Yuvraj (POV)

The only name echoing in my head was hers-Ruhanika.

My Rooh. My love. My butterfly.

She walks around showing the world how fierce she is, but only I know how fragile her heart truly is. Only I know the weight she carries behind that dazzling smile. That haunted look she gets when someone mentions her "family"... if you can even call them that.

No, they don't deserve that word.

Family is meant to protect, not break.
To hold, not push away.
To love, not wound.
And still, they let her shatter.

But now, I'm in her life. And I will make things right. No matter what it takes.

As soon as we ended our call this morning, I began getting ready. I didn't want to be late, even if our date at the coffee shop was still two hours away. I always liked being early when it came to her.

She deserves effort. She deserves time. She deserves me-at my best.

While searching for my black blazer, my phone buzzed. An email.

Subject: Simranium CEO Excellence Award - Final Nomination.

I stopped breathing for a second. This award... this was something big. Something every business head dreams of. And apparently, it had my name written all over it.

My heart skipped.

But the moment I read the location, my face dropped.

Mumbai.

The city she ran from.
The city she never wanted to return to.
The city filled with scars wearing the names of her brothers.

And worse... Rudraansh Khanna.
Her eldest brother.
My biggest competition.
And possibly... my future brother-in-law.

What twisted fate.

I wanted her beside me when I walked on that stage. I wanted her hand in mine when I received that award. She's been the silent strength behind my chaos. But how do I even tell her?

How do I ask her to return to the very city that tore her apart?

I couldn't think straight.

So, I called the one person who could understand both sides of this battle.

Vikram Khanna.
Her cousin.
Her shield.

The call rang once, twice-

He picked up. Yuvraj?

"We need to go to Mumbai,I said directly.

There was silence.

Then he replied, Yeah. You have to. And Ruhi... she has to face it too.

No,I snapped. She won't face anything. Not alone. I'll make sure of that.

He didn't argue. He knew better.

Because when it comes to my Ruhi, I don't allow pain near her. I destroy it before it even tries.

I cut the call, threw on my blazer, and stared into the mirror.

This time, I'll stand beside her. Even if it means standing against the world.

Because the truth is...

I'd rather burn every bridge in Mumbai than let a single tear fall from her eyes.

She's not just my love.

She's my responsibility.
My peace.
My war.
My everything.

Ruhanika (POV)

I was getting ready... not just for a date, but for him.
For the person who stood beside me when even my own blood turned their backs.
For the man who believed in me, trusted me... loved me.

Yes, I had Vikram and Veer-my cousin brothers, my protectors.
But after them...
He was my safest place.
My peace.
My person.

And of course, not to forget the drama queen of my life, my best friend-Twinkle.
They both keep fighting for my attention as if I'm the main character of their movie.
Well, maybe I am.

Sometimes I wonder, do I even deserve this kind of love?
But then he looks at me like I'm his whole world, and suddenly the answer is yes.

I smiled faintly as I buttoned up my light top, paired it with my favourite blue jeans, let my hair loose, and added a little gloss-just enough to feel confident but still be me.

For him, I didn't need to be perfect. I just had to be Ruhanika.

The moment I entered the café-our café-I felt that old familiar flutter.
He once told me, "This is where I first saw you. And I knew you were the one."

And today... he was already there.

Black shirt. Sleeves folded. Hands clasped on the table.
Looking like sin and salvation at once.

So effortlessly handsome.
So mine.

But his eyes weren't calm.
There was something else-something tense. His mind was clearly racing.

I walked up to him, slowly.

Placed my hand over his and I asked Yuvraj? Kya hua?

He looked up, distracted, but still smiled. Nothing.

Wait, wait-no distractions. Tell me, what happened?"

He exhaled deeply. Then finally said it.

There's an award function. One week from now.

My eyes lit up. "Are you serious? That's amazing! Location?"

He hesitated.

And then dropped the bomb.

Mumbai.

Just hearing that word... Mumbai... my heartbeat slowed.

The city I swore I'd never go back to.
The city of ghosts.
The city where my family broke me.

My face fell. I didn't even realize I had stopped breathing for a second.

But then he said something that brought me back.

Rooh, I want you there. Beside me. You've always been my strength, ever since I lost my parents.

And I looked into his eyes, straight and sure.
I'll be there."

He paused. "But Rooh... your family...

I nodded slowly. "I have to face them one day or another. Might as well be now. Maybe I'll learn how far they've fallen... or maybe they'll learn how far I've come."

"Destiny wants this. That's why the venue changed so suddenly. It's time."

He looked proud. Yet concerned.

And somewhere deep down... I knew he was scared for me.
But more than that, he believed in me.

"Twinkle's there too, by the way," he added with a sigh.

I laughed, "I know. Her modeling shoot is in Mumbai."

"We'll stay at her mansion," I said casually.

"No. Not hers." he said

I blinked. "Yuvraj. She's my best friend."

He rolled his eyes and said -But I still hate her."

We both burst out laughing.

That's us.
Always laughing in the middle of chaos.

But inside, we both knew...

Going to Mumbai wasn't just a trip. It was a battle.

And the countdown had already begun

The Khanna Mansion, Mumbai

Author's POV

The table was set.

Dinner was served with royal elegance. Chandeliers shone above the long glass table where generations of the Khanna family sat, dressed in their usual designer pride and bloodline arrogance.

Everything looked perfect.
As if nothing had ever gone wrong.

The elders were there-Mr. Bijendra khanna, the eldest voice of the house, sat at the head.
On his right, Rudransh Khanna.
The boy with the name, power... and a secret guilt he carried silently.

And as one by one the family members joined the table, the conversations began-formal, surface-level, fake.

Until Bijendra finally broke the silence.

Rudransh,his voice firm but curious, where's the award ceremony being held?

Rudransh wiped his hands and replied calmly, In Mumbai. One week from now. We'll all be there. Full family.

His mother lit up instantly. Of course, full family! My son is getting an award. He's the best.
Her voice had pride. And possession.

But silence followed... only for a moment.

Until a sharp, taunting voice cut through the room like a blade dipped in sugar.

Full family? his aunt mocked.
Her fake smile was wider than her lipstick.
Are you sure, Bhabhi? I mean... what about Ruhi?

And suddenly, as if someone had switched off the air conditioner... the room went cold.

Ruhi.
The name still had weight.
Still had power.
Even after seven long years.

And before Bijendra or Rudransh could respond, his father spoke, arrogance dripping from every syllable.

Ruhanika is doing good because of us. She's studying in the best school. That too, on my money.

But Rudransh didn't stay silent this time.
Not today.

He looked straight at him and said, voice firm but trembling with suppressed emotion:

Dad, please. She's not living on your money. She's in Jaipur. On a scholarship. If you even bothered to check your bank records... you'd know she hasn't touched a rupee from your account.

The room gasped-not dramatically, but with visible disbelief.

She wasn't using their money?

And then, from the other side, Vikram spoke up.

How do you know all this, Rudransh?

Rudransh turned to him. His answer was simple, but it carried a storm.

Because she's my sister. I never stopped knowing about her.

That's when veer stood up slightly, his voice low but heavy:

She was your sister. You all abandoned her when she needed you. And now, no one has any right on her-not even you, Rudra.

And before anyone could speak further...

A voice came from the doorway.

Why are we fighting over a stranger?

Everyone turned.

Aarohi
She stood there, dressed gracefully, smile plastered on her lips, eyes cold like snow.

It's been what... seven years? And suddenly, her name's enough to divide this house?

Before anyone could process her presence, Yug,rolled his eyes and said

Yeah, exactly. Whoever she was-Ruhanika or whatever. Why do we always fight about her? She's an attention seeker, that's it.

And then came another voice.
Kabir.

Who told you that, Yug?

Yug smirked. Aaru Didi. And I trust her. I mean look around. Ruhi's name comes up and World War 3 begins. So maybe she's right.

Rudransh stood up without a word.

Everyone tried to stop him-his mother,his father even Vikram. But he didn't look back.
He just walked away.

Silence returned.
Again.

And then, as if she was waiting for her cue...

Aaru stepped forward and smiled sweetly.

See, I told you. Her name only brings problems. I just wish... she never comes back again.

She smiled evily.

Rudraansh POV

She was my little dove.
My sister.
The only person who clung to me like I was her world.

I had always wished for a sister, and destiny gifted me one. But what destiny gave, the family took away. They called her a brat, a problem, ill-mannered. And I... I stayed silent.

They said she bullied Aarohi.
She denied it.
But no one believed her. Not even me.

I thought it was just childish fights, that things would sort out. But instead, our parents made the harshest decision-they sent her away. And I let them.

I thought maybe distance would give her peace.
But all it gave us was silence.
Seven years of it.

Seven years since I've seen her.
Seven years since I've heard her voice.

Sometimes I wonder, did she miss me?
Or did she hate me?

I lost her.
Not because she left.
But because I never fought for her to stay.

She was mine to protect.
And I failed.

Author POV

Just two days before the grand function, Ruhanika and Yuvraj landed in Mumbai.

The air felt heavier the moment she stepped out of the airport. The city hadn't changed-but her relationship with it had.
Old wounds. Old memories.
But with Yuvraj by her side, she stood straighter.

A luxury car came to pick them up. The drive was quiet-at least from Ruhanika's side. Her fingers were twitching, thoughts scattered. But Yuvraj just held her hand, no questions asked. That's all she needed.

As the gates of Twinkle's lavish mansion opened, the silence shattered.

FINALLY!!
Twinkle ran toward Ruhanika like a missile and jumped on her, hugging her tightly. "It's been one year! I was drowning in shoots and fashion weeks. But you-YOU-didn't even bother to video call!

Ruhanika laughed, trying to keep balance, Lady! Lady! Calm down! You'll knock me over!

Twinkle pouted dramatically. Your romio will never let you fall. Right, Yuvraj babu?

Yuvraj chuckled, shaking his head. Can you please just show us the rooms before someone breaks a bone?

But Twinkle wasn't done with her nonsense. Oh, so husband and wife want the same room before marriage? Wow. I hope the walls here don't echo... I don't wanna hear Yuvraj doing-"

Twinkle! Stop!Ruhanika smacked her arm, her face already flushed.

That's why I hate her,Yuvraj groaned with a grin. She's evil. Loud. Wicked.

But still... you can't ignore me, can you? Twinkle winked.

"God, please, Ruhanika muttered, Can we focus?"

Twinkle nodded, her expression softening just a little. Did Veer and Vikram know you're here?

No,Ruhanika replied. I didn't tell them. I was going to... but then I thought, let it be a surprise. Maybe that's better.

Silence fell for a second.

Twinkle, now serious, asked quietly, So... you'll face them? Your family? Rudraansh Khanna?

Ruhanika straightened her spine.

Yes. I will face him. All of them. And this time, I'm not alone. I have you both.

That was the thing about Ruhanika. Even when her voice trembled, she still stood tall.

Okay! Let's get to rooms!" Twinkle clapped. "AND-Mr. Yuvraj-your room is to the left. And my little bestie will stay with me.

Wait, why is she with you?Yuvraj protested, looking betrayed.

Because I'm a girl, Twinkle smirked. And I'm not ready for baby cries in this house just yet.

"Ugh,Yuvraj muttered, This is going to be long.

And Twinkle just grinned, dragging Ruhanika away like a prize she had finally win

Twinkle's POV

As soon as we entered my room, she kicked off her shoes and settled comfortably on the couch.

So, how are things going? I asked, her casually plopping beside her.

She looked up at me with that sweet, composed smile of hers and said- Good. Perfectly fine. College final year... and about UV,"
She paused.
Things are great. Just waiting for the day after tomorrow.

But I wasn't convinced. That smile of hers-too polished. Too practiced.

Are you seriously ready to face all of them?
I lowered my voice and said I mean... you hate all of them

She looked at me, her smile dropping just a little.

"No," she said quietly, I don't hate all of them.

She pause and then speak

I don't hate Yug. He was the youngest. He didn't even know what was happening. He was just... a kid. I don't blame him for not knowing the difference between love and partiality. I'm just excited to see him. Only him.

I stared at her and said
But what if Aarohi manipulated him too? You know how twisted she is. What if she fed him storieslike she used to do?

Her face fell but she composed herself and said
Maybe,she whispered. Maybe not. But I still want to see him. I still want to feel that one bond that wasn't broken.

Then she looked at me again, and her eyes sparkled a little and said
And I also want to see Yuvraj being the best.

That one made me grin and i said-

Aww... look at you. Blushing and glowing like a typical Bollywood heroine.

She rolled her eyes.

So... marriage plans? Baby plans? I teased, wiggling my brows.

Twinkle! she gasped, throwing a cushion at me. Stop right now.

And then she looked at me, curious. What about you? Modeling career and all?

I leaned back and let out a sigh and said
It's... tough, yaar. This industry isn't as glamorous as it looks on screen. Every day feels like a battle-between rejection and hope. But I'm not giving up. I know if I just get that one chance, I'll rise. Top model, front covers, red carpets. I can feel it. It's just not yet.

She smiled at me like she believed every word I said. That's what I loved about her. She never doubted my dreams, even when I did.

Then I leaned in and nudged her arm and i said
Now your turn. How's Yuvi treating you?

And that made her shy.
Actually shy.

She looked down, playing with her fingers.

He's treating me like... I don't even have words. Sometimes I wonder what I did in life to deserve him. It's like-every broken piece of me found peace in him.

She smiled, her eyes distant but full of warmth.

I don't think I've done a single good thing in life... but somehow, I got Yuvraj. And he's the best. Not perfect. But perfect for me.

And in that moment,her face glowed.

And then i asked the toughest question

And... you're gonna meet Rudransh, right?" I asked, trying to sound casual. Like... face-to-face. After seven whole years?

The softness on her face melted into ice.
Cold.
Blank.
Detached.

I don't know, Twinkle. I seriously don't she said.

Her voice wasn't trembling-but her silence in between the words? That screamed enough.

Rudransh... she paused again, "my so-called brother... I just-don't have the words for it. Seven years ago, I thought he was my protector. My savior. My everything.

She let out a dry, bitter chuckle.

But he wasn't. He wasn't even close."

I didn't interrupt her. I didn't dare to.

And what about Kabir? I asked softly. He'll be there too, right? You said once he was your fav... I said

She looked at me.
Broken.

I used to love him the most, she whispered. Kabir was my favorite. But now... I don't even feel anything. They all believed I bullied Aarohi. Can you believe that?

My chest tightened.

It was just a stupid little fight-one of those regular sibling things. But my parents? She scoffed. They saw it as a reason to throw me out. She said

And that was it.

That one line.
Cut through the silence like a knife.

They wanted to get rid of me. That's the truth. And I don't know why. Maybe because I was a girl. Or maybe... just because I was me.

She clenched her jaw, but I knew her heart was shaking.

And now? Aarohi lives there like a queen. My mom never had a problem with her presence. But me?
A pause.
Her voice dropped.

No calls. No messages. No apologies. Not even from my twin. Only Vikram bhai and Veer bhai ever stood for me...

My blood was literally boiling.

Okay, leave them," I said quickly, before I snapped something I'd regret. Let's just sleep. You need rest.

But then she looked at me and said something I didn't expect.

I think I should check on Yuvraj... I mean, is he okay? Comfortable?

I rolled my eyes so hard they almost left the socket.

Oh my God, girl. Comfortable? He's your man, not a guest. Go. Go check. You're his jaan. He probably won't even sleep without seeing you.

She smiled-finally-and left the room like a lovesick heroine.

But as soon as the door closed, I sat back, jaw clenched.

Because honestly?

I hate her blood family.

Like, hate them with passion.

How can people be so heartless to their own daughter?

And don't even get me started on that Aarohi Shishodiya.
If I ever get the chance

I'll break her nose into a new shape.

No guilt. No mercy. Just justice.

Yuvraj's POV

Well, this Chipkali-Twinkle, the so-called best friend of my Rooh-has honestly impressed me.
She maintained her mansion like some luxury hotel, and the room she gave me?

Full-on royalty vibes. King size bed, aesthetic lamps, even scented candles.
But...

She took my Rooh away.
Dragged her into her gossip world.

Now tell me-how much do these girls even talk?

And about what? Makeup? College? Or...

Me?

Are they back-bitching about me?
Or worse-discussing my love life like an evening soap opera?

Maybe not.

Or maybe... absolutely yes.

Anyway, while my mind was running wild with possible female conspiracy theories, the door opened.

And there she was.

My Rooh

My butterfly.

Wearing that smile that melts every atom of anger or doubt inside me.

She stepped in slowly and asked, "Are you comfortable here or something?"

I grinned.
No, actually-I smirked.

I wasn't,I said, giving her that wink, but you came in... so now I'm perfectly comfortable.

She rolled her eyes and said Stop it, Yuvraj. I just came to check on you.

Great, I said, catching her hand in mine.

And without warning, I gently pulled her close and made her sit on my lap.

She gasped. Yuvraj!

What? I whispered, brushing my nose against her jaw. You said you came to check comfort level. This is peak comfort.

She blushed. Tried to look away.

But I held her tighter. Her hands were cold, her eyes warm.

Why do you always win, huh?she murmured, resting her forehead on mine.

Because I have you, I said softly. And having you... means I've already won.

Her smile?
That fragile, shy one?

Yeah. That's my peace.

That's my world.

And no back-bitching Chipkali can come between this moment.

Ever

She was still sitting on my lap. Her legs dangling slightly, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her kurti.
And her eyes-trying their best not to meet mine.

But I didn't let her escape.
Not this time.

I tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and tilted her face up to mine.

"Don't look away," I said, my voice dropping low.
You have no idea what it does to me when you act all shy after owning every inch of my heart.

She finally looked up.

Big mistake.
Because the moment our eyes met-
She got trapped.
Exactly where I wanted her.

"You know what I was thinking when you left the room?" I asked, my thumb now lazily brushing her lower lip.
"That I'll drag you back. Even if I had to fight that Chipkali friend of yours.

She chuckled. You're being overdramatic.

Not dramatic,I whispered against her cheek.
Possessive. There's a difference."

And then...
I kissed her jawline. Soft. Lingering.
Watching her breath hitch.

My arms locked tighter around her waist. You don't even realise what it does to me when you go away, even for minutes.

Her eyes fluttered shut. "Yuvraj..."

"That's right. Say it again."

I kissed her neck, just below her ear.

"You belong here, I said. "On me. With me. Always."

She inhaled sharply, her fingers clutching my shirt now.

"You're everything I never thought I deserved," I murmured, darkly now. "And that's why I can't afford to lose you. Not to the world. Not to your family. Not even to yourself."

"Stop saying that," she said, her voice shaky.

I looked into her eyes. "Why? Because it's true?"

"I'm not going anywhere, okay?

"Swear it," I demanded, pulling her even closer, my hand sliding along her spine.

Yuvraj-"

Swear. On us. That you'll never leave me."

She looked stunned.

But then she nodded.

"I swear."

I exhaled. A dangerous kind of relief.

"I'll destroy this world if it tries to take you from me," I said, not caring how mad it sounded.
"Even if it's your blood... even if it's your past."

"I don't care who you were. I only care who you are-when you're mine.

She rested her head on my chest. "I feel safe here."

"You're not just safe," I said. "You're untouchable. As long as you're in my arms, no one-no damn soul-dares to hurt you again.

Silence followed.

But it wasn't empty.

It was full.

Full of unsaid things, deep breaths, racing hearts, and the promise of forever.

I kissed the top of her head.

"Sleep here," I said. "Right here."

"On your lap?" she asked.

I smirked. "On my heart.

"Yuvraj..." she whispered.

"What?" I replied, brushing my nose against hers.

"You're scary sometimes."

I chuckled darkly. "Good. Because if anyone ever thinks of hurting you again, I want them to be scared too.

And then, like it was the most natural thing in the world, she buried herself deeper into my arms.

"I love you," she murmured.

A simple sentence. But to me?

It was everything.