Marked By Darkness

Chapter 76- The Shield Within

Ruhi's POV...

The ride back from the church felt heavy, weighed down by Father Daniel's words still echoing in my mind. Hina was with me. I tried to push the thought away, but it lingered, clinging to me like a shadow. When we finally pulled into Ruhan's driveway, I stepped out of the car, my legs feeling shaky beneath me. I walked slowly toward the house, barely aware of my surroundings.

As I reached the door, I glanced up briefly and saw movement on the balcony. Anshi stood there, watching me with a concerned expression. I tried to muster a smile, but it felt hollow, forced. Turning away, I entered the house and collapsed onto the couch, letting out a sigh as my mind spun with a thousand unanswerable questions.

What would Hina do now? Why did this have to happen?

I barely noticed Ruhan moving around, lost as I was in my thoughts.

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Ruhan's POV...

Just as I was about to sit beside Ruhi, the doorbell rang. I opened it to find Anshika, a friendly smile on her face.

"Hi, Ruhan," she greeted, her voice cheerful yet tinged with curiosity. I nodded, stepping back to let her in.

"Come in," I said, and she stepped inside, her gaze immediately landing on Ruhi. She was sitting on the couch, her shoulders tense and her face distant, clearly absorbed in her own world.

Anshika's smile faded as she observed Ruhi's expression. She glanced at me with a question in her eyes. "Was she here this morning?"

I shook my head. "No, she's been here since last night."

Anshika's eyes widened in surprise. "Last night? But we dropped her home yesterday."

I paused, trying to choose my words carefully. "She... felt lonely there, so she came here instead."

Anshika nodded slowly, her gaze shifting back to Ruhi with understanding. "Oh, I see." But before she could look away, I felt compelled to tell her more.

"She's in danger, Anshika," I said quietly.

Her face turned to me, her eyes wide and alert. "What do you mean?"

"We went to the church to see Father Daniel," I explained, watching her reaction closely. "He said Hina's spirit has returned and... she's with Ruhi now."

Anshika covered her mouth, her expression one of shock. "Oh my god..."

Before she could continue, Ruhi's voice broke the silence. "Anshi?" Her tone was soft, laced with surprise. "When did you get here?"

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Anshi's POV...

I turned to Ruhi, keeping my voice light to mask the worry Ruhan's words had stirred in me. "Just now, Ruhi. You didn't tell me you were here."

Ruhi blinked, her gaze unfocused. "Yeah... it just slipped my mind, I guess. Come, sit."

I nodded, settling beside her on the couch. But even as I tried to keep my tone casual, I couldn't stop the questions racing through my mind. Ruhi looked pale, like she hadn't slept. And now, knowing what Ruhan had just told me, I understood why.

Trying to break the tension, I gave her a small smile. "How was your night, Ruhi?"

She hesitated before answering, her voice soft. "It was... strange. I kept hearing things, feeling like someone was there."

I nodded, reaching out to take her hand gently. "You're not alone, Ruhi. We're all here for you."

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