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Shivendra and Ruhanika walked towards the car as his guards created a passage for them.
The orphanage children had gathered to bid farewell to their beloved Ruhi Di, whom they cherished dearly.
In such a short time, Ruhanika had carved a special place in their hearts, just as they had in hers. For a while, they had been her only family, and now, parting from them felt bittersweet.
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, yet not a single drop escaped.
She was holding them back, forcing herself to stay strong.
Shivendra frowned at this. He didn't want her to bear such burdens at this tender age.
She should cry, throw tantrums, and express her emotions freely. She should live like a normal teenager, not someone carrying the weight of life's hardships.
After a tearful farewell, Ruhanika and Shivendra settled in the car.
In her hands, Ruhanika clutched a small, cute brown teddy, gripping it tightly as if it were her lifeline.
Beside her, Shivendra sat in the driver's seat. He knew she wasn't comfortable around his men yet, so he chose to drive himself.
"So, who gave you this teddy, princess?" Shivendra asked, wanting to hear her voice and ease the lingering sadness.
Ruhanika's eyes widened at him adorably, "This isn't just a teddy! His name is Hero!" she huffed adorably, her expression scrunching up in the cutest way.
Shivendra's eyes widened slightly in surprise. She was acting differently as in the orphanage almost as if something was holding her back in the orphanage.
"Oh really? And who gave this Hero to my little heroine?" he teased, chuckling softly.
Ruhanika blushed a little, making Shivendra's heart melt. He had an overwhelming urge to scoop her up and keep her safe forever.
"Someone special from my last foster home," she replied, a distant yet fond smile gracing her lips.
Shivendra smiled too, relieved that at least someone had been there for her. Though, a part of him, his fatherly instinct, hoped that 'someone special' wasn't a boy.
"Really? And who is this someone special, princess?" he asked curiously.
Before Ruhanika could answer, her stomach grumbled, betraying her hunger.
She blushed deeply and hid her face behind her ted-oops-Hero.
Shivendra laughed heartily, his voice warm and unguarded. Hearing it, Ruhanika peeked out shyly, her curiosity overcoming her timidity.
