Blood ties rebound

Chapter 5 ( An awkward encounter)

Ruhi woke up early, feeling refreshed after an early night's sleep. She stretched, yawned, and swung her legs over the side of the bed. The morning sunlight streaming through the window was a welcome change from the previous night's drama.

As she got dressed, Ruhi's thoughts drifted to her brother. She felt a pang of guilt for her behavior yesterday. But she wasn't ready to apologize yet.

Downstairs, Ruhi rushed to grab a quick breakfast before heading out to meet her friends. She took the stairs two at a time, her feet clattering on the marble floor.

That's when she saw him – Viren, standing at the bottom of the stairs, sipping a cup of coffee. Their eyes met, and Ruhi felt a jolt of awkwardness.

"Morning," Viren said, his voice neutral.

Ruhi mumbled a greeting, avoiding eye contact. She couldn't bear to look into his eyes, fearing she'd see disappointment or anger.

Viren's expression was stoic, but Ruhi sensed a hint of hurt beneath the surface. Yesterday's argument still lingered, unresolved.

Ruhi hurried past him, not wanting to engage in conversation. Viren didn't stop her, his eyes following her as she disappeared into the kitchen.

Nalini entered the kitchen, smiling warmly. "Good morning, beta! Have some breakfast."

Ruhi nodded, grabbing a toast slice. "Maa, I'm running late. Can I go?"

Nalini's eyes flicked to Viren, standing in the doorway. "Actually, beta, Viren can drop you to college. He's going out anyway."

Ruhi's gaze met Viren's, her expression uneasy. "No, Maa, it's fine. I'll go with my friends."

Nalini's voice was firm. "Ruhi, beta, Viren has offered. It's safer."

Ruhi reluctantly agreed, grabbing her backpack.

In the car, the tension was palpable. Viren's jaw clenched, his eyes fixed on the road.

Ruhi stared out the window, avoiding conversation.

As they reached the college gate, Ruhi quickly opened the door.

"Thanks," she muttered, stepping out.

Viren's voice stopped her. "Ruhi, give me your phone."

Ruhi handed it over, curious.

Viren's eyes scanned her contacts before saving his number.

But his expression changed as he saw the name Ruhi had saved for him: "The Dictator."

Viren's eyes narrowed, surprised by the nickname.

Ruhi snatched her phone back, her face flushing. "Nothing."

Viren's voice was low and even. "I'll talk to you later, Ruhi."

Ruhi hurried away, leaving Viren to wonder about the nickname.

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As he drove off, Viren's thoughts lingered on Ruhi's behavior. He wasn't going to let her push him away easily.

Meanwhile, Ruhi joined her friends, feeling uneasy about the encounter.

Her friend, Rhea, noticed. "Hey, what's wrong?"

Ruhi shrugged. "Just family stuff."

Rhea's knowing glance made Ruhi smile.

But Ruhi's mind remained with Viren, wondering what he planned next.

Little did she know, "The Dictator" had just begun to assert his presence in her life.

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Author 💗
The mysterious wordsmith

User ID: theMWS123)