"Something about it felt like a home somehow"

Chandigarh, India...

After long hours of exhaustion, Ruhi finally landed in Chandigarh, feeling excitement dancing on her nerves. She had just checked out from the airport and booked a cab to reach the resort where all the functions were taking place. She had already missed Abhay's engagement and couldn't afford to delay any further due to work. Abhay always treated her like his elder sister, and she respected him a lot.

Ruhi had purchased all the necessary items for herself, from lehnga to heels, everything was evidently perfect. She wanted to look hot and smoky after all, it was her brother's wedding. Abhay had wanted Ruhi to settle down first, but she excused it with her work, claiming she wanted to acquire more success.

The car halted in front of the resort 'Casa Le Baron,' one of the wealthiest resorts in Chandigarh. Shruti already knew about Ruhi's arrival but kept it a surprise for Abhay and the others.

As soon as Ruhi set her foot at the entrance, she got engulfed in a tight hug, "Baby, you finally made it," Shruti screamed in happiness.

"Obviously, Baby, I had to," Ruhi smiled while the staff shifted her luggage to her room. The people present in the lobby witnessed the happy reunion, making Ruhi feel embarrassed.

"You know, Abhay's bride is really very pretty, and Abhay is also a bit sad because he misses you so much, Ruhi," Shruti told her while they headed toward the lounge where the Hitchhiker's were seated.

"I know, Shruti, how much Abhay means to me. He is just like my younger brother, and a sister will never ever miss her brother's wedding," Ruhi concluded.

"You both share a unique bond. Now, let's get you to meet them," Shruti said, dragging Ruhi like a child eager for candy.

As they approached the lounge, Ruhi could hear the familiar laughter and chatter of her team. The Hitchhiker's were in high spirits, enjoying the pre-wedding festivities. When they entered, the room fell silent for a moment as everyone turned to see who had arrived.

"Ruhi!" Kajal exclaimed, jumping up to hug her. "We thought you wouldn't make it!"

"Did you really think I would miss this for anything?" Ruhi laughed, hugging Kajal tightly.

Vansh and the others joined in, creating a warm, welcoming circle around her. "It's so good to see you, Ruhi," Vansh said. "We've missed you."

"I've missed you all too," Ruhi replied, her eyes welling up with emotion. "I'm so happy to be here."

Abhay entered the lounge at that moment, his face lighting up with surprise and joy. "Ruhi! You made it!" he exclaimed, rushing over to hug her.

"Of course, I did," Ruhi said, her voice thick with emotion. "I wouldn't miss your wedding for the world."

Abhay's eyes glistened with tears as he hugged her tighter. "Thank you for being here," he whispered.

They spent the next few hours catching up, sharing stories, and planning the days ahead and meeting Abhay's parent ansd rest of the family members. Ruhi felt a deep sense of belonging and joy being with her friends, her family. The anticipation of the wedding and the happiness of being together made everything seem perfect.

*************

Haldi Cermony...

Today was the Haldi ceremony for Abhay and his bride, a vibrant and joyous event. Everyone was dressed in yellow outfits, their beauty enhanced by the bright and cheerful color. The decorations, too, were all yellow, creating a sunny and festive atmosphere.

Ruhi was dressed in a stunning yellow lehenga, blending in perfectly with the theme. She felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, eager to participate in the ceremony and to see Abhay and his bride together.

The venue buzzed with anticipation as family members and friends chatted and laughed, waiting for the bride and her family to arrive. Ruhi walked around, taking in the beautifully decorated space. Yellow flowers, drapes, and lights adorned every corner, creating a warm and welcoming environment.

Shruti, dressed in an elegant yellow saree, approached Ruhi with a smile. "Isn't this just beautiful? I love how everything turned out," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"It really is," Ruhi agreed. "I can't wait for the ceremony to start."

J Just then, a gentle commotion at the entrance signaled the arrival of the bride and her family and then only she turned to find out Rishu who was shouting Mom and ran towards Ruhi. Ruhi's smile was no bound and just as she just quickly had Rishu in her embrace.

"Ohhh my my... Rishu what are you doing here??", Ruhi asked getting puzzled and broke the hug.

"Attending the function mom", He showed his white teeth. Ruhi observed Rishu how much he changed last time the last time they met and she again hugged him.

"Whose... funC-----", got cut off when Abhay, looking dashing in his traditional yellow attire, stepped forward to greet his soon-to-be in-laws. His bride, resplendent in her yellow outfit, walked beside him, looking radiant and happy.

"My bhua...", Rishu replied and when Ruhi glance at Abhay's bride it felt like ground slipped .

There stood Pihu Vadhera drapped her arms around Abhay whom is Vidhant's Vadhera sister her sister in law.

Ruhi's heart skipped a beat as she processed what Rishu had just said. Pihu Vadhera, the bride, was Vidhant's sister-Ruhi's sister-in-law from a past she had tried hard to leave behind. The revelation hit her like a ton of bricks and her emotions burst like a volcano whether to feel happy, sad or what.

"Rishu is my.. son..."

Where is my other kid... oh my God...

"My kids... Rishu is my son and where is my daughter???"

"Go go... just scoop your kid in your arms"

"No.. no.. Ruhi you can't just put yourself in trouble you need to calm your emotions"

Before she could fully react, Rishu beamed up at her, oblivious to the emotional storm brewing within her. "Isn't it great, Mom? Now we can be together more often!" he said, his excitement palpable.

Ruhi forced a smile, her mind racing. She had to keep her composure. "Yes, Rishu, it's wonderful," she replied, hugging him again to buy herself a moment to think.

As Abhay and Pihu moved closer, Abhay noticed Ruhi and Rishu together. "Ruhi Di! I'm so glad and yeah meet my bride," he said warmly, though a hint of confusion flickered in his eyes as he saw Rishu with her. "And I see you've met Pihu's nephew already!"

Ruhi managed to nod, her smile still plastered on her face. "Yes, Abhay, I have. Rishu and I have become quite good friends."

"How----", Abhay mouthed confused.

"Long story maybe later", Ruhi said.

Pihu approached with a curious expression, her eyes darting between Ruhi and Rishu. "Hello, Ruhi Di . It's nice to finally meet you although Abhay talked a lot about you ," she said, her voice polite but tinged with curiosity. "I didn't realize you knew my nephew."

Ruhi took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Yes, we've had the pleasure of meeting before. Small world, isn't it felt like she was on autopilot. Her thoughts were consumed with the implications of this unexpected reunion. She watched as Rishu mingled with the other guests,?"

Pihu smiled, though it seemed a bit strained. "Indeed." It was hella shocked for Pihu to witness her own bhabhi here who cut all ties with them.

Ruhi's breath caught in her throat as she saw Anmol, her former mother-in-law, staring at her with a mixture of shock and disdain. The memories of her past came flooding back—memories of pain, betrayal, and the bitter separation from her children. It took everything in her not to lash out, to keep the rising tide of emotions in check.

Anmol's eyes were wide, her mouth opening and closing as if she couldn't find the words to express her disbelief. Ruhi stood tall, despite the storm brewing her.

As Ruhi's gaze fell upon the small girl standing next to Anmol, her heart clenched with overwhelming emotion. The girl, was her daughter whose namde she don't know—there was no mistaking it. Even though it had been years since she left them a mother’s instinct doesn’t lie. Every fiber of her being recognized her daughter, the way she carried herself, the familiar tilt of her head, and the innocence in her eyes and the dress she wore she looked like an angel in it.

Tears welled up in Ruhi's eyes, threatening to spill over. They were tears of happiness, of a profound, instinctual recognition, and of the longing that had built up over the years. But she knew she had to stay strong, to not let her emotions betray her in this critical moment. She had to put on a blank face, to mask the storm of feelings that raged inside her.

She couldn't afford to show any weakness in front of Anmol- her mother in law not now. So, with all the strength she could muster, Ruhi blinked back the tears and composed herself. Her face was expressionless, her eyes cold, as she looked at Anmol, who still stood there, stunned into silence.

But behind that blank look, Ruhi's heart was pounding, her thoughts racing. She had found her daughter and her son finally.

The tension in the air was palpable as both families tried to maintain their composure, masking the shock and confusion that rippled beneath the surface. Pihu, sensing the fragile atmosphere, took control of the situation and turned to her mother, Anmol.

"Mom, where’s Vidhant bhai?" Pihu asked, trying to keep her voice steady, though the question felt like a loaded gun aimed directly at Ruhi.

At the mention of Vidhant’s name, Ruhi’s entire body tensed. Her heart raced, and she clenched her jaw to keep from reacting visibly. The mere thought of him, the man who had shattered her world, stirred a storm of emotions within her—anger, pain, and a deep sense of betrayal.

Anmol, trying to avoid any confrontation, gave a vague answer. "He’s handling some business matters, Pihu. He’ll join us shortly."

Meanwhile, Abhay, completely unaware of the undercurrents between Ruhi and the Vadheras, stepped forward to formally introduce Ruhi to Anmol. "Aunty, this is Ruhi, my elder sister. She’s been like a guiding force in my life, and I couldn’t have reached this day without her."

Ruhi forced a polite smile and nodded in greeting, though the effort of keeping up appearances was draining her rapidly. Anmol responded with a stiff smile, equally strained. For a moment, they locked eyes—Ruhi’s were filled with a mixture of pain and defiance, while Anmol’s held a guarded, wary look, as if she was bracing herself for whatever was to come.

The brief exchange was laden with unspoken words, and it was clear to both women that the past was far from forgotten. The introductions were mere formalities in the grand scheme of what lay beneath—old wounds, unresolved conflicts, and the bitter reality that the past had caught up with them, whether they were ready for it or not.

Ruhi’s mind was racing. She knew she had to keep her emotions in check, at least for now. The last thing she wanted was to cause a scene at Abhay’s wedding, but with every passing second, the weight of her unresolved past bore down on her. The thought of facing Vidhant again, after all these years, made her feel both anxious and determined. She had been through too much to let him or anyone else break her again.

But for now, she had to keep her focus on Abhay and the wedding, and on the two children who were unknowingly tethered to her heart. The storm could wait, but not for long.

Tillthengoodbye
moonwithflames_