Morning at the Haveli — An Unexpected Visitor
Ruhi was sitting in the courtyard, sipping masala chai and writing in her diary when she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"Still turning your life into poetry, Didi?"
She turned sharply.
Her younger brother, Ankit, stood there in jeans and a casual hoodie, grinning — with eyes that carried a mix of concern and mischief.
"Ankit?" she gasped. "What are you doing here?!"
"Papa sent me," he said, hugging her. "Well… not exactly. He told me to check on you. Maa said to support you."
Ruhi sat down slowly. "So what do you think?"
He shrugged. "I think this Rudra guy must be special… because you look different."
"Different?"
"Like you finally stopped hiding behind good marks and politeness."
She smiled faintly. "He gave me courage. Not gifts."
Ankit's face turned serious. "Then I'd like to meet him. Tonight. Alone."
Ruhi nodded, nervous — but somewhere deep inside, hopeful.
📓 Beyond the Buzzer – Page 131
"Sometimes, your family won't understand your choice.But they might understand your eyes."
🏙️ In Jaipur Market — Rudra's Call from Mumbai
While exploring the city's famous Johari Bazaar, Rudra received a call.
It was from Mr. Malhotra, his father's business partner in Mumbai.
"Your father wants you back for the board meeting this Friday," the man said. "There's a proposal on the table — if you say yes, it could mean your entry into the company becomes official."
Rudra paused. "And if I don't?"
The man sighed. "Then everything Devika stepped away from… may come back."
The call ended.
Rudra stood in the crowded market, surrounded by colors, noise, and strangers — yet feeling oddly alone.
🎓 Aarav at the School Visit — A Bitter Shock
Meanwhile, in Delhi, Aarav had asked to tour the school where he'd soon be mentoring young athletes.
The principal, a stern man in his 50s, was polite — until he saw Aarav's resume.
"You've had gaps in your academic journey," he remarked. "You're passionate, but passion doesn't pay attention spans."
Aarav's fists clenched.
"I've rebuilt my life," he said calmly. "Isn't that what we're supposed to teach these kids — to rise?"
The principal looked unconvinced.
Aarav left the office without a promise — only a storm brewing inside him.
🎤 Simran's Open Mic Moment — Her Voice Unleashed
That night, Simran stood on a tiny stage at the pre-wedding open mic, heart pounding.
She pulled out her own journal and read aloud for the first time:
*"I used to write in the dark,Scared someone would see me.
But the boy who held my silenceMade my words sound like a heartbeat
Not perfect — but present.Not polished — but powerful."*
The crowd clapped warmly.
Aarav stood at the back, watching her — proud, moved.
But something in his eyes said:"I'm happy for you. But am I enough… beside you?"
🍽️ The Dinner Table — Ruhi's Brother Meets Rudra
Back at the haveli, Ankit finally met Rudra.
They sat across from each other, a small table between them, lit by fairy lights and silence.
Ankit broke it first. "You're richer than us. Smarter too. But are you real with her?"
Rudra nodded. "I didn't fall in love with her because she needed saving. I fell for her because she saved me from pretending."
Ankit looked at him for a long time.
Then smiled.
"Good. Because if you ever make her cry in a way her poetry can't fix—""I'll be broken before she is," Rudra finished.
That was enough.
📓 Beyond the Buzzer – Page 133
"A brother doesn't always protect you with punches.Sometimes, he protects you by handing your handTo someone who sees it the same way he does."
🎊 Final Wedding Night — The Crack in the Mirror
Under golden canopies and rose petals, everyone danced, laughed, and celebrated.
But tension crept in.
Ruhi saw Rudra looking at his phone again and again.
She finally asked, "Everything okay?"
He hesitated. "There's a business meeting in Mumbai. My father's pushing hard."
"You'll go?"
"I don't know yet."
"Don't I deserve to know if you're going to choose that life… again?"
Her voice cracked.
"Ruhi, I'm not choosing between you and work—"
"No," she said. "But you're asking me to stay in the stands again while you go play alone."
He didn't reply.
For the first time in months, they turned away from each other — not in anger, but in fear.
Fear of becoming distant again.
📓 Beyond the Buzzer – Page 135
*"We didn't argue.We paused.
But sometimes a pauseFeels longer than a goodbye."*
💫 End of Chapter 26