Marked By Darkness

Chapter 89- Confession

At Anshi's Home...

Ruhi's POV...

The warm, buttery smell of pancakes filled the air as I sat with Anshi at her breakfast table. Anshi's mom, ever the cheerful morning person, brought over a plate piled high with fluffy pancakes, setting it down in front of us with a proud smile.

"Try these, girls! I tried a new recipe today," she said, her eyes sparkling as she served us.

I took a bite, savoring the soft, warm sweetness. "These are amazing, Aunty! You have to tell me how you make them."

She laughed, looking delighted. "Oh, it's simple, dear. I'll write it down for you before you leave." But as she glanced at me, her expression softened, noticing something I'd tried to keep hidden. "Ruhi, is everything okay?"

I hesitated, but Anshi caught my gaze. "Yeah, you look a little tense, Ruhi. Something on your mind?"

I forced a smile, trying to shake off the weight of yesterday's events, but I could see their worry deepen. Anshi's mom leaned closer, her face serious. "Does Ruhan treat you well, Ruhi?"

I was jolted out of my thoughts, realizing they were both watching me intently. "Yes, Aunty. Ruhan treats me well," I assured her, quickly, not wanting them to worry. "Everything is fine... it's just... I miss my mom sometimes."

Anshi's mom's expression softened instantly, and without hesitation, she wrapped me in a comforting hug. "Oh, Ruhi. I know it's hard. But you're not alone. We're all here for you, like family. And she's with you, in everything you do."

I felt a lump in my throat, touched by her warmth. She held me a little longer before pulling back with a smile. Anshi gave me a reassuring nod, and soon after, she took my hand, pulling me up from the table.

"Come on, let's go upstairs," Anshi said gently, guiding me to her room, away from the bustle of the kitchen. She closed the door behind us, turning to face me, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Now, tell me what's really going on," she said, crossing her arms. "I can tell something's been bothering you."

I sighed, trying to find the right words. "It's Ruhan... he's just... he's too much sometimes."

Anshi raised an eyebrow. "Too much? In what way?"

I hesitated but eventually spoke. "He's so... possessive, and jealous. I don't understand it, Anshi."

"Jealous? What happened?"

"Yesterday... Sounak texted me to apologize for everything, and when Ruhan saw me messaging him back, he got so angry. We ended up arguing, and..." I trailed off, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.

Anshi leaned in, her eyes widening with curiosity. "And?"

I hesitated, finally saying, "He... he kissed me. Out of nowhere. It was... forceful."

Anshi's mouth fell open in surprise. "A kiss?!"

I nodded, my cheeks still burning. "Yes, a kiss. But it didn't feel right, Anshi. He was just so angry. And then he just... walked away, leaving me feeling... confused."

Anshi was quiet for a moment, processing everything. Then she took a deep breath, her expression softening. "Listen, Ruhi... I don't know if you realize this, but Ruhan loves you."

I blinked, caught off guard by her words. "Loves me?"

"Yes, Ruhi. I've seen it in his eyes. I don't think he knows how to express it well, and maybe he doesn't even realize it fully himself, but it's there. The way he looks at you, the way he worries about you-it's all out of love."