𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐰𝐢

"10. Echoes of Vengeance"

"Meri bejaan si zindagi me bahaar le aaye
Aaisi hai uski muskaan
Gila toh is baat ka hai ki
Vo ab tak hai is baat se Anjaan"

-fictionflare_

Ruhanika's tense expression softened as she looked at Rishwik with gentle eyes, a sign that she was feeling more at ease. Rishwik let out a sigh of relief, glad to see her calming down. But just as quickly, confusion clouded her face once more, making her brows furrow slightly. Amused by the sudden shift in her expression, Rishwik chuckled softly and asked.

Rishwik: "Ab kya ho gaya beta tum phir confuse ho??"
(What happened, kiddo? Are you confused again?)

Ruhanika: "Vo hum..ne aapse do..sti ki hai toh aa..p hume inke baa..re me bata..yenge. toh hume bhi toh a..apko k..uch dena ho..ga na par h..ume kuch pata nahi hai. Hum..are pass na..hi hai kuch Dene ke liye."
(We became friends, right? So now you'll tell me about him. But I should give you something in return, right? But I don't have anything to give.)

Rishwik smiled warmly at her thoughtfulness, appreciating the innocence behind her confusion. He gently placed his other hand on top of hers, offering silent comfort and reassurance.

Rishwik: "Tumne dosti ki na vahi bahaut hai."
(You becoming friends is more than enough.)

Ruhanika: "Par hum bhi ku..ch dena chah..te hai bas pa..ta nahi kya."
(But I also want to give something, just don't know what.)

Ruhanika lowered her head, feeling unsure. Noticing this, Rishwik decided to lighten the mood and cheer her up. He dramatically placed a finger on his chin, furrowing his brows as if he were deep in thought. His exaggerated expression caught Ruhanika's attention, and her curiosity got the better of her. She slowly lifted her head, watching him with wide eyes, wondering what he was up to. Rishwik pretended to be lost in serious contemplation, stealing glances at her every now and then, which made her even more intrigued.

Rishwik: "Servants ne bataya ki tum bahaut achcha khana banati ho. Toh mere liye meri man pasand cheez banaogi???"
(The servants told me you cook really well. So will you make my favorite dish for me?)

Ruhanika's eyes sparkled with excitement, and she nodded enthusiastically. For the first time, Rishwik noticed a faint, almost negligible but genuine smile on her face, which made his own smile widen. Their shared moment of connection was interrupted by Ashvik, who cleared his throat loudly to get their attention. The sound pulled Rishwik and Ruhanika back to the present, and they turned their heads towards him.

Rishwik: "Bhai aapko phir attention chahiye, please grow up."
(Brother, you want attention again? Please, grow up.)

Ashvik: "Shut up idiot. "

Rishwik rolled his eyes in exasperation, while Ruhanika's gaze darted back and forth between the two of them, her curiosity evident.

Ashvik: "Teddy, agar tum is gadhe se dosti kar sakti ho, toh mujhse bhi kar sakti ho na??"
(Teddy, if you can be friends with this fool, then you can be friends with me too, right?)

Rishwik: "Bhai aap khudko gadha keh rahe ho??"
(Brother, you are calling yourself a fool?)

Ashvik glared at him and Rishwik chuckled. Ruhanika pondered for a few moments, her brow furrowing in concentration. Finally, she spoke up, her voice faint but clear.

Ruhanika: "Par aap hu..me kya denge??"
(But what will you give me?)

Ashvik smiled warmly and approached her, kneeling down but keeping a respectful distance.