𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐰𝐢

"83. Reception"

"Humare jeevan me ab nanha phool khilega,
Humari zindagi ko naya mod milega,
Is ghar me nanhe kadmon ki aahat hogi,
Kuch is tarah vo humare jeevan me shehad gholega"

-Vaidehi
(Fictionflare_)

Rudraksh reached his room, his heart pounding rapidly in his chest, anxiety gripping him with every step. As he glanced inside, his breath hitched, Ruhanika was still on the bed, curled up and sobbing into Simrat's embrace. She clung to her tightly, her body trembling with each cry. The sight pierced Rudraksh's heart like a dagger, seeing her in such pain left him shaken. Simrat gently caressed Ruhanika's head, whispering softly to comfort her, her presence offering a fragile thread of solace.

Simrat: "Shhh gudiya, aise nahi rote nahi beta achcha nahi hai bachche ke liye"
(Shhh, Gudiya, don't cry like this, sweetheart. It's not good for the baby.)

Ruhanika: "Le...lekin maa vo un..unhone t..oh unhone toh de...kha bhi nahi...vo.."
(But... but Mom, he... he didn't even... he didn't even look at me...)

Rudraksh: "Betuuuu"
(Sweetheart)

As soon as Ruhanika heard the soft creak of the door, her eyes immediately turned toward it, and there he was, Rudraksh, standing silently at the threshold. The moment their eyes met, a hiccup escaped her lips, betraying the storm of emotions inside her. Simrat, sensing the heaviness in the air, gently patted Rudraksh's shoulder and quietly exited the room, giving the couple the space they needed.

Ruhanika, overwhelmed, lowered her head as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. Her body trembled slightly as she cried, her hands clenched in her lap. Without a word, Rudraksh walked over and sat beside her, the weight of his presence bringing an instant sense of calm. He gently reached out, his fingers tenderly caressing her head, offering silent comfort and unwavering support. His touch, soft and steady, told her everything she needed to hear, that he was there, and he wasn't going anywhere.

Rudraksh: "Jaana?? Ye kya soch rahi thi tum??"
(Love? What were you thinking?)

Ruhanika continued to cry, her face lowered and didn't looked at him. Unable to bear the sight, he slowly and gently held her chin, guiding her to look at him. The moment their eyes met, his heart shattered, her tear-streaked face and trembling lips broke him completely. Without a word, she threw herself into his arms, and he instantly wrapped her in a tight embrace, holding her as if to shield her from every pain in the world.

Rudraksh: "Betuuu??"
(Sweetheart)

Ruhanika: "A..aap kyu chale gaye?? Aapne  k..kuch kaha bhi nahi, k...ya aap humse g..gussa hai??"
(Wh...why did you leave? You didn't even say anything. A...are you angry with me?)

Rudraksh gently kissed her forehead before pulling back. He tenderly cupped her face, wiped away her tears, and placed soft kisses on her cheeks.

Rudraksh: "Jaana, tumne socha bhi kaise ki main gussa ho jaunga tumse haa?? Aur kyu gussa hounga??"
(Jaan, how could you even think that I'd be angry with you? And why would I be angry?)

Ruhanika: "P..phir aap kyu chale gaye??"
(Then why did you leave?)

Rudraksh: "I'm sorry Jaana I am so sorry main thoda pagal hu na, aise achanak se ye sun ke thoda shock ho gaya tha, aur darr gaya"
(I'm sorry, Jaan. I'm really sorry. I'm a little crazy, aren't I? I was just so shocked hearing this all of a sudden... and scared.)

Ruhanika: "Darr kyu??"
(Scared? Why?)

Rudraksh gently leaned in, resting his forehead against hers, his eyes fluttering shut as he drew in a shaky breath. She instinctively gripped the collar of his shirt, her fingers trembling slightly as she closed her eyes too, finding solace in his nearness.