Marked By Darkness

Chapter 94- Haunting Her

Ruhi's POV...

The laughter filled the air as our friends gathered around, their presence turning Ruhan's house into a lively space. It was comforting, their banter and warmth wrapping around us like a blanket of normalcy amidst the chaos we'd been through.

Elijah leaned over, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Ruhan, I checked the car. It's not as damaged as I thought. If you want, I can arrange for a replacement."

Ruhan shook his head, a relaxed smile on his face. "No need, Elijah. Just replace the parts."

Elijah looked surprised, turning to me with a laugh. "See? This marriage has changed him! Do you know how many cars this man has been through? He used to change cars like a playboy changes girlfriends. And now he's actually keeping one!"

I laughed along with everyone, catching Ruhan's smirk as he shot a teasing look at Elijah. "Why are you teasing me, brother?"

James jumped in, grinning. "Because he's still single and you're not!" he said, giving Ruhan a high-five. They both laughed, making Elijah roll his eyes. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Esha stealing glances at Elijah, a small, shy smile on her face.

I stood up and made my way to the kitchen, feeling a warmth in my chest as I thought of making coffee for everyone. Moments later, Esha joined me, her gaze following me as I reached for the mugs.

"So," she began with a sly grin, "is everything okay between you two, Mrs. Adamson?"

I rolled my eyes, narrowing them playfully at her. "Shut up, Esha. Yes, everything's fine."

Esha chuckled, then her expression softened. "Ruhi, you've changed, you know? I remember that last gathering before your wedding. You were sad... so broken. But now, you're glowing. You look so happy." She paused, looking at me with a bit of wonder. "It's like you've forgotten Sounak."

I froze, my hands halting mid-reach. Her words hit a nerve, and I turned to her, my voice quieter. "How could I ever forget him?"

Esha sighed, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Because time heals, Ruhi. Ruhan's been doing his best to make you happy. And from the looks of it, it seems he's succeeding. You're happier now. It's okay to let go and move forward."

Her words hung in the air, lingering in my mind even after she left. I leaned against the kitchen counter, watching as she returned to the others and sat down on the couch, her laughter joining theirs. As I prepared the coffee, I let myself feel the truth in her words. There was a lightness I hadn't felt before, a peace I hadn't dared to hope for.

And maybe, just maybe, it was okay to embrace it.

The house was buzzing with energy. I could hear laughter from the living room as Ruhan and James challenged each other on the PlayStation. It was refreshing, almost surreal, to have these lighthearted moments, like little pockets of peace in the storm we'd been facing.

Outside, Esha and I stepped onto the porch, the cool breeze brushing against our faces as we settled into our conversation. Elijah was pacing a few steps away, caught up in a call, his voice low but animated.

Esha glanced over at me, her expression warm. "You know, Ruhi, it's good to see you like this. I think Ruhan really is making a difference. You seem... happier."

I gave her a small smile, feeling a sense of calm I hadn't noticed before. "Maybe you're right, Esha. He's trying so hard. He always finds a way to make me smile, even when I feel overwhelmed."

Esha's eyes softened. "It shows, Ruhi. You deserve this happiness. After everything, I'm just so glad to see you finally getting it."

I nodded, letting her words sink in. She was right-I did feel different, and I couldn't ignore the peace that Ruhan brought, even if I didn't fully understand it yet. But as I watched Esha's gaze drift back toward Elijah, I couldn't help noticing something more.