𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐰𝐢

"34. Fury of a Lioness"

"Har nazar jo unhe dekhe vo hume chubhti hai
Vo sirf humari mohabbat hai
Aur ye aakhein sirf unhi ke aage jhukti hai"

-fictionflare_
(Ruhanika)

Rudraksh, his demeanor calm but authoritative, turned to look at Kashmira. With a subtle gesture of his hand, he directed her to take a seat. Kashmira, still reeling from the earlier exchange, nodded and lowered herself onto the couch, trying to compose herself. The rest of the group followed suit, each taking their respective seats, though the underlying tension in the room was palpable. Moments later, Savisha and Kritika entered the room. Their expressions immediately hardened when they spotted Kashmira, their dislike for her evident in the way they gritted their teeth. However, their initial reaction quickly shifted to a shared smirk as their minds began to work in unison. They exchanged a knowing glance, their smirks hinting at plans to deal with Kashmira in their own way, before gracefully taking their seats, ready to join the unfolding drama.

Savisha: "Oh Kashmira, what a pleasant surprise. How are you?"

Kritika: "Everyone is here. Where’s Ruhanika bhabhi'

Kritika had always refrained from addressing Ruhanika as bhabhi since Ruhanika was younger than her. However, this time, Kritika made a deliberate exception, mischievously calling her bhabhi in a playful tone. Her intention wasn’t lost on anyone—it was a subtle dig meant to tease Kashmira, whom none of them particularly liked. The atmosphere grew charged as Rishwik, Ashvik, and Amandeep exchanged knowing glances, trying to suppress their laughter. They coughed awkwardly, their amusement thinly veiled, while Kashmira's expression soured.

Kritika: "Kashmira, you know, you should meet Ruhii bhabhi. She’s Rudraksh bhai's wife. You’re a good friend of bhai, so you’ll definitely like her."

Ruhanika returned to the room carrying a tray of water and snacks, her graceful movements reflecting her sense of duty as a host. Despite her dislike for Kashmira—especially after witnessing her attempt to get close to Rudraksh, her *Aksh*—Ruhanika couldn't compromise on her hospitality. She carefully placed the tray on the tea table, her demeanor polite but distant. 

Once her task was done, she quietly sat beside Rudraksh, who, without a moment's hesitation, placed his hand on her shoulder in a protective and reassuring gesture. The casual intimacy between them was unmistakable and spoke volumes about their bond. Kashmira, watching the scene unfold, clenched her fists in frustration, her teeth gritting as jealousy and anger simmered within her. Rudraksh’s unwavering attention toward Ruhanika only deepened the sting of her failed attempts.

Savisha: "Ruhii, beta ye Kashmira hai, Dadu ke dost ki poti hai, london me rehti hai."
(Ruhii, dear, this is Kashmira, grandfather's friend’s granddaughter. She lives in London.)

Ruhanika joined her hands politely and greeted Kashmira.

Ruhanika: "Namaste Mehmaan Didi, kaisi hai aap??"
(Namaste, dear guest. How are you?)

Kashmira didn’t say a word, but her intense glare never left Ruhanika, her eyes full of resentment and jealousy. Ruhanika, feeling the weight of those piercing stares, began to feel uncomfortable. She instinctively shifted closer to Rudraksh, seeking his comfort and protection. Rudraksh noticed immediately. His protective instincts kicked in, and a surge of anger coursed through him at the sight of Kashmira making Ruhanika feel uneasy. He clenched his jaw but kept his composure, placing his hand on Ruhanika's shoulder. Slowly, he rubbed it gently, his touch meant to calm her and reassure her that she was safe with him. His blood boiled, not just because of Kashmira's behavior, but because he couldn't stand seeing the woman he loved feel uncomfortable or scared. He glared at Kashmira, silently warning her that he would not tolerate her disrespect toward Ruhanika.