A Daughter & Her Parents
The Anand household, Tanya sat on the couch, sketchbook in hand. Her mother was in kitchen, working with with the staff while her father read the newspaper, occasionally glancing at his daughter with a knowing smile.
"You have been awfully quiet today." her father, remarked, folding his newspaper. "Thinking about him?"
Tanya's head snapped up. "What? No! I was-" She stopped, realizing the teasing glint in his eyes. "Papa..."
Her mother, chuckled from the kitchen. "It's normal, beta. Two weeks until your engagement you should think about him."
Tanya sighed, rubbing Coco's ears as he curled up beside her. "It is not that , I just-"
Her father set the newspaper down and said with a soft voice. "You don't have to explain, beta. This is a big step. But we know you, and we trust you. Just remember, marriage isn't about changing yourself to fit into someone's life. It's about growing together, understanding each other's strengths and flaws, and choosing to stand beside one another every day."
Her mother joined them, sitting beside Tanya and brushing a gentle hand over her head. "You don't have to figure it all out at once. You will understand marriage as you live it, it is not something you prepare for, Tanu. It is something you step into and let unfold naturally."
Tanya didn't reply, just smiled softly at them, now her heart felt lighter now.
--
The King & His Empire
At Malhotra Industries Limited. Avinash sat behind his desk. His phone buzzed his assistant's message flashing on the screen.
Minister Rao is on the video call. Connecting now.
The large screen on the wall showed up, revealing Minister Rao seated in his office. A few officials sat beside him.
"Mr. Malhotra." the minister greeted, his tone careful. "We appreciate you taking the time. We wanted to discuss the upcoming foreign investment policy, we shared the draft yesterday. Your insights would be valuable before we finalize it."
Avinash leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping lightly against the desk. "It needs work."
"You think so?" the minister asked.
"The current structure might attract short-term investors, but it lacks long-term stability. The terms need to be reworked."
A murmur passed between the officials. One of them cleared his throat. "We believe the policy is strong enough to attract foreign capital and bring profit."
Avinash's gaze remained steady. "And what happens to local businesses? If we just let foreign investors in without any limits, they will be the ones struggling. If you want my support, I need to know this won't mess with the industries we have built."
A brief silence, then the minister nodded. "We will review the terms."
The screen went dark as the call ended.
A knock at the door.
Aarav strolled in, looking far too amused. "Bhai, dinner at home tonight. Dadaji insists."
Avinash sighed. "Why?"
Aarav grinned. "What else? Your engagement."
Avinash didn't react.
Aarav whistled. "So... Tanya Bhabhi, finally?"
Avinash shook his head, picking up his phone. "I'll be there."
--
A Conversation Beyond Power
The Malhotra dining hall was alive with conversation and laughter. It was rare for Avinash to attend family dinners, but tonight, there was no escaping it.
Seated at the head of the table, Dadaji watched his family with quiet amusement, his sharp eyes occasionally drifting toward his grandson. "Avinash." he finally said. "You are looking different today."
Aarav smirked, leaning forward. "Bhai is thinking about someone."
Avinash gave him a pointed look. "I don't recall asking for your analysis."
Darsh chuckled. "You don't have to. We all know."
His aunty (Chachi), smiled knowingly. "Two weeks from now, you'll be engaged, Avinash. Surely, you have thoughts about it?"
His mother, said softly. "We just want to know what's on your mind, beta."
Avinash took a slow sip of water, choosing his words carefully. "There is nothing to discuss."
His father, raised an eyebrow. "So you are telling us that you, Avinash Malhotra the man who plans every detail of his business dealings have nothing to say about one of the biggest decisions of his life?"
His uncle (Chacha), chuckled."Some changes, I see."
His grandmother, spoke. "Beta, do you even know how to talk about something that isn't a deal?"
Avinash finally looked up, meeting his grandmother's gaze and said softly. "This isn't a deal."
There was a brief silence.
Aarav grinned and spoke breaking the silence. "Ah, so she is special then?"
Avinash didn't answer, but the lack of denial gave the answer.
His grandfather leaned back, leaving a satisfied sigh said . "That is all we wanted to hear from you , you are understanding it."
Her mother smiled warmly placing her hand on his hand. "We just hope you find happiness, Avinash."
Aarav smirked. "And maybe stop looking like you are about to kill someone 24/7."
The table erupted in laughter, and Avinash, exhaled a deep breath.
Because deep down, he knew this wasn't just another decision.
It was something else entirely.
--
The Unexpected Late-Night Exchange
It was well past midnight when Tanya's phone buzzed with a notification.
Avinash Malhotra: Did you reach home safely?
Tanya stared at the message for a second before replying.
Tanya: Yes, I did. You?
A few seconds later.
Avinash: I did. You must be busy with preparations.
Tanya smiled slightly.
Tanya: A little. My mother and Disha are more excited than I am, I think.
There was a pause before his next message.
Avinash: Are you not excited?
Tanya hesitated, then typed honestly.
Tanya: I think I am still processing everything. It doesn't feel real yet.
With another pause.
Avinash: It will soon.
Tanya: Are you excited?
Avinash's reply took a little longer this time.
Avinash: I don't really think about it that way.
Tanya: Then how do you think about it?
Avinash: I just know it is happening and it felt right.
Tanya stared at his words, unsure what to make of them. Typical Avinash-straightforward, no unnecessary words. But somehow, it still made her heart beat a little faster.
She didn't know what this was.
But she knew one thing.
It wasn't nothing.
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hey lovies!!!
So... what do we think of Avinash and Tanya so far?
Avinash, the man of few words, but when he does speak - Oof. And Tanya, caught between excitement and uncertainty, is trying to process it all. Their late-night texts? Just the beginning.
Do you think Avinash is already feeling something for Tanya, even if he won't admit it? And what about Tanya-will she start seeing him beyond his intimidating reputation? Drop your thoughts in the comments! I'd love to hear what you think.
Stay tuned, because things are only getting more interesting!
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