Ruhanika's POV

After spending hours breathing the salty breeze of Juhu Beach...
we found ourselves walking into one of the most luxurious malls in Mumbai.
And not just any mall-guarded by Yuvraj's own security team.

The moment we entered, Twinkle rolled her eyes and said with her usual sass,
"Go on lovebirds, do your romancing in the changing room. I'm off to find an outfit for my next shoot."

I raised an eyebrow at her,
"Go," I said simply.

But Yuvvraj wasn't going to stay quiet, obviously.

He leaned close, smirking right into my skin,
"She said romancing in the changing room,"
he whispered, then squeezed my waist so tightly that I gasped.

I pushed him back, laughing but still flushed.
"Yuvraj, we're here for my gown, and we'll get it. So just... go."

We reached the gown section, but nothing...
Nothing clicked.

No matter how beautiful,
No matter how designer,
It didn't feel like me.

Until he appeared beside me like always-
"Come here," he said.
And he took my hand without asking.

Led me like he always does-
to the side, to the last rack-
and there it was.

A gown.
Shimmering. Glittering like night skies caught in fabric.

"You really know me, huh?" I whispered.

He didn't blink.
"If the problem is related to you,"
he said, stepping closer,
"then I am the solution."

I smiled. That stupid flutter in my chest-still not used to him.

I turned to check the size, see if it would fit me, but then...

His arms slid around my waist-not tight, just enough.
He pulled me against his chest and whispered in that voice-
"It fits you."

His breath brushed my ear.
"Fits every curve you hide. And hides every curve I crave."

And then-he kissed me.
Not hurried.
Not rushed.
Just... patiently.

On the side of my neck,
Like he was claiming his favourite part of me.

I melted for a second.
But then...

"Yuvi," I breathed, "let's go."

As we walked out of the gown section,
my chest clenched.

A chill, like someone had just whispered my name from a distance.

Something in me...
screamed to leave.

"I'm getting an odd feeling," I said suddenly, "Let's just go."

He chuckled, pulling me closer.
"Oh darling..."

"Yuvi, please," I said more urgently, "Let's go to the parking lot. I'll text Twinkle.

He didn't ask further.
He never does when it's about my gut.

And we exited the mall

Rohan POV

Mumbai always felt like mine. Every road, every light, every building-familiar. Like the city itself knew my name. I came here with my friends because tomorrow is Rudransh Bhai's award ceremony. And I know he'll win. He deserves to. He always does.

We were checking out suits. Something bold, something sharp. Something that would make me look like I belonged in that hall beside him. I walked to a side section of the mall-it was luxurious, quiet, and strangely guarded. I didn't think much of it. Just turned to leave.

But something in my chest-
dragged me to stop.

Like a pull.
Like a voice without sound.

And I turned.

And I saw her.

Her.

Ruhanika.

My twin. My soul.
Standing just ten steps away from me... after seven whole years.

And I couldn't move.

She was laughing.

Like a child. Like she didn't carry scars. Her hair flowed behind her. Her hands played with her gown. And her eyes-those same wide toy eyes-sparkled with a light I thought I'd never see again.

She looked beautiful. She looked real.

And in that moment, I forgot how to breathe.

Seven years.
And suddenly, there she was-alive, happy, and right in front of me.

But not alone.

But she wasn't alone.
That smile... it wasn't for nothing.

Her eyes sparkled at him.

He stood close. Way too close.
His hand brushed against hers like it belonged there.
And she didn't pull back.

I felt a crack somewhere deep inside my chest.

He made her laugh.
The same way I used to.
But now, I was the stranger standing at a distance.

And then I saw it.

His hand.
On her waist.

I clenched my jaw.
Fingers balled into fists without warning.

Who the hell was he?
And who gave him the right?

That wasn't just any girl.
She was Ruhanika

And now... she was here.
Laughing with someone else.
She looked so happy.
So free.
So... distant.

Like she had built a new world where I didn't exist.

I took a few steps toward her.

My chest tightened.

Will she even recognize me?
What if she forgets me?
What if her heart doesn't flinch the way mine just did?

Will she look at me the way a sister looks at her brother?

Or will she just walk past... like I never mattered?

That thought was louder than anything around me.

My feet froze.

My throat felt dry, words I never said choking me.

So I turned back.
Walked away.
Each step heavier than the last.

As soon as I entered the mansion, I didn't talk to anyone.
I didn't even remove my shoes.
I walked straight toward the library.

Because I knew-my brothers would be there.

Rudransh bhai was on his laptop, lost in files and strategies.
Yug was scribbling down an assignment with his usual irritated face.
Kabir bhai was on a hospital call, pacing around.

I barged in, said nothing, and just... sat down.

For a few seconds, no one spoke.

And then, without thinking, I said the words that were choking my heart-

"Do you think Ruhanika forgot us?"
"If she ever meets us... will she hate us?"

They all paused.

Rudransh bhai looked up from his screen, eyebrows drawn.
Kabir bhai stopped mid-call.
Yug threw down his pen like he was waiting for a reason to explode.

Kabir bhai was the first to ask, "Why are you suddenly asking that?"

I shrugged, trying to keep my voice casual.

"Just... a thought."

Rudransh bhai closed his laptop and looked straight at me and said
"She's our sister, Rohan. She will never forget us.
She might be angry... but hate? No. Not Ruhanika."

But I didn't feel convinced.
His words didn't hit the place where the pain was buried.

"But what if she did?"
"What if someone manipulated her against us?"

And then... Yug snapped.

He rolled his eyes, slammed his notebook shut.

"Again her?" he said with a mocking laugh.
"She's really your obsession now, isn't she? Your personal drama queen. Attention seeker."

That stung.

Kabir bhai stood up immediately, voice cold and sharp.
"Yug, mind your words about our sister."

But Yug wasn't done.
He scoffed, his eyes burning-not with hate, but with something deeper... guilt.

"Sister?" he spat.
"If she was really our sister, why the hell is she not here?"
"She's our blood, right? Our Ruhanika. Our Ruhi. You all say that."
"But where is she?!
"She's not in this house. She's not in our lives. She doesn't call. She doesn't even exist in this mansion anymore.he said

And then he pointed... not at them, not at me.

But into our conscience.

"You three let her go."
"You three abandoned her."
"You three never stood for her when she needed us most."

"You could have. You should have. You had the power to stop them. But you didn't.

"And now what?" He laughed bitterly.
"Now we cry like broken heroes? Now we wonder if she still loves us?

He walked to the door slowly, every step echoing in that cold silence.

And before leaving, he turned and said the one line that shattered every shield I had left:

"She will hate us."
"I know she will."

And then the door clicked shut.

What followed was a silence so loud it felt like punishment.

The kind of silence that tasted like guilt.

The kind of silence that proved... Yug was right.

Author POV

The morning didn't rise like every other day.

Today, it felt heavier.

The sun was out, the sky was painted in soft gold, but for Ruhanika... it wasn't morning. It was the beginning of a storm.

The world outside moved like usual-cars on the road, but inside her, something was crashing. Today wasn't just about showing up. It was about facing everything she once ran from

Her blood-related family was coming

The brothers who once promised to protect her-then vanished.
The parents who saw her as a burden, never a blessing.
The sisters who always competed, never cared.

But Ruhanika wasn't alone anymore.

She had people-her own people.
Yuvraaj-her strength.
Twinkle-her shield.

And then Yuvraj enter in his blazer, holding the speech he had spent days perfecting.

But one person wasn't here.

He turned to Twinkle.
"Where is she?"

Twinkle smiled like she knew everything.
"She'll come later," she said confidently and comtinued.
"When you announce her-not just as the reason behind your victory-but as your fiancée...
That's when she'll walk in."
"She'll make the kind of entry that shuts mouths, Yuvraaj," Twinkle added.
"Let those people see the woman you chose-the woman who built herself after they destroyed her."

He paused.
"I wanted her beside me for this moment," I said, softly.

Twinkle shrugged, still smirking.
"And you'll have her. Just a little later. Trust me, this way... it's even better."

He nodded. Slowly.
"Alright. After one hour-bring her in."
"Because tonight is the night we've all been waiting for."

Twinkle winked.
"She'll make a glamorous entry-the kind that'll haunt them for the rest of their lives."

He stared at her for a second.

Then He smiled, lips curved with silent pride.
"I'm leaving. May Ruhanika come fast.

And He walked away.
Into the spotlight.
Because the real storm was still on her way.

Let the show begin.

Yuvraaj's POV

As soon as I stepped out of the car, the flashes began.

Paparazzi rushed like bees to honey-shouting my name, trying to catch angles, asking questions that had nothing to do with the truth.
Tonight was about business.
About power.
And most importantly... about her.

They hovered around me like moths to a flame.
"Yuvraaj, are you single now?"
"Yuvraaj, we heard someone special dressed you today. Who is she?"
"Yuvraaj, what's your next business move?"

I smiled.
I didn't answer.
Because they'd get all their answers... soon enough.

Leaving their voices behind, I walked toward the entrance.

I paused before walking in.

Looked at my reflection in the glass.
The hair, the crisp lines of the blazer, the royal aura.
She chose this for me.
My Rooh. My woman. My pride.

And then, just as I pushed the door open-
My eyes landed on the family I didn't ask for...
The family she was born into.

Rudransh Kabir and Yug khanna
And the manipulator who always walked like she owned the world-Aarohi.

God.

The dress she wore didn't scream business.
It screamed desperation. Like she wanted to drown in perfume and glitter, and she want to compete with Ruhanika. Like seriously?
She never could.
She never will.

And just then, Rudransh had the audacity to come near me.

He looked at me with that smirk I've hated since day one.

"Ready to lose?" he asked, cocky.

I laughed under my breath. Walked a little closer and said
"You'll lose everything, Rudranj. Professionally and personally. Both."

He frowned. That confusion on his face?

Beautiful.

He asked - personally?

"You'll see, Rudransh, I whispered coldly.
"What you've lost... and what I've got."

After a few minutes, the host stepped up on stage again, voice booming through the speakers.
"And now, the final moment of the evening... The Businessman of the Year award goes to-Mr. Yuvraj Singhania."

The hall burst into applause.

But I didn't move immediately.

I exhaled... calm and unreadable. And then I took a deep breath and walked forward-owning every damn step. The flashes went off, the murmurs began, but my eyes were sharp, mind steady.

I reached the stage, took the award from the presenter with a cool nod, and stepped toward the mic.

"Thank you for this evening, everybody," I said, my voice smooth, but laced with weight.

"I dedicate this award to my parents and my sister. They stood behind me... always."

And then I paused.

Let the room settle. Let them lean in.

"And to someone who believed in me before the world even noticed me."

A few heads turned. Cameras readied. The suspense hung in the air.

"There is someone special," I said again, firmer now. "A woman who stood beside me like a storm... and protected me like peace. A woman who taught me that loyalty isn't shown in words, but in the way you choose someone every single day. Especially when they're broken."

The crowd waited, silent.

And then I looked at the front, letting the next line fall like fire-

"That woman is none other than... My Ruhanika."

My voice didn't shake.
But the entire hall did.

A few people clapped, genuinely moved. Some were still frozen. And her family-the so-called blood-just her name made them choke in their silence.

I smirked a little.

"She's not just the reason," I added coldly, "She's the reward."
And just then...

The doors of the ballroom opened-slow, elegant, sharp.

Every eye turned.

Every breath held.

And there she was.

Ruhanika.

Walking like the damn queen she was.

And beside her, Twinkle walked like the bodyguard of her empire, smirking like the mastermind she was.

And in that moment... Ruhanika didn't just walk in.
She arrived.

Author's POV

As soon as Yuvraj said her name out loud-"Ruhanika"-the entire ballroom seemed to freeze.

All eyes turned toward the entrance.

Everyone waited for the woman who just got compared to storms, peace, loyalty, and fire-all at once.

And then-

Click.

The sound of her heels echoed. Sharp. Steady. Dominant.

The doors weren't just opened.

They were shattered by her presence.

She didn't walk in like a guest.

She walked in like the event was hers.

And she didn't look at anyone. Not her family. Not the cameras. Not even the whispers.

She only looked at one man.

Yuvraj.

And Yuvraj... he didn't wait. He moved forward, offered her his hand with the kind of grace that made a thousand hearts burn.

She placed her hand in his without hesitation.

His other hand wrapped around her waist like it was made to be there.

And together, they walked up to the stage.

Ruhanika gave him the softest smile-and he looked at her like she was the whole goddamn reason he existed.

Then Yuvraj turned back to the mic.

"She is Ruhanika.
My Ruhanika.
My to-be fiancée.
And I'm proud to say-she's the reason I'm alive today.
She's not just a part of my life-
She is my life."

A few gasped.

Some clapped.

And many just... watched.

"And to her so-called family," Yuvraj turned sharply, his voice colder than fire, "If anyone dares to come near her again... I will burn them into ashes. One by one. Without mercy."

You could hear silence choke the crowd.

The claps continued-but this time, mixed with fear, awe, and sheer disbelief.

Some eyes were green with jealousy.
Some red with guilt.
And some... just broke at the sight of her.

But Ruhanika?
She stood tall.
Untouched.
Unbothered.
Unforgiving.

And as the event continued, the couple walked down, hand in hand, meeting people who could barely look away from them.

And then...

"Little dove," Rudransh said, softly, but loud enough for ruhanika to hear as he approached.

Ruhanika turned to look at him, eyes blank but burning.

And Rudransh-her so-called brother-stood there, forcing a fake smile.

"You want something, Mr. Khanna?" Yuvraj said, raising an eyebrow.

Rudransg replied she is my sister not your fiancee.

Yuvraj smirked and leaned closer.
She's my fiancée. Not your sister. She never was."

Rudranj opened his mouth to speak, but before he could-

Ruhanika stepped forward.

Voice low. Deadly. Unshaken.

"I'm an orphan.
Not someone's sister.
Not someone's daughter.
So it's better if you stay away from me, Mr. Khanna."

And that broke whatever little pride Rudransh still had in his hollow chest.

Then, without looking back, she grabbed Yuvraj's hand again-not for support.

For power.

And they walked out of that moment together.

Her Family POV

As soon as everyone was sure that it was Ruhanika, standing there like a queen beside Yuvraj Singhania, a wave of emotions crashed through the room. Some were guilty. Some were burning with jealousy. And some... were simply shattered.
Her father was the first to break the silence, his voice drenched in disbelief, "Ruhanika? What is she doing here? And how the hell is she related to Yuvraj Singhania-the most powerful businessman of this era?" Her mother, too stunned to even mask her nerves, stammered, "I-I didn't text her. I didn't call. I don't know anything..."

Then came Aarohi. Bitter, insecure, and too predictable and said "She must have seduced him. I mean- I'm not blaming her, I'm just saying. I've heard about Yuvraj... he's untouchable. He likes girls like me. Not like her."
But before her venom could spill further, vikram snapped.
Aarohi, stop. First, mind your goddamn tongue before speaking about my sister. Second- a girl like you? Manipulative, plastic, and empty? You were never anyone's type- not even his mistake."

Then Veer stepped forward, sharper than steel, "Stay away, Aarohii. Stay away, all of you. You were never her family. You never even considered her one."
And then their aunt, clueless and old-school, asked, "Veer, Vikram... how could you two support her like this?"
The answer was simple. Icy. Bold. "From the beginning, mother," Vikram said. "From the damn beginning, we saw who she really was. And these people? They're just strangers who shared her blood, never her soul."

And then came Rudransh, looking defeated, hollow. "She hates us... she called herself an orphan... she hates us."
But then... Yug voice-soft, but lethal-cut the air. "The way you disowned her what else do you expect? Love?

And her father? Still stuck in his world of ego and money, spoke, "We have to do business with Yuvraj. And if she comes in between... I won't spare her."
But Veer laughed-mocking, dark. "You think Yuvraj will work with you? You think he doesn't know what you did to her? The world sees the queen beside him. But we? We saw the ashes she rose from."

Vikram and Veer walked away-shoulders high, hearts proud-and hugged their sister like they were making up for the years the world broke her. Watching that, Rudransh and Kabir stood frozen. Because for once, they realized... they never even got the chance to hold her.

And just when the air could've softened, Aarohi murmured under her breath, "She manipulated Vikram and Veer. Bhai, I'm telling you-"
But Kabir silenced her with one look. One deadly look.
Still, Aarohi wasn't done. She whispered like poison, "I want Yuvraj. And I'll take him. Just the way I took your brothers from you, Ruhanika."

Rohanika's POV

After years... after pain... after everything I buried in the deepest parts of my soul-seeing them again still managed to break something inside me.
Maybe this is what they call heart.
Not the kind that bleeds. The kind that echoes. Quiet and constant.

And just when I thought I had composed myself, I heard that voice.

"Little dove," he said.
Rudransh

Rudransh Bhai-no, not Bhai anymore.

The name that once felt like home, now felt like a curse on my tongue.

I didn't flinch, but inside I shattered.

He used to call me that, back when I mattered... before the betrayal. But now? Now I hated it. That word didn't feel like mine anymore.

I was standing with Yuvraj when I asked, "Where are Nakul, Arjun Bhai, and Shraddha di?

He paused. That sadness in his eyes didn't go unnoticed and said
"They weren't able to make it. Something came up. But they'll reach the mansion tomorrow."

I just blinked. "Yuvraj... yaar... I wanted them today."

And just then, like the universe heard the ache in my words, I saw them.

Veer Bhai and Vikram Bhai
My brothers. My protectors. My home.

And the moment I saw them, I ran-without a second thought-and hugged them. I didn't care who was watching. I didn't care about the stares.

I just... missed them.

Their arms wrapped around me like the warmth I'd craved for years.

I glanced sideways and saw Rudransh and Kabir clenching their jaws. Jealousy clear in their eyes. But I wonder where rohan is?

Veer Bhai ruffled my hair and said with a smirk,
"You really missed the sunshine, huh? But I don't think so... because your romio never lets anyone miss anything."

I giggled softly.

And Vikram Bhai added,
"I'm glad you're here, These people... they don't deserve a piece of your silence, let alone your voice."

I nodded. "Bhai... just leave them. Please."

Veer Bhai looked at me again, voice serious now.
"Rohanika."

"Yes?" I turned to him.

"I want you to come to the Khanna Mansion. Tomorrow. 7 PM."

I went still.

Every part of me froze.

The Khanna Mansion?

Before I could speak, Yuvraj interrupted.
"But Veer Bhai, are you sure about-"

Veer Bhai raised a hand to stop him.

"I know what I'm asking. I know what I'm thinking. But you need to know something. Dadu saw everything on TV. He's not here right now. But he wants her there. Personally."

He didn't beg. He didn't force.

"We're not forcing you .We're just telling you."

And I nodded, quietly.
"I'll... think about it."

Just then, Twinklw crashed the moment like the clown she is and said
"Guys! A romantic song is playing! And here y'all are just having a family debate in the middle of a ballroom? Classic!"

And then
He just came.

With that storm in his eyes and that silent madness in the way he moved, like the entire world could disappear, and all he'd care about is me.

Before I could even prepare, his hand slid into mine and pulled me into him - hard, fast, and shameless.
Like I was his.
Like I'd always been.

His palm gripped my waist, not gently but like he was reminding me who I belonged to. His other hand slid up my spine so slowly, it left goosebumps in its trail, and then it paused at the back of my neck. And just when I thought he'd stop, he tightened his grip not painfully, but with a quiet command.

My breath caught.

And then he said it, right near my ear, his voice like velvet dipped in fire.

"This dress... it hugs you like it was designed for my hands. For my eyes. For my obsession.

His words weren't sweet.
They were wild.
Unfiltered.
Raw.

And I didn't even flinch.

Because I felt it.
Every brush of his fingertips.
Every place he touched felt owned.

He leaned down, letting his lips barely graze my jaw, and whispered, "You walk around like you don't know. Like you don't see what you do to me. But this? This body? It's mine, Ruhanika. Every curve. Every scar. Every heartbeat.

I tried to breathe, I swear I did. But then he spun me, pressed my back to his chest, and pulled me so tightly into him I could feel every inhale of his.

His arm wrapped around my waist again, this time tighter, almost possessive - no, not almost. It was possessive. And his hand? It rested right below my ribs, thumb slowly stroking my skin through the fabric like it was his rhythm. Like my body danced to his music.

"Do you know how mad it makes me," he muttered against my hair, "to see you standing there, pretending like you're untouched, like I haven't ruined every part of you in my head a thousand times?"

And then
His fingers slid from my waist to my hips, slow and deliberate - like he wasn't just touching me, he was memorizing me.

And when his palm pressed flat against my stomach, pulling me tighter into his chest, I swear my knees almost gave out.

"You feel that?"
His voice was low, sinful.
"That's what you do to me... every second you breathe in front of me."

I didn't reply. I couldn't.

Because his hand had traveled up again from my hip, to my side, up my ribcage until his thumb brushed just beneath my chest. Not lewd. Not soft. But heavy with something more dangerous than lust.

Possession.

He turned me to face him, our chests nearly colliding, and I met his eyes - those wild, hungry eyes that stripped me bare without even blinking.

He leaned in, lips brushing the shell of my ear.

"You were made to fit in my arms, Ruhanika. No matter how far you run... these arms will always find you."

My breath hitched.

And then he dipped me.

One smooth motion. No warning.
One second I was staring into his eyes...
The next, I was bent backward, my hair cascading, his arm supporting my back like I was the only thing keeping him alive.

His face hovered above mine, close enough to kiss, close enough to devour.

"Even gravity knows..."
His lips curved, eyes dark.
"...you were meant to fall for me."

And then he pulled me up - slowly, with that maddening tension - until we were chest to chest again. My heartbeat drumming against his. His hand on the back of my neck. His forehead pressed to mine.

Our breaths tangled like we'd been starving for this moment.

Like the air between us belonged to us.

And when the beat dropped again, he didn't wait. He lifted my leg, wrapped it around his waist with one hand, while his other hand gripped my thigh, firm and bold.

"You shouldn't wear things that tempt me," he whispered against my lips, "unless you want me to show you how tempted I am."

My body flushed, every inch of skin burning under his touch.

But I didn't pull back.

I didn't stop him.

Because somewhere deep down - even in the middle of this crowded dance floor - I knew one thing for sure...

No one will ever hold me like this.
No one will ever look at me like I'm chaos wrapped in silk.
No one... except him.