Chapter 60 Unforgiven Truth
With a soft smile, Mrs. Shobha replies, “Neither your wedding rituals nor your ‘rasoi’ (first cooking ceremony) happened properly so this is a small gift for that. And for Rimjhim’s first rasoi too.”
Rimjhim’s eyes well up slightly, and with a grateful smile, she softly says, “Thank you… aunty.”
The word aunty seems to sting a little. Mrs. Shobha quickly corrects her, “Mom…”
Rimjhim, slightly nervous, corrects herself, “Mom…”
Mrs. Shobha looks at her with unexpected warmth, then says, “But don’t tell Vihan about this, alright?”
Rimjhim immediately nods in agreement. After that, Mrs. Shobha, I, and Rimjhim sit together on the bed, and for the first time… the three of us spend time talking like a real family. The air between us is lighter now a sense of acceptance slowly blossoming.
Slowly, evening begins to fall. The sky is tinged with soft shades of orange and pink, and a cool breeze drifts through the air. Ruhi is returning from college, feeling light-hearted as the day has passed peacefully.
Just as her car stops near a turn, her eyes suddenly catch a familiar face Rohit, who has just returned from the airport and is standing beside his car, talking to someone.
As soon as Ruhi sees him, a spark lights up in her eyes. Without thinking twice, she gets out of her own car and walks straight to Rohit’s car, opens the passenger door, and sits down beside him.
Rohit looks at her with wide eyes, utterly surprised, as if he can’t believe what he’s seeing. Then, with a slightly annoyed tone, he says, “You?”
Ruhi, unbothered, smiles sweetly and says, “It’s been so many days… we haven’t even talked.”
Rohit makes a face and replies, “Now that everything’s fine again, your mischief has started all over, huh?”
Ruhi playfully asks, “How do you know?”
Rohit smirks and says, “I’m SR sir’s agent. I know everything.”
Ruhi giggles and says, “Come on, quickly now. I’ve been waiting forever to eat food made by your hands!”
Rohit sighs and tries to get her out of the car. “Ruhi, go home. I need to rest. I just got back from a flight…”
But Ruhi isn’t ready to listen. Like always, she crosses her arms and sits stubbornly, with the innocence of a child who won’t take no for an answer.
Rohit tries a couple more times to convince her, but each time, Ruhi clings to the seat even more firmly. Finally, Rohit gives up with an exhausted sigh and says, “Alright fine let’s go!” A huge smile spreads across Ruhi’s face.
After a short while, Rohit parks his car in front of Aryan Villa. In the dim evening light, the villa’s warm glow shimmers beautifully. Rohit steps out of the car and walks inside, but just as he glances over his shoulder, he notices Ruhi quietly following him, without asking for permission or saying a word.
Rohit looks at her and simply shakes his head, realizing there is no point in arguing anymore. Ruhi, without speaking, walks straight into the living room and sits comfortably on the soft, cozy sofa, as if it were her own home. She looks relaxed, a bit tired, but her eyes sparkle with excitement.
Rohit, seeing her so at ease, takes off his blazer, sets it aside, and heads directly to the kitchen.
Once inside, he puts on an apron and begins preparing Ruhi’s favorite dish 'pasta' with his own hands. He pulls out fresh ingredients chopped vegetables, cheese, and pasta sheets and quickly gets to work, focusing on the task like a professional chef.
Meanwhile, Ruhi sits on the sofa, gazing toward the kitchen with affection in her eyes, watching Rohit cook. Her heart is full not just because of the pasta he is making, but because of the presence of Rohit himself, who at that moment is all hers.
After a while, Rohit parks his car in front of Aryan Villa. Evening darkness settles slowly, and the villa lights glow warmly. Rohit steps out of the car, but as he glances behind him, he freezes in surprise Ruhi follows him inside without asking.
He throws her a sharp look, but words fail him. Ruhi walks in quietly, as if she belongs there. Without hesitation, she sinks comfortably into the soft living room sofa, completely at ease. Her face looks slightly tired, but her eyes sparkle with excitement.
Rohit, now visibly annoyed, removes his blazer and walks straight into the kitchen. He doesn’t say anything, but his mind races. Still, he starts preparing Ruhi’s favorite dish pasta.
He ties his apron, takes out fresh ingredients, and begins cooking, forcing himself to focus on the task instead of the girl sitting uninvited in his house.
From the living room, Ruhi watches him like a content child watching her favorite person work for her. Her eyes follow his every move with affection and quiet admiration. She needs nothing else at that moment, just Rohit, cooking for her, being near her. That is more than enough.
A little later, Rohit brings a steaming bowl of pasta and places it in front of her on the table. Without a word, he sits on the couch and starts checking his emails, his expression completely indifferent.
Ruhi watches him silently. Then, gathering courage, she walks toward him, sits on her knees in front of him, and gently holds his hands. She asks softly,
“Don’t you like me coming here?”
Rohit startles seeing her so close, so vulnerable. For a second, he can’t speak. Ruhi smiles through her pain and says, “You know, I miss you so much every single day. How long will you stay alone, Rohit? Someday you’ll marry someone, right? Why can’t it be me?”
Her eyes well up as she finishes, Rohit stares at her for a few seconds. Suddenly, his expression hardens. He jerks his hands away and says coldly,
“Stop this nonsense! Are you out of your mind?"
Just because I don’t say anything doesn’t mean you can say whatever you want. If you’ve gone mad, go get treated at a hospital. Stop talking about love in front of me. And for your information, there is someone else in my life.”
Ruhi’s world shatters, Just then, a girl walks in through the gate, wearing a mini skirt and top, looking trendy and confident. Ruhi stares at her in shock, Rohit smiles at the girl and says, “Baby, you’re here?”
The girl replies sweetly, “Yes! I miss you so much.”
Ruhi stands there, frozen.
The girl walks up to Rohit and hugs him tightly. Tears spill from Ruhi’s eyes, but she can’t move. Rohit turns toward her and says, “Now do you believe me? Please let me be happy with the one I love. Go find someone else for yourself.”
Ruhi, her voice trembling, asks, “How can you do this to me? What do I lack?”
Rohit, now angry, snaps, “What do you have, Ruhi? Tell me! I said leave, and I meant it. Don’t ever come in front of me again.”
TO BE COUNTINUE....!!!