𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒊𝒅𝒆

PART-47

The sun bathed the wellness centre in a warm yellow glow. Dew sparkled on the lawns, sparrows filled the sky with their restless chirping, and the fragrance of flowers drifted between the pathways. People in simple white clothes walked with unhurried steps, mirroring the slowed rhythm of life that matched the steady hum of mantras rising from the meditation hall.

For Rudraksh, stepping through the gates felt like entering another world – one where silence and fragrance spoke louder than words. Beside him walked Aanand, Siddharth, and Karan. They hadn't spoken much during the drive, yet their quiet presence said enough:

Sometimes, you just have to accept things as they are and take small steps forward... for your own peace of mind.

"Rudraksh!" Dr. Tanvi approached the men with a warm smile, her light pink cotton saree rustling softly with each step.

"Good morning, Doctor," Rudraksh greeted, his tone neutral.

"A very promising good morning to you, Rudraksh." Tanvi's eyes flicked down to his side. "Ah, I see. The cast has been removed. How's your hand?" She looked back at him, clasping her hands behind her back.

Rudraksh's gaze dropped to his left arm. The skin was still pale where the plaster had been. He stretched it slowly, testing the movement. "Good."

"Very good..." Tanvi's voice softened. "So, are you ready for the journey ahead?"

Pressing his lips together, Rudraksh gave a firm nod. "Yes."

"That's the spirit, child!" Tanvi smiled, raising a fist playfully near her shoulder.

"Doctor?"

Her head snapped toward the deep voice, eyebrows lifting slightly. "Ah, Siddharth." A smile spread across her lips. "Forgive me. I was too focused on our new student."

"Student?"

She shifted her gaze at the sound, finally noticing the two unfamiliar men standing beside Rudraksh.

"He's Karan," Rudraksh said with a warm smile. "My best friend. And..." He gestured toward the man standing just beyond Karan. "Justice Aanand Maurya." His jaw tightened, his eyes dropping to the damp grass below. "My father," he added in a low whisper.

Suddenly, a spray of water arced through the air, scattering into fine droplets before landing across the group. They flinched as one, hands rising instinctively, eyes snapping shut under the surprise veil.

Rudraksh let out a sharp exhale, running his fingers through his damp hair with a clenched jaw. Beside him, Siddharth gave a low chuckle, brushing the droplets off his shoulder with deliberate ease. Karan shook his head, muttering something inaudible. Aanand, however, simply stiffened, his eyebrows knitting together, but he said nothing.

"What are you doing? Keep the pipe down," Tanvi's stern voice rang out, even and controlled. She swiped a hand across her cheek where a few droplets clung.

The gardener, a man of average build with fair skin, froze mid-motion. His eyes widened, and he bent quickly into a crouch. "Sorry, madam! Sorry! I’m sorry!" Tightening his hold, he angled the pipe downward, letting the water patter harmlessly onto the soil.

Rudraksh exhaled, shaking his wrist as droplets slid down his skin.

Karan smirked sideways at him, whispering, "welcome to your first test of patience."

Rudraksh's eyes flickered toward him, and he flashed a forced, wide grin. "Thank you... Time bomb."

"Hmm, hmm, the Volcano is boiling." Karan wriggled his eyebrows, leaning forward with a smug smile.