Ruhanika’s POV

Oh my god. The slap.

The sound still rang in my ears like music. It wasn’t just a slap—it was seven years of pain, humiliation, betrayal, and injustice landing straight across her face. And damn… it was so satisfying.

I could see the shock in Aarohi’s eyes, the way her hand immediately flew to her cheek, her pride shattering right there in front of everyone. For once, she didn’t have her mother to hide behind. For once, her crocodile tears couldn’t save her.

I never got the chance before. This whole Mansion was her shield. Everyone was protecting her like she was some fragile doll while I was left to bleed alone.

But today…
Today I broke that shield with one single move.And I swear, the rush I felt in that moment—nothing, absolutely nothing, has ever felt this good.

And now I understand why it was so easy for Aarohi to manipulate my own brothers against me. Because honestly… it is so damn easy. One small whisper, one twisted sentence, and their so-called “protective love” for me flipped into blind hatred.

But this time, I’m not bitter about it. Because  that guilt of theirs… is already doing half of my work. They’re breaking themselves from the inside out, and I don’t even need to lift a finger.

I leaned back, typed on the friends group chat—
"Meet at 6 p.m. sharp. Don’t be late."

Not even two minutes later, I noticed Rudransh approaching me. His eyes searching mine, maybe for softness, maybe for forgiveness.

“Ruhanika… restaurant? he said quietly, almost like a peace offering.

I didn’t flinch. My lips curved into a calm, cold smile.
“Go. I’m coming in five minutes.”

And now Aarohi will get exposed. She will get insulted, and her mother too. I don’t even need to lift a finger anymore—my truth is enough to crush them. And about my parents? I’ll deal with them myself. They don’t deserve explanations, only the reality they’ve ignored all these years.

I was walking towards the gate when I heard someone call me. I turned—and of course, it was Yug

“You manipulated Rudransh,” he said, his voice carrying that fake authority he always pretends to own.

I laughed coldly. “I didn’t manipulate him. I just told him the truth. And guess what? He trusted me.”

“He slapped Aarohi so badly,” he muttered, as if testing me.

I tilted my head, smirk playing on my lips. “Oh really? You should have slapped her too. The way she ruined your birthday party—did you forget that, little brother? Or should I make you remember?”

For a second, his mask cracked. I saw it—the flicker of guilt, the uneasiness, the ache he couldn’t bury. That’s the thing about truth—it doesn’t wait for permission. It slits you open even when you try to hide.

“My dear little brother,” I whispered, venom dripping from every word, “I used to love you more than anything… even in those seven years when I was all alone. But your behavior, your blindness towards me, your worship of Aarohi—it makes me hate you now. Just like I hate the other three brothers.”

His jaw tightened, but I didn’t let him speak.

“Do you have something important to tell me? Or are you here again to chant your Aarohi mantra?”

He clenched his fists. “You are trying to be a villain.”

I stepped closer, my voice sharp, eyes burning straight into his.
“I am not trying. I am a villain. The villain of this Khanna Mansion. And when I finally walk away…” I let my smirk widen, “…this whole mansion will burn into ashes. And you all will beg for the love you threw away.”

Author POV

Ruhanika and Rudransh entered the restaurant, the warm golden lights washing over them as if the world outside didn’t exist. Rudransh, like a gentleman he rarely showed himself to be, pulled out the chair for her. She sat down, her sharp eyes scanning the room before they landed back on him.

“What do you want to order?” Rudransh asked, his tone casual, though his gaze never left her.

Ruhanika smirked faintly, tilting her head. “You order. My favorite thing. Maybe you remember.” Her words weren’t simple — they were a test. A challenge hidden behind a calm face.

Without hesitation, Rudransh leaned forward and told the waiter, “White sauce pasta. Pav bhaji with extra butter.”

For a moment, Ruhanika froze. Her hands stilled on the table, her lips parting slightly. She hadn’t expected that. Of all people, him. That he would remember.

She looked at him carefully, her eyes narrowing, as if she wanted to catch the trick in his move. But there wasn’t one.

“Anyways,” she broke the silence with a low chuckle, “the slap was so satisfying for me. The seven years of pain didn’t get erased, but… it became less.”

Rudransh’s jaw tightened, his voice firm. “Although she get what she did seven years ago… locking you in that room… that’s why I slapped her.”

Ruhanika leaned back in her chair, letting out a humorless laugh. “She did many things to me, Rudransh. And now, even if I start telling… the night will end, morning will come, and still her wrongdoings won’t finish. They’re endless. And each one of them carved me into what I am today.”

Her eyes burned with something between fury and ache. Rudransh looked at her, silently, his guilt weighing in his chest heavier than the food he had just ordered.

Rudransh swallowed, fingers tightening around the water glass. “I couldn’t stop you from leaving for the hostel,” he said, voice low. “By the time I knew, it was decided. Papers signed. I… I was late.”

Ruhanika’s laugh was soft and merciless. She leaned in, eyes like ice.
“Late is just another word for didn’t try.”

He flinched. The plates of white sauce pasta and pav bhaji arrived, steam curling between them. She didn’t touch a thing.
“Tell me something, Rudransh—did you ever call?”
“Did you ever text? Once? On any birthday?”
“Did you stand outside that hostel gate even one evening and wait for me to come out?”
“Did you ask the warden why your sister suddenly ‘didn’t want to talk’?”
“Did you check if my letters were blocked, my calls cut, my life edited?”

He opened his mouth, closed it again.
“You remembered my pasta. Cute.”
“But when it mattered, you forgot me.”

Rudransh tried again, softer. “I thought… I was told you didn’t want us.”

Her smile turned lethal.
“And you believed the lie because it was convenient.”
“Because it saved you from choosing me over them.”
“Because it kept your hands clean while mine bled.”

His gaze dropped to the table.

“Seven years, Rudransh.”
“Seven winters I froze without a brother.”
“Seven summers I burned while you stayed comfortable in shade.”

She finally lifted her fork, twirled the pasta once, set it back down untouched.
“You can’t ‘couldn’t’ your way out of this.”
“You didn’t stop me from leaving.”
“You didn’t come to take me back.”
“And you didn’t stand between me and her when it would have mattered.”

Silence crushed the last inch of distance between them.

Ruhanika rose, smoothing her dress, eyes never leaving his.
“Eat. Memorize the taste of my favorite food.”
“It’s the only thing you got right on time.”

Rudransh sat back, his jaw tightening as silence stretched between them. The clinking of glasses, the laughter of strangers around them — nothing could mask the heaviness sitting between the two siblings.

He finally exhaled, almost like he had been holding his breath for years.
“I know…” his voice was low, rough. “I know I was wrong with you, Ruhanika. I knew it back then too, but I did nothing. I let you suffer. I was a coward. I should have stopped you from going, but I didn’t. I didn’t fight for you. And I hate myself for that.”

Her eyes stayed fixed on him, unreadable, but burning with fire.

“I’ve carried that guilt for seven years,” Rudransh continued, his voice breaking at edges. “And now… all I want is to mend it. To at least try. But when I see you with Veer, with Vikram, with Yuvraj’s friends Nakul and Arjun—” He clenched his fist on the table, anger lacing his tone. “It burns me. It kills me. Because you’re my little sister. You were supposed to be mine. And yet… you let them stand where I should have been.”

Ruhanika let out a bitter laugh, leaning forward, her tone like a sharpened dagger.
“Mine? You remember the word mine now? Where was this ‘mine’ when they locked me in a room and left me to rot? Where was this brother when I cried myself to sleep, begging for one call, one text, one person who would remind me I wasn’t unwanted? You want to talk about jealousy, Rudransh? Then hear this—Veer, Vikram, Nakul, Arjun… they were with me when I had nothing. They stood when my so-called brothers turned their backs.”

Her eyes glistened, not with weakness, but with rage carved into pain.
“You don’t get to feel jealous now. You don’t get to complain about them when you gave me away without even trying to hold on. Those boys were not supposed to be my brothers, but they became the ones who stitched me when you all ripped me apart.”

Her words were venom, every syllable a sword stabbing into Rudransh’s chest. He flinched, but didn’t move, didn’t dare interrupt.
“So yes, Rudransh,” she spat, her voice trembling with controlled fury. “If they are standing by me today, it’s because they earned the place you abandoned.”

Silence fell. Rudransh’s eyes lowered, shame washing his face, but his guilt could never outweigh the scars she carried.

Rudransh leaned forward, his elbows pressing against the table as his voice dropped low, almost pleading yet stubbornly laced with pride.
“I am still your real brother, Ruhi… no matter what. I am your blood. I am the one who was supposed to protect you. You’re my little dove. That will never change.”

Ruhanika’s jaw clenched. Her laugh wasn’t soft—it was bitter, edged like glass.
“Little dove? Don’t use those words for me, Rudra. You caged that dove when she wanted to fly. You clipped my wings when I begged for air. You left me to suffocate while others pulled me out. And now you want to claim me back just because blood runs the same in our veins?”

Rudransh’s eyes burned, but he didn’t look away. “Because it’s true. You can deny me a hundred times, but I’ll still be your brother. You can throw me out of your world, Ruhi, but I’ll keep standing at the edges. I cannot let those cousins or Yuvraj’s friends take the place that belongs to me.”

Her nails dug into her palm under the table, her voice sharp enough to slice through his guilt.
“Place? You think relationships are thrones waiting to be occupied? They were there when I cried in silence, Rudra. They were there when I stitched myself back from pieces you left me in. Veer, Vikram, Nakul, Arjun— they didn’t need blood to be my brothers. They chose to stand beside me when you chose to close your eyes. So don’t talk about place. You lost yours the moment you let me bleed alone.”

The words hit him harder than any slap could. He opened his mouth to argue, but all that escaped was a whisper.
“I… I know I was wrong. I know I was a coward. I don’t deserve forgiveness. But Ruhi, I need to mend this… even if it takes me my whole life.”

She finally looked at him, her stare unwavering, venom still coiled in her tone.
“Then start by realizing that mending is not about reclaiming. It’s about accepting the cracks you caused. And Rudra… some cracks never seal.”

Rudransh clenched his fists the moment he saw Yuvraj stepping inside. His jaw tightened, guilt still hanging heavy on his chest, but anger suddenly boiling on the surface.

“What are you doing here?” his voice came sharp, though it cracked in between, betraying the turmoil inside him.

Yuvraj didn’t flinch. He stood tall, calm, that smug elegance never leaving his face. He slid his hands casually into his pockets and said in his deep voice,
“Relax. I’m just here to meet my fiancée.”

The word fiancée echoed like a dagger in Rudransh’s ears.

Rudransh’s eyes burned, his guilt mixing with frustration. He wanted to rage, to scream, but all that came out was a forced, strained attempt at brotherly concern.
“She’s still my little sister, Yuvraj. You can’t change that. No matter how much venom she throws at me, I’ll still care for her. She’s my little dove… mine to protect, even if I failed before.”

Ruhanika’s sharp laugh cut through the tension.
“Protect? Don’t flatter yourself, Rudra. You lost that right the day you let me walk away without even looking back. The people you envy—Veer, Vikram, Nakul, Arjun—they stood by me when you didn’t. You don’t get to rewrite history now.”

Her words were merciless, but her voice didn’t shake.

Yuvraj stepped closer, wrapping an arm protectively around Ruhanika’s shoulders. His calm, steady presence only made Rudransh’s anger twist tighter inside him.
“She doesn’t need protection from the ghosts of her past,” Yuvraj said softly, but there was steel beneath the calm. “She has me now. And unlike you, I don’t let her fight alone.”

Ruhanika leaned into Yuvraj’s hold, her eyes never leaving her brother’s.
“Your time is over, Rudra. Mine and Yuvraj’s time has started. So you can leave… before you make yourself look even smaller in front of me.”

Yuvraj POV

This Rudransh Khanna.
I don’t know what he thinks of himself.

Does he really believe guilt can erase what he did to my Rooh?
No. Never.

Because my Rooh—my butterfly—is stronger than before.
Stronger than every scar they gave her.

The moment she looked at me, my chest tightened. I pulled her into me, hugging her so tightly as if I could shield her from every single shadow of that house.

“What were you doing here with him?” I asked, my voice low, my jaw clenched.

She lifted her chin, her eyes burning with something that wasn’t weakness—it was survival.
“Did you forget about the Rule my so-called father made?” she threw back, her words sharper than any blade.

“So… you’re truly accepting the Rooh?” I whispered, almost in disbelief.

Her lips curved, not in a smile, but in something darker.
“If I tell you something, you’ll get shocked. You’ll be so proud of me, Yuvraj. But… let others come first.”

My eyes shifted to the plate on the table. I knew the smell instantly.
“Rudransh ordered this,” I muttered, bitter. “He remembers.”

She let out a hollow laugh.
“I was too shocked that he remembered my food… but what does it matter if he remembers the food, when he forgot me?”

Her eyes flickered, softer for just a second, before she added—
“But the guilt… the guilt is real. I’m not defending him, Yuvraj. I’m just saying, the guilt is real.”

I took her face in my hands, my eyes burning into hers.
“Whether guilt is real or not, Butterfly, it doesn’t erase your scars. Don’t let your emotions get in the way of your revenge.”

She chuckled softly, like she knew something I didn’t.
“Revenge? Do you really think I’m taking revenge?”

I stared at her, my grip on her tightening.
And then she leaned in, her voice low, certain.
“No. I’m just trying to expose Aarohi. I know in the process of exposing her, people will think it’s revenge… but it’s not. You know that, don’t you?”

Her eyes were daring me to believe her.
And God, I did.

Because this wasn’t revenge.
This was her resurrection.

I leaned back, watching her with a smirk.
"So, my butterfly, how was your day without me? Missed me yet or still busy fighting the world?"

She raised her eyebrow, pretending to be serious, but I caught the faint smile tugging her lips.
"Miss you? Tch… I had the best day today after you came into my life. It feels like every day is the best day now

I couldn’t help but chuckle, leaning closer.
"Careful, Rooh… you say things like that, and I might just forget about eating altogether."

She laughed softly, finally taking a bite of her food.
"You should eat, or else you’ll end up cribbing about office stress again."

That made me laugh.
"Office stress? You really wanna know about my day? Fine… imagine me trapped in a room with people who can’t even make a decision about coffee without three meetings. That’s my office."

Her laughter spilled out, unguarded and bright, catching a few stares from nearby tables. She didn’t care, and neither did I.
"See, that’s why I’m glad you have me. I’ll make your boring office stories sound like comedies."

I leaned forward, lowering my voice so only she could hear.
"You don’t just make them sound better, Rooh… you make my whole damn life lighter."

Her eyes softened instantly, her playful act dissolving. She placed her hand gently over mine on the table.
"And you make mine safer."

For a second, silence stretched between us — not awkward, but heavy with the kind of meaning no words could hold. The clinking of cutlery around, the low hum of voices, the music in the background… none of it mattered.

I squeezed her hand.
"Promise me, butterfly… no matter what storms we face, you’ll keep telling me about your ‘best days.’ Even when they’re not the best, I want to hear them from you."

She smiled, mischievousness slipping back into her tone.
"Only if you promise to keep entertaining me with office gossip. Especially the coffee crisis."

I laughed, shaking my head.
"Deal. But you know what, I’d rather just ditch the office and stay here with you forever."

She smirked, tilting her head.
"Careful… if you keep saying things like that, I might just hold you to it."

Author POV

Ruhanika laugh was still echoing in the air when the door of the restaurant swung open. She didn’t even have time to react before a familiar voice shrieked across the room.

“Oh my god Twinkle almost screamed, rushing straight to Ruhi and wrapping her arms around her. Ruhi blinked, startled but smiling.

“Twinkle!” she gasped, squeezing her best friend back.

Behind Twinkle, Arjun and Nakul appeared, both looking sharp but with expressions that shifted the moment they spotted her.

“Finally, Ruhi!” Arjun grinned, though his eyes were curious. “Feels like ages… finally some time with us.”

“Yeah, man,” Nakul added, leaning forward. “So… how’s Ruhi?”

Ruhi gave a soft smile, her voice light. “I’m… good. Actually, today feels different.”

She glanced at Yuvraj sitting next to her, his calm presence grounding her. He didn’t say a word yet, but his smirk showed he was enjoying every second.

“Different? What’s so different?” Twinkle tilted her head.

Ruhi tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Because today… something happened. Something good.”

Before she could say more anything, Yuvraj interrupted, “Today she was with Rudransh at this restaurant before we all came.”

“Wait.” Twinkle voice cut like glass. “What the f*ck is he doing here?

Ruhi exhaled slowly. “I was with him, Twinkle. Just… came here to eat.”

Arjun’s jaw clenched. He took a step forward, his voice almost spitting fire. “What the hell, Ruhanika? You’re sitting with him? After everything?”

“Exactly,” Nakul added bitterly. “Don’t tell me you forgave them. Please don’t say that, Ruhi.”

Ruhi raised her hand slowly, her tone firm yet soft. “Wait. Calm down, guys.”

Twinkle’s brows furrowed. “Calm down? With him sitting right there? Ruhi, do you even realize—”

“Yes, Twinkle, I do.” Ruhi’s voice cut through. Her chest lifted, her eyes gleaming, and suddenly she looked stronger than she had in years. “That’s why I need you all to listen.”

She placed her hand over Yuvraj’s on the table.
“Because today… the best thing in my life happened. And I promise… it’ll finally bring peace to your ears.”

Arjun, unable to contain his frustration, added, “Ruhanika, if you forgave them, please tell us so we can—trust me—we’ll pull your ears!”

Ruhanika smirked, leaning forward, her voice smooth but venomous. “Not sad. Not at all.” She paused, savoring their rising tension. “Today… Rudransh slapped Aarohi.”

For a moment, Yuvraj, Rudransh, Twinkle, Nakul, and Arjun all froze.

“What?” Twinkle’s voice squeaked, disbelief written all over her face.

“Today, Rudransh slapped Aarohi,” Ruhanika repeated, her tone sharp, “because I told him to.”

Yuvraj’s calm voice cut through the chaos. “Really?”

Ruhanika’s eyes sparkled with a mix of triumph and mischief. “Yes. And I told him the truth—mixed with a little… manipulation. I reminded him of his guilt, made him see things my way. He trusted me, and he acted.”

Twinkle’s jaw dropped. “Oh my god…

Arjun whistled low. “Wow, Ruhanika. That’s a great start.”

Nakul’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “So… you really want to expose Aarohi?”

Ruhanika leaned back, the corner of her lips curling upward. “It’s my mission now. And trust me… I will finish it.”

Yuvraj’s smile was calm, confident. “Then we’ll be with you, butterfly. Every step of the way.”

After Ruhanika finished her dramatic reveal, the tension in the restaurant slowly cracked into laughter. It was almost therapeutic—her friends and Yuvraj letting themselves breathe and poke fun at the chaos that had ruled her life for years.

Twinkle shook her head, smirking. “I swear, Aarohi must be sitting at home, wondering what hit her. And her mother too… must be flipping tables right now.”

Arjun chuckled, nudging Nakul. “And poor Rudransh… that guilt of his is hilarious. You can see it written all over his face. ‘I slapped her because I had to, not because I wanted to.’ Classic!”

Nakul laughed out loud. “He’s the perfect mix of protective brother and total pawn. Can’t stop laughing at how easily Ruhanika used him.”

Yuvraj, sipping his drink, leaned back and shook his head. “You know, it’s satisfying to watch. Rudransh carrying all that guilt for seven years, and she just… turned it into her weapon. Smart, ruthless, and hilarious at the same time.”

Ruhanika, smirking, sipped her drink like a queen surveying her conquered kingdom. “It’s not about revenge. It’s about showing them the truth—and laughing while they squirm.”

Twinkle snorted. “Truth, chaos, and a little delicious pain. That’s my girl!”

Ruhanika’s lips curled into a dark, victorious smile, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
“Now… everyone will pay, in my own way.”

Aarohi’s POV

I slammed the door shut behind me, my chest heaving, my face burning with rage. My eyes stung with unshed tears, not because I was weak, but because I was furious.

“Mom!” I spat, throwing my bag on the bed. “This Ruhanika… this fucking Ruhanika! She made Rudransh bhai turn against me. Against me! He slapped me, Mom. That bastard slapped me in front of everyone because of her!”

My mother looked at me sharply, “Aarohi! Keep your voice down. If anyone hears you shouting like this it will ruin everything.”

I gritted my teeth, pacing like a caged lion. “What the hell am I supposed to do, Mom? Just sit quietly while she turns everyone against me? Kabir bhai is already acting weird, do you know that? Even he is bending toward her side. Slowly, one by one, she’s making everyone her puppet. Am I supposed to just watch?!”

My mother’s voice turned cold, steady, dangerous. “Then don’t watch. Act. You want to take her down? Then make her pay.”

I froze, my nails digging into my palm. My chest rose and fell. “How, Mom? How? You know she has everyone wrapped around her little finger. I can’t just touch her. I can’t just go against her openly. She plays victim and suddenly the world becomes her army.”

Her eyes narrowed, a sinister gleam in them. “She has an allergy with peanuts, right?”

I blinked. “Yes… she does.”

“Then there you go,” my mother smirked, as if she’d just handed me a loaded gun.

I frowned. “Mom, adding one or two peanuts won’t do anything to her. She’ll get rashes at most.”

“Who said anything about one or two?” Her tone was sharp as a knife. “I’m saying grind the peanuts in the mixer. Turn them into powder. Mix it properly in her food. Let her eat. Let her choke. Let her die.”

For a moment, my anger turned into a slow, devilish smile. I smacked my hands together, a wicked laugh escaping my lips. “Sure, Mom. Sure. If that’s what it takes to end her… then let’s do it. Ruhanika won’t even know what hit her.”

And in that moment, I swore to myself—
She made me bleed today. Tomorrow, she will beg me for air.

Mom’s voice was sharp, filled with that venom she always carried whenever the topic was her.
“We did everything to make you the princess of this house. Everything. You bullied Ruhanika for years. I even slapped you  and you still blamed her for it. But now, she has gotten good. So if she wants to play, then let’s play.”

Her words echoed in my ears, the bitterness clear in every syllable.

“And about Rudransh…” Mom’s tone lowered but her eyes were blazing, “forget him now . But you have to stop Kabir, Rohan, and Yug. Especially them.”

I swallowed hard, my chest tightening.
“Mom, maybe I can stop Yug,” I whispered, hesitant yet wanting to prove myself. “But Kabir… and Rohan… especially Rohan, her twin… he—”

Her eyes snapped to me, cutting my words like a knife.
“The main problem is not them,” she spat, “the main problem is Ruhanika. That girl has other people on her side. That’s why she’s dangerous. That’s why she’s bad. So what if we discriminated against her? I don’t feel bad anymore.”

Her words burned into me, but something inside me twisted darker.
“Mom,” I finally confessed, my voice trembling, “I want Yuvraj. I really do. I want him.”

“Then seduce him,” she said without blinking, her face so calm it was terrifying. “And if nothing happens, make a big allegation on him. But I will not let that Ruhanika live peacefully.”

“You hate her so much,” I said, almost in disbelief.

“Yes, I do!” she snapped. “I do! Because if that girl wasn’t born, fifty percent of the property would be mine. But no… my so-called father gave it to her. Not to me. Not even to you. To her. And even if he hadn’t given it, I’d still hate her. Because I want you to be the princess of this house. And you are the princess of this house.”

Her words were poison, but they were also a crown she was forcing onto my head.

I clenched my fists, lifting my chin.
“I’m going, mother. Ruhanika must be there. And I will have to make that peanut thing.”

Her lips curved into a chilling chuckle.
“Easily.”

Author POV

After spending the evening with her friends and Yuvraj, Ruhanika returned home. The house was calm, and she found herself sitting beside her dadi talking softly about little things.

Just then, Aarohi walked into the room with her usual sweet smile.
“Dadi do you want anything? I was just going to the kitchen to make myself a coffee.”

Her dadi shook her head. “No, beta.”

“Okay,” Aarohi said, her voice dripping with politeness. But the moment she turned her back and walked toward the kitchen, her mask slipped. A devilish chuckle escaped her lips as she muttered under her breath,
“After today, Ruhanika, you won’t even be alive.

She pulled out peanuts, grinding them in the mixer, the loud sound echoing like a sinister background to her thoughts. She poured the deadly mixture into the food meant for Ruhanika, her eyes shining with a cruel satisfaction.

She called one of the maids over, her voice sharp and commanding.
“Go. Give this to Ruhanika madam. And after that, leave this house. I will send your payments.”

The maid hesitated, her hands trembling. “But ma’am…”

Aarohi’s smile turned venomous. “If you don’t want to die, then do as I say. Leave after giving this to her. Do you understand?”

The maid’s face went pale, and she nodded quickly. “Yes, ma’am.”

Moments later, the maid carried the plate out, setting it gently in front of Ruhanika.
“Ma’am, your food.”

The peanuts were already mixed inside, invisible, waiting.

Ruhanika looked at it with tired eyes. “I am full… I don’t want to eat.”

But her dadi, unaware of the danger, insisted softly. “Ruhanika, eat. You haven’t had enough.”

There was a small pause. Ruhanika glanced at her, then at the food. Finally, she gave a faint nod.
“Okay.”

And she lifted her hand toward the plate.

Ruhanika had barely taken four or five bites when suddenly she felt her throat burning. A strange tightness gripped her chest. She coughed once. Then twice. And then the coughing didn’t stop. It only grew harsher, louder, tearing through her chest as if her lungs were fighting for air.

Her spoon fell from her hand with a loud clang, her body jerking forward violently.

“Ruhanika!” her dadi’s voice cracked in panic as she rushed to her side.

Rudransh and Rohan came running from the hall, their eyes wide with fear.  What happened?” Rudransh shouted, his voice trembling as he placed a hand on her back.

“ I… I can’t… breathe—” Ruhanika choked between violent coughs. Her face turned pale, lips trembling as she gasped for air. Tears streamed from her swollen red eyes, her throat closing in like a vice.

“Water! Get water, now!” her chachu yelled, his hands shaking. One of the maids rushed with a glass, and Rudransh quickly held it to Ruhanika’s lips, but she coughed it out instantly, her chest heaving uncontrollably.

“Ruhanika, beta… say something!” her mother cried, falling to her knees beside her, holding her hand tightly, terrified as she saw her daughter’s skin break into blotchy patches.

“Breathe, baccha, breathe…” her chachi whispered helplessly, her hands trembling as she rubbed Ruhanika’s back.

But Ruhanika’s body was no longer listening. Her coughs grew violent, raw, until suddenly a terrifying sound escaped her throat—she vomited, and streaks of blood stained her lips.

“Maa!” Rudransh screamed, his face crumpling as he saw the blood. “She’s vomiting blood! Call the doctor! Call an ambulance!”

Ruhan froze in horror, his entire body shaking. “No… no, my princess… you’ll be fine,” he whispered, his voice breaking as he cupped her face, but her eyes were swollen, her lips trembling as if every second was a fight against death.

“Ruhanika! Stay awake! Please, don’t close your eyes!” Rohan shouted, clutching her shoulders, shaking her gently as if his own life depended on hers.

Ruhanika gasped, clawing at her throat as if to tear the invisible grip choking her.
I… can’t—” she barely whispered before another harsh cough rattled her chest and more blood spilled from her mouth.

“No, no, no!” her mother screamed in agony, hugging her trembling daughter tightly as if trying to shield her from the pain. “Nothing will happen to you, nothing! Please God…”

The whole family was in chaos—shouts for an ambulance, frantic cries, trembling hands trying to comfort her—but the most heartbreaking thing was Ruhanika herself.

The moment Ruhanika’s body collapsed against the floor, everyone in the house froze for a second, as if the world itself had stopped spinning. Her face had gone pale, her lips trembling, her chest struggling to rise and fall. Each cough that escaped her was more violent than the last, her fragile frame jerking, her swollen eyes rolling back.

Her mother shrieked, falling beside her, holding her face, “Ruhanika! Beta, open your eyes, please! Somebody do something!”
Rudransh was already on his knees, his hands shaking as he lifted her head, “Ruhanika! Listen to me, breathe—breathe damn it!” His voice cracked as he shouted to the servants, “Call the ambulance! Now!”

Rohan stumbled forward, panicked, trying to pour some water near her lips, but it only spilled down her chin as her body refused to respond. Her chachu and chachi had rushed in too, the whole hall drowned in chaos.

And then, her body gave a violent jerk, her lips stained with blood as she vomited, her chest tightening, her breath—gone.

“No! No no no… she’s not breathing!” Rudransh’s scream tore the air apart, his hands pressing against her chest as if forcing life back into her. “Wake up, Ru! Please, don’t do this to me!”

Her mother’s cries grew louder, her hands clutching Ruhanika’s lifeless arm. The seconds felt like hours until finally, the shrill siren of the ambulance broke through the storm of fear.

The paramedics rushed inside, checking her pulse, trying to put an oxygen mask on, but one of them muttered under his breath, “She’s not breathing properly… she’s critical.”

Rudransh didn’t waste another second. He turned, voice firm despite the tears burning in his eyes, “Prepare everything in the hospital right now. Kabir has to be ready!” He dialed Kabir, his voice breaking, “Kabir, it’s Ruhanika. She… she’s not breathing. We’re bringing her right now. You prepare everything! You hear me? Everything!”

Kabir, already at the hospital, froze as the words hit him. His hand trembled on the phone, but he forced his voice steady, “Bring her fast. I’m here. Don’t let her go unconscious… I won’t let anything happen to her.”

Meanwhile, Vikram and veer, who had just reached the gate after hearing the commotion, stormed in. Their eyes widened at the sight of Ruhanika being lifted onto the stretcher, her face deathly pale.

“Ruhanika! What happened to her?!” Vikram’s voice boomed, his hands grabbing Rudransh’s arm.

But Rudransh couldn’t even form words; his throat was raw with pain.

It was Veer who finally steadied himself, pulling out his phone, his voice breaking as he shouted, “Yuvraj! Pick up the damn phone!”

When Yuvraj answered, his usual calm tone vanished the moment he heard the panic.
What happened? Why are you sounding like this?”

Bir’s voice cracked, “It’s Ruhanika… she—she’s not breathing, Yuvraj. She’s in the ambulance… we’re taking her to the hospital. Kabir is there but—” his words shattered into sobs.

On the other side, Yuvraj’s world came crashing down. The phone almost slipped from his hand as the air around him vanished. His heartbeat thundered in his ears, his chest tightening like someone had ripped his heart apart.

“What the hell are you saying, Bir?! Not breathing?! I’m coming—don’t let her go unconscious! Don’t let her leave me!” Yuvraj’s roar echoed through the line, venom and pain burning in his every syllable.

The ambulance doors slammed shut. The sirens wailed. And as the vehicle raced down the dark road, carrying Ruhanika’s fragile body, the entire family clung to one single hope—Kabir’s hands and Yuvraj’s desperate prayers.

Yuvraj’s POV

My Ruhanika. My Butterfly.

I just met her half an hour ago… how could something suddenly happen to her? Veer’s voice still echoed in my ears when he called me—just one word, “Ruhanika,” and my heart froze. I didn’t even wait to hear more. I was already rushing towards the hospital.

I can’t let her go.
I can’t let anything happen to her.

The moment I reached, my chest was burning. I went straight to the reception desk, breathless, my voice trembling.
“Patient Ruhanika… where is she?”

The receptionist looked up, “Second floor.”

I didn’t waste a second. My legs moved faster than my mind. Second floor. My heart hammering so loud I could barely hear anything else. And then… I saw them. Veer and Vikram, standing outside the OT, their faces pale, eyes restless.

I walked straight to Vikram, grabbing his shoulder.
“Ruhanika… where is she? What has happened to my Butterfly? What?!”

Before Vikram could even answer, Veer’s broken voice cut in.
“She is in the OT. We don’t know… we just went to the mansion and then… she was vomiting blood. We rushed her here, but she wasn’t even breathing properly.”

My hands clenched into fists. My throat tightened.
“No. She will be fine. My baby will be fine.”

Veer nodded, his own voice shaking. “Yes… she will.”

But my chest felt like it was tearing apart.

And then… I saw her father. Just standing there. Busy in his own world, not even looking shattered. Something inside me snapped. I walked towards him, my voice sharp, cutting.
“You don’t care about your daughter. She is dying inside that OT. She is fighting for her life!”

He looked at me, cold, “Doctors are doing their work. What else can we do?”

I stared at him, disbelief burning in my veins. But then I turned and saw her mother, her eyes red, tears streaming silently.  And then he finally said, softer this time, “I do care about my daughter. She is in critical condition now.”

I swallowed the anger but the hatred didn’t leave. “Whatever…” I muttered, turning my face away. My focus wasn’t on him. My focus was only on her.

I went  to Rudransh and Rohan, desperate. “Tell me properly. What exactly happened to her?”

Rohan’s face was white. His voice almost cracking.
“She was in the hall… sitting with dadi. After eating something she started coughing… then vomiting. Then her eyes swelled. We… we don’t know.”

My gaze snapped to dadi. “Dadi… what exactly happened?”

Rohan cut her in, “She ate the food and… then all this happened.”

My blood boiled. I didn’t wait. I took out my phone and called Twinkle. My voice was firm, sharp, restless.
“Twinkle, are you free?”

“Yes… what happened?”

“Go to Khanna Mansion. Right now. See what’s going on there. If there’s any food left, anything at all… check it. Tell me if something feels suspicious.”

Her voice rose in panic, “Yuvraj… is everything fine? What happened?”

I closed my eyes, fighting the storm inside me. “Yeah… just go. Don’t ask anything right now. Just do what I’m saying.”

I cut the call. My hands were trembling. My heart only screamed one thing—
Ruhanika. Please. Come back to me.

My heartbeat was ringing in my ears. The red light above the OT wasn’t turning off. Every passing second felt like I was losing her. My butterfly. My Ruhanika.

I kept replaying Veer’s words in my head—vomiting blood, swollen eyes, breathless. How could this happen so suddenly?

The doors finally swung open and a doctor stepped out, pulling down his mask.
“She had a severe allergic reaction,” he said. His tone was clipped, urgent. “Most likely peanuts. A whole packet seems to have been consumed. Her body went into anaphylactic shock. We managed to stabilize her breathing, but it was critical. If she hadn’t been brought here in time…” He didn’t complete the sentence. My chest clenched.

I grabbed his arm. “She will be fine, right? Tell me she will be fine!”

“She’s stable for now, but still weak. We need to monitor her closely,” the doctor said before walking away.

I pressed my fist against the wall, my throat burning.
“My butterfly… you promised you’d never leave me. And I swear, Ruhanika, I’ll never let anyone or anything take you away from me. Not even death.”