Saurav extended his hand towards Vidyut.

When Ruhi's eyes fell on Saurav's wrist, which was covered with a bandage.

An image of a wrist cut played in her mind, and she choked on her pani puri. She was unable to focus on her throat as she coughed. Her tearful eyes were roaming between Saurav and his bandaid wrist.

Ruhi's POV: Saurav bhaiya? Did he send me that picture?

Ruhi's POV ends.

Vidyut (rubbing her back): Calm down, Rooh. Calm down.

Once, she calmed.

Ruhi (pointing at Saurav's wrist): What happened?

Mihika (sighing): Look at your brother, Ruhi. He was preparing lunch while attending a call with a client. Hot oil dropped on his wrist, burning it.

Ruhi's eyes were wide open. She felt a pinch in her heart.

She walked towards him and sat beside him, hugging him.

She started sobbing, feeling guilty for doubting Saurav. How can she doubt him? Isn't he the one who gave her the sense of protectiveness? "Saurav bhaiya is here". Isn't he the one who always provides her comfort through cuddles?

Saurav (worried): Rooh, bache, look, I am okay.

Ruhi broke the hug, holding his hand.

Ruhi (pecking near the bandage): Is it still burning?

Saurav (caressing her hair): Na bache. I am good.

He wiped her tears. She hugged him again, mumbling, "I love you".

Her different behaviour shocked everyone.

Saurav: Rooh, what's wrong?

Ruhi (shaking her head): My Saurav bhaiya is here na.

With utmost Innocence and trust in words, she mumbled, her tone was soft and pure.

Everyone's heart melted the way words rolled out of her tongue.

Saurav pulled her in a tight hug. A soft sob escaped her lips, getting the warmth she was craving for.

Everyone's attention shifted to Khush, listening to a sob.

Adrita: Tujhe kya hua? (What happened to you?)

Khush (crying): Bua crying.

Ruhi chuckled, listening to his reason.

She broke the hug and saw Khush. He came towards her, wrapping his little arms around her. She smiled, hugging him. She held Saurav's arm with her other hand.

Vidyut (crying fakely): Rooh, look i got hurt too.

He extended his hand towards her and presented his nail where he had bitten the extra skin.

Saurav (rolling his eyes): Oh my god!! Vidu, you are fully injured. Should I call an ambulance?

Vidyut (looking at Mihika): Bhabhi, can you please help?

Adrita: Guys, if you are not interested in pani puri. I am okay to complete.

Khushi (immediately): No no chachi.

With this, again everyone started to enjoy pani puri.

Ruhi mingled up quickly but she had thoughts of that image in her mind.

After completing her snacks.

Ruhi: Fresher's party is announced in college for the day after tomorrow.

Vidyut (sighing): You aren't wearing a hoodie for tee...

Ruhi: Huh!!! What am I supposed to wear? Saree? No way! Not happening.

Vidyut: Something classy.

Ruhi stared at him, narrowing her eyes.

Saurav: What's the dress code?

Ruhi: Nothing particular.

Mihika: Let Ivana and Navya decide the dress code for you girls. If you need any help. I am here.

Ruhi pouted.

Harsha: Shh!!!

With this, their usual talks were going on. This distracted Ruhi and she spent her day without much stress. She was surrounded by her loved ones.

☆☆☆

Next morning...

Ruhi reached her college with Vidyut.

She saw that Ekansh and Navya were present. The rest were yet to come.

Navya gave her an assuring smile. Ruhi blinked her eyes.

Vidyut (hugging her): Bye and enjoy.

Ruhi nodded. Vidyut left. Nayan and Dhruv came a few minutes later. Ivana then came with her father.

Dhruv: Let's go guys.

Everyone went towards their class.

Girls sat on a bench, waiting for their lecturer.

Ivana (holding Ruhi's hand): I want to speak with you.

Ruhi nodded, asking her to continue. Navya was looking at them.

Ivana: Have you received any other texts after that?

Ruhi: No! I was planning to share it with bhai, but you know, he is tracking or something. He was aware before me that Bhai went to buy pani puri. He is scaring me now. I only know how I am keeping myself normal when everyone is around. In the morning, Mihika Bhabhi was asking me what was wrong.

Ivana (nodding): I wanted to say one thing. Ruhi, you know, right? You are my best friend, like my sister.

Ruhi and Navya looked at each other then Ruhi saw Ivana and nodded.

Ivana: Ruhi, I am sorry but please keep me away from all this. I know you are innocent and you haven't done anything wrong but he is scary. See, he is tracking you and your family. What if he did something wrong, and I would also be under the supervision of the police? I don't know how I will explain this to my parents please keep me away. Don't share anything with me. I have deleted yesterday's image too. I am really sorry, Ruhi, but I don't want to be in this trouble.

She completed with sadness in her eyes. Listening to her words, Navya was also in deep thought.

Ruhi, she sat silently and numb. She was trying to process her words.

Navya (with guilt): Umm... Ruhi, I guess Ivana isn't wrong. If Ekansh Bhai comes to know I am involved in something like this. He will definitely complain to our parents. Please don't share anything with me, either. I don't know what I will do if my parents question me about this.

That was enough for Ruhi!!!

Their words were like a knife stabbing in her heart. She gulped down all her emotions and nodded with a small smile.

Ivana: I am really sorry Ruhi.

Navya: I don't want to leave you like this, but I am sorry. Please forgive me.

Ruhi: It's okay guys.

Just then lecturer walked in. Everyone was focused on the lecture.

Ruhi... She was lost in her thoughts. Navya and Ivana noticed her a few times. They wanted to console and speak with her but the fear of their family was crawling in their hearts.

The whole lecture, Ruhi was busy with her thoughts.

She was not angry with her friends. Isn't it what she is also scared of? She spent her whole night thinking about her family and this situation only.

Ruhi's POV: Where did I get stuck? I am not angry with Ivana or Navya. They are right from their point of view. What if he will hurt them? What will they tell their family?

She was continuously tapping her feet unconsciously.

If Dada will get to know? Will he be angry? He will be hurt more. How can I force someone this much? Because of me, someone is cutting their wrists. Bhaiya will support me with this? Or he will be broken? How will everyone blame my brothers? They never taught me this but... If this came out. Bhai... his reputation? The hard work he did for this post and everything will turnish? I can't even be a good sister. They love me a lot but me?

Yesterday, I was crying. Khush too started crying. Will he love the same when in future he will understand all this?

Ruhi's POV ends...

To be continued...