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The day went well for others...

Ruhi was smiling and playing with the kids in front of everyone.

But inside, she was breaking every moment. Feeling scared and worried.

Her family and her brothers can sense her. They knew Ruhi was worried about something.

But the thought of giving her space. This is a usual thing for them. If she has something in mind. She won't speak immediately. She takes time for processing.

Little did they know that things were different this time.

The Next day,

Today is Ruhi's Freshers party. She doesn't have college today. So, she was sleeping.

Kids and their fathers were getting ready for their work and school.

Today, Saurav is going to drop them off.

He got ready and sat in the living area waiting for the kids to get ready.

Saurav: Till they are getting ready. I will check on Ruhi.

Mihika: Okay! But don't wake her. She should rest properly. It's her freshers' party.

Saurav nodded and walked into Ruhi's room.

He saw her sleeping, wrapped in a blanket from head to toe.

He walked towards her and sat on his knees beside her bed. He removed the blanket from her face.

Saurav saw her sleeping peacefully like a child. Her cheeks puffed a little, mouth slightly open. He smiled looking at her. He was staring at her silently, caressing her hair.

Pecking on her hair, he patted her head lightly.

Ruhi's phone pinged with continuous 5-6 notifications. Saura peeped into her phone and saw Nayan's text.

Saurav sighed taking his phone. He saw messages.

Message 1: Good morning Ruhi Chuhi.

Message 2: It's a Fresher's party. So, please refrain from wearing a hoodie or a t-shirt. Go shopping with bhai or bhabhi. Or I can ask Mom to help you.

Saurav: Oh yeah! Yesterday, she asked Adrita for a dress. What is she wearing today?

He shifted his focus back to the text.

Message 3: Yesterday, your friend Navya texted me. She said you have something in mind. Is everything alright?

Saurav frown looking at the text. He saw next...

Message 4: Whatever it is. Don't worry. I am with you and will discuss this after the party.

Message 5: Ask Bhaiya not to come to pick you up after the party. I will drop you and we can discuss this.

Message 6: And Ruhi, honestly, you hurt me. I always thought we were best friends. But you proved me wrong. You need me but couldn't come to me? I am glad Navya informed me but I was expecting you to come to me on your own.

Saurav: What's wrong? She seemed dull Yesterday. Maybe, something is really wrong. We thought maybe there was an issue with friends. Like teenage kids have but Umm... Let's not spoil her freshers' party. I will speak with her at night.

He sighed and peaking her head, he walked out of her room.

***

The whole day, Ruhi was busy with Adrita and the twins. Others were at work and school.

She saw Nayan's text. She sighed deciding to speak with him after the party.

Only Adrita and Ruhi were home with twins. Ruhi was smiling, playing with twins like usual, she masked her fear but her eyes seemed dull.

Skips to evening, everyone returned from work or school.

Mihika: Ruhi, get ready or you will be late. Come, I will help you...

Ruhi: Bhabhi, I will get ready.

Mihik: Nope! I will help you. You need a little makeup.

Ruhi sighed, not knowing how she would wear that dress.

She stood up and walked into her room. She took the dress in her hands and glared at it as if trying to burn it.

Sighing sadly, she went into the washroom and came back changing it.

She stood in front of the mirror. Deep cleavage was giving her odd vibes, she was feeling low.

Mihika came into the room and saw her.

Mihika (shocked): Are you sure you will be wearing this?

Ruhi who was lost in thought, noticed Mihika.

Ruhi nodded. She tried to act confident.

Mihika: Ruhi, if you are not comfortable. We will look for something else.

Ruhi (smiling): No bhabhi. You only said it's my freshers' party. I should look pretty. Also, we have the Miss Beautiful competition.

Mihika nodded. She helped her get ready. After getting her ready.

Mihika: Ruhi, to participate in the competition. You need to wear your confidence, not something in which you are uncomfortable.

Ruhi (Stubbornly): I want to wear this only.

Mihika sighed.

Mihika: Let's go.

She said patting her head. Ruhi nodded and prepared her mind with a smile on her lips.

She stepped out of her room. Everyone's eyes fell on her. They were waiting for her.

A shock ran down their nerves, looking at Ruhi in that dress.

A girl who loves to wear t-shirts or hoodies. Cover herself up to the neck.

Not that this dress is inappropriate but this is something she doesn't like to wear. Not only front deep, but also the back.

Vidyut: Ahmm!!! Rooh, I was just teasing you. You don't need to wear anything that you are uncomfortable in.

He said with guilt that, usually, he always teases her with hoodies.

Ruhi (smiling): I want to try something.

Anirudh: I get that but you can start with something comfortable.. Slowly adapt new habit. Just jumping on something uncomfortable doesn't make sense bache.

Saurav felt something was wrong.

Saurav: Rooh, you sure, you want to wear this?

Ruhi nodded, forcing a smile.

Adrita went into her room and came back with a jacket.

Adrita: Ruhi, carry this jacket with you. If you feel uncomfortable or anything. Just wear it.

Ruhi genuinely, appreciates Adrita in mind.

Ruhi (hugging her): Thank you bhabhi.

Adrita (patting her back): You are beautiful and gorgeous. You don't need to force yourself to fit into situations. You are best in your own way.

Ruhi nodded, with a forced smile.

Saurav: Come, I will drop you.

Ruhi nodded, wearing a jacket.

Vidyut (cupping her face): I am sorry Rooh. If ever my words made you feel anything low. I just tease you.

Ruhi (holding his hands): Don't say this bhai. I know you love me the most. You always supported me and encouraged me to be the best.

She said, she was feeling guilty.

Ruhi (pecking his cheeks): I love you.

Vidyut (pecking her head): Bhai always loves his princess.

Anirudh (pecking her head): You are looking so pretty.

Ruhi gave him a genuine smile.

Khush (grinning): Bua, you are looking so pretty. Like movie wali.

Ruhi chuckled, ruffling his hair.

Bidding bye to family, Ruhi and Saurav left.

Saurav dropped the idea of speaking with her now, as she was smiling genuinely. He doesn't wish to spoil her mood.

They reached her college and saw Dhruv, Nayan's Best friend waiting.

Ruhi: Where are the others?

Dhruv: Ekansh and Nayan are on the way. Ekansh is coming with his sister. So, she is also on the way. I don't know about your other friend.

Ruhi nodded, texting Ivana.

They stood few minutes, waiting for a friends.

Ekansh and Navya came first.

Navya (surprised): Oh my my!!! Look at you.

She came near Ruhi.

Navya (whispering in her ear): I am sure Nayan bhai will be focused on keeping boys away from you.

Ruhi blushed a little but immediately composed herself.

Ruhi: You are looking the prettiest. I am sure by the end of the party a line of proposals will be final for you.

Ekansh (in possessively): Don't talk with boys Navi.

Saurav chuckled, listening to Ekansh.

Saurav: Alright! I am leaving. Rooh, call me once the party is done.

Ruhi: Bhaiya, Nayan will drop me off today.

Saurav sighed, remembering Nayan's texts. He nodded.

Saurav left and in the same moment, Ivana reached there. Girls stood talking and complimenting each other.

Nayan came. His eyes stopped at Ruhi. His heart did a happy dance, she was looking so pretty.

He made a mental note to be around her and keep the boys away.

He wanted to compliment her but everyone was around. He was feeling shy. His ears were turning pink.

Nayan: Let's go.

Nodding, everyone walks inside. Ruhi's phone pinged.

Unknown contact: Jacket?? Remove it Butterfly 🦋. Why are you not following my instructions? You know your Saurav Bhaiya is stuck in traffic at KM road.

Ruhi's breath hitched. A few minutes back. She was happy and enjoying herself. Now, this message.

Ruhi: I need to use the washroom.

Everyone stopped, listening to her.

Navya (sensing Ruhi's sudden mood change): I will come along.

Ivana: Me too.

Boys nodded. Girls walked into the washroom.

Ivana: Ruhi, he texted again?

Ruhi nodded. Both girls shared a worried look.

Ruhi: He asked yesterday to wear a dress something like this.

She showed her phone. Both the girls were shocked. They were staring at the phone as if a crime had been committed.

Ivana: He is so disgusting.

Navya: You are removing this jacket?

Ruhi nodded, she was controlling her tears.

Ivana: Idea...

Ruhi and Navya shifted focus towards her.

Ivana (excitedly): Yesterday, he cut his arm. Today, he is joining the party. Of course, he saw you in a jacket and texted you. He is around. I will keep my eyes on every boy. Whoever have bandage on his wrist. We will know it's him.

Ruhi and Navya immediately nodded.

Ivana: I can't help you but this way I can.

Ruhi nodded, she was feeling a little stronger.

Navya: I am also with you, Ruhi.

Ivana (raising her eyebrow): What if Ekansh will scold you?

Navya: Anyway, He always does. Today, I heard Ekansh bhai speaking with Dhruv bhai. They are planning to try beer. If he can do this with his friends. I can also help my friend. Let him scold me.

She said with confidence. Ruhi feeling light, pulled her friends in a tight hug. Both joined her happily.

After breaking the hug.

Ruhi (removing the jacket): I will be in the garden. I don't know how to face anyone in this dress.

Both the girls nodded with a sigh. They understood that she was feeling uncomfortable. In between the crowd, she won't enjoy but will be conscious every single second.

Navya: I will bring snacks and food for you.

Ivana: I will be in the party room, keeping my eyes on every boy.

With this, the three walked out. Boys already left with friends for the party hall. Ekansh informed Navya through text.

Ruhi sat on a bench in the garden. Navya and Ivana walked into the party hall.

To be continued...