Marked By Darkness

Chapter 77- Shattered Paths

Anshi's POV...

I stepped into the room where Ruhan stood, his posture rigid and tense. The frustration radiating off him was palpable, and I could see the storm brewing in his eyes.

"Ruhan," I started softly, walking toward him, "Ruhi's not going to listen to us if we keep pushing her. She needs to say goodbye to Sounak-it's her choice."

He didn't look at me, his gaze fixed on something far away, but I could feel his tension. "I know it's her choice, Anshika. But... it's dangerous. You saw what Father Daniel said."

"I know," I replied, gently placing a hand on his arm, "but let me go with her. I'll make sure nothing happens. You have my word."

He finally looked at me, his eyes dark with uncertainty and frustration. After a long pause, he nodded, but his voice was laced with resolve. "Alright. But I'm going with you."

My heart skipped a beat at the weight of his words. I was relieved that he'd agreed, but I understood why he wanted to be there. The danger was real, and Ruhi was risking it all by meeting with Sounak.

"I'll keep an eye on her," Ruhan added, his voice firm. "But you need to keep her safe, Anshika. Promise me."

"I promise," I said, meeting his gaze with assurance. "I won't let anything happen to her."

---

Ruhan's POV...

I leaned back in the car, my fingers gripping the steering wheel tightly. I hated this-hated being stuck in the passenger seat of someone else's life, unable to control what was happening. Anshi sat beside me, her face a mask of quiet concern, but I could feel her anxiety, too.

Ruhi had gone into the café to meet Sounak, and I could see her through the café's large windows. She looked fragile, like a part of her was already breaking. My mind was a whirlpool of conflicting emotions: jealousy, frustration, fear. I couldn't stand the thought of her with him, but I also knew I couldn't stop her from doing what she felt was right.

I clenched my jaw, trying to force the feeling of rage to subside. It wasn't just about Sounak. It was about her safety. I couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to her while I just sat here, helpless.

Anshika was quieter than usual, her hand resting on her lap, eyes glued to Ruhi. "Is she going to be okay?" I asked, my voice edged with frustration.

"She will," Anshika said quietly, though her tone didn't sound as sure as her words. "She's strong. But she's in pain. And you need to trust her."

---

Ruhi's POV...

As I entered the café, the familiar smell of coffee and pastries hit me. The place felt both comforting and strange. It was where Sounak and I had first met, where everything had seemed so much simpler. But now, everything felt heavy-like the weight of the world was pressing down on me.

I spotted Sounak at a table near the window, a familiar smile on his face, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. I made my way toward him, trying to ignore the knot forming in my stomach.

"Ruhi," he greeted me, standing up to give me a warm hug, though his touch was gentler than usual. We both sat down, and the awkwardness between us was palpable.

"How have you been?" he asked, his eyes searching mine.

"I've been... managing," I replied, forcing a smile. "And you?"

"Busy," Sounak said, leaning back in his chair, a faint trace of sadness in his expression. "But, you know, life goes on."

There was a long pause as we both stared at each other, unsure of how to begin. Then, almost as if it had been building up inside me all along, the words just spilled out.