Healing each other

chapter 56

As they entered the Rajput mansion, Vihaan's parents rushed over, alarmed by Rooh’s pale face and bandaged arm.

“What happened, beta?” his mother asked, worried.

Rooh offered a faint smile. “I met with a small accident. I didn’t tell you because… I didn’t want you to worry.”

They nodded, concern still evident in their eyes.

Vihaan gently led Rooh to their room. Arohi and Riya followed, helping Rooh change into fresh clothes and settle comfortably. All the while, Rooh remained quiet—her gaze avoiding Vihaan completely. The distance between them was louder than any words.

Vihaan stood silently in the corner, watching her... knowing he had broken something that might never be whole again.

(After one week )

Rooh was now home—but quieter, distant. She hadn’t spoken a word to Vihaan, and he respected her space, keeping his distance while silently watching over her. In her recovery, it was Arohi and Riya who stayed closest—never leaving her side, treating her with the love of true sisters.

One afternoon, the two of them sat together in the garden. The soft wind rustled through the trees, and the sun filtered down gently, making the moment feel calm.

Riya sat cross-legged on the grass, sipping juice as she glanced at Arohi and said with a small smile, “You know… I’ve come to believe it’s better to tell your past to the one you love. At least then… you’re not hiding anymore. When Rajputs love someone, they’ll protect them at any cost.”

Arohi glanced sideways at Riya, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her scarf. “Riya…” she began hesitantly, “did you also have… a past?”

Riya looked at her, surprised for a moment, then gave a faint smile — one that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Everyone does, Arohi,” she said softly. “I do too.”

Arohi looked at her, curious. “Did you… tell Reyansh everything?”

Riya nodded, a quiet pride in her eyes. “Yes. Every single scar and every wound. And he didn't flinch. He just… held me. He didn’t promise to fix everything. He promised I’d never face it alone again.”

Arohi's smile faded slightly as Riya's words echoed in her mind.

She turned her gaze away, her heart racing.

But I didn’t tell Arnav… she thought, biting her lip. What if he doesn’t understand? What if he hates me after that?

She looked down at her hands, lost in thought.

As rooh enter in garden

Riya continued speaking to Rooh, not noticing the change in Arohi’s expression. But Arohi’s mind was far away now, wrestling with a decision that had been buried deep inside her for far too long.

***

It was late at night. The mansion was quiet, and everyone was asleep. Rooh stood under the warm water in the bathroom, trying to clean herself carefully. But halfway through, the pain in her injured arm flared sharply. She winced and gripped the sink, her breathing turning shallow. The wound made it nearly impossible to lift or move her hand now.

She wrapped a towel around herself and slowly peeked through the door. Vihaan was outside, pacing and speaking quietly on the phone. Arohi and Riya were fast asleep—how could she call them like this, dressed in nothing but a towel?

The pain wasn't easing—it was getting worse. Now, her stomach began to ache, too, and a deep weakness settled in her legs. She sank to the floor, leaning against the cold wall, hoping the pain would pass.