Chaotic Relations

Chapter 53

Hi Guys!

Sorry for being late :(  

I had a hectic schedule the past few days.

But the new chapter is here. I will also give you a double update.

Also, this book is completed on Scrollstack and the first 11 chapters of the next book in the series- Vengeful Relations are also uploaded on Scrollstack. If you want, you can check them out. The link is on my profile.

Enjoy Reading!

Ruhanika paused mid-step, her hand hovering over the doorknob of her room. Arhaan's voice drifted through the crack in his door, and something in his tone made her freeze.

"I am worried yaar!"

She knew she shouldn't eavesdrop, but her feet seemed rooted to the spot. There was an edge to her brother's voice that she'd never heard before—raw and vulnerable in a way that made her chest tighten.

"Nahi yaar, it's not like that," Arhaan continued, his voice dropping lower. "I know the 15th is important. Ruhi's board results are coming out, and everyone's been so focused on making sure she feels supported. Main kaise unhe yaad dilau ki meri photography competition bhi usi din hai? (How can I remind them that my photography competition is also on the same day?)"

Ruhanika's breath caught in her throat.

"I know, I know," Arhaan sighed heavily. "It's just... she's been through so much, yaar. After everything with those Senghals, she deserves to have one day where she's the center of attention, where she feels like she matters. I can't take that away from her by reminding everyone about my competition."

There was a pause, and Ruhanika could hear her own heartbeat thundering in her ears.

"No, I don't think anyone remembers. Everyone's been so caught up with Ruhi settling in, with making sure she feels loved and wanted. And that's how it should be! I'm happy about it, truly. But..." His voice cracked slightly. "I just wish... never mind. It doesn't matter. My competition isn't as important as her board results anyway."

"Haan yaar, I'll be fine," Arhaan forced a laugh that sounded hollow even through the door. "I'm used to handling things on my own. Besides, it's just a photography competition. Not a big deal. Ruhi's board results are way more important."

Ruhanika's vision blurred as tears gathered in her eyes. Her Arhaan bhai—the one who called her sweetheart with so much affection, who always made her feel special and cherished—was sitting alone in his room, convincing himself that his dreams didn't matter. That he didn't matter.

She wanted to burst through that door right then, to tell him he was wrong, that he was important, that his competition mattered just as much as her results. But her throat felt tight, and her legs wouldn't move. So instead, she quietly slipped into her own room, closing the door with trembling hands.

The moment the door clicked shut, the dam broke. Ruhanika sank onto her bed, pressing her face into her pillow to muffle the sobs that tore through her chest. How could Arhaan bhai think like that? How could he believe that his achievements, his passions, his dreams were somehow less important than hers?

"Arhaan bhai," she whispered into her pillow, her voice breaking. "Aap kitne bewakoof hain (You're so foolish)."

The tears came harder now, soaking through the pillowcase. She thought about all the times Arhaan had been there for her—the way he'd welcomed her with open arms when she'd first arrived, confused and hurting. The way he always seemed to know when she needed a gentle word or a warm hug. The way he called her sweetheart like she was the most precious thing in the world.