Chapter 6 Enchos Of Broken Family
RAJPUT MANSION
The entire villa is crafted from pristine white marble, as if moonlight has permanently settled on its walls.Tall, grand columns stand like guardians straight out of a Roman palace.
Every nook and cranny is immaculate, radiating such a brilliant glow that reflections form no matter where one stands.
On both sides, tall glass windows stand, their white curtains fluttering gently in the breeze, as if the villa itself is awaiting someone's arrival.
The entrance is flanked by blooming flowers, with white rose arrangements standing upright on either side.
Beneath her feet, the floor is laid with white and gold tiles. Each step she takes echoes softly, as though even the path senses the arrival of someone extraordinary. And then the car door opens.
She alights gracefully, without casting a glance around. Without a second's delay, she strides straight into the villa, as if she is well - aware of her destination and the person awaiting within.
As soon as Ruhi steps into the house, a loud voice echoes, “You went to meet him again?”
The instant she hears it, a shiver runs down her spine. Goosebumps prickle on her arms as she stands still for a moment. Slowly, she lifts her gaze and what she sees leaves her breathless.
He stands in the center of the living room. He is around twenty - eight years old, with his hands on his hips, his stance exuding confidence tinged with anger.
He looks like a movie hero, with deep - set brown eyes, fair skin, and long black hair slightly covering his forehead. His gym-toned body fills out the crisp white shirt perfectly, paired with well-fitted black pants.
He is so incredibly handsome that any girl could be drawn to him again and again. The moment he steps forward, the entire room seems to shift, filled with his intense presence.
Ruhi’s face turns pale. Her past stands right in front of her alive.
Then the man speaks again, his voice sharp. “Answer me, Ruhi why did you go to meet him again?”
Ruhi glances at him and retorts in a mildly irritated tone, “I went to see my brother. Why do you concern yourself? Why should I even share it with you?”
The man is none other than Vihan Rajput, the second son of the Rajput family, known to most as VR. He is Samar’s stepbrother and two years older than him.
Vihan walks toward Ruhi, clenching his jaw in anger. “Ruhi, you’re becoming more ill-mannered every day.”
Ruhi snaps back, “Yes, I am ill-mannered. That’s why it’s better if you stop talking to me!”
With that, she grabs a nearby flower pot and smashes it to the floor. It shatters into pieces.
Vihan's anger reaches a peak as he shouts, “Ruhiii…!!!”
But Ruhi doesn’t stay to listen. She runs straight into her room and slams the door shut behind her.
Just then, a young girl rushes in. She is dressed in a black suit and trousers, with a dupatta draped over one side. She looks around twenty years old. Her hazel-green eyes resemble Samar’s, and her long hair frames her soft, beautiful face.
She stoops to pick up the broken glass, but before she can reach it, Vihan seizes her hand. “What are you doing, Neeti?”
Her name is Neeti Samar’s real sister.
She replies gently, “I was just cleaning the glass, Bro.”
Vihan pulls her into a soft hug. “Leave it. The servants will take care of it.”
Tears glisten in Neeti's eyes as she whispers, “Bro, don't be upset about what she said. She's just stubborn.”
Vihan strokes her hair lightly, “It’s okay. You’re the mature one.”
As he turns to leave, Neeti asks hesitantly, “Bro… can I go meet Samar tomorrow?”
Vihan looks at her for a moment, then nods. “Okay. But come back early.”
Neeti smiles, nods, and goes to her room. An elegant woman in her early fifties is arranging the dinner table as servants bring in dishes one after another.
She looks stunning in a red saree, with a delicate gajra decorating her neatly coiled hair and green bangles sparkling on her wrists. Her deep black eyes and sharp features add to her elegance.
She is Mrs. Shobha Rajput, Vihan’s mother.
In her soft voice, she tells the maid, “Go and summon the children.”
A few minutes later, Neeti, Ruhi, and Vihan take their seats at the dining table.
Ruhi eats with a sulky look. Neeti silently serves food on her plate. Vihan sits impassively, completely aloof.
Ever since Samar left the house, Ruhi has only spoken to Neeti. Her bond with the rest of the family has been fading day by day.
Neeti looks at Shobha and softly asks, “Mom, when will Dad be back?”
Shobha smiles faintly. “Probably in two days.”
Suddenly, Ruhi gets to her feet and declares sharply, “Tomorrow, I'm going to see Samar. If anyone has an issue with it, I don't want to hear about it because I won't stop for anyone.”
With that, she storms off. Vihan glares after her. Neeti says quietly, “She’s just a child.”
Shobha heaves a deep sigh. “Yes, she's a child... but is this the way to speak? Samar's absence has not only affected her. My son no longer comes home. Do you realize how painful that is for a mother?”
Neeti remains silent and walks to her room.
Shobha tries to say something to Vihan, but he gets up and leaves the mansion in silence.
Shobha looks at the uneaten plates. Her eyes drift to the idol of God. Tears well up in her eyes as she whispers in her heart, “Oh God, please bring back the smiles and laughter of my children just like before.”
The next morning, Samar is sitting on his bed, lost in thought about the marriage papers from the previous night. Since it's Sunday, he doesn't go to work.
Suddenly, the door flies open, and Ruhi and Neeti rush inside, shouting, “Bro!”
Samar looks at them and gives a gentle smile. They rush up and hug him tightly. Playfully pinching Neeti's cheek, Samar says, “So, you finally remembered your brother?”
Neeti hugs him tighter. “I remember you every day. Mom and Dad miss you a lot too.”
Changing the subject, Samar asks, “How’s college going?”
Neeti smiles, “It’s going great.”
Ruhi stays quiet, her face dull. Samar notices. “What happened to you?”
Ruhi says softly, “You’re so kind, I just wish you were my real brother.”
The room falls silent. Samar taps her head gently, “I am real. You just don’t believe it.”
Ruhi pouts and says, “I do believe it. But if you did too, you'd come home with us occasionally.”
Samar's expression hardens immediately, “Shut up, Ruhi.”