𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐰𝐢

"73. Cherishing Every Moment"

"Thodi naadan si hai,
Thodi chanchal si hai,
Lafzon me mohabbat itni, aakhon me noor itna,
Jisse dil me uthti ek halchal si hai."

-Vaidehi
(Fictionflare_)

Ruhanika and Rishwik were cozily tucked away in the room right next to hers and Rudraksh's bedroom, a space Rudraksh had thoughtfully renovated into a personal study for Ruhanika. Though meant for quiet reading and studying, she rarely used it for that purpose, always ending up sprawled across their shared room instead. Still, when she casually mentioned she wanted a TV in there, Rudraksh didn't just stop at that, within the next hour, he had the room transformed into a mini home theatre, just the way she liked it.

Now, the soft glow of the screen illuminated the room as Rishwik and Ruhanika settled in to watch a movie, the hum of the surround sound filling the cozy space. Ruhanika, missing Rudraksh a little too much, had slipped into one of his beige shirts, its sleeves rolled up and paired with white leggings, wrapping her in his warmth even in his absence. Meanwhile, Rishwik sat comfortably, dressed in a dark blue full-sleeved t-shirt with the sleeves lazily pushed up, and grey sweatpants.

They sat close on the sofa-cum-bed, their postures relaxed and familiar. Ruhanika had perched herself on the headrest behind Rishwik, her legs tucked beside him, while he leaned slightly forward, eyes fixed on the screen. Her fingers absentmindedly played with his hair, twirling soft strands between them. Popcorn was scattered across the sofa, casualties of an earlier playful moment, and a tray rested nearby with cold drinks and fries, half eaten, half forgotten.

As the movie played on, Rishwik casually picked up a fry from the tray, popped it into his mouth, and without shifting his gaze from the screen, reached up with the other hand to offer another to Ruhanika. She didn't even look, just leaned forward slightly and took the fry from his fingers in her mouth. They were both far too absorbed in the film to notice anything else.

Meanwhile, Rudraksh had just returned from work. He stood by the door, watching the scene quietly. His blazer hung lazily from his left arm, while his other hand rested casually in his pocket. His shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, the top few buttons undone, revealing just a hint of the long day he had. His hair was slightly tousled from the rush, no tie around his neck today, a rare sight that made him look effortlessly rugged, yet tired in a strangely endearing way. He leaned against the doorframe, shaking his head with a soft, amused smile as he saw his wife and brother completely lost in the movie, so immersed that they hadn't even noticed him arrive.

Rudraksh: "Kya ho raha hai ye???"
(What is going on here???)

Rishwik, Ruhanika: "Ahhhhhhhhhhhh"

Rishwik and Ruhanika both shouted in unison and immediately turned their gaze towards Rudraksh. Without wasting a second, they sprang up from the bed and ran straight to him. Rudraksh instinctively straightened himself just as the two crashed into him, wrapping their arms tightly around him. A wave of concern washed over his face as he embraced them, holding them close. He gently rubbed their backs, trying to calm their sudden act, then let out a soft sigh and shook his head with a hint of amusement and affection in his eyes.

Rudraksh: "Mana karta hu phir bhi horror movie dekhte ho dono. Ab sapne aayenge toh mere pass mat aana."
(I always tell you both not to watch horror movies, but you too still do. Don't come running to me when you  both will have nightmares.)

Rishwik: "Hum toh aayenge"
(We will come to you.)

Ruhanika: "Aur aise hi chipak jayenge."
(And we'll cling to you just like this.)