After college,

Ruhi was sitting in her room, feeling guilty, hurt, scared, and broken. Many emotions were there. She felt weak.

Her friends are also not with her in this. She was planning to share this with Nayan before. Now, when even her friends are not with her. She feels more scared, lonely and broken.

Everything is playing on repeat in her mind.

Her phone rang with a notification. Ruhi's heart skipped a beat at the sound of the notification tune.

She gulped before taking her phone. She was hoping for random company spam or her friends to text her, but when her eyes saw an unknown contact. She shivered.

She read the notification.

Notification: I see, you dared to block the previous contact. What do you think, I won't reach out to you if you block me. Aww!! My poor Butterfly!!! But you know pretty lady. You hurt me. And I won't forgive you without punishing.
So, your punishment... You know we have a fresher party. I want you to wear something like this (check the photo). If you don't... Trust me you will regret. On the same day, your Adrita bhabhi is planning to visit her parents' home with the kids and also, yes, both little ones will be getting the vaccine.
This coming Monday, your Vidyut bhai has a meeting with the ICP officer, DCP and other state-level officers at his office. Also, guess what? Your Saurav bhaiya too has a meeting with a client at the Sunshine Hotel in the evening. And and and... not to forget your Harsha Bhabhi will be visiting Khushi, Khush and Niyati's school for Result collection. Either you surprise me with the dress or let me surprise you with something else.

Last but not least pretty Butterfly, don't skip this day. Anything above can turn into something else....

Bye Butterfly 🦋

Ruhi saw the photo. She felt like someone was choking her. She was fighting for breath.

The phone fell from her hands. Her hands were trembling.

Was he taking advantage of her situation?

She sensed footsteps approaching. Maybe Khushi, Niyati or Khush as she sensed running.

She quickly rushed in washroom, not being able to face anyone.

She shut the door and covered her mouth with both of her hands, trying to control her sob.

She heard Niyati's voice.

Niyati: Bua, study time. Papa is waiting for you.

She came to call her for her studies.

Ruhi (trying to calm her voice): I need time. Coming.

She sensed that Niyati was going back as the voice of footsteps slowed down.

Ruhi stood breathing heavily. Not understanding what to do. She wanted to ignore. But the way he described his family's schedule. She was scared.

Her knees felt weak, and she sat on the floor with a thud. She was not able to register everything. She pulled her in her grip in frustration.

Ruhi (sobbing): If I won't wear something like this. He will harm my family. No! No!! I will wear. I will wear.

She gathered all the courage and stood up. She splashed water on her face a few times.

She cleaned her face and tried to smile before going out.

She tried to stretch her lips but she wasn't able to. She tried again and again. For almost 10 minutes she tried but failed miserably.

She closed her eyes, looking down.

She remembered her brothers, how she was holding Vidyut's dupatta, which he was wearing on his Indian attire, at Saurav's wedding and following him everywhere.

She remembered, how Anirudh tricked her and gave her medicine when she was being stubborn and suffering from dengue.

She remembered how Saurav cuddled with her whenever she had a bad dream and used to walk into his room, even when he was married. Always, He used to take her in his embrace and cuddle with her like she was a plushy soft toy.

Remembering all this, an automatic small smile appeared on her lips.

Ruhi (motivating): I am doing this for my brothers, my family. I can do this.

With this, after motivating herself, she stretched her lips into a small smile. Ruhi walked out and went into the living area.

Saurav: Ruhi, bring your books.

Ruhi: Bhaiya, tomorrow, I have a freshers' party.

Anirudh: Everything is fine but studies are important, Rooh.

Vidyut: No! Bhai, she have alot of time for studies. Freshers' party won't come again in her life. Let her enjoy. Rooh, let's go shopping. Colleges arrange some competition. Let's go and buy something classy. I will choose for you.

Ruhi immediately shook her head.

Vidyut (shocked): Here, I am fighting with my beloved brothers for you, and you are telling me no? My heart is broken 💔

Saurav: Ignore Rooh Ignore.

Ruhi: Can I borrow from Adrita bhabhi?

Adrita: Is it even a question? Go and check the wardrobe. Take whatever you like.

Ruhi nodded.

Mihika (scolding): Before anything, come have something and complete your milk. You haven't eaten anything
After coming from. I know you are excited for the Freshers' party, but no skipping milk.

Ruhi was planning to take the dress without letting anyone know what she had taken. She is scared that her family will oppose her.

She sat silently and took the glass of milk. She completed it like a good girl. She sat silently with everyone.

Khush (whining): Mumma, button khul gaya phir se (again the button got open)

Harsha, who was busy chopping vegetables.

Harsha: I told you not to wear this. This is old now.

Khush (pout): I love this.

He stood up. Saurav held him, buttoning up. While holding him, he sensed something in his pocket.

Saurav (patting his pocket): What's this?

Khush gave him a toothy smile. He pulled out a half-eaten biscuit.

Saurav raised his eyebrow.

Harsha: This is your favourite. You haven't completed it.

Khush shook his head.

Saurav: Why?

Khush: This is for my emer... emcy... emerency.

Saurav: Emergency?

Khush (nodding): Vidu chachu told me. Keep your favourite with you. So, if anyone is angry and scolds me, I feel bad. I can have this. I will feel good.

Saurav: Oh! If no one scolds you for the whole day?

Khush: I am a good boy, and all love me. My prize. I eat at night.

Everyone chuckled, listening to his explanation of what Vidyut taught him.

Vidyut (with fake shy smile): I know I am the best I just don't like to show it off.

Anirudh who was beside him, hit him on his head. Vidyut rolls his eyes, rubbing his head.

Saurav: Let's get back to studies.

He said making him sit.

Everyone got busy at work. Ruhi walked into Vidyut and Adrita's room. She was looking at the dresses, checking exactly what she had to wear as per the photo.

Finally, getting one dress. She took it and shivered. Is she wearing something like this? She felt uncomfortable looking at the dress. She wished to throw it, but decided against her will. She took the dress and silently walked into her room as Everyone was busy.

Upon reaching her room. She sat on the bed and threw the dress on the floor as tears rolled down her face.

To be continued...