Next day, at Kaushal Bhavan.
Ruhani was ready for another day at the office, dressed in black jeans and a black camisole, topped with a red and navy blue checkered shirt. As she descended the stairs, she joined her family at the dining table for breakfast.
The entire Kaushal family stared at Ruhani, surprised to see her eating breakfast with them after so long.
Ruhani noticed their gaze and asked, "What's wrong, everyone? Why are you staring at me?"
Naina's eyes locked onto Ruhani's, inquiring, "Didi, are you feeling okay? Do you have a high fever?"
Mrs. Aabha gently nudged Naina, saying, "Shh, mischief!" and smiled at Ruhani. "Dear, pass your plate, I'll serve you breakfast."
Ruhani handed over her plate and asked Mr. Alok, "Good morning, Papa! Would you please bring kaju katli and kachoris from our shop on your way back home this evening? I'm craving them today."
Mr. Alok's eyes misted as memories of Ruhani and Naina's childhood flooded back. The sisters would often plead for sweets and kachoris every morning.
Mr. Alok's renowned sweet shop, 'The Kaushal Sweets,' in Chandni Chowk, was a family legacy.
This is Chandni Chowk's most iconic and renowned sweet shop, where the kaju katli and kachoris are unparalleled and unmatched by any other sweet shop.
Mr. Alok's face lit up with joy as he gently placed his hand on Ruhani's cheek, saying, "Of course, dear, consider it done."
Naina teased, "That's not fair! Didi asks once, and Papa agrees instantly, while I've been asking for sweets for days, and no one listens. That's so unfair!"
Mrs. Aabha playfully pinched Naina's cheek, laughing, "That's because your demands are daily, and Ruhani's is a rare treat."
The family erupted into laughter.
On the other hand, at Chandni Chowk metro station.
As Ruhani arrived at the metro station, she sent a message to Aakriti while waiting for the train: "Good morning! Off to office?"
Aakriti replied instantly: "Good morning! Looks like you've finally decided to initiate conversation. This must be a good day!"
Ruhani chuckled and responded: "Don't get too excited. Listen, leave office a bit early today. I'll meet you at Rajiv Chowk metro station, and we can head out together."
Aakriti agreed: "Okay, boss. But don't wrap up the entire office workload before leaving!"
Ruhani playfully reassured: "Will do! See you tonight, bye."
On the other hand, at Ruhani's office.
As Ruhani arrived at the office, she greeted everyone with a warm smile and a cheerful "Good morning!"
Aaina, seated at her desk, returned the smile and said, "Good morning, Ruhani! You seem different today."
Ruhani playfully retorted, "Why? Because I didn't wear my crown today?" and burst into laughter.
Aaina couldn't help but join in, surprised to see Ruhani laugh so freely after months.
Their boss, Langgam Sir, entered the office, and the team wished him a good morning. He responded with a warm smile and headed to his cabin.
Ruhani, who reported directly to Langgam Sir, sought his permission to leave early and approached his cabin.
Upon knocking, Langgam Sir invited her in. Ruhani entered and stood beside his desk, saying, "Sir, I have an urgent matter to attend to."
Langgam Sir looked up from his laptop and nodded. Ruhani continued, her voice slightly hesitant, "I'll need to leave the office early today. If you permit me, I..."
Before she could finish, Langgam Sir smiled and said, "Go ahead, but today we're launching Mitaansh Brand's products on our website. Prioritize that."
Ruhani smiled warmly as she corrected Langgam Sir's broken Hindi and said, "Okay, sir, I'll definitely launch it today."
She thanked him and stepped out of his cabin. After wrapping up her tasks, Ruhani left the office to meet Aakriti.
As she walked to the metro station, she dialed Aakriti's number and asked, "Have you left the office yet?"
Aakriti, shutting down her computer, replied with a blatant lie, "Yes, I'm already in an auto."
Ruhani's tone turned slightly irritated, "I can hear the computer shutting down, not the auto. You haven't left yet, have you?"
Aakriti hastily placated Ruhani, "I'm leaving now, dear. Don't be upset. Bye."
On the other hand, in Rajiv Chowk metro station.
Ruhani waited for Aakriti at Rajiv Chowk metro station. Ten minutes later, Aakriti rushed in, breathless.
Ruhani narrowed her eyes, "Despite my reminder, you still didn't leave on time."
Aakriti chuckled, "I'm here now, let me catch my breath."
After a brief pause on the platform, they boarded the metro. Aakriti mischievously asked, "What's the drink plan for today, madam?"
Ruhani smiled, "Do you even need to ask?"
In unison, they exclaimed, "Magic Moments!!" and laughed, high-fiving each other.
Aakriti hugged Ruhani tightly. "I missed you so much."
Ruhani grinned, "I missed myself too. Give me some space, or people will get the wrong idea."
Aakriti pouted, "Since when do you care about what others think? Forget that, where are we drinking?"
Ruhani pondered, "Hmm, I haven't thought of that either."
Aakriti joined in the deliberation until Ruhani suggested, "Why don't you stay over at my place tonight? We'll drink there."
Aakriti's face lit up. "Like old times."
*******
What happens next?
What will happen when Ruhani drinks again after all this time?
Will she cry again, reminiscing about Aarav?
Or will she finally move on, leaving her memories of Aarav behind?
Will she regain her former happiness or take a wrong step after drinking?
Will she be able to redeem herself, or will the past overwhelm her once more?
Let me know in the comments and likes below!
Stay tuned for the next chapter of
'Chat By Fate' exclusively on Web Novel.
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