Samrat follows Ruhana to her house. They basically ride in a taxi together despite her insistence that it is a family matter that she can attend to and she doesn't require her work partner. Although she has made a valid point, Samrat still accompanies her out of concern. They arrive at the Shetty residence in Colaba.

From there, they join Ruhana's mother Pallavi and travel in the Shetty family car to the army hospital on the outskirts of Mumbai. The two-hour journey is almost quiet, occasionally broken by brief conversations. Pallavi reassures Ruhana that though her father was shot in the chest, quick medical aid by his comrades saved his life. This was a week ago. The incident happened in the scenic yet dangerous valleys of Kashmir. Just yesterday, he was brought to Mumbai hospital, only revealing the state of his injury to his family just then.

"I met him last night. He is in a stable condition, but he needs rest. I thought I should inform you so you can meet your father. He was also thinking of you, Ruhana."

Ruhana laughs dryly at her mother's words. "I miss him too, mom. I'm glad he remembers us at the end of his duties end, at least."

Pallavi presses her lips together, swallowing whatever reply she has, and pats her daughter's shoulder. Silence overpowers the scene once more.

The car moves amidst slow-moving traffic but picks up pace when on the national highway.

Ruhana recalls her mother's words once again. Her father needs rest and recovery for a few more days. Despite knowing this, she cannot sit tight. Despite her outward nonchalance and courage, deep down, she is concerned about her father and can only find peace once she sees him with her eyes.

Although Samrat wants to hold Ruhana's hand and comfort her (he used to do it after as a friend), he doesn't take that liberation, now respecting her boundaries. He hopes in his heart that his presence can somehow offer her comfort, just as her mother Pallavi's company does.

Still, the distaste she shows towards such gestures stings. He prays that someday this will stop and normalcy returns between them.

***

In the army speciality hospital, inside a special room, Raunak Shetty is a very much an army man, wearing a brave smile while lying atop his bed. Despite the amount of bandages gracing his upper body, he sits up with ease upon spotting his wife and daughter, and the young man with them.

"Papa!"

Ruhana rushes to her father, filled with relief and slight envy. Even in early fifties, her father's toned physique is one to envy indeed. With his shirt off and all the bandages, Raunak looks like one of those rugged Bollywood actors. Always adventurous to boot, Raunak Shetty is, chasing danger with patriotism in his heart.

Ruhana laughs at her own thoughts and embraces her father, grateful for his strength that kept him alive. Seated on the hospital bed, it is a teary reunion for the father and daughter.

Pallavi and Samrat watch with faint smiles on their faces. Ruhana and Raunak have tears of relief in their eyes.

Ruhana looks at her father as he blinks off his tears. "Papa, thank God you are fine. Maa told me you were safe, but I had to see it for myself."

Raunak nods and lovingly pats Ruhana's cheek. Pallavi excuses herself just then, as a doctor approaches her. They move to a corner and fall into a small discussion. Pallavi seeks information on her husband's hospital stay, recovery period, and therapy needs.

Dr Shahane, a middle-aged Marathi man, explains, "Mr Shetty is doing well with the injury on his chest. The one on his knee when he fell to the rocky ground is significant. But he's pulling through it. Army men are always something. Nothing to worry about. He can resume his duties in two weeks."

Ruhana heaves a sigh of relief smile after hearing this conversation happening in the background. Samrat moves to a corner, giving the father, daughter and the Shetty family some privacy.

Pallavi and Dr Shahane leave the room. Raunak holds his daughter's hand and lies down on his bed with a sigh.

"Ruu beta, I'm fine. Sorry if I worried you. By god's grace, I will live to perform my duties for this country and my family. But yeah, sometimes I feel scared. My duty is like that. What if I—"

"I understand Papa." Ruhana cuts her father off with a finger on his lips, "But please don't complete that sentence. You are so dramatic, you know?"

"Haha. That's why I want you to get married —"

"Papa!" Ruhana's voice is a shrill echo in the room. She knits her brows and looks down at her father. "Stop it! I can't believe you. Aap dramatic se Indian soap opera wale papa ban gaye hai! Seriously, why can't you speak of something else? Like your operation, maybe? That got you injured."

"Hmm. We were fighting off some infiltrators in the capital, beta. They ran off to a valley and... things happened. But it was a successful operation. We caught the infiltrators alive and took them into custody. None of my other comrades were seriously injured. So it's a complete win."

"I'm glad..." Ruhana stomps down on annoyance at the mention of marriage and smiles. It's easy given how proud she feels at the moment as the daughter of a fauji.

But seriously. She's hearing about marriage a lot these days, from Naina, from her annoying neighbours who still give out advice and ask her to marry so she won't have to live alone.

"Dada!" She looks at her father with a half smile, lovingly using the pet name she seldom uses around her father. "I can't believe this..."

She can't help but comment as silence stretches between her and her papa. "We met after so long and... that is the topic you picked. Why don't you ask your daughter about her job and general well-being?"

Raunak laughs. "What could I do, beta? I was thinking of family when I was shot. And was thinking of you and your mom, Pallavi. Of course, I would ask after your well-being, Ruu beta. And don't mind the marriage topic. I just brought it up casually."

"Hmm."

"But think of this, beta. I'm on army duties all the time. You live alone and so does your mom. Sometimes I wish there's someone who can look after you both in my stead. You two are strong women, I know. I'm proud of you two,.. but... is that a wrong thought?"

"Papa... it's not wrong. It's just... I have my friends na ... and mom had hers... and a handful of our relatives, maasi-s..."

Ruhana trails off. She thinks of her friends who are always there for her and her aunts, who sometimes stay in touch. Her mother has some friends too. They are blessed with great friends. They care for each other, but most times, each one of them leads their own battles. That's how life is and you can't burden your friends. Is a life partner any different? She's thinking of this when Samrat says something outrageous —

"Aisa insaan hai na uncle! There's someone who will always care for your wife and daughter." Samrat steps forward and smiles at Raunak. Despite Ruhana glaring at him, he doesn't back down. After all, he has to try. He might not be the perfect son, perfect best friend or lover, but he's always there when it counts. At least he wants to.

"Your daughter doesn't agree so...." He stops short, finally feeling the need to meet Ruhana's eyes meaningfully and chuckling awkwardly.

Ruhana's heart races at the implications Samrat put before her father. Raunak looks at the two youngsters and bursts out laughing. Then he flinches at the pain it induces in his chest.

"Papa... Aap bhi na... You are impossible!"

He smiles further at Ruhana's gentle rebuke. He knows about the friendship between these two kids — Ruhana and Samrat. And Pallavi once hinted at the thing brewing between them. The last time they had collectively, subtly asked Ruhana about it, she denied anything was brewing. Said anything brewed could only be distasteful.

Still, Raunak Shetty has different thoughts. With how close these two kids have been, and from what he observed in their bond, he has a feeling that the rift between them will resolve and solidify their bond further. But when?

He looks at Ruhana for answers, but the girl only clicks her tongue.

"Sam!" She directs her anger at Samrat, whirling on him, "is that your humour? It's annoying. Bahar jao tum. Go outside and give us space. Let me and Papa speak in private, will you?"

"Haha... sure." Samrat does not take offence at Ruhana's words and walks away with a slight smile. Pallavi, who walks in, declares she's also leaving, and adds before grabbing Samrat by the arm, "Bichara Samrat! Aur kitna ladogi ussey, Ruu? Why do you fight with Sam? He's such a fine young man. Oh, don't glare. We'll be outside. Call us when you're done talking to your dad."

"Huh. We aren't fighting. I'm not..." Ruhana shouts in retort and rolls her eyes. Pallavi, Samrat have left wordlessly. Raunak looks at Ruhana inquisitively.

Ruhana can sense his unspoken question hanging in the air — Aren't you best friends? What happened?

She shakes her head. Raunak squeezes her hand affectionately. The two do not brush the topic, discussing others.

"Beta, really won't you share what's on your heart with dad?" Raunak asks after a while, "What happened between you and Samrat? Your mom said you loved him once. Don't you still love him? I know your heart isn't flimsy, that it goes on to a random guy at the change of seasons."

"Papa... ugh. I told you not to speak of marriage and you pick more annoying topics?"

"We must confront the obvious issue, Ruu beta. How long will we run away?"

"Sam and I... It's complicated, papa. Let's leave it there."

"Is it?" Raunak speaks gently, so he doesn't offend his daughter. "I hope you find the answer before it's too late. "You know it, right? I held a grudge at my sister for years. Just because she married someone against Papa's will. And... three years ago, she passed away with cancer and... My papa and I regret cutting ties with her so much. I didn't speak of this with you, but I told Pallavi. Countless nights whenever I was home, I would cry in her company. She would hold me and soothe me. I'm lucky to have a partner like her. I don't know if Samrat is your true partner. I have a vague feeling he is, but don't know.... I will pray you find your true partner soon. Everyone needed one. That said, I doubt whether I'm returning Pallavi's love the way she deserves?"

"Papa... you... you always do your best for mom and I. So don't doubt yourself. And I'm really sorry about your sister..."

Ruhana smiles faintly. With another sigh, she lets the information sink in. Her father's revelation was overwhelming. Half the information is the truth she knows. Still, it's hard to face it head on.

"Life is so short, beta." Raunak says before switching to explain his army adventures, "too short to live in fear, uncertainty and inaction. To not love, to not live, to not dream... feels like a curse when the end is near. You are smart, beta. You can make a right choice. I'm not asking you to forgive Samrat. If that's your desire, don't delay."

Ruhana keeps calm and doesn't say a word. She understands half the things her father is saying is about his own life. But the philosophy still applies to everyone's lives.

Is she unreasonably refusing to forgive Samrat? Out of stubbornness? Does she still love him? Oh yes. Despite her efforts, her love for him hadn't faded. Indeed, it might be fear that's stopping her from taking action.

Rather than saying she hasn't forgiven him, it would be apt to say she is afraid.

Reason one. Sam had always been impulsive. Two — he initially said he was in love with Nain.

He might be the confused banda, but Ruhana wants to make sure it's true love from his end.

The time passed confirms this, but more time is needed. Then her heart will be ready. Perhaps then the ice in her heart will melt and once again warmth will overtake it, as she embraces her true love, devoid of all her fears and embrace love.

Yes, time is what they need. Time will define how their relationship will unfold.

"You fell into deep thought, beta," Raunak says with a laugh. Ruhana snaps out of her thoughts and looks at him.

"What's there to think, beta? Here's where Papa's help will come in handy. If you say so, let's test Samrat's intentions together. Of course I can't let my daughter marry off anyone like that. They have to pass Raunak Shetty's examinations. What do you say? Can l help you with your indecision?"

"Oh, papa ..." Ruhana hugs her dad once more, suddenly feeling light. Although she doesn't immediately agree to her dad's proposition, she can't deny it's a good one. If Samrat can withstand the tornado that Raunak Shetty's strictness, terms and conditions is — he might be the right candidate to marry. Marry, really? Is that where her feelings for Samrat are headed to? Suddenly overwhelmed, Ruhana brushes off the thought and focuses on spending quality time with her injured father.

***

"I'm sorry about crossing my limit, Ruu. The words just slipped me. I wanted to cheer uncle Raunak. But also, those were also my true feelings..." Samrat apologises to Ruhana afterwards.

Ruhana accepts his apology as he sounds sincere and the expression in his eyes is genuine. His tender concern takes away all her retorts, and she focuses on accompanying her mother to a nearby lodging within the army facility. It might also be her father's advice, she goes easy on Samrat.

Pallavi settles in her new room in the barracks, where she will stay until Raunak is discharged. It's almost sundown as Samrat, Ruhana, catch a ride on a local train back to Mumbai. Their hearts at the moment may be two rails that never meet, the relation between them progressing slower than the speed of a passenger train. Even so, it might be only time for their story, their relationship to be on track and reach their destination. Or... will it hit the dead-end?

***
💫💛tbc💛💫

💛💫up next: Ash naina spend time with zohra, later visit the Neves family. meanwhile Abbu receives a call from Badshah?  ruhana Samrat resume working on project Asher... what comes next?💫💛🤏

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