Malhotra Industrie's headquarters stood tall against the city's skyline, a monument to power, ambition, and relentless precision. Inside, Avinash Malhotra sat in his spacious corner office, immersed in documents, his sharp mind dissecting numbers and strategies with cold efficiency. Deals were not won by emotion but by control, and he had mastered both.
A knock on the door interrupted his focus. Without looking up, he said, "Come in."
Mayank Singh, his best friend and business partner, walked in with a smirk. "The deal with the international clients is done."
Avinash didn't smile. He never did. A slight nod was his only acknowledgment. "Good. Ensure the contracts are finalized by the end of the day."
Mayank sighed, leaning against the desk. "You could at least pretend to be excited. That was a tough negotiation."
Avinash finally looked up, his expression unreadable. "Excitement is a waste of time. The deal was meant to happen."
Mayank chuckled. "One day, something or someone is going to change you. Mark my words."
Avinash didn't bother responding. He had bigger things to focus on.
Just then, his phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, Avinash's grip on his pen tightened slightly before he answered. "Dadaji?"
"Avinash, come home early today. You must join us for dinner," Raj Malhotra's deep, steady voice came through.
Avinash straightened in his chair. "I have work, Dadaji," he said, his tone composed but careful. He already knew where this conversation was headed.
"Work will always be there," Raj countered, firm but not unkind. "Your family won't always be waiting at the dinner table. It has been too long since we all sat together. Be there, no excuses."
A muscle in Avinash's jaw tensed. He could negotiate multi-million-dollar deals without blinking, but when it came to his grandfather, resistance felt pointless. The old man rarely asked for anything, and when he did, Avinash could never bring himself to refuse.
After a beat of silence, he exhaled. "I will be there, Dadaji."
"Good," Raj said, his voice softening just a fraction. Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, "And Avinash... don't just sit there with that cold face of yours. Talk to your family."
A faint of amusement crossed Avinash's features, gone before it could settle. "I'll try." he murmured.
"Hmm." was all Raj said before the line disconnected.
The call ended. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. Family dinners were not his thing, but for Dadaji, he would go.
There was a time when family dinners had been the highlight of his day when he was just a boy sitting beside Dadaji, listening to stories, laughing with Aarav. But that was before Malhotra Industries became his responsibility. Before he learned that success required sacrifices. Skipping meals turned into a habit, work became his priority, and family dinners became yet another obligation on his schedule.
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Dinner at the Malhotra Mansion
The long dining table in the grand Malhotra mansion was set with lavish dishes. The family gathered, the air filled with the aroma of rich spices and warm conversation.
Gayatri Malhotra, Avinash's grandmother , smiled as she watched her family. "It is good to have everyone together."
Avinash took his seat, his usual composed demeanor in place. Across from him was his uncle, Dilip Malhotra, and his wife, Shreya, while their son, Darsh, sat next to them.
"You finally decided to grace us with your presence." Aarav Malhotra, his younger sibling, smirked. "Miracles do happen."
Avinash shot him a look. "Dadaji insisted."
Dadaji chuckled. "And I will continue insisting. The family should eat together."
Diya Malhotra, Avinash's mother, smiled warmly. "You used to love our dinners as a child, Avinash."
"That was a long time ago, Ma." he replied simply.
Veer Malhotra, his father, cleared his throat. "Let's get to the point. We want to discuss something important."
Avinash set down his fork, already sensing where this was going.
Gayatri Malhotra, His dadi ,said gently yet firmly . "Beta, we think it's time you consider settling down."
Silence.
Avinash's grip on his fork tightened slightly. "Marriage, dadi?"
Dilip Malhotra , his chacha, added. "You are always working, Avinash. It is time you have someone by your side not just in business, but in life."
His mother placed a gentle hand over his. "We are not forcing you. We just want you to meet someone."
Aarav grinned. "And let's be honest, Bhaiya, you could use some company other than boardroom meetings and Mayank."
Mayank, his close friend, who had joined them for dinner, raised an eyebrow. "I take offense to that."
Darsh, the youngest among them, added, "I think Bhaiya should at least meet her. Who knows? Maybe she will be as serious as him."
Avinash leaned back. "Who is she?"
Diya's eyes lit up. "Her name is Tanya Anand. She is a fashion designer, the founder of her own brand Tanya Couture."
Shreya Malhotra , his chachi, added with admiration, "And not just any fashion designer, Avinash. She's incredibly talented. Her designs have been worn by celebrities and featured in international fashion shows."
His Dadi smiled warmly. "She is a hardworking and independent girl, just like you. I have seen her at events where she carries herself with such grace and confidence, beta."
His father added, "She built her empire from scratch, proving her skills and business sense. A perfect match for someone like you."
His chacha, nodded. "And despite all her success, she is incredibly down-to-earth. I have met her a couple of times. She values family above everything."
His mother placed a gentle hand over Avinash's. "Beta, she is someone who understands the pressure of handling a business, just like you. We really think you should meet her."
Even Aarav, who usually loved teasing, nodded. "I stalked her Instagram. She is got class, Bhaiya. And trust me, she's not someone who would tolerate nonsense. She will keep you on your toes."
Mayank smirked. "Looks like someone might finally challenge the great Avinash Malhotra."
Avinash exhaled slowly. "Fine. Arrange the meeting."
His mother's face lit up as she kissed his forehead. "I will handle everything."
His chachi smiled. "I think this is a wonderful idea."
"Let's hope she can handle bhai's mood swings." Aarav quipped.
Avinash shot him a sharp look, but his grandmother laughed. "Aarav, behave. And Avinash, think calmly."
Dinner continued with casual conversation, but Avinash remained deep in thought. Marriage. A commitment he never planned for.
Would Tanya Anand change that? He had no idea. But for the first time in a long time, he wasn't entirely sure what he wanted.
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Later That Night - The Bar
Avinash sat in his usual spot at an upscale bar, the dim lighting casting long shadows. A glass of whiskey sat in front of him, untouched.
Mayank and Dhruv slid into their seats, both grinning like they knew something he didn't.
"So, have you met her yet?" Dhruv teased.
Avinash swirled his drink lazily. "I have met enough women to know I don't need a relationship."
Mayank laughed. "Well, your family thinks otherwise. Let's see if you'll be able to resist her charm."
Avinash smirked, but something about this situation felt different.
For the first time, he wasn't entirely sure how this would play out.
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Hello Lovies!!
How did you all like this chapter? I absolutely loved writing Avinash's POV!
What do you all think of his family?
And Tanya, she has no idea what's coming. Or does she?
I can't wait for their first meeting! Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Who's excited for the fireworks when these two finally come face to face?
Don't forget to vote, comment, and share if you enjoyed the chapter! Your support means everything to me.
Until next time!
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