Fated To Love You

Chapter 91

Siddharth and Ruhi stood stiffly in front of Abhishek, their palms slightly sweaty, their hearts racing. The weight of the moment pressed heavily on them. Neither dared to make a sound, afraid of what was coming next. Their mother walked in with two glasses of water, placing them gently on the coffee table. The clinking of the glass was the only sound in the heavy silence. She then sat beside Abhishek, her eyes flickering between her sons and Ruhi, sensing the tension in the room.

Abhishek leaned back on the sofa, crossing his arms. He didn't say anything at first—just stared at them for five long minutes, his sharp gaze unwavering. Siddharth shifted on his feet uncomfortably, while Ruhi's fingers tightened around the edge of her dupatta, her stomach twisting into nervous knots.

Then, finally, Abhishek broke the silence.

"Dono ka jhagra khatam ho gaya? She accepted your proposal?" His voice was calm, yet it carried the weight of unspoken expectations.

Siddharth swallowed hard. "Ji, Dada." His voice was firm but slightly nervous. "Aur main—"

But before he could complete his sentence, Abhishek raised a hand, cutting him off.

"Jitna pucha jaye, utna hi answer chahiye mujhe," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Siddharth immediately shut his mouth, looking down, feeling like a little boy getting scolded for mischief. Ruhi glanced at him briefly, concern flickering in her eyes.

Abhishek then shifted his gaze to Ruhi, his eyes searching her face for hesitation, for doubt.

"Do you love him?" His voice was steady, yet there was an underlying intensity in his question.

Ruhi's breath hitched. She hesitated, her throat going dry under his piercing stare. She looked up at Abhishek, then quickly down again, feeling the weight of his scrutiny. After a moment, she nodded.

"Yes, sir," she whispered.

Abhishek took a deep breath, his fingers interlocking as he let out a slow sigh. His expression didn't soften, but something in his eyes shifted. He leaned slightly forward.

"But let me be very clear," he said, his voice firm, "iske paas paise nahi rehte ab. He gets very minimal pocket money. So, don't expect expensive gifts, dine-outs at fancy places, or any outings. Because isko outing ki permission bhi nahi hai."

Siddharth flinched slightly at his brother's words. He already knew this, of course, but hearing it out loud—hearing it said to Ruhi—made his chest tighten. He clenched his fists behind his back.

Ruhi took a deep breath, steadying herself. She knew this was a test—not just of her love for Siddharth, but of her intentions, her patience, and her resilience. She looked at Abhishek, her eyes determined yet respectful.

"Mujhe in sab cheezon se koi farak nahi padta, sir," she said softly but firmly. "Mujhe Siddharth pasand hai, unka saath pasand hai. Na mujhe gifts chahiye, na expensive outings. Bas woh khush rahein, itna hi chahiye."

Siddharth's head snapped up, his eyes widening slightly. A warmth spread through his chest at her words, at the sincerity in her voice. His fingers twitched, wanting to reach for her hand, but he knew better.

Abhishek narrowed his eyes slightly, as if trying to detect even the slightest hint of dishonesty. When he found none, he leaned back, rubbing his jaw thoughtfully.

"Aaj kal ke zamane mein aisi ladkiyan kam milti hai," their mother said with a small smile, her eyes softening toward Ruhi.

Abhishek exhaled sharply, his piercing gaze shifting between Siddharth and Ruhi. His expression remained unreadable, but there was a certain finality in his voice as he laid down the rules.

"There are a few rules, and both of you have to follow them," he stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Studies par koi effect nahi padna chahiye... in any subject. Kisi teacher se koi complaint nahi aani chahiye. No more drama like today's. College mein... class mein... no romance. Only studies. Apna yeh relation college ke baad."

Ruhi immediately straightened, nodding obediently, but Siddharth blinked in surprise. His lips parted slightly as he processed his brother's words. The weight of everything that had happened today had made him mentally prepare for the worst, but this...

Slowly, realization dawned upon him. His heart thudded, and a small, hopeful smile tugged at his lips.

"Iska matlab..." he said, his voice almost hesitant, as if afraid to believe it. "You are allowing?"

A rare, almost imperceptible smirk flickered across Abhishek's face before it disappeared. "Samajhne ki koshish kar raha hai ya confirmation maang raha hai?" he asked dryly.

Siddharth's face broke into a full-fledged grin, the kind that reached his eyes, making them sparkle. His entire demeanor changed—like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He turned to Ruhi, who was already looking at him with an affectionate yet slightly amused expression.

Their mother chuckled softly, watching her younger son practically glow with happiness. "Bachpan se chhoti-chhoti baaton pe itna khush ho jata hai yeh," she mused, shaking her head.

Abhishek, however, wasn't done yet. He leaned forward, his sharp gaze locking onto Siddharth's. "Samjha raha hoon, Siddharth. Agar koi bhi limit cross hui last time ki tarha, ya kisi wajah se koi problem hui, toh jo permission aaj mili hai, woh sabse pehle main wapas loonga. Samjha?"

Siddharth couldn't hold back his emotions. The moment Abhishek finished speaking, he lunged forward and wrapped his arms around his elder brother in a tight hug. "Thank you! Thank you, Dada! I love you!" he exclaimed, his voice overflowing with joy.

Abhishek, who had been strict the whole time, let out a soft chuckle as he patted Siddharth's back. "Arre bas bas, itna bhi mat udh... sirf permission di hai, koi medal nahi jeeta hai tu." His voice, though teasing, had a warmth that only Siddharth could recognize.

Siddharth grinned but didn't let go immediately. For the first time in days, he felt like everything was back to normal between him and Abhishek—the strict "sir" had faded, and his Dada was back.

Ruhi watched them, a small, relieved smile on her lips. She had seen how much Siddharth had missed this bond, and now, it was as if a weight had lifted off his shoulders.

Abhishek smirked and ruffled Siddharth's hair, making him groan. "Chal ab, nautanki band kar aur jaakar kuch khao."