She stood before him, her face hardened with anger. She looked at her fiancé, her heart pounding in her chest. Doubts swirled in her mind that he was having an affair, and she needed answers.
“Vineet, do you even love me?” she asked, her tone clipped.
“Ruhana, why do you ask? We’re engaged, aren’t we?” Vineet questioned, agitated.
“Because I can see it, Vineet. You’re never alone — even when you’re by my side, she is always around you. So, what should I think?” Ruhana said aloud.
“Hey, she’s my friend. Even I find it odd that she’s always around me, but I thought it was fine,” Vineet argued.
“It’s not fine, Vineet. And you — you’re being too friendly with her. She often gets cozy with you, and you play along,” Ruhana retorted.
“Ruhana, you’re overthinking this. Please, don’t doubt me — I love you, truly,” Vineet said, tension creasing his forehead.
“Okay then, prove it. Tomorrow is a day off. I want all of your time — got it?” Ruhana demanded, leaving no room for argument.
“Alright, fine. For now, let’s go to the meeting. I’ll make sure to resolve your complaints,” Vineet replied softly.
Ruhana stared at him for a long moment before finally taking his hand and walking out of the room. Unbeknownst to them, someone had been listening — hidden just outside their door.
Later that night, Ruhana sat in her room, visibly upset by the distance that had grown between her and Vineet. She couldn’t understand the reason behind it, and though her best friend assured her she was overthinking, she tried to let it go.
*****
The next day, Ruhana waited for Vineet’s message, as they had planned to meet for lunch. The recent incidents had taken a toll on her. Her trance broke when someone hugged her. She looked up to find her best friend, Sumona, beaming at her. She smiled instantly, hugging her.
“Sumona, how are you?” Ruhana asked.
“I’m good, but where are you lost? Did you argue with Vineet?” Sumona asked.
“How do you know?” Ruhana asked curiously.
“You’re my best friend, Ruu. You always end up telling me things, you know,” Sumona said softly.
“Yeah, I know! You know me better than I know myself,” Ruhana said, her tone soft yet frustrated.
Sumona smiled, her words working like a balm on Ruhana’s chaotic mind. “Relax, Ruhana! We’ll find out the truth. Don’t worry, hmm? Now cheer up — let’s go for coffee,” Sumona said, trying to lift her mood.
Ruhana nodded, and the two friends headed to their favorite café.
As they sat in the café, they discussed everything happening around them. Meanwhile, Ruhana’s phone rang, and she picked it up. It was Vineet. She quickly excused herself to meet him. Sumona watched her leave, a smile playing on her lips.
*****
When Ruhana entered the hotel, she found Vineet waiting in the lounge. He held her hand and led her through the luxurious corridors. They stopped before a lavish suite on the third floor, and Ruhana pushed open the door.
Inside, she was stunned to see the beautifully decorated space — a living room adorned with a plush couch and a glass table, and further in, the master bedroom. It was decorated with antique paintings, marble-white walls, and, of course, the round bed in the middle of the room. In that moment, she forgot all her anger and couldn’t help but admire the surroundings.
She turned to Vineet, excitedly. “This is so beautiful, Vineet,” she said.
“I knew you’d like it. But I have something even more beautiful for you,” he replied, leading her further.
They stepped onto the balcony, which was beautifully set — a table for two in one corner, laid with lunch, and a floor bed in the other. A small table stood beside the bed, holding a champagne bottle and two glasses. Ruhana was stunned by the arrangement. She hugged Vineet, knowing it was a heartfelt effort from him to rekindle their bond.
They sat for lunch, talking about everything — including the reason that had caused the distance between them. He reached out to hold her hands, his tone gentle.
“Ruhana, I know things haven’t been right these past few days, but trust me, I love you,” he said, his voice sincere.
“I know. It was a raw moment of panic, and I couldn’t handle myself. I’m sorry,” she replied, guilt lacing her tone.
He leaned close, pressing his lips against her forehead — a silent reassurance of his love.
Some time later, Vineet excused himself to freshen up while Ruhana stayed on the balcony, sipping her drink and talking to Sumona, who had called to tell her about a client interested in fixing a deal with Divine Dazzle, the fashion brand curated by Ruhana and supported by Sumona. Their laughter filled the room, and everything seemed fine.
*****
Vineet returned to the room after freshening up but didn’t find Ruhana there. He stepped onto the balcony — and froze.
Ruhana lay on the floor bed, lifeless, blood oozing from her chest. The sight shook the ground beneath his feet. His hands trembled as he reached out, pulling the butcher knife from her chest — just as the police burst into the room.
“Sir, he had issues with Ruhana. He killed her — she was doubting him, after all,” Sumona said, leaving him stunned.
“What? I didn’t! I was in the washroom, and when I came out — she… she was dead,” he stuttered, overwhelmed.
But every clue pointed against Vineet. He was horrified — he loved her, and killing her was unimaginable. Still, he requested permission from the ACP to attend his meeting the next day, which he reluctantly agreed.
As he walked out, he promised himself that he would find Ruhana’s murderer.
*****
The next day, Vineet & Sumona met Mr Rajeev Rahghuvanshi. They were talking when the police suddenly interrupted, flashing an arrest warrant against Vineet. He was beyond shocked but couldn’t protest.
Watching him leave, Sumona smirked and signed the deal papers — under the tagline: “Founder — Divine Dazzle.”
