That evening, Ruhana returns home with a heavy heart. His words, his confession, are still lingering in her ears.

"Maine shadi isliye hi nahi ki, kyunki shayad mujhe tumhara intezaar tha, Ruhana,"

"Main apne jazbaat dil mein rakh nahi paaya, Ruhana."

"Shayad hamari niyati bhi humein milana chahti hai, Ruhana."

"I love you...."

"Apne liye sochne mein koi buraai nahi hai."

"Hum koshish kar sakte hai na. Ruhaani ko bhi manane ki koshish karenge. Vo tumhe samajhti hai..."

Ruhana jerks her head and covers her ears with her hands. Yes, his voice is still echoing in her ears. He just confessed that he loves her, but how? When did this happen?

But!! Hey! Love just happens. You don't need reasons to love. Of course, she loves her daughter unconditionally. The girl returns her love in her own ways, respecting her and doing things for her. Then, how can she seek answers from Vineet?

His presence is soothing for her; she can't deny the feeling. Apart from Ruhaani, Vineet has brought about some major changes in her personality. She can't thank him enough for the opportunities he has sent her way. And today, she rejected him to his face. Despite his efforts, filled with care and love, she couldn't bring herself to accept his love.

Suddenly, she feels guilty for turning him down. She didn't do it in rage, but honestly, she doesn't want people to badmouth him or doubt his image. She's well aware of how society looks down upon women who are divorced and widowed. She doesn't want any problems for him, and that is why she denied his proposal. But his words are still ringing in her ears. She just can't get rid of his words.

"Apni khushiyon ke liye ladna padega, Ruhana."

"Apne baare mein sochna galat nahi hai, sabko haq hai."

"Mujhe galat mat samjho, main hamare liye hi bol raha hoon."

Silent tears stream down her face. She is at a crossroads, unable to choose the right path. However, she herself is unaware of the emotions that she holds for Vineet. Yes, his presence is soothing, and in the past eight months, he has healed her to some extent. Their old friendship has been an add-on for them. He has become family, and even Ruhaani compares him with her biological father. Well, he has filled certain voids for her daughter, but she doesn't want to become a laughing stock in society. He has some respect in society, and she doesn't want to ruin it. She knows society would talk against them, and she doesn't want that.

She knows he's hurt, and she can't do anything about it. She only wants the best for him.

*****

Vineet reaches home and walks into his cabin, announcing to the housemaid that no one should disturb him. His mother is away at a kitty party with her friends, so he has the advantage of having some alone time. As he enters the room, his eyes fall on a picture frame that he has recently added to his side table. It's a picture of Ruhana and her daughter.

The other day, upon her arrival from London, the three of them went to the Savoury Plaza, and there, while talking, he clicked many pictures of the mother-daughter duo. Here, he has framed his favorite picture of them. He picks up that picture and caresses Ruhana's face.

"Jab itne saal intezaar kiya hai, toh thoda aur intezaar sahi, lekin shadi toh main tumse hi karunga, Ruhana. Maine soch liya hai."

"Tumhe jitna samay chahiye, utna lelo, lekin tumhare muh se haan toh main sun ke hi rahunga."

He keeps staring at the picture where she's laughing, and it pleases him. He remembers her words from the earlier conversations they had regarding relationships.

"Mujhe kisi rishtey mein nahi bandhna, Vineet."

"Main iss baare mein koi baat nahi karna chahti."

"Mujhe kya kya sunna padta hai, main hi jaanti hoon. Main nahi chahti, log tum par ungliyan uthaye. Sachchai toh yahi hai na, ki main talaakshuda hoon, aur society ki nazron mein tumhe mujhse behtar ladkiyan mil jayengi."

"Mere paas Ruhaani hai, mujhe aur kuch nahi chahiye."

"Please, Vineet! Tumne apni baat kahi aur maine mana kar diya. Main nahi karti tumse pyar..."

He sighs deeply. Yes, her words have pinched him, but he knows that she's only trying to protect herself and her daughter. However, he also knows that no one can be a perfect life partner for him other than her. And he's ready to wait for her until she's ready to confess her love for him. He again takes the frame in his hands and caresses the whole picture.

"Ruhana, I can wait for you, even if it means waiting for you forever. Tum jaldi hi samajh jaogi ki apne baare mein sochna aur apne aap ke liye kuch karna galat nahi hai. Aur tum dekhna, Ruhaani iss baar bhi tumhe support karegi, tumhari beti hai hi itni achchi aur tumse pyar bhi toh karti hai na!"

"Ma hamesha kehti thi shadi kar loon, aur main kehta tha ki jab mujhe koi ladki milegi jo mere jaisi hogi, tab main shadi kar lunga. Ab tum meri zindagi mein aa gayi ho, toh shadi toh main tumse hi karunga! Phir log sirf tumhe hi nahi, mujhe bhi kahenge ki aapki beti bahut samajhdar hai."

He laughs at the rants he just made. But there's an unwavering resolve in his eyes, determined to make her realize her love for him.

To Be Continued.