𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐰𝐢

"21. A Dance of Hearts"

"Vo mere dil ki Rahat
Meri Ruhh ki chahat hai,
Har dua me jise mangu,
Vo meri vo ibadat hai"

-Vaidehi
(-fictionflare_)
(Rudraksh)

"Humare Bina"
(Without us)

As soon as they turned to the door, Rudraksh, Ruhanika, Ashvik, Amandeep, and Kartavya were all taken aback by the unexpected sight. Kartavya's eyes widened in shock, while Rishwik was the only one smiling, seemingly aware of what was happening. Rudraksh, on the other hand, shot a glare at Rishwik.

Ruhanika, seeing the unfamiliar faces at the door, felt a wave of fear rush through her. Instinctively, she tightened her grip on Rudraksh's shirt near his chest, seeking comfort. As she tried to shield herself from the strangers by hiding in Rudraksh's chest, Rudraksh immediately sensed her fear. Concern flooded his expression as he looked down at her, his protective instincts kicking in. He wrapped both arms around her, pulling her even closer. He gently rubbed her back in soothing circles, trying to calm her down.

Rudraksh: "Shhh betu, darne ki zarurat nahi hai, koi kuch nahi karega."
(Shhh baby, there's no need to be scared, no one's going to do anything.)

Ruhanika looked up at Rudraksh, her big eyes filled with fear and uncertainty, searching for reassurance. Her delicate features wore a scared expression that tugged at his heart. Without a moment's delay, Rudraksh gently cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs softly caressing her cheeks. His touch was tender, filled with all the love and comfort she needed in that moment. Lowering his head slightly, he pressed a soft, lingering kiss on her forehead. As he pulled back, his gaze remained locked on hers, and he whispered.

Rudraksh: "Shhh, relax okay? They are family too."

Ruhanika: "Parivaar??"
(Family?)

Rudraksh gently blinked his eyes in reassurance, his fingers softly grazing Ruhanika's cheeks in a comforting gesture.

Rudraksh: "Haa betu, family, apne bhai sa se pucho, agar vo sahi salamat Bach Gaye toh."
(Yes, sweetheart, family. Ask your brother if he made it out safe and sound.)

Ruhanika: "Bhai sa ko kya hua??"
(What happened to Brother?)

Ruhanika's heart raced as she quickly turned her attention to Kartavya, who was just standing there, looking frozen. The two girls who had been at the door just seconds ago were now standing directly in front of him. Kartavya, usually composed and confident, had an unmistakable look of fear on his face, which only deepened the mystery. Ruhanika blinked in confusion, gripping Rudraksh's shirt a little less tightly now but still on edge. She watched as the two girls confronted Kartavya, their expressions unreadable. Her eyes darted between Kartavya and the two girls, unsure of what was happening, but sensing something unusual about the situation. She unconsciously tightened her hold on Rudraksh's shirt again, her previous nervousness creeping back in as she tried to make sense of what was unfolding in front of her.

Kartavya: "Isha, kittu listen...."

The two women who had startled Kartavya were none other than his wife, Savisha, and his sister, Kritika. Both of them had a commanding presence as they approached him, their expressions firm but laced with a teasing hint of mischief. Without uttering a word, they raised their palms to Kartavya, and in an instant, his bravado faded. He went completely silent, swallowing nervously as a lump formed in his throat. Savisha and Kritika circled him, each taking their time to make him feel the weight of their silent reproach.

Kartavya, helpless under their gaze, seemed like a little boy caught doing something wrong. Then, without further delay, they both shifted their attention towards Ruhanika. As they walked towards her, the air seemed to lighten. Both women were dressed in beautiful patiala suits, reflecting their vibrant personalities. Savisha, with her graceful pink patiala suit, looked elegant, her long hair braided and adorned with a traditional paranda. Beside her, Kritika, in a striking blue patiala suit, looked equally poised. Their jutis clicked lightly as they walked, adding to the traditional charm of their appearance.