Ruh ki Thirkan

Chapter 46: Unspoken Conflicts

Ishika stormed out of Arav’s office, the sting of his words still burning in her mind. She wiped away the tears threatening to fall, determined not to let anyone see her like this. Her heart was pounding, a confusing swirl of anger, regret, and heartache. The bruise on her wrist from where Arav had grabbed her still throbbed, but it was nothing compared to the ache in her chest.

*Mr. Malhotra*. The coldness with which he had said her surname echoed in her mind. It wasn’t just the name—it was the finality in his tone, the clear message that they were nothing but strangers now. She had known it would be hard facing him again, but this... this was unbearable.

She walked down the hallway, her steps quick and hurried, desperate to escape the suffocating tension of the studio. Every corner of the building reminded her of Arav, of the memories they had once shared. And now, it felt like those memories were poisoned, tainted by the bitterness of his betrayal—or at least, what he saw as her betrayal.

Ishika pushed the door open, stepping out into the cool evening air. She needed space, needed to breathe. She walked towards the parking lot, her mind spinning, replaying every word of their argument.

"Why does he hate me so much?" she muttered under her breath, the weight of his resentment pressing down on her. "I didn't want this... I never wanted to leave like that."

But it didn’t matter now. Arav had made it clear—he didn’t want to hear her side of the story. All he saw was her abandonment, her decision to leave without an explanation. She couldn’t change that, no matter how much she wished she could.

As she reached her car, Ishika leaned against the door, closing her eyes. She had come back, hoping that time would heal some of the wounds between them, that they could at least coexist peacefully. But it was clear that Arav wasn’t ready to forgive, and maybe he never would be.

*I need to focus on my work*, she reminded herself, trying to push thoughts of him away. She had obligations, responsibilities to her family and to their business. Her father had made it clear that her place was with them, not chasing dreams of dancing anymore.

But despite the reminders, despite everything pulling her back into the world of business, there was a part of her that still yearned for more. Every time she walked into the studio, the familiar scent of wood and the hum of music called to her. It was a world she had left behind, but it had never really left her. And now, with Arav back in her life—even if only in the most painful way—those dreams seemed harder to ignore.

Suddenly, the door behind her swung open. Ishika jumped, startled, and turned to see Raj stepping out of the building. His usual cheerful demeanor softened as he noticed the redness in her eyes, the tension in her posture.

“Hey, Ishika,” he said gently, walking up to her. “You okay?”

Ishika forced a smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just... you know, a long day.”

Raj studied her face, clearly not buying her attempt at brushing it off. “Long day or long conversation with Mr. Malhotra?” he asked, his tone sympathetic but teasing.

Ishika let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. “Something like that.”

Raj leaned against the car next to hers, his expression serious now. “Look, I know it’s none of my business, but... whatever’s going on between you two, it’s affecting both of you. I can see it. The whole studio can see it.”

“It’s not that simple, Raj,” she murmured, her voice tight. “There’s too much history between us. Too much... pain.”

“I get it,” he said, nodding. “But maybe, just maybe, talking things through could help? Instead of, you know, whatever this is.” He gestured vaguely, indicating the tension and animosity.

“I’ve tried,” Ishika admitted softly. “But he’s not interested in hearing anything from me. He’s... he’s so angry.”

Raj sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, he’s not exactly the easiest guy to talk to. But I think he’s more hurt than he lets on. I’ve known him a long time, Ishika. He’s not as stone-cold as he pretends to be.”

“I don’t know if that even matters anymore,” she whispered, feeling the weight of the situation crushing down on her again.

Raj placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Just... don’t give up. You’re stronger than this, and if anyone can break through that wall of his, it’s you.”

Ishika gave him a small smile, grateful for his support. But deep down, she wasn’t sure if she believed it. Arav’s walls were higher and thicker than ever before, and she wasn’t sure if she had the strength—or the right—to tear them down.

---

Inside the studio, Arav sat in his office, staring blankly at the paperwork in front of him. His mind was a mess, thoughts of Ishika crowding every corner. He had tried to focus on work, to bury himself in schedules, meetings, anything that didn’t involve her. But every time he closed his eyes, he saw her face—those eyes that still held a spark of the passion they once shared, despite the professional distance she now kept.

He hated it. Hated that she could still get under his skin, that she could still stir emotions in him that he thought he had buried long ago. But most of all, he hated that he couldn’t control the way his heart reacted whenever she was near.

Why did she have to come back?

He rubbed his temples, frustration bubbling to the surface again. Everything had been fine before her return. He had moved on—or at least convinced himself that he had. But now, with her here, everything felt like it was spiraling out of control.

Arav stood up abruptly, pacing the room. He replayed the moment when he had grabbed her, the flash of pain in her eyes. He hadn’t meant to hurt her, not physically at least, but in that moment, all he could think about was how much she had hurt him.

She deserves it, a bitter voice whispered in his mind. She left without a word. She left you to pick up the pieces.

But even as the anger surged, there was a flicker of doubt. A part of him wondered if there was more to her story, something he didn’t know. But his pride wouldn’t let him ask. He couldn’t bear to let her see how much he still cared.

With a frustrated growl, Arav punched the wall beside him, the pain grounding him, pulling him back from the storm inside his mind.

I can’t let her get to me. Not again.

But deep down, he knew that was a lie. Ishika had always gotten to him. And she always would.

____

Lots of Love
-Your Author 🌼