AUTHOR POV

​"Hale Dil Tujhko Sunata,

Dil Agar Ye Bol Pata...

​Bakhuda Tujhko Hai chahta Jaan...

Tere Sang Jo Pal Bitata,

​Wakt Se Mai Vo Mang Lata,

Yaad Karke Muskarata Jaan..... ❤️!"

************

​The next morning,

​Abhay unleashed his fury on the punching bag, every strike landing with a force that nearly tore it apart. Sweat streamed down his sculpted body, tracing the lines of his chiseled six-pack, each drop adding to the magnetic curse he carried.

​His damp hair clung to his forehead, making him look even more irresistibly dangerous. Any girl who laid eyes on him in that moment would find it impossible to look away. After his workout, he headed back to his room for a shower.

​A while later, he stepped out, a towel loosely wrapped around his waist, another in his hand as he wiped the moisture from his hair. Droplets of water slid down the ridges of his abs, making his already lethal charm utterly impossible to ignore.

​After the shower, Abhay pulled open the closet and reached for his signature black three-piece suit.

​The chef's fabric and overcoat covered his broad shoulders with effortless grace, fitting him like it was crafted solely for him. He clasped an expensive Rolex onto his wrist and slipped into polished formal shoes, and with a final stroke through his hair, he looked every bit the commanding and devastatingly handsome businessman he was.

​Moments later, his sleek black BMW purred to life, catching him through the city with quiet dominance upon arriving the city with quiet at pratap Industries. Abhay strode through the grand glass doors without a glance at the admiring eyes that followed him. He made his way directly to his cabin, where he sank into the velvet chair, and immersed himself in work - the image of power, precision, and control.

​A sharp knock echoed on the cabin door.

"Come in," Abhay's deep voice commanded.

Viraj stepped inside, his expression serious.

"Boss, I've learned from our informers... Rudra is planning something in response to our move."

​For a moment silence lingered. Abhay's eyes flickered with a strange, unreadable gleam before he simply said "Okay." The word left his lips in a tone so cold and mysterious that it carried more weight than a hundred threats. Without another question, Abhay waved his hand, dismissing him. Viraj gave a short nod and quietly exited the room.

*******************

Flashback

​The college gates were in chaos. Ten boys surrounded Abhay, but he fought with a ferocity that made him seem unstoppable. Fists flew, blood spilled, yet he stood tall against them all. Just as one of the attackers raised a stick to strike him from behind, another hand shot out, gripping the weapon in midair. It was Rudransh.

​Without a word, he joined Abhay, and together the two of them fought back with unmatched strength. Blow after blow, they brought the boys to their knees until finally, the gang scattered and ran.

​Breathing across his face, "Thank you, yaar, for coming at the right time. Otherwise, I don't know how I would've handled them alone." spoke Abhay Softly with a grin.

​Rudra placed a hand on his shoulder, his eyes steady with loyalty as he smile softly at him, breathing heavily from the fight "Nothing can happen to you in my presence, i can even give my life to you Mere bhai... I am always with you Abhay, always!"

Abhay's lips broke into [a] wide smile as he hug Rudra tightly.

​The two embraced bound by a freinship that felt unbreakable...

********************

Flashback over

​At present, Abhay's eyes snapped open, blazing with pain and fury. His chest rose heavily, memories clashing with betrayal... his vision blurred red. He shot to his feet, his feet trembling. With a sudden roar, he slammed his hand against the wall.

​The sharp string of blood followed. But, he didn't care. His voice thundered through the room, echoing with anguish

"I HATE YOU RUDRANSH SINGH RAIZADA!"

________________

​Meanwhile, At Raizada Mansion.

​Resting like reality in the heart of Jaipur inside the private gym room the air pursed with rhythm of discipline and strength.

​Rudra doing push up only in his black leather jacket, half open revealing the sharp lines of chiseled chest with every motion. His sweat dripping his forehead beside him his younger brother Ruhaan, matched his pace. his palm pressed against the cold floor.

​the brothers different in nature sharing the same fire the legacy of Raizada bloodline.. the sound of breath filled the room... Ruhaan titles his head sideways, while pushing down, his eyes gleamed with mischief as he glance at Rudra before speaking

" Bhaiya? " he spoke, breathless yet playful. "Can i ask you something?"

Rudra's pace slowed, he turned his head, his sharp jawline catching the light, his deep voice vibrating through the silence

"Hmm, ask!"

​Ruhaan grin, his hair messy in a charming way,

"Did you ever had a girlfriend in college? Like... A proper one? "

​The question hung in air. Rudra stopped mid-motion he didn't respond. He stood up with a quite authority. He grabbed a towel from the side wiping the sweat dripping down his forhead to his neck.

​He slip off his jacket revealing his perfect sculpted muscular body--broad, hard and intimidatingly flawless. His 8-pack glistening with sweat.

​"Why are you asking such silly questions, Ruhaan?" Rudra's deep voice rumbled, his dark eyes narrowed.

​Ruhaan just grin plopping down, looking at him

"Just wanted to hear about my Bhabhi you know!"

​Rudra shook his head with a faint scoff

"No, i was to busy with my studies to even notice such silly thing's. Unlike you! Bairozgar ki tarah roz ladkiyon ke sath Flirt karna... Isn't its your part time job?"

Ruhaan look at him in disbelief and pure betrayal

"Bhaiyaaaaa! That's not fairrrrr"

Rudra smirk already turned in his back walking away before speaking

"Why did you ask this? Are you having a girlfriend?"

Ruhaan shook his head still clutching his chest dramaly

"Apke hote hue kon Mujhe pasand karega"

he pout and stood up to his heel's...

_____________

9:00 pm,

​The whole mansion burst with Festival energy the grand Halls usually silence where now alive with the vibrant colors and sense of Durga Puja preparation Vidhya moved from one corner to another arranging Pooja thalis clothes along with shivaay helping her in each things running behind her.

In main prayer /puja room...

​Rajeev Raizada ( rudra's father) stood in discussion with pandit ji along with his brother Ranvijay... Who nod at each word understanding...shravani Ranvijay's wife making prashad in kitchen... Shivani their daughter and princess of whole raizada's making rangoli outside the main door...

​Servants were also running behind vidhya, shivay chuckling at his mother's stubborn face.

​After done with preparations, the Pooja starts Rajeev look up from the plate

" where is Rudra? "

his deep voice cut through the soft Murmur's.

​Shivay, carrying ganga jal vessel in his hand helping his mother spoke gently, a mixture of respect in his voice

"Bhaiya was talking to Rahul on a call... Said it was urgent",

Rudra comes back the next second stepping in the puja room.

​He had wore a navy blue kurta that hugged his broad shoulder perfectly, With black trousers, his thick silky hair falling his forhead that made him look effortless, untouchable and mesmerizing,

" Voh Rahul said, its and urgent meeting right now "

his voice come straight but deep respect as he said to his Father.

​"Din bhar Rahul Rahul, bas Rahul dedo inko koyi!" Ruhaan murmured under his breath.

​Rajeev shook his head

"Go, after the puja's Arti done"

his voice gentle yet commanding... Rudra nodded gently.

​Soon Arti Start's, rhythmic chant's of mantra's filled the room, the family member along with some relatives joined the arti. Hands clapsed in reverence. A small bells chimed in sync with the mantra's.

​Vidhya, closed her eyes praying silently

"Please Maa, fill my four child's life with happiness and joy... Rudra's life had darken the worse maa, please fill my son's life with all the happiness he deserves... "

​One mother praying to another mother of whole universe. A flicker of hope seen through her eyes...

____________

After puja done,

​Rudra went upstairs, dressed in now black formal coat an pants his watch relaxing on his wrist. Everyone sat on living room talking and laughing... When he come down standing beside shivay, his chachi sharavni spoke

"Rudr beta, tumhare liye rishta aya tha. Shadi karne ka kya plan hai?"

​Ruhaan sitting nearby shivani, chimed in

"Han han shadi, Woh bhi Rahul se karvao. Ram milayi jodi lagegi... Ghar mai bahu nhi damad layenge ham!"

He spoke grinning.

​Rudra's dark eyes flicker towards him, gritting his teeth glaring at his soul

"Aren't you getting to free... Tu aa ek bar office mai. "

his voice deep and threating....

​Ruhaan gulp whispering to himself

"Oh teri, Mar gaye! "

he murmur to himself. Shivay chuckled silently sitting beside him.

​Rudra spoke, not saying but clearing

"I don't want this useless shadi vagera chachi... Mana kar dijiye!"

"Papa i am going."

his words respect towards his father who nodd at him...

​Rudra walk away before touching his father mother feet.

​he did not glance at anyone his back moving out in a cold damenour way

" Was it related to malhotra's contract? "

his father asked shivay, who nodded back before replying Gently.

"ji papa"

______________

In actuall, Rudra was gone to his farmhouse where rahul and someone was waiting for him.. No one know's about his hidden identity of being A underworld Mafia king of Rajasthan leaving Shivay and Ruhaan.

​The sudden tensed and cold atmosphere make shivay sigh heavily... His chachi placed a gentle hand on Vidhya shoulder

"chinta mat kariye bhabhi, sab thik ho jayega.. Vishwas rakhiye "

her voice soft with a sad smile...

​Vidhya's eyes lingered in the direction Rudra left, her heart clenched from the pain... Rajeev softly pull her down making her sat on the couch beside himself...

​Shivay sat on his knees infront of his mother taking her hand, holding it gently in his

"Maa, ap kyu tension leti hain. Bhaiya ko thoda time dijiye... Sab thik ho jayega... Then see how we four will once again make you tired with our long silly fights and jokes"

he spoke resting his cheeks on her palm.

​Vidhya chuckle with tears in her eyes as she nodded, leaning down she kissed his forehead softly

"Mera ladla bacha",

she whisped softly making shivay smile softly.

​Ruhaan and shivani seeing this run to her either sides

"Hame bhi hame bhi",

Vidhya chuckle at their childish behavior.

​"Pehle main"

Ruhaan grin forwarding his cheeks towards her for the kiss but instead of kiss he felt a tight slap, he jolted open his eyes holding his cheeks as he look at the person, it was shivani.

​"Chal bhag yaha se, aya bada.. Badi ma, pehle mai, pleaseeee"

she said softly to vidhya who chuckle and kiss her cheeks making her giggle softly.

​"Khush?"

Vidhya asked to shivani who grin happily and nodded.

​Ruhaan gritt his teeth looking at shivani, than sigh heavily looking at at them in pure betrayal

" Kya hai sabko, jisko dekho marta hi rehta hain "

​Shivani show's him her tongue.

​Ruhaan sat straight, his both hand on either side wide open, as he spoke dramatically

"Vah, vah ri duniya vah! tere khel nirale... Bete ko itna sa pyar bhi de na patee! I guess, mera jane ka vakt a chuka hai vatan sathiyon "

he sigh heavily, wiping his fake tears as he was about to stand up when Vidhya pull him down and kiss his forehead, chuckling at his drama.

​Ranvijay sitting nearby chuckle as well

"Nautanki kahika"

​Ruhaan grin happily and hug vidhya tightly. Rajeev smile at the scene as once again they start to chatter and laugh.

________________

Rudra, sat on his car as he start his engine. While driving, his calm cold face focused on the road. His eyes fixed on the long road ahead leading him to his way.

​His mind disturbed from the new's announced by Rahul. The flicker of sign he was wishing for,come's true. His pupils dilated, as a fliker of image comes right infront of his eyes. Image of Someone from his past that used to be close to his heart. that's now buried deep in his heart like a scar.

​His jaw tighten as he grit his teeth, his eyes furry, darken with unspoken word's. His veins popped in his hands as he grip the steering wheel tightly. The car's speed raced high, flashback's crossing his mind that make his sense blurr. His heart, now cold and mute filled with anger and unbearable pain, the pain he hide from everyone, accept himself to!

​His left hand grip the gear tightly and turn it, taking the left route. stopping his car nearby the road with a loud scratching sound, he close his eyes tightly, his breath ragged as he run his fingers through his hair... His eyes open, bloodshot red.

​Just then, his phone rang.

Shivay!.

​His expression turns blank as he pick the call up.

"Bhaiya?" Shivay spoke from the other side, his voice knowingly worried.

​Rudra's eyes flicker with a hint of consciousness as he hummed coldly.

​Shivay from other side, spoke

" Some information I've taken out about them just now, show's that it's an 100% rivalary from their side. They have sent more than 30+ man's to stalk us but somehow I've cut the location. "

His voice gentle yet stern.

​Rudra's gaze darken, the corner of his lips curved into a smirk that speak louder than his words

" Hmm, Good! I knew this, how cheap of them... Only 30+ men? Ridiculous!"

​Shivay sigh

" Right Bhaiya, but take care of yourself, Maa was worried when you left before saying anything "

​Rudra hummed

" Take care of Maa, till i come"

speaking he cutt the call.

​Rudra once again start his engine, as his car roar towards the farmhouse.

__________________

There was a gentle knock at the door.

​An elderly women, around seventy five, slowly opened it. Standing before her was a beautiful young girl, her face glowing with Joy.

​The moment her eyes met the old lady's

"Swati dadima!"

She exclaimed, her voice brimming with affection as she bent down to touch the old women's feet.

​A bright smile lit up dadima's wrinkled yet graceful face, she lifted her hand in blessing, her heart swelling with happiness

"Aree, meri Ruhi bachi... It's you! Come inside, my child"

​The two embraced warmly, their bond speaking louder than words.

​After a while, dadima said with excitement,

"Stay here, I'll make halwa for yoh and aru."

​Ruhi clasped her hand and replied with a soft laugh,

"come on dadima, I'll help you too"

​Together, they walked towards the kitchen, their laughter filling the house with warmth.

​Both of the busied themselves in the kitchen, stirring the pot of halwa while chatting cheerfully. Dadi glanced at Ruhani with a warm smile

"Ruhi beta, how are you?"

She asked gently.

​"I'm fine, dadi. How are you?"

Ruhani asked back softly, her voice laced with warmth and affectionate.

​"I'm fine too "

dadi said with a nod, her eyes glimmering with love. After a pause, she added

"You are so beautiful and kind, the man who marries you will be very lucky"

​Ruhanika's cheeks flushed pink at her words and she lowered her eyes in shyness hiding her smile, dadi chuckle softly at this and turned her attention back to halwa

"Its almost done. Now go and wake aru up. She is still sleeping -i don't know what will happen to this girl "

​Ruhanika nodded with a smile and Walked towards Aru's room.

​Pushing the door open, she found her still curled up in bed, fast asleep.

​"Aaru... Wake up"

Ruhi called Softly, shaking her shoulder. But Aaru didn't move.

​Ruhi's lips curved into a mischievous grin as an idea sparkled in her mind. She tiptoed out, returned with a bucket of cold water, and without a second thought -poured it over her Sleeping Best friend.

​Aaru shot up with a startled gasb, water dripping down her hair. Her eyes widened in disbelief before narrowing in anger.

"RUHIII!"

she shouted, her voice echoing through the room.

​Laughing, Ruhi darted out of the room and ran down the stairs, her giggles filling the house. Aaru chased after her, determined to catch her partner in crime.

​Ruhi quickly hid behind dadi, clutching her saree like a sheild.

"What is happening here?"

Dadi asked, puzzled, her brows lifted as she looked between the two girls.

​"Dadiiii!"

Aaru complained, pointing at Ruhi

"This Ruhi poured water on me!"

​Dadi's lips twitched, fighting a Smile

"Alright Alright, calm down now. Aaru go take a bath First, then come and eat halwa "

​Aaru huffed narrowing her eyes at Ruhi she wagged her fingers in warning before storming back to her room.

​Ruhi bite back her laughter, hiding her face in dadi's pallu.

​A little while later, the three of then sat together for breakfast, the warn aroma of halwa filling the air.

​Afterward, with dadi's permission, Aaru and Ruhi set out happily to buy clothes for Navratri, their laughter trailing behind them like Sunshine.

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