Fragments of Ruhi

Akshara Diary 2

The next morning, sunlight streamed into the Poddar mansion, but for Ruhi it felt dim, weighed down by the thought of facing the family.

She sat in her room, holding Ruhaan close to her chest, her fingers absently stroking his soft hair. Her heartbeat was restless, uneven, like a drum of fear.

When Dadisa entered, Ruhi looked up quickly, her eyes full of worry. "Dadi-sa... what if they all blame me? What if they look at me with hate... with disgust? I don't think I can bear it."

Dadisa walked over and sat beside her, taking her free hand into her warm, steady grip. Her sharp eyes softened as she studied her granddaughter in law.

"Beta," Dadisa said firmly, "listen to me carefully. If anyone dares to blame you after seeing the truth with their own eyes, then you don't need such people in your life. You have carried a burden you never should have. No one-no one-has the right to put that weight back on your shoulders again."

Ruhi's lips trembled, her gaze dropping to Ruhaan, sleeping peacefully in her arms. "But Dadi-sa... they are family..."

Dadisa cupped Ruhi's chin gently and lifted her face. "Your first family, your first responsibility, is this little one you hold in your arms. And after him-it is you, yourself. Not the Poddars, not the Goenkas, not anyone else. If they love you, they will stand by you. If they don't... then you must learn to stand tall without them."

A tear slid down Ruhi's cheek but for the first time, it wasn't just from fear. It was also from strength that Dadisa's words lit inside her.

"You are not weak, Ruhi," Dadisa continued, brushing the tear away with her thumb. "You are Aarohi's daughter. You have her courage, her fire. From today, no more bending, no more hiding. For your son and for yourself-you must think of your happiness, your peace, your life before anyone else's expectations."

Ruhi tightened her hold on Ruhaan, whispering almost to herself, "For my son... and for me."

Dadisa nodded approvingly, her hand resting protectively on Ruhi's shoulder. "Yes, beta. That is the only truth that matters now."

She stood, her posture commanding as ever. "Come. It is time. I have asked the everyone to gather in the living room. Manish ji, Swarna ji, Surekha ji and Abhir will also be here. Today, the truth will be spoken before all."

Ruhi rose slowly, her legs still shaky but her heart steadier than before. With Ruhaan nestled securely against her and Dadisa's strength guiding her steps, she walked toward the hall, ready to face the storm.

The living room of the Poddar mansion was unusually tense that morning. Every chair had been arranged neatly, the long sofas facing each other as though awaiting a court of judgment.

Ruhi walked in beside Dadisa, Ruhaan resting in her arms. Her steps were slow, hesitant but Dadisa's steady presence at her side kept her from faltering.

Within minutes, the Poddars gathered in the hall-Armaan pacing restlessly across the floor, Abhira sitting silently with her hands clasped in her lap, Krish lingering quietly at the back and Sanjay seated calmly, his sharp eyes observing everything. Madhav and Vidya exchanging puzzled glances. While the others looked on in confusion, unsure of what was about to unfold.

Then the doors opened again, and the Goenkas entered. Manish led the way, his face solemn with uncertainty, Swarna close beside him, her eyes flickering anxiously between Ruhi and the Poddars. Surekha's expression was rigid, guarded, as though bracing for some unspoken revelation. Abhir followed quietly, confusion written across his face, none of them fully understanding why they had been summoned here.

The servants discreetly slipped out, leaving the family in silence.

Dadisa cleared her throat, her voice commanding. "Thank you all for coming. I called you here today because it is time-time for truth to replace lies.