"I'll shall never be that me again"..

Chandigarh, India..

The vibrant atmosphere of Abhay and Pihu's haldi ceremony was in full swing. Laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses filled the air, while the guests praised the exquisite decorations and the meticulous arrangements. However, amid the celebration, Ruhi felt an overwhelming heaviness in her heart. Although none of Vidhant's relatives recognized her, offering a brief sense of relief, it was fleeting. Watching her own children from a distance only deepened her sorrow.

Anmol, on the other hand, tried to block out the emotional turmoil swirling around them, choosing instead to focus on her daughter's happiness. As guests continued to inquire about the bride's brother, Anmol assured them that Vidhant was on his way, but the mention of his name only intensified Ruhi's anxiety.

With each passing moment, the thought of facing Vidhant became more unbearable. The emotions she had been holding back threatened to spill over as tears welled up in her eyes. Feeling suffocated, Ruhi realized she needed a moment to herself—to gather her strength and find a way to hold herself together before the inevitable confrontation.

Just as Ruhi was about to excuse herself from the crowd, a group of enthusiastic guests—playfully referred to as the "Hitchhikers"—grabbed her by the hand and pulled her onto the dance floor. The DJ's beats were infectious, and the energy of the crowd was impossible to resist. Despite the heavy weight in her chest, Ruhi found herself swaying to the music, the rhythm momentarily masking her inner turmoil.

As she danced, Pihu and Anmol exchanged a worried glance. They knew that Vidhant's arrival would inevitably lead to a confrontation, one that Ruhi was not prepared for. The anticipation of that moment hung over them like a dark cloud.

After a few more songs, Ruhi finally managed to slip away from the dance floor, seeking the solace of a quiet corner. However, her brief escape was short-lived. Her two innocent children, Rishu and Reet, noticed her departure and, with the innocence only children possess, decided to follow. Rishu took his sister Reet by the hand and led her towards Ruhi, their curiosity piqued and their grandmother momentarily distracted by other guests.

As they approached, Ruhi's heart raced, knowing that every step they took brought them closer to a truth she wasn't ready to face.

Ruhi aimed to go inside an empty room unfortunately when she is about to close the door she found her two little bundle at the door giving her a wide and innocent smile.

Rishu, with the earnestness only a child can have, was excited to introduce Reet to Ruhi. He had always been protective of his little sister, and in his innocent mind, introducing her to this kind woman, who he felt a natural connection with, seemed like the right thing to do.

As they reached Ruhi, Rishu looked up at her with wide, curious eyes. "This is my sister, Reet," he said proudly, his small voice filled with warmth and affection. He gently nudged Reet forward, encouraging her to step closer to Ruhi.

Ruhi’s heart ached as she looked down at her children, standing so close to her yet unaware of the bond they shared. She felt a rush of emotions—love, pain, and a deep sadness that threatened to overwhelm her. Ruhi knelt down to their level, her hands trembling as she reached out to Reet, who looked up at her with innocent, trusting eyes.

"It's so nice to meet you, Reet," Ruhi managed to say, her voice soft but heavy with unspoken emotions. She wanted to gather them both in her arms, to hold them and never let go, but she knew she couldn’t. Not now.

Reet, still young and naturally more reserved, found herself studying Ruhi intently. She watched the way her brother, Rishu, interacted with this woman, who seemed so familiar yet so distant at the same time. While Rishu, full of energy and confidence, had instantly taken a liking to Ruhi, Reet was more cautious. She was the kind of child who needed time to warm up to new people and situations—much like Ruhi herself had been as a child.

As Reet took her time observing Ruhi, she slowly began to feel a sense of comfort. There was something about Ruhi's presence that felt safe, even if Reet couldn’t quite understand why. Perhaps it was the way Ruhi’s eyes softened when she looked at her, or the gentle way she spoke, almost as if she knew Reet’s need for a slower pace.

Ruhi, in turn, noticed the quiet intensity in Reet's gaze, recognizing a reflection of her younger self in her daughter. It was as if she could see her own childhood mirrored in Reet's cautious demeanor. The realization brought a bittersweet smile to her face, knowing that Reet’s hesitance was something they shared, even though Reet was unaware of the connection between them.

Rishu, meanwhile, was the spitting image of his father, Vidhant—bubbly, confident, and unafraid of new experiences. He was already tugging on Ruhi’s hand, eager to show her something, while Reet stayed close, inching forward only when she felt ready. The contrast between the two siblings was striking, and it only deepened Ruhi's longing to be a part of their lives, to know them in a way she hadn’t been able to for so long.

As Reet finally allowed herself to step closer to Ruhi, tentatively reaching out for her hand, Ruhi felt a profound connection. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes. Reet was beginning to trust her, even without knowing the full truth, and that was both heartwarming and heartbreaking for Ruhi. She wanted so desperately to pull both children into her arms and never let go, but she knew that their time together, for now, would remain fleeting and fragile.

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

As the haldi ceremony continued in full swing, Vidhant finally made his entrance. He had been held up by an important meeting with an international client, a meeting that could have cost him millions if he hadn’t attended. Despite his busy schedule, he had made it a priority to be there for Pihu and Abhay's big day. But what few people knew was that Vidhant had recently received an incredible offer—one that could change the trajectory of his entire career.

After a standout performance during a high-profile presentation, Vidhant had caught the attention of a renowned company in London. His skills and charisma had so thoroughly impressed the foreign clients that they wanted him to take over as CEO. The offer was from an old couple, Mr. and Mrs. Martin, who had been running their successful enterprise for decades but were nearing retirement. With no one else to take over the reins, they saw Vidhant as the perfect successor.

Over time, the couple had developed a sweet bond with Vidhant, treating him like family. Their affection had even extended to Vidhant's twins, Rishu and Reet, who now called them Grandpa and Grandma. The Martins admired not only Vidhant’s professional skills but also his dedication as a father. When Vidhant explained his situation—how he needed to take care of his children, who were still young—they were more than understanding.

"Take your time," Mr. Martin had said kindly. "You’ll be the CEO when you’re ready. I’ll be retiring soon, and we want you in that position, but your family comes first."

Vidhant had been touched by their generosity and understanding. He accepted the offer but requested a delay of two to three years so he could focus on Rishu and Reet. He knew the responsibility of moving to London as a CEO would be immense, and he didn’t want to uproot his children or disrupt their lives until they were ready.

As he walked into the ceremony, the weight of the new chapter in his life felt heavy, but at the same time, he was determined to balance both his career and his role as a father. Little did he know that amid the joyful celebration, an unexpected emotional storm was brewing—Ruhi’s presence, their unspoken past, and the inevitable confrontation that was about to unfold.

Tillthengoodbye
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