(Secrets from the past, bold decisions, and a test of love)
🏙️ Mumbai — A Face from the Past
Rudra had just stepped out of a boardroom meeting when he saw her.
She stood near the reception, flipping through a magazine — tall, confident, in a black blazer.
Devika Jain.
His ex.
The girl his parents once hoped he'd marry. The one who broke his trust.
Rudra paused. She looked up — and smiled as if nothing had ever gone wrong.
"Delhi's golden boy in Mumbai," she said sweetly. "Still allergic to ties?"
Rudra gave a dry smile. "Still dramatic, I see."
"I'm working with your father on the expansion project. Didn't he tell you?"
Rudra's face darkened. "No. He didn't."
💬 Meanwhile: Tanya's Confession
Back at college, Ruhi had had enough.
She marched across the campus courtyard and found Tanya outside the fashion studio.
"We need to talk," Ruhi said coldly.
Tanya didn't flinch. "About what?"
"You know what."
Tanya raised an eyebrow. "The diary page?"
"You did it, didn't you?"
"No," Tanya said firmly. "I thought about it. But I'd never stoop that low."
Ruhi narrowed her eyes.
Tanya sighed. "You think I hate you, Ruhi. But the truth is... I envy you. You changed Rudra. He listens to you. That used to be me."
Ruhi froze. "What?"
"We dated. Briefly. Long before you. I left before he could leave me." She looked away. "Don't worry. I don't want him now. But I don't want him hurt again either."
And with that, Tanya walked off, heels clicking against stone.
📓 Beyond the Buzzer – Page 94
"Sometimes the people who hate you mostjust miss who they were before you arrived."
🧳 Kunal — Gone Without a Word
By Friday, Kunal had vanished.
His seat in class was empty. His dorm locked.
Some said he left because of a family emergency. Others whispered that he couldn't handle rejection.
But Ruhi didn't feel guilt.
She felt confusion.
Because Kunal had looked like someone who wouldn't run — and yet, he disappeared like a ghost.
💌 A Letter Arrives — With a Surprise
That evening, Ruhi returned from class to find another envelope on her bed.
Rudra's handwriting.
She opened it quickly, her hands already shaking.
✉️ Rudra's Letter — Page 3
Ruhi,
She's here. Devika. The girl who once knew me like no one did. She's working with my father now.
And suddenly, I'm back to who I used to be — before you. Cold. Confused. Caged.
But I'm not him anymore. Because now, I write to you when I'm scared.
And this time, I'm not asking for space. I'm asking for presence.
Come to Mumbai.
There's a ticket inside this envelope. Come if you believe we still belong on the same page.
—Yours. Rudra
Tears filled Ruhi's eyes.
A plane ticket.
A choice.
💭 Simran's Stand
Simran sat at home, her parents watching the evening news, as she stood before them, trembling but resolute.
"I'm not marrying anyone else," she said firmly. "I love Aarav."
Her mother gasped. Her father turned off the TV.
"You'll ruin our name," he said quietly.
"I'll ruin my happiness if I don't speak now."
Silence fell.
Then Mr. Verma stood up. "Then leave."
Simran blinked. "What?"
"If you're choosing him — go."
Tears in her eyes, she picked up her bag and left.
Not out of hate.
But out of love that finally chose itself.
🧡 Aarav's Apartment
That night, Simran knocked on Aarav's door.
He opened it, shocked. "What happened?"
"I left," she whispered.
He stared.
Then pulled her into the tightest hug of her life.
✈️ Delhi Airport — Ruhi's Dilemma
Ruhi sat at the departure gate, holding the ticket Rudra sent her.
Her hands trembled. Her heart pounded.
She thought about her parents. About their expectations.
About the love letter pasted on the notice board.
But most of all — she thought about him.
And how she always wrote, even when afraid.
Now it was his turn to be afraid — and he had called for her.
📓 Beyond the Buzzer – Page 97
"Sometimes love isn't about being held.Sometimes, it's about being asked to show up —when it matters most."
The flight boarding began.
And she stood.
🌆 End of Chapter 19