Ruhanika Arora (Ruhi)
A broken soul who was raped by her own uncle at the age of 16.
She is arranged with someone who seems to love her existence in front of him.
But she is too shy and scared to face him coz of his history.
Abhiraj Rathore (abhi...
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The flight from Delhi to Mumbai was quick, but Ruhanika couldn’t help but feel the flutter of anticipation in her chest. This trip felt like a fresh start, a chance for her and Adhiraj to reconnect away from the weight of daily routines and the looming pressures of their recent struggles. They were visiting Mumbai for a business event that Adhiraj had been invited to, but the trip also came with a promise of something more—a chance to focus on each other, to make new memories, and perhaps even find new beginnings.
As they landed in Mumbai, the humid warmth of the city hit them, a sharp contrast to the cool autumn air of Delhi. The bright lights, the constant hustle, and the energy of the city seemed to match her own nervous excitement. This wasn’t just a work trip—it was a chance to enjoy the evening together, to step into a world where they could laugh and be themselves, without all the pressure of their relationship's past.
Adhiraj had booked a suite in one of the city’s upscale hotels, and after freshening up, they were both ready for the evening ahead. The event was a high-profile party, one of those glittering gatherings filled with Mumbai’s elite, entrepreneurs, and creatives. It was the perfect backdrop for Adhiraj’s business connections to blend with his personal life. But more than that, it was an opportunity for Ruhanika to step into the social world she hadn’t been a part of in some time—and she couldn’t deny the excitement of the night.
As they arrived at the venue, a lavish rooftop overlooking the shimmering city lights, Ruhanika felt a twinge of nervousness. The crowd was already buzzing with conversation and laughter, glasses clinking in the warm evening air. She could hear the hum of music playing in the background, a smooth blend of jazz and modern beats.
“Are you okay?” Adhiraj’s voice brought her back to the present. She turned to him and saw the concerned look in his eyes, sensing her unease.
“I’m fine,” she replied with a smile, though the anxiety still lingered. “Just... a little out of my element.”
Adhiraj chuckled softly and took her hand. “Don’t worry. It’s just a party. You’re here with me. Just enjoy it.”
He led her through the crowd, where familiar faces greeted him with warm smiles, and Ruhanika, though slightly overwhelmed, tried to mirror his confidence. She could feel the eyes of the guests occasionally flicking toward them—part curiosity, part intrigue—but she focused on Adhiraj’s hand in hers, grounding herself in the moment.
As the evening wore on, they mingled, laughing and chatting with various people. Ruhanika could see how effortlessly Adhiraj navigated the world of business, his charisma and confidence shining through. For a moment, it was easy to forget the weight of their past struggles, easy to pretend everything was perfect. They were together, they were in love, and the city around them was full of possibilities.
But even amidst the celebration, the ghost of their past lingered, whispering in the quiet spaces between conversations. Ruhanika noticed how occasionally, Adhiraj’s attention would flicker, how his gaze would linger on a particular woman in the crowd. A woman she didn’t know, but one she couldn’t shake the feeling she’d seen before. Samaira.
Ruhanika swallowed hard, forcing herself to focus on the conversation in front of her. She tried not to let the anxiety creep in, but it was hard to ignore the unspoken tension she felt. She looked at Adhiraj, who was deep in conversation with a group of colleagues, laughing and gesturing with his hands. He seemed completely at ease, but Ruhanika couldn’t shake the doubt in her chest.
She excused herself from the conversation and made her way toward the balcony, needing a moment to breathe. The cool evening breeze hit her face as she stepped outside, her heart racing as she tried to collect her thoughts. The city sprawled below her, the lights twinkling like stars in the distance, but she couldn’t focus on the beauty around her. Her thoughts were clouded with the uncertainty that had been simmering beneath the surface ever since they had arrived.
“Ruhanika?”
She turned around, startled, and saw Adhiraj standing behind her, his brow furrowed in concern. “I noticed you slipped away. Are you okay?”
For a moment, she didn’t answer. Instead, she stepped closer to him, taking in the warmth of his presence. “I’m just... I don’t know, Adhiraj,” she said softly, the words tumbling out before she could stop them. “I thought I was fine with everything, but seeing her tonight... it just brought everything back.”
Adhiraj’s face softened, and he stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You’re talking about Samaira, aren’t you?”
Ruhanika nodded, her heart pounding. “I don’t know why it still bothers me. I shouldn’t feel like this. But it does.”
Adhiraj let out a deep breath and reached for her hand, guiding her to the railing so they could both lean against it, looking out over the city. “I understand, Rooh. And I’m sorry. I never meant to make you feel like this. I should have been more aware of your feelings.”
Ruhanika turned to him, meeting his eyes. “I know you didn’t. But it’s hard, Adhiraj. It’s hard to trust that it’s really over, that it’s really just us now.”
“I’m with you,” he said quietly, squeezing her hand. “Only you. I’ve told you before, and I’ll say it again: I’m not running from this. Not from you. Not from us.”
She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. “I just need to hear it sometimes. I need to hear you say it, to feel it.”
Adhiraj gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek. “I love you, Rooh. And I will always choose you. No matter what.”
The sincerity in his voice was like a balm to her heart, easing the last of her doubts. Ruhanika leaned in, closing the space between them, and kissed him softly. It wasn’t a kiss of passion or urgency—it was one of quiet reassurance, of two people reaffirming what they had, what they were willing to fight for.
When they finally pulled away, the city lights no longer seemed as overwhelming. The distance between them had been closed, not just physically, but emotionally, too. Ruhanika felt lighter, as if the shadows that had clung to her were now dissipating, replaced by the warmth of Adhiraj’s love.
“Let’s go back inside,” he said softly, his arm around her waist as they walked back into the party. “We’re here together. Let’s enjoy the night.”
And as they reentered the bustling crowd, Ruhanika knew that there would always be challenges to face. But for the first time in a long time, she truly felt that they were on the same side, facing the future together, no matter what it held.
As the music swirled around them, and the laughter and chatter of the crowd filled the air, Ruhanika realized that this trip—this night—wasn’t just about a party or a business event. It was about the two of them, growing closer, rebuilding their trust, and moving forward with a sense of hope and love that neither of them had imagined possible a few months ago.
And for the first time in what felt like forever, Ruhanika smiled, feeling truly at peace.
꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡♡˖꒰ᵕ༚ᵕ⑅꒱ Okieee I love you always Byieee 🩷🦢
