As Dr. Karan arrived at the farmhouse, the househelp directed him to the bedroom where Ruhani was anxiously waiting. Advik, trying to keep his own anxiety in check, stood beside Ruhani who was sitting on the edge of the bed, tears streaming down her face.
Ruhani’s sobs intensified as Karan entered the room. Advik stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Ruhi, this is Dr. Karan, one of my oldest friends and a brilliant doctor. He’s here to help us with your check-up.”
“So, this is the beautiful lady you’re going to get engaged tomorrow, huh?” Karan said, a playful twinkle in his eye. “Advik’s been talking about you nonstop, you know. I’ve been dying to meet you!”
Karan gave a warm smile, trying to ease the tension in the room. “Don’t worry, we’re just going to do a quick check-up. We’ll have you feeling better in no time.”
Despite Karan’s friendly demeanor and attempt to lighten the mood with a joke, Ruhani’s cries continued unabated.
But Ruhani was too overwhelmed to appreciate the joke. Her body shook with fear as she buried her face in her hands. Advik exchanged a glance with Karan, signaling him to proceed.
“Ruhi, let’s get you settled,” Advik said gently, helping her lie down on her back. “This is just a general check-up. No one will touch you without letting you know first, okay?”
As Karan began the general physical examination, Ruhani’s breaths quickened. The fear in her eyes was undeniable, and her hands trembled as they lay clenched in her lap.
“I can’t do this, Adi. Please… I can’t,” She whispered, her voice shaking.
Advik, sensing her spiraling panic, immediately sat beside her. “Ruhi, listen to me,” he said firmly, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You need to lie down now. I’m right here, okay? Just take a deep breath and trust me. You’ll get through this.”
“I don’t want to!” she whimpered, her resistance building, but Advik didn’t let go. He took her hand in his and squeezed it tightly.
“Ruhi, I know you're scared, but this is necessary. It’ll be quick, I promise.” His tone was gentle but commanding. He wrapped the tourniquet around her arm, ignoring her attempts to pull away. “Just breathe with me,” he added, keeping his voice low.
Karan glanced at Ruhani, hesitant to proceed. “Are you sure about this, Advik? She’s really anxious.”
“I know,” Advik replied, his eyes never leaving Ruhani’s face. “But we can’t delay this any longer. Do it, Karan.”
Ruhani’s eyes widened as Karan prepped the needle. “No, no, please, I can’t—” She tried to pull her arm back, but Advik held her steady.
“You can,” he said softly, his grip firm. “Just focus on me, okay? Think about our plans— Where do you want to go first? Paris? Santorini?”
“I—" Ruhani couldn’t focus. Her mind was swimming with fear as Karan finally inserted the needle into her skin. She let out a cry of pain, clenching Advik’s hand even tighter.
Karan’s face scrunched in concentration, but after a few moments, no blood filled the vial. He pulled the needle out, shaking his head. “Nothing,” he muttered, glancing at Advik. “Her veins are barely visible. She could be anemic.”
Advik frowned but didn’t release Ruhani’s hand. “Could be. Try again.”
Ruhani’s tear-filled eyes shot up to meet his. “No, Adi! Please, I can’t go through that again,” she begged, her voice breaking as tears rolled down her cheeks.
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ENIGMA
RomanceAfter graduating, four friends-Astha, Akansha, Tiyasha, and Ruhani-embark on a celebratory trip to Thailand. In Bangkok, Ruhani meets Advik, a disciplined billionaire and the eldest son of the illustrious Malhotra family. Despite his rigid demeanor...