Here's the next chapter I hope you'll like it 😊

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After the emotional rollercoaster of the evening, the Rathore family finally began preparing to leave the Chauhan mansion.

But one Ruhi had her own plans.

Ruhi suddenly clung to Ishani with all her might. Her tiny arms wrapped tightly around Ishani’s neck, her little face pressed against her shoulder, and her cheeks still carried the traces of the tears.

“Mujhe Pari aunty ke saath rehna hai…” she sniffled, her voice fragile but firm. She wasn’t letting go.

Garv, after listening to her plea, stepped forward. He gently cupped Ruhi’s tear-streaked face in his hands and tried to convince her.

“Ruhi, bacche… you can’t stay here,” he said softly, his voice patient and pleading.

But Ruhi shook her head with stubborn determination.

Ruhi shook her head furiously, as she tightened her grip around Ishani’s neck.

“Nahi, mujhe nahi jana…Please, Papa… I want to be with her. Mujhe pari aunty ke saath rehne do na.”

She buried her face into Ishani’s shoulder, trying to hide the trembling in her voice. Ishani gently stroked her back, her other hand brushing her hair trying to soothe her without saying a word.

She didn't know what to do so she tried to convince Ruhi

“Ruhi aap kal aa jana beta, main to yahi rehti hu….aap kal Milne aa jana abhi aap Ghar jao apko rest ki jarurat hai.”

Her tiny arms refused to let go, wrapping tighter around Ishani’s neck like she was afraid she might vanish, and her brimming with unshed tears.

She looked up at her with a silent plea that pierced deeper than words ever could.

Her lips parted to say something but the words simply wouldn’t come.

Garv stood still, conflicted with the raw emotions his daughter was pouring out.

He couldn’t understand it.

Why was Ruhi clinging so desperately to someone she had only met a few days ago?

Why did she refuse to let go, as if Ishani was someone important ?

Vaidehi stepped closer, attempting to take control of the situation.

“Ruhi beta, please zid nahi karte… Ishani aunty ko bhi aaram karne do.” Her voice was soft.

But Ruhi wasn’t listening to anyone anymore.

“Dadi please mujhe pari aunty ke saath rehna hai,” she whispered again with a visible pout.

Everyone tried to convince her.

Vaidehi explained gently. Samaira tried to distract her with her favourite rhymes. Even Dhruv offered to take her to the ice cream parlour.

But Ruhi was stubborn, her little arms tightly wrapped around Ishani’s neck, her face buried in her shoulder like she belonged there.

Garv watched quietly, a crease forming between his brows.

He couldn’t understand it.

Why was Ruhi being like this? Why so determined?

Why did she feel so attached to Ishani in just a matter of days?

Finally, everyone had to surrender.

“Ishani beta, please… agar tumhe problem na ho to hamari Ruhi ko sambhal lo aaj ke liye,” Vaidehi’s voice was gentle but filled with worry.

Ishani, standing with Ruhi nestled against her chest, nodded softly.

A warm, kind smile curved Ishani’s lips. She looked at Vaidehi and reassured her,

“It’s okay aunty, mujhe koi problem nahi hai.” She brushed Ruhi’s hair back.

But Garv...

He stood a few steps away, stiff and silent.

He wasn’t convinced by the idea of leaving his daughter behind.

He stood still, visibly tense. His eyes hadn’t moved from Ruhi since she first disappeared earlier. He didn’t want to leave her out of his sight again but he's helpless in front of his angel.

“Maa Ruhi ko yaha kaise chhod sakte hai?” he mumbled, clearly torn.

Vaidehi gently placed her hand on his arm.

“Garv, ghar chal kar baat karte hain. Bacchi ke samne zidd mat karo. Ruhi ko abhi Ishani ke sath rehne dete hai.”

He looked again at Ruhi, in Ishani’s arms, her small fingers clutched around the edge of her dupatta. Her face looked peaceful now. After a long moment, he finally nodded.

“I’ll take care of her,” Ishani spoke softly, her voice calm like a warm blanket on a stormy night.

Garv simply nodded. He wasn’t sure.

He bent down to Ruhi’s level, intending to kiss her goodnight as always.

Ruhi, now comfortably snuggled into Ishani’s shoulder, didn’t move. Her tiny arms clung to Ishani’s kurta, her cheek resting peacefully where she had found calm. Garv leaned in slowly and gently placed a kiss on her head.

And in that moment, their eyes met.

Garv’s gaze lifted unintentionally just a brief movement and found Ishani already looking at him.

She looked away quickly, feeling suddenly embarrassed and caught off guard.

Just… silence between them. Everyone else had already left.

Their eye contact was less than a minute for sure but something about it lingered longer than it should have.

There was a softness in her eyes. Not the kind that came from comfort, but the kind that followed pain.

Her amber eyes, lined with kajal, looked tired and puffy, as if tears had visited them recently. Still, she held his gaze without flinching.

And maybe that’s what caught him off guard.

His eyes dropped for the faintest moment, unsure why. That’s when he saw it.

A tiny mole on her lower lip.

For him, at that moment, it felt too personal, too close.

The realization struck him like a quiet slap. He blinked, turned away swiftly, and mentally cursed himself.

What the hell are you thinking, Garv?

Ishani walked into her room, where Aashvika was already getting ready for bed.

But something about her sister’s face told her she wasn’t entirely present, her mind clearly lost somewhere else.

Her thoughts were still lingering back there—in that brief closeness, that eye contact, those unspoken glances that had stolen her breath for a moment too long.

Her heart raced every time the memory replayed, but her mind kept interrupting: Why did it feel so personal? So intense?

Aashvika noticed her silence and tilted her head curiously.

“Di… kya hua? Kya soch rahe ho aap?” she asked softly.

Ishani blinked and straightened.

“Kuch nahi, Aashi. Tum so jao, thak gayi hogi,” she said, brushing it off with a forced smile.

Ruhi had dozed off in Ishani’s arms, still clinging faintly in her sleep. Aashvika gently tugged her closer and helped settle her onto the bed.

Just as Ishani sat back, trying to compose herself, Aashvika’s phone buzzed.

Her expression instantly turned sour as she saw the name.

“Ugh, Dhruv,” she muttered under her breath, unlocking her phone with a sigh.

“Mujhe koi interest nahi tha message karne ka, but kuch Ruhi ke bare mein batana tha.

Use neend mein haath-pair chalane ki adat hai Sambhal lena.”

Aashvika rolled her eyes, muttering, “Thanks for the warning, Mr. Attitude.” But even she couldn’t ignore the softness behind the message.

Meanwhile, Ishani sat still, her mind once again drifting to those eyes, that moment, and why her heart wouldn't stop reacting to someone she was never supposed to get close to.

The next morning, soft golden light streamed through the curtains.

Ruhi was curled up close, her little fingers clutching Ishani tightly in sleep. Ishani’s arm was instinctively wrapped around her, protectively.

On the other side, Aashvika lay sprawled, deep in slumber lost in her own world.

A gentle knock echoed on the door.

Then came Meera's voice

“Ishani, beta?”

Ishani’s eyes fluttered open. She tried to sit up, careful not to disturb anyone, but Ruhi whimpered in her sleep and wrapped herself even tighter around her. Her tiny arms held Ishani’s waist with surprising strength, as in sleep she didn't want her to leave.

Her heart softened at Ruhi’s unconscious trust. She ran her fingers gently through Ruhi’s hair, whispering softly.

The knock came again slightly firmer this time.

“Ishani? Aashi?”

She turned to Aashvika, still fast asleep, then glanced at the clock. They had overslept.

Still stuck in Ruhi’s sleepy grip, Ishani called out, “Ji maa… bas do minute…”

She gently reached toward Aashvika to wake her, but Ruhi mumbled something and hugged Ishani tighter, her warm breath brushing Ishani’s arm.

Ishani gave a small, helpless smile.

Then she shook Aashvika lightly. “Aashi… Aashi utho, maa bula rahi hai.”

Aashvika groaned in her sleep. “Kya hua di… kya ho gaya subah subah ?” she whined, pulling the blanket over her head.

Ishani leaned closer and whispered, “Dheere bolo… Ruhi so rahi hai.”

Then, in the same low tone, she added, “Maa bula rahi hai. Subah ke 8 baj gaye hain.”

“8?” Aashvika’s eyes flew open in shock. “Oh God, diii! Why didn’t you wake me up earlier? Itna late kaise ho gaya?”

“I was stuck under a cuddle trap,” Ishani said with a sigh, glancing at Ruhi, who had turned on her side with a tiny pout, still deep in sleep.

Just then, a sharp knock echoed at the door.

“Ishani? Aashvika? Darwaza kholo!”

It was their mother’s voice louder this time, unmistakably stern.

Aashvika jumped from the bed in panic. “Bas yahi reh gaya tha! Ab maa ki class lagegi…”

Ishani whispered, “Tum to darwaza kholo pehle”

Aashvika rushed toward the door while muttering, “God save me…”

Ishani gently adjusted Ruhi’s blanket, stealing a moment to press her lips to the little girl’s forehead.

Behind her, the bedroom door opened.

“Good morning, maa…” Aashvika’s sheepish voice echoed.

“Good morning, maa…sorry woh neend nahi khuli humari.” Ishani added softly from behind, standing by Ruhi’s side.

Meera stepped in, arms folded, her expression unreadable at first. The girls exchanged a quick nervous glance.

But then Meera’s face softened into a smile. “Kal thak gaye hoge na tum log. Koi baat nahi aram kar lo.”

Aashvika let out a breath of relief. “Thank you, mummy,” she said quickly, her shoulders relaxing and hugging her from the side.

Meera’s eyes drifted to the bed, where Ruhi slept peacefully, nestled in Ishani’s care. The scene tugged gently at her heart.

“Kitni pyari bachchi hai na ye,” she said, her voice quieter now, thoughtful.

Aashvika smiled, tilting her head. “Hain na mummy? Bilkul di ki tarah hai.”

Something flickered in Meera’s expression…fondness, she quickly composed herself.

“Chalo, jaldi se neeche aa jao… tum log nashta kar lo,” she said, turning to leave, her voice regaining its usual sternness.

Once the door clicked shut, Ruhi wriggled under the blanket, slowly sat up, and rubbed her eyes.

She spotted Ishani first, she gave a sleepy smile.

“Good morning, Pari Aunty…” she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

Ishani melted instantly, brushing a strand of hair from Ruhi’s forehead. “Good morning, baccha,” she whispered with a smile.

A dramatic cough echoed behind her.

Ruhi blinked, then turned to Aashvika and chirped, “Good morning, Chachi!”

Aashvika grinned, placing a hand on her hip. “Good morning, sweetie pie,” she said in a chirpy voice, ruffling Ruhi’s hair.

Meera's voice came from the hall, firmer this time, “Aashi, neeche aana beta!”

Aashvika groaned dramatically, sprawling across the couch like she’d just run a marathon.

“Ab kya ho gaya yaar,” she whined, burying her face in a cushion.

Ruhi watched her with amusement and giggled,

“Chaachi, aap toh bahut lazy ho!”

Ishani chuckled, brushing Ruhi’s hair back.

“Sahi hai, bacche bhi pehchan rahe tumhe ab.”

Aashvika sat up and narrowed her eyes at both of them.

“achha beta chachi ka mazak bana rahi ho” she said, squinting.

Just then, Meera’s voice echoed again louder and unmistakably stern.

Without another word, Aashvika huffed and got up, mumbling,

“Aa rahi hoon, maa. Itna toh Mere boss ne yaad nahi kiya hoga.”

As she stomped her way downstairs, Ruhi burst into laughter while Ishani just shook her head, grinning fondly.

Aashvika dragged herself lazily muttering under her breath, “Mummy bhi na.. sone nahi deti”

Still half-sleepy, she made her way downstairs, rubbing her eyes and yawning.

“Kya hua mummy? Kyun bula rahi thi aap?” she asked, her tone full of sleepy irritation, as she stepped into the living room.

But the moment her eyes landed on the sofa, her eyes widened.

Dhruv was sitting there.

He was leaning back, arms crossed, looking straight at her with a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

His eyes slowly travelled from her messy hair to her fluffy pink bunny night suit with cartoon prints all over.

The loose crop top revealed a small glimpse of her waist. His gaze paused there and then flicked back to her face.

Aashvika blinked, confused for a second… and then realisation hit her.

Her eyes widened in horror.

For a moment, no one said a word.

Then, without even finishing her sentence, she spun around and bolted back up the stairs, her face burning red.

Dhruv chuckled, shaking his head in amusement.

"Good morning to you , Miss Bunny," he murmured, clearly entertained.

Meera peeked in from the kitchen, confused.

“Arey… isse kya ho gaya?”

But Dhruv just smiled, saying nothing.

“Kuchh nahi Aunty…aap Ishani di ko ye Ruhi ke kapde de dijiyega bas”

Dhruv was about to head back when a tiny voice made him pause. He turned, and a smile immediately curved his lips.

"Good morning, princess," he greeted warmly, watching Ruhi come running down the stairs, her little feet stomping with excitement.

Behind her, Ishani’s soft voice echoed with concern, "Be careful, Ruhi!"

But Ruhi, with both hands on her hips, declared in her usual dramatic style,

"Pari aunty! Main big girl hu na, main nahi girungi!"

Her words were so full of confidence that both Dhruv and Ishani giggled.

By then, Ruhi had reached him and launched her arms up.

"Good morning, Chachu!" she beamed.

Dhruv instantly scooped her into his arms, lifting her.

"Kaisi hai humari angel?" he asked lovingly, placing a soft kiss on her cheek.

Ruhi wrapped her tiny arms around his neck, her giggle melting every corner of his heart.

"Main happy hu!" she replied proudly.

Ishani, now standing near the sofa, shook her head with a fond smile.

Still holding Ruhi in his arms, Dhruv looked at Ishani with a playful glint in his eyes.

"Ishani di, humari shaitaan ne aapko pareshan to nahi kiya na?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

At that, Ruhi gasped and turned to glare at him with her wide, innocent eyes.

"Chachu! Main kaha shaitani karti hoon!" she said with exaggerated innocence, her tiny lips forming a perfect pout.

Ishani chuckled softly, shaking her head.

"Haan, bilkul. Ruhi to bahut hi pyaari bachchi hai," she said, playing along.

As soon as the words left Ishani’s mouth, Ruhi smiled proudly, placing her hands on Dhruv’s cheeks.

"Dekha! Pari aunty ne bhi bola!"

Dhruv laughed, tightening his hold around her,

"Theek hai, theek hai... Humari angel to sabse seedhi hai."

Ruhi nodded as if she’d just won a major debate.

Later, Ruhi came downstairs all dressed up, holding Aashvika’s hand as they walked together.

Aashvika had changed into a kurti paired with a palazzo. Her damp hair fell loosely over her shoulders, and her face was fresh, makeup-free, glowing with ease after a shower.

They were both laughing, Ruhi giggling about something silly she had said, and Aashvika shaking her head in mock disbelief.

Dhruv, who had been scrolling through his phone on the sofa, looked up when Ruhi called out.

But his fingers paused, his expression unreadable for a second. His gaze settled on Aashvika. His eyes lingered on her carefree laugh.

She hadn’t noticed his gaze yet. But something in him stirred.

He blinked and looked away, clearing his throat lightly when Aashvika called out, mischief glinting in her eyes.

"Kya hua? Aise ghoor kyu rahe ho... kabhi sundar ladki nahi dekhi kya?" she teased, tilting her head with a mock pout.

Dhruv didn’t miss a beat. He stood up and shot her a dry look.

"Excuse me... koi jaanwar paal lo, galatfehmi palne se behtar hoga,"

he replied, lips twitching at the corners.

Her jaw dropped a little, offended.

"Tumne apni shakal dekhi hai aaine mein? Bagadbille kahin ke!" she fired back, folding her arms across her chest.

"Haan dekhi hai," he said smugly, running a hand through his hair.

"Aur har baar wahi sochta hu kitna handsome hu main."

Aashvika snatched the nearest cushion from the couch and hurled it with all her might; it smacked Dhruv right in the face.

“Badtameez aadamkhor, ” she yelled.

Dhruv blinked, stunned for a second. Then, with a grin, he picked up another pillow. “Tumne pehle shuru kiya tha junglee billi”

Within seconds, the living room turned into a full-fledged war zone.

Ishani ran in with wide eyes. “Yeh kya ho raha hai yahaan? Bacche ho tum log?”

“Bacchi toh aapki behen hai di” Dhruv shouted as he dodged another pillow.

Aashvika was now standing on the sofa like a warrior. “Aaj tumhe sabak sikha ke hi rahungi, Dhruv rathore”

“Tumhare jaise cartoon se kya seekhna,” he laughed, chucking another cushion at her

Ruhi, standing in the middle, looked from one to the other like she was watching a live comedy show.

Meera and other family members rushed out at the sound of the voices.

Anuradha bua, never one to miss a chance at taunting, remarked sharply, “Meera, tumne toh kaha tha tumhari betiyan samajhdaar hain… lekin yeh toh apne hone wale pati se tameez se baat tak nahi karti.”

Before she could respond, Aashvika stepped forward, her voice steady but burning with rage.

“Bua, mummy se tameez se baat kijiye please.”

Her words were clear and defiant. Dhruv instinctively picked Ruhi up and sent her outside to the garden, sensing the storm that was coming.

Anuradha’s face twisted in anger. “Besharam ladki! Bado se baat karne ki bhi tameez nahi hai!”

Aashvika didn’t step back. Her voice shot back with equal fury, “Bade hone bhi chahiye tameez ke kabil”

Anuradha raised her hand to slap her but before her palm could land, Dhruv’s hand gripped Aashvika’s wrist firmly. He pulled her behind him, his voice low and calm but every word laced with warning.

“Mujhe nahi pata aap logon ko kya issue hai… par meri hone wali biwi se tameez se baat kijiye.”

Everyone fell silent.

But Anuradha’s anger didn’t cool. Her voice rose again, spitting venom.

“Abhi se iska side le rahe ho? Is jaisi badtameez ladki ko toh itna achha khandaan deserve hi nahi karta. Abhi bhi waqt hai… soch lo. Nahi sambhal paoge ise”

Aashvika, calm but cutting, gave a half-smile.

“Aapko sambhal liya na fufa ji ne… mujhe bhi sambhal lega wo.”

Dhruv tried his best to suppress his laugh, biting the inside of his cheek as Anuradha stomped off to her room, muttering curses under her breath.

Just the tension seemed to fade from the air, a sudden sharp cry echoed from the garden.

“Aaaahhh! Mummaaa!”

Ruhi had tried climbing onto the swing by herself, but her foot slipped, and she landed hard on her knees. Her tiny legs scraped against the rough cement, blood trickling down as she sat on the grass crying in pain.

Ishani was the first to reach her. “Ruhi!” she gasped, she quickly scooped her into her arms.

“Shhh... it's okay, betu. Brave bacche rote nahi... dekho, bas thoda si chhoti si chot hai,” she whispered, her voice soft and soothing as she gently rocked Ruhi.

Ruhi clung to her tightly, sobbing against her shoulder.

“ouch.... dard ho raha hai...” she sniffled.

“I know, bacche. But see…We’ll fix it. Just like superheroes do, okay?”

Dhruv had rushed out behind her, worry replacing the earlier mischief on his face. “What happened Ruhi? Kya hua Ishani di?” he asked, kneeling beside them.

“She fell of The swing…” Ishani explained softly, brushing Ruhi’s hair back.

“Let me get the first aid,” Dhruv said quickly and dashed inside.

Ishani gently treated Ruhi’s scraped knee, whispering soft words to calm her down. She blew on the wound and kissed it lightly. “It’s okay betu. Brave bacche rote nahi,” she said, wiping Ruhi’s tears.

Just then she looked up and saw Garv standing at the door. His eyes were not soft or concerned. They were full of anger. Before Ishani could understand anything he walked in quickly and took Ruhi from her arms. His grip was firm and urgent. Ruhi clung to him tightly, hiding her face in his chest.

Ishani stood up, shocked. She opened her mouth to say something but he didn’t let her.

“Dhruv Ruhi ka samaan lo aur chalo. Mujhe vishwas hi nahi karna chahiye tha kisi pe,” he said in a cold and distant tone.

And then he walked away without looking back.

Ishani stood frozen. His words kept ringing in her ears. The way he took Ruhi. The way he spoke. The way he left.

She was just a stranger to him then why did it hurt so much

Why did her chest feel so heavy

Why did it feel like something was slipping away from her quietly

Later, Ishani tried to focus on her work, her laptop open and files scattered around. But her mind kept drifting back to his words. “Mujhe vishwas hi nahi karna chahiye tha kisi pe.” They echoed again and again, stabbing her silently. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t concentrate.

Suddenly her phone rang. It was an unknown number. She hesitated, then picked it up.

“Hello?”

“Pari aunty…” came a soft voice from the other side.

“Ruhi?” Ishani’s tone instantly softened. “Tum theek ho na, betu? Aur aapko mera number kaha se mila?”

Ruhi talked excitedly for a while, telling her how she missed her and what she was doing. Ishani smiled, listening, her heart warming a little. But suddenly her eyes darted behind Ruhi on the screen.

She froze.

Garv walked past in the background shirtless, wearing only his lower. His strong, broad back was clearly visible. His damp hair clung to his forehead, probably just out of the shower.

Her heart skipped a beat.

She blinked, stunned for a second, her lips parting slightly in surprise. Her face flushed a deep red. She quickly looked away from the screen, pretending to adjust the volume and then cleared her throat.

“Uh… okay Ruhi… ab phone rakhte hain. Kal baat karenge,” she

mumbled, ending the call quickly.

She placed the phone down, closed her eyes, and placed her hand on her chest, trying to calm her racing heartbeat.

“What is wrong with you, Ishani…” she whispered to herself, cheeks still burning.

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