arrived back at school, her face beaming with excitement. Rudraksh was waiting for her by the school gates, and as soon as she saw him, she ran up and gave him a big hug.

As they drove home, Rudraksh glanced over at Roohi with a smile. “So, what do you want to eat for Dinner?” he asked.

Roohi’s eyes sparkled as she replied, “Chicken!”

Rudraksh chuckled. “Chicken it is then. I’ll make sure we get some of your favorites.”

He then shifted the conversation to her trip. “How was the camp, Roohi? Did you have fun? What was the best part?”

Roohi’s face lit up as she began recounting her adventures. “It was amazing, Papa! We went on a nature hike, and I saw a bunch of different animals. Oh, Me, Lily and Sofia made friendship bracelets and sang songs around the campfire.”

Rudraksh listened attentively, his heart warming at the enthusiasm in her voice. “That sounds wonderful. I’m so glad you had a great time. Was there anything that surprised you or that you enjoyed it the most?”

Roohi thought for a moment, then said, “I think I really liked the campfire stories. And the hike was fun, even though it was a bit tiring. I also made some new friends!”

Rudraksh listened intently, genuinely interested in every detail. “That sounds amazing. Did you miss papa while you were away?”

Roohi turned to him with a playful grin and said, “No!”

Rudraksh’s eyes widened in a mock surprise as he glanced at Roohi through the rearview mirror. “No? Really?”

Roohi giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Just kidding, Papa. I missed you a lot!” she said, stretching her arms wide.

Rudraksh chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re something else, you know that?” He smiled warmly, his heart lifting at her playful honesty. “I’m glad you had a good time, and I’m really happy to have you back.”

After an hour, they arrived home. Rudraksh and Roohi quickly got settled and enjoyed a delicious meal of chicken together. Roohi enthusiastically shared more stories about her trip between bites, and Rudraksh listened happily, his heart warmed by her excitement.

Later, as the night deep both father and daughter settled in for movie while snuggled up on the couch. Wrapped in blankets, they laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. Rudraksh put his arm around Roohi, pulling her close. They shared chocolate cookies, and Roohi rested her head on his shoulder, feeling safe and content. The night was filled with warmth and joy, a perfect end to a wonderful day.
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On Monday, the sun was bright, casting a warm glow over the school playground. Roohi, bubbling with energy, was playing with her friends in a corner of the yard.

They were engaged in a lively game of tag, their laughter ringing through the air. Roohi darted between her friends, her pigtails flying behind her as she chased them around.

Nearby, Michael and Aarav were sitting at a picnic table, enjoying their lunch. Aarav was animatedly talking about a new video game he had been playing, while Michael listened with keen interest. As Roohi and her friends approached the picnic table, Aarav waved them over with a grin.

“Hey, Roohi! How’s it going?” Aarav called out.

Roohi skipped over to them, her face lighting up with a bright smile. “Hi, Aarav! Hi, Michael! We were just playing tag. Do you want to join us?”

Michael glanced at Aarav, then back at Roohi. “Sorry, Roohi, but our friends are waiting for us. We’ll play later on, okay?”

Aarav nodded, giving Roohi an apologetic smile. “Yeah, maybe we can join in next time. Have fun!”

Roohi’s smile faltered slightly but she quickly brightened up. “Okay! See you later then!”

Michael and Aarav walked off together, heading towards their friends, while Roohi rejoined her group, Lilly and Sofia greeted her with excited shouts.

Lilly, out of breath from running, said, “Roohi, you’re it! Come get us!”

Sofia, giggling, added, “Yeah, catch us if you can!”

Roohi grinned widely, her eyes sparkling with determination. “Oh, I’m going to get you both! Just wait!”

The three girls continued their game with more energy and laughter. Roohi chased after Lilly and Sofia, who darted around the playground, their giggles filling the air. Lilly pretended to stumble, making it easier for Roohi to tag her.

“You got me, Roohi!” Lilly laughed, holding up her hands in surrender.

Sofia, still running, called out, “Looks like I’m next!”

Roohi, now having tagged Lilly, turned her attention to Sofia, chasing her around with playful shouts. The game went on, filled with joy and the sound of their laughter echoing across the playground.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of recess, the children reluctantly made their way back to class. Roohi, still energized from the game, hurried to her art and craft class. Miss Potter entered the room with a bright smile, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

“Good afternoon, class!” she greeted cheerfully. “Does anyone know what tomorrow is?”

The children looked around, puzzled. Nolan’s hand shot up eagerly. “Is it a special day, Miss Potter?”

Miss Potter nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Tomorrow is Mother’s Day!”

A chorus of “Ohhh”s and excited chatter filled the room as the children anticipated the celebrations. However, Roohi’s expression shifted to one of sadness. She stared down at her desk, her usual bright smile dimming as she thought about her mother.

Sofia noticed Roohi’s change in mood and leaned closer, her voice soft. “Are you okay, Roohi?”

Roohi tried to muster a smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. Yeah, I am fine!

Lilly grinned and replied, “I’m excited! I’m going to make an amazing card for my mom.”

Miss Potter continued, “Remember to tell your moms to come to school for the celebration, as we’ll have food and fun activities.”

The class buzzed with anticipation as the students settled into their seats, eager to prepare for the next day’s event. Despite her sadness, Roohi tried to focus on the task at hand, her friends' enthusiasm offering a small measure of comfort.