The days pass. It's been almost 15 days since Vineet is gone. Ruhana has handled the project well. She is glad that the things are going well with the two projects that Vineet has left in her hands. She also hopes that he has finished his task on a good note. Now, she wants him back. She is used to him that the past 15 days have been very difficult for her. But she doubts that he feels the same way as she feels. Though, his calls, his habit of filling her up with the news and also asking her about the same, gives her another idea. He might think the same.

Soon, it is the big day, her father's birthday. Also, she hopes that Vineet will also come, as promised. She is busy with the preparations of the day. Her parents are happy to have her around. Also, they are glad with the fact that Ruhana is happy and is getting along with Vineet well. Ruhana is home today. She is thinking about Vineet. She hopes that he will be back soon to her. And she will tell him the feelings that she has been holding in her heart.

The whole day, Ruhana is preparing for the party that her mother and she have been planning. After all, it's a milestone for her father and she wishes to celebrate it with her father  and also her husband by her side. Yeah! She can't say that Vineet will feel the same love that she feels for him, yet a part of her heart wishes that when he comes, he first embraces her in his arms and later tell her that he missed her. But, she cannot forget that their relationship is an outcome of some unwanted sequences.  Will he accept her the way she has accepted?

She accepted? Yes!  She has accepted him with all her heart. His absence all these days has made her realise that he means a lot to her. And she will tell him the truth as soon as he will arrive back.

Her trance is broken by her mom's voice. Mrinal comes to her and gives her a cup of coffee.

"Thoda rest karle. Subah se kaam mein lagi hai." She says.

" Haan Maa. I needed this." Ruhana smiles.

Mrinal watches her daughter as she sits on the bed. She's kind of lost and her mother knows the reason. Mrinal keeps her hand on Ruhana's shoulder, while the latter hugs her. Maybe, she is trying to pacify herself. Mrinal pats her head.

"Itna mat soch. Agar tujhe ehsaas ho gaya hai na ki Vineet tere liye kya mayne rakhta hai, toh uske aate hi usey sach bata dena.." Mrinal says.

"Wo maanega na, mumma?" Ruhana asks while looking at her mom.

" Haan beta. Wo bahut acha hai. Mujhe toh lagta hai, wo bhi tujhe itna hi miss kar raha hoga. Ab chalo, coffee peekar ready ho jao. Guests aane wale honge ab." Mrinal says.

Ruhana agrees. Yeah! He might feel the same way. Even if he doesn't, she will tell him that she loves him and she doesn't  want to break the pious relationship that they share. She makes up her mind and moves to get ready.

A little while later, the guests have started to arrive. They wish sanjeev for his birthday and are happy to see the arrangements. Ruhana's eyes are stuck on the main door, searching for Vineet. But there are other guests who are arriving, but she can't see the face, she is searching for, in the crowd. She sighs and at the same time, Mrinal asks Ruhana to bring the cake. She brings the cake and asks Sanjeev to cut the cake. They cut the cake and one of Ruhana's friends asks her to sing. Ruhana denies but when her father asks her to sing. She could not deny. But all she could think about is only one person, Vineet. Her eyes are still stuck at the door, waiting for his homecoming.

Koi Sachhe Khwaab Dikhakar
Aankhon Mein Samaa Jaata Hai
Yeh Rishta
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai

She hugs her mother keeping her chin on her shoulder. She smiles lightly and her eyes are again looking at the entrance. He has still not arrived. She's nervous, anxious waiting for him.

Jab Suraj Dhalne Lagta Hai
Aur Dhup Simatne Lagti Hai

Her eyes fell on her and Vineet's picture that is  hung on the wall of the hall room.

Koi Anjaani Si Cheez Meri
Saanson Se Lipatne Lagti Hai
Koi Anjaani Si Cheez Meri
Saanson Se Lipatne Lagti Hai
Main Dil Ke Kareeb Aa Jati Hun
Dil Mere Kareeb Aa Jata Hai
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai

She hums along, smiling at the guests. As she's looking around, she feels as if her wait will be over in a while. But the emptiness still prevails.

Iss Gumsum Jheel Ke Paani Mein
Koi Moti Aakar Girta Hai
Ek Dayera Banne lagta hai
Aur Badhke Bhawar Ban Jaata Hai
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai

She twirls around , as some of  her friends persuade her to dance. She breaks the trance and walks towards a side, actuallu the entrance, her eyes still looking for Vineet. She closes her eyes.

Tasveer Banati Rehti Hun
Main Tuti Hui Awaazon Par
Ek Chehra Dhundti Rahti Hun
Deewaron Kabhi Darwaazon Par

She opens her eyes at a warm touch and she is awestruck to see him. He has finally arrived.

Ek Chehra Dhundti Rahti Hun
Deewaron Kabhi Darwaazon Par
Main Apne Paas Nahin Rehti
Aur Door Se Koi Bulata Hai
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai

He holds her hands and says something that leaves her surprised and she hides in his embrace.

To Be Continued.

What's Vineet's feelings about Ruhana?

Stay tuned.