Blood ties rebound

Chapter -3 ( A tense reunion)

Ruhi sauntered into the mansion, her phone still clutched in her hand. She had managed to sneak out, attend the party, and return home without anyone noticing. Or so she thought.

As she entered the living room, she was greeted by the warm glow of the chandelier and the sound of her family's voices. Her mother, Nalini, smiled, relief etched on her face.

"Ruhi, beta, we were worried sick. Where were you?"

Ruhi shrugged, nonchalant. "Just out with friends."

Her brother, Viren, stood beside their mother, his eyes scrutinizing her. "Ruhi, you know the rules. No going out without permission."

Ruhi snorted, rolling her eyes. "Oh, great. Now you're back, and suddenly you're the rule-maker?"

Viren's expression remained stern. "Someone needs to ensure your safety."

Ruhi scoffed, flopping onto the couch. "I can take care of myself."

Nalini intervened, her voice gentle. "Ruhi, beta, your brother is just concerned. Let's have dinner together and catch up."

Ruhi grudgingly agreed, but her behavior didn't improve. Throughout dinner, she ignored Viren's attempts at conversation, responding monosyllabically or not at all.

Viren's expression grew increasingly stern, but he refrained from confrontation. However, when Ruhi began arguing with Nalini over her curfew time, his patience wore thin.

"Maa, it's so unfair! You're always controlling me!" Ruhi exclaimed.

Nalini's voice remained calm. "Ruhi, beta, we're just trying to protect you."

Ruhi's tone turned venomous. "You're always taking his side! You never listen to me!"

Viren's eyes flashed with annoyance. "That's enough, Ruhi."

Ruhi turned to face him, her expression defiant. "Or what? You'll lock me up? You're not even my  parent!"

Viren's face darkened, his voice low and firm.

"Ruhi, apologize to Maa. Now."

Ruhi's gaze lingered on Viren's face, her jaw set. For a moment, it seemed she might refuse. But something in Viren's eyes made her backtrack.

"S-sorry, Maa," Ruhi muttered.

As she stormed off, Viren's eyes met Nalini's, concern etched on their faces.

Nalini placed a calming hand on Viren's arm. "Beta, let it go. She's just a teenager. She doesn't know how to handle her emotions."

Viren's frustration boiled over. "Handle her emotions? She has no respect for anyone! For you, for me, for Papa..."

Nalini's expression softened. "Papa will be back soon. He's still wrapping up the project overseas."

Viren's jaw clenched. "I know. I was handling it for years, but now that I'm back, he can finally return."

Nalini's voice remained gentle. "Viren, you can't control Ruhi's behavior overnight. We need to be patient."

Viren's eyes narrowed, his voice barely above a whisper. "Patient? While she disrespects everyone? I won't tolerate this, Maa."

Nalini's grip on his arm tightened. "Viren, calm down. We'll figure this out together."

But Viren's determination remained unwavering. He would not let Ruhi's behavior continue unchecked. Little did Ruhi know, her brother's return would bring changes she couldn't yet imagine.

(Guys it's my first story so I won't be asking for many votes but if you like the story then please click the star button and vote

A new author 💗 -
The mysterious wordsmith

User ID - theMWS123)