𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐰𝐢

"52. Blushing Hearts"

"Unhe dekh ke dil me hulchul si uthati hai,
Zubaan khamosh hai par, aakhein sab keh jaati hai,
Ek pal ko bhi ab duri manzoor nahi,
Kuch is tarah se, ye palkhein sharam se jhukti hai"

-Vaidehi
-fictionflare_
(Ruhanika)

At Ruhanika's college,
The cafeteria buzzed with an air of tension and curiosity as everyone gathered around, whispering and exchanging glances. Anisha, Dhruvi, Tarun, Rohan, and Varun stood in a straight line, their heads hung low like school children caught in a mischief. Their expressions were a mix of nervousness and regret. Karan's absence was noticeable, and it only added to the intrigue.

In front of them, Rishwik sat casually on a chair, exuding authority, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp. Kritika, perched confidently on the table beside him, occasionally swung her legs, her presence commanding yet calm. Behind Rishwik, Amandeep lounged on the canteen slab, his arms crossed, his eyes scanning the five in front of them with a hint of amusement. To Rishwik's right, Jahnavi and Pranali stood with an air of quiet solidarity, their expressions unreadable but clearly aligned with him.

The entire college seemed to have gathered in the cafeteria, drawn by the drama unfolding. Despite the tension, the scene had a surreal calmness. Today was officially declared off for Ruhanika, a gesture from Rishwik, while the rest of the students didn't have classes but hadn't been given an official day off. Whispers spread among the students, wondering what had happened and why these five were being addressed in such a public manner.

Rishwik: "So hello Seniors."

Anisha and Dhruvi stepped forward hesitantly, their legs trembling with fear as they exchanged uncertain glances.

Anisha: "We are sorry, Sir. We didn't know she is Rudraksh Malhotra's wife."

Amandeep: "Does that give you the license to rag her?"

Amandeep's voice rang out sharply as he shouted, his tone startling and intense. Anisha and Dhruvi flinched at the sudden outburst, their expressions turning to ones of fear and sadness. Tears welled up in their eyes and began streaming down their cheeks.

Rishwik: "Kriti di ye toh abhi se rone lagi, aap apne haath aazmaoge tab toh pata nahi kya hoga."
(Kriti di, they already started crying. If you get involved, who knows what will happen!)

Rishwik and Kritika chuckled softly, sharing an amused glance as they watched the scene unfold.

Dhruvi: "We won't repeat our mistake, Sir. Please spare us this time."

Kritika stepped forward, her gaze shifting between the two of them. She rubbed her hands together.

Kritika: "Ruhi ne kaha tha na mat karo ye sab??"
(Ruhi warned you, didn't she?)

Anisha and Dhruvi stood there silently, their lips pressed together, not uttering a single word as they avoided making eye contact.

Kritika: "Kaha tha ki Nahiiii"
(She told you not to do it, didn't she?)

Kritika suddenly shouted, her voice echoing through the room, and both Anisha and Dhruvi flinched, their eyes widening in fear and nervousness.

Dhruvi: "k...a..kaha tha."
(Y...yes, she did.)

Kritika stepped closer and firmly held their jaws with both hands, tilting their faces up to meet her intense gaze. Her grip, harsh and carried a sternness that made Anisha and Dhruvi freeze in place.

Kritika: "Toh phir kyu kiya, aur Ruhi ko aise hi hurt Kiya tha na."
(Then why did you do it? And you hurt Ruhi like this, didn't you?)

Kritika pressed their jaws tightly, her nails digging into their skin, causing them to hiss in pain. Kritika remained unyielding, pushing them down firmly. The atmosphere grew more tense as she asserted control, her actions sending a clear message.