𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐰𝐢

"50. Embracing Every Moment"

"Unka pyaar jhalakta hai meri muskaan me,
Unka hi zikar hai mere har armaan me,
Vo meri zindagi ka khoobsurat fasana hai,
Ab unhi ka ehsaas hai meri pehchaan me".

-Vaidehi
-fictionflare_
(Ruhaaksh)

Rudraksh sat quietly beside Ruhanika, his eyes filled with concern as he watched her sleep. She looked so peaceful, yet he couldn’t shake the worry in his heart, knowing how sensitive and fragile she could be. Akshavi had dressed her in a simple lavender night suit, an oversized T-shirt paired with lavender and white checkered pajama pants, adding to her delicate appearance. Gently, Rudraksh stroked her hair, his touch as tender as his feelings for her. Leaning down, he pressed a soft kiss on her forehead. The gesture made her stir slightly, her lashes fluttering as she gradually opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was Rudraksh’s face, his expression calm yet laced with worry. She instinctively held her head and shut her eyes tightly, letting out a faint groan.

Rudraksh immediately understood, she was battling a headache. Without wasting a moment, he helped her sit up, pulling her into his comforting embrace. One arm wrapped protectively around her, while the other began to gently massage her head, his fingers moving in soothing circles. Ruhanika clung to his shirt, her small fist gripping the fabric as if it was her lifeline, and buried her face in his chest. Rudraksh’s presence was her solace, and his gentle care made her feel safe, even in her discomfort.

Rudraksh: "Sab thik hai Ruhh"
(everything is okay, Ruhh)

Ruhanika: "Hum sach keh rahe hai, hum nahi maarna chahte the unhe, hum jante hai ye buri baat hai."
(I’m telling the truth; I didn’t want to hurt them. I know it’s wrong to do so.)

Rudraksh: "Koi baat nahi betu, tumhari galti nahi hai."
(It’s okay, dear, it’s not your fault.)

Ruhanika: "Aap gussa nahi hai na, humse??"
(You’re not angry with me, right?)

Ruhanika looked up at him with her soft, curious eyes, and Rudraksh gently caressed her cheeks with his thumb.

Rudraksh: "Tumse gussa ho sakta hu kya main kabhi??."
(Can I ever be angry with you?)

Ruhanika shook her head gently, her hair brushing against his hand, and without saying a word, she nestled her head back onto his chest. Rudraksh wrapped his arms around her protectively, pulling her closer. He rested his chin lightly on her head, feeling the steady rhythm of her breathing.

Rudraksh: "toh phir ye sawaal kyu?? Kon keh raha hai tumhe ye sab sochne??"
(Then why are you asking such questions? Who’s making you think like this?)

Ruhanika: "Kya college Jane par aisa hi hota hai?? Kya aisa roz hoga?? Agar haa toh hume nahi...."
(Is this what college life is like? Does this happen every day? If yes, then I don’t want to...)

Rudraksh didn't let her finish her sentence, gently placing his finger on her trembling lips. A lone tear escaped her eyes, and seeing it, Rudraksh shut his eyes tightly in frustration, his jaw clenching. He had anticipated this moment, dreading the impact it might have on her confidence. This was the very thing he feared, and now that it had happened, he couldn’t bear to see her breaking. Without saying a word, he helped her sit properly on the bed, ensuring she was comfortable. Then, he cupped her face tenderly, his thumbs brushing away the tear trails on her cheeks. Her hands instinctively found his, clutching them as if anchoring herself. Rudraksh's eyes softened, his expression filled with a mixture of love, concern, and determination.

Rudraksh: "Ruhh, I promise aisa dobara kabhi nahi hoga, aur tumne jo kiya thik kiya hai."
(Ruhh, I promise this won’t happen again. And what you did was right.)