I called Ruhaan to come to the hospital, fully expecting him to refuse or throw his usual tantrums. But guess what? He didn’t. For the first time, he agreed on my first attempt to convince him. No reluctance, no cold remarks—just a calm "okay." His voice today wasn’t its usual sharp, stern tone. It was calm, almost... gentle. Strange, but I wasn’t going to question it.

I started getting ready to go to the hospital. I decided on a white kurti suit for the day. The fabric was soft, and the golden stripes on the dupatta shimmered just enough to catch the eye. I paired the outfit with white jhumkas to complete the look. A quick glance in the mirror, and I decided to apply a small bindi on my forehead. It always made me feel more beautiful—more complete. With a touch of pink lipstick and some mascara to enhance my eyes, I felt ready. I slipped into my white sandals, grabbed the guitar I had gotten as a gift for him, and headed out.

When I reached the hospital, I saw Ruhaan pulling into the parking lot at the same time. He was parking his car when I called out to him.

"Mr. Raichand!" I called, waving to catch his attention.

"Oh, you just got here too?" he replied, looking over at me.

"Yeah, just now," I said with a smile.

"Then let’s head inside together," he said as he locked his car.

I stopped him, shaking my head. "No, you go ahead. I’ll follow in a bit."

He frowned, confused. "Why?"

"You go naaa!" I whined playfully, hoping to avoid more questions.

He sighed, shaking his head slightly. "Fine, fine," he said, giving in and heading inside without further protest. He was so obedient today. Not at all like his usual self.

As soon as he disappeared into the building, I struggled with the guitar, muttering, "How huge!" It was heavier than I expected, and I wasn’t used to carrying something like this, but eventually, I managed to get it inside and into my cabin.

When I opened the door, I found him already sitting in the chair, waiting. Silently, I placed the guitar on the couch and snuck up behind him. I hesitated for a second, wondering if he’d get mad at what I was about to do, but then I placed my hands over his eyes.

Oh Krishna, please don’t let him be angry.

"Who is this?" he asked, already trying to move my hands away.

"Ji aur kaun hogi? Apki Dr. Sohana," I replied with a cheeky smile.
(Who else could it be? Your Dr. Sohana.)

"Oh, but why are you covering my eyes? I can’t see anything," he said, almost sounding like a child.

"Dikhega bhi kaise? Aankh jo band kiya hai hamne aapka," I teased him.
(How will you see when I’ve closed your eyes?)

"But why?" he asked again, persistent.

"Because I know if I asked you to close your eyes, you wouldn’t," I said knowingly.

"Yes, right. Why would I?" he said, amused.

"See? I knew it. Now just be quiet and do as I say," I instructed, feeling triumphant.

"I won’t," he said stubbornly, his voice teasing.

"Then I won’t leave you!" I countered, mimicking his tone.

"But—"

"Shut up! Just for a few minutes. Please?" I pleaded, putting on my best puppy-dog voice.

"Okay, fine," he conceded, clearly giving up on arguing with me.

"Good man," I said with a grin, pinching his cheek.

"Ayee! What are you doing?" he yelped, pulling away.

"Oops, sorry!" I bit my tongue, trying not to laugh at his reaction.

"Now follow me," I said, guiding him carefully as I led him to the couch. "Promise me you won’t open your eyes until I say so."

"But—"

"Pleaseeee," I interrupted, whining again.

"Alright," he agreed, much to my surprise.

I removed my hands from his eyes but immediately warned, "No cheating!"

I grabbed the guitar and placed it in his hands. "Take it."

"What is this?" he asked, bewildered.

"Just hold it," I insisted, watching him struggle with the weight of it.

"Owww, it’s so heavy," he exclaimed.

"Yeah, it is," I agreed. "Now, you can open your eyes."

He opened his eyes slowly, his expression curious. He stared at the guitar, which was wrapped up with gift paper. His brow furrowed as he examined it, and then he looked at me.

"Open it," I urged, my heart pounding in anticipation.

He started peeling away the wrapping, revealing the guitar. He studied it for a long moment before lifting his eyes to meet mine.

"Do you like it?" I asked, my voice filled with excitement.

He stood up and walked toward me. For a brief second, I thought he was about to smile. But then, his words shattered everything.

"No."

That single word was like a dagger to my heart.

Before I could react, he did the unthinkable. He threw the guitar on the floor. He didn’t throw it hard enough to break it, but the sound of it hitting the ground was enough to break me.

He stepped closer, his gaze cold, piercing.

"Don’t try to interfere in my life. It will only cause harm to you," he said, his voice as harsh as ever.

I felt tears prickle in my eyes, but I held them back. I bit my lower lip, trying to stop the sob that was threatening to escape.

"Oh... okay," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. But it cracked, and I knew he noticed.

"I thought you’d be happy," I said, my words slower now, quieter. "I thought you'd like it. Your old guitar was broken, and I just... I just wanted to help."

Tears rolled down my cheeks, and Ruhaan saw them. I could see the softening in his eyes, the moment he realized he had hurt me—again. Before he could say anything, I turned and walked out of the room, not looking back.

"Dr. Sohana," he called after me, but I was already gone.

I found myself on the same street bench where I had lost my mother years ago. As the memories washed over me, fresh tears filled my eyes.

"Maa," I whispered, looking up at the sky. "Why does he keep hurting me? You know, I was so happy today. I thought this gift would mean something to him. I wanted to make him happy, but he just threw it away. Why doesn't he understand how much I care? Why does he keep pushing me away?"

I sat there until the sun dipped below the horizon and the streetlights flickered on. I didn’t want to move. The cool evening breeze wrapped around me, and I stayed frozen on the bench, lost in my thoughts.

Suddenly, I felt someone’s arms wrap around me from behind. I tensed for a moment, but then I recognized the familiar warmth, the familiar scent.

"Sohana," Ruhaan whispered, his voice soft.

For a fleeting moment, I wanted to relax into his embrace, to let go of the hurt. But then the memory of what had happened earlier resurfaced. I pulled away from him, standing up abruptly.

I began to walk away, but he caught my wrist.

"Please... stay," he said softly, and something in his voice made me pause. I couldn’t ignore the vulnerability I heard. It was the first time he had ever asked me to stay.

I stopped, standing still. Ruhaan gently pulled me back to the bench, making sure we kept some distance between us. He walked to his car and returned with the guitar and a small bag.

"Take it," he said, handing me the bag.

I took it, still unsure of what he was trying to do.

He sat down next to me, looking at the guitar in his hands. "Thank you," he said quietly, his voice filled with sincerity this time.

I looked at him, disbelief creeping into my voice. "Oh, so now you’re saying thanks? After throwing the guitar, after hurting me?"

He didn’t flinch. He just looked at me, his eyes steady. "I know," he said. "I hurt you again. And I’m sorry."

"You keep hurting me, Ruhaan. I’ve tried so many times to help you, to make you happy. I’ve asked you over and over if something is bothering you, but you just keep shutting me out," I said, the frustration and sadness spilling over.

"Do you really want to know why I am the way I am?" he asked, his eyes searching mine.

"Obviously, I want to know! If I didn’t, why would I go through all this effort? Why would I even care?" I responded, my voice breaking slightly as I looked at him with teary eyes.

He nodded, taking a deep breath. "Then listen," he said, his tone serious now.

🧿

How was the chapter?
Do vote, comment and share.
Follow me on Instagram:- daisywrtss
You can get spoilers there.
(The next chapter's spoiler is posted in Instagram) 💀
Love you all ❤️🧿
Bye 🍃

Thankyou! 💗