Vineet reaches home with a new perspective on Ruhana. Until now, he had been thinking that his friend had changed a lot. Indeed, she has changed, but she’s still the same soul when it comes to the people she loves. He has seen her caring side, and the hug from last night still lingers fresh in his mind. As they talked the other day, she side-hugged him—and truly, it spoke volumes about her emotions.

As he enters his room and gazes at the full-sized mirror, Vineet finds a smile playing on his lips. Of course, it’s not just about business—it’s the warmth of meeting an old friend and realizing that she’s still the same as she was in childhood. He is glad to see the same girl after so many years. He only hopes that she brings her playful side into the business too and is a little more lenient toward the people working for her.
Well, he can only hope!

*****
Ruhana checks on her little sister. Aanya is finally asleep under the effect of the medicines. She leans over and kisses her forehead softly, then covers her with the duvet. Assuring herself that her sister is fine now, Ruhana sits beside her and opens the file that Barkha had given her earlier in the day. She had only skimmed through it before, and now she wants to read it properly. Besides, sleep eludes her—she's too worried about Aanya.

She dims the room lights and switches on the bedside lamp—the one she usually uses to read when she can’t sleep. She lies on the bed and begins to go through the file. Yep, something from the past is knocking.

As she reads, she is stunned once again. The company name is Zenith Ventures—an IT company doing well in the business world. According to its website, it has a strong reputation and satisfied clients.

But it’s the owner’s name that leaves her shocked. However, the expression on her face soon shifts into a smirk.

“Now, I’ll get it back. What’s mine is mine, you know,” she mutters, staring at the company name on the file.

She quickly grabs her laptop and starts searching on Google. An hour later, a plan begins to take shape in her mind. She quickly types a message to Barkha, informing her of the plan and instructing her to begin implementing it the very next day.

*****

The next morning, Ruhana wakes up only to find Aanya snuggled close to her. She softly pecks her cheek, and at the same time, Aanya tightens her grip around her, not letting her go. Ruhana isn’t surprised—Aanya does this whenever she’s unwell or upset. Today, she’s unwell, and she doesn’t want her sister to leave her alone.

“Aanya, are you okay?” she asks and gently touches her forehead to check for a temperature.

“There’s no fever. I’m glad. But you’re resting today,” Ruhana says, her tone soft.
“And you’re resting too, Didu,” Aanya says, opening her eyes and looking at her innocently.

“No, baby! I have work at the office,” Ruhana says, her tone caring.

“I know, but I want you to stay home. Please, Didu,” Aanya insists.

Ruhana looks at her sister—she’s weak, and not listening to her would only dampen her mood. So, to be on the safe side, Ruhana decides to work from home. She lies on the bed, easing herself in, while Aanya hugs her. Ruhana embraces her sister with both hands and then sighs deeply.

“Okay, now you rest. And I have to make a phone call, may I?” she asks, causing Aanya to chuckle.

“Okay, Didu, you can. And you can even call Buddy to accompany you,” Aanya chuckles.

Ruhana smiles lightly. “He has his office to handle, Aanya. Don’t bother him, okay?” she says, warning her sister gently.

Aanya giggles, her tone soft. “You know, Didu, Buddy is just like you. It’s just that you’re impulsive, Didu. You must think before you take decisions, you know. You really should think about it,” she says softly.

“Huh, he has influenced you too, Aanya!” Ruhana replies teasingly.

“Ah, yes! For the good. By the way, I’m hungry,” Aanya chuckles.

“Hm, I’ll get some breakfast for you.” Ruhana hops out of bed, and Aanya calls out, asking her to invite Vineet as well.

Ruhana shakes her head, and after freshening up, she makes her way into the kitchen while Aanya follows her into the living room. Aanya switches on the television and plays some vibrant songs. Her sister watches her through the kitchen window and then finally dials Vineet’s number.
Truly, she has begun to feel comfortable in his presence—and so has her sister. Maybe... he needs to be here.

*****

Vineet, on the other hand, is getting ready for the day when his phone rings. He picks it up, knowing it’s Ruhana on the line. He’s glad when she invites him for breakfast.

“You’re changing, Ruu,” he says, his tone gentle.

“No, I’m still the same, Vineet. It’s just that Aanya wants your company, you know. Seems like you’ve got new friends,” she says.

He chuckles. “Haha, yeah. Are you jealous?” he asks teasingly.

“Uh, no! Gone are those days, Vineet. I don’t get jealous now, because, you know, I fight for what’s mine,” she says, her voice a promise to herself.

“Oh yeah? But my way is through love,” he whispers gently.

“Yeah, Vineet! I know. Let’s find out how our paths align. But please come soon,” she says and then disconnects the call.

Vineet smiles, his eyes lingering on Ruhana’s picture on the wallpaper of his phone. “I’ll wait for the day when love becomes your way too, Ruu. Until that day, I’ll keep trying,” he murmurs—a silent promise to himself that he will make her believe in love once again.

To Be Continued.