Back in Delhi — The Calm Before the Storm
Ruhi stepped out of the airport with Rudra by her side. The familiar chaos of Delhi traffic, honking autos, and the smell of street food surrounded her like a forgotten melody.
She glanced at him.He smiled back.
No words were needed.
Their silences had become stronger than their conversations.
But the moment she entered her PG, her phone buzzed.
Papa calling...
📞 A Father's Fury
Ruhi answered, heart already heavy.
"Where have you been, Ruhi?" her father's voice thundered.
"Papa—"
"You went to Mumbai? Without telling us? With a boy?"
"It wasn't like that," she said softly.
"Don't lie to me. I saw a photo. Someone posted it online. You and that Rudra Sharma. Hugging in a hotel lobby."
Ruhi froze.
Her heart sank.
"Come home next week," he said. "We'll talk about your future."
He hung up.
Ruhi just sat there, phone trembling in her hand.
Simran came in and saw her pale face. "What happened?"
"My father knows everything."
📓 Beyond the Buzzer – Page 115
*"A father's voice is louderwhen spoken through disappointment.
But I am not sorry for who I love.
I'm only sorry I couldn't show himhow beautiful it is."*
🏀 Rudra Returns to the Court
After weeks off the court, Rudra walked back into the college basketball stadium. The echoes of bouncing balls and squeaking sneakers welcomed him like an old friend.
But something felt different.
His shots were off. His reflexes slow.
Coach Pratap noticed and pulled him aside.
"Your body's here. Where's your mind?"
Rudra stared at the court. "It's been... scattered."
Coach sighed. "Find your rhythm. Or someone else will."
Later that evening, Rudra stood under the hoop, alone, practicing free throws.
Ruhi watched silently from the stands, her eyes full of quiet pride.
One shot swished through perfectly.
He looked up and smiled at her.
🎭 College Cultural Week Begins
The college buzzed with excitement — banners, music, rehearsals everywhere. This year's event was titled "Swar and Saaz: Rhythms of the Soul."
Simran signed up for spoken word poetry. Aarav joined a duet dance group.
Ruhi and Rudra, surprisingly, signed up for a drama performance — a modern adaptation of Radha-Krishna in a college setting.
"It's ironic," Ruhi told Rudra during rehearsal. "We hated each other when we met. Now we're acting as eternal lovers."
He chuckled. "Method acting, maybe?"
They laughed.
But beneath that laughter was nervousness — because her parents had still not accepted him.
And his parents had yet to say the word "welcome."
🎙️ The Performance — On Stage Together
When the lights dimmed and the spotlight hit, the crowd went silent.
Ruhi, dressed in a pastel lehenga, walked onto the stage as "Radha."
Rudra followed, wearing traditional white with a blue stole — Krishna with a college twist.
Their lines flowed with grace, but it was the emotion in their eyes that held the audience captive.
There was a moment — not scripted — when Rudra looked into her eyes and whispered, "No matter the world, you're still mine."
Ruhi blinked.
He wasn't in character.
That was Rudra talking to Ruhi.
The crowd erupted in applause at the end.
But their hearts were beating for something much deeper than stage lights.
📓 Beyond the Buzzer – Page 117
"We became charactersOnly to realize —We had already written our real love storyOn pages no one else could see."
🌃 Rooftop Confession — Under the Stars
That night, Ruhi and Rudra stood on the PG rooftop. The Delhi sky was clear — rare and magical.
"I don't know what'll happen next week," Ruhi whispered. "My father... he's disappointed. Maybe even ashamed."
Rudra turned to her. "Then let me say this now. So if he tears us apart, you'll still remember."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.
Ruhi gasped.
It wasn't a ring.
It was a silver chain with a tiny buzzer-shaped pendant — just like the one from his basketball matches.
"I'll propose when the time is right," Rudra said. "But until then, this will remind you of who we are."
She took it.
Clutched it tightly.
And hugged him like she'd never let go.
📓 Beyond the Buzzer – Page 118
"Some promises aren't shouted.They're whispered under stars,In the language of little thingsThat shine brighter than gold."
💫 End of Chapter 23